Downing accented this entryway with branches, garland, silver-and-white ornaments and white twinkle lights. What a statement.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas everywhere Clinton Whitney Downing goes. The designer is hard at work already this year transforming utilitarian doorways, entries, parlors, virtually anywhere into a winter wonderland.

Veterans Day weekend, Clinton and his crew of elves turned the El Dorado Casino into a Yuletime destination for the third year. Clint is an equal opportunity decorator, working his seasonal magic on a simple doorway or a huge business display. From a simple doorway wreath to an extravagant and welcoming portal for your guests, especially the Jolly Red Elf.

Clint started at his parents’ flower shop at age 12. Soon his design capabilities were apparent, and he’s gone on to a career of decorating homes and business from New York to New Orleans to Dallas. His first big Christmas display took shape in 1989, and he’s been making the season merry ever since. His work has graced some of the iconic homes in Dallas’ tony Highland Park neighborhood.

He came back to this area 20 years ago and has been turning architecture into artwork between Shreveport and Monroe. In a given season, “If it’s just a front door, we average anywhere from 35 to 50 [ jobs],” Clinton said. The detail of the design is up to the client, he said. “Some are just the branches and lights, and some are with the garlands. We just customize to each client.” Some designs are the same from year to year, others evolve over time; it’s up to your personal tastes and budget. Clinton said he’s continually developing new styles for his customers.

If the prospect of having the most beautiful holiday display in the neighborhood is appealing to you, you can contact Clinton by email at clintondesigner@gmail.com, calling him at 318-807-5214, or online at clintondowningdesign.com.

One of Clint’s sweet confections spices up an elegant room.

Santa’s reindeer do double duty guiding a sleigh of orchids.

A majestic heron keeps watch over a family of holiday polar bears in this mantel treatment.

Left: A towering tree is the perfect touch for bringing home this rustic theme.

Above: Two liveried nutcrackers guard the way into a merry entrance. Right: Visions of Christmas cheer swirl about the hearth, welcoming the Christmas guest.