In one 8-hour grand opening, Modern Christmas Trees managed to encompass just about every element of the holidays: family, friends, joy, celebration, giving back to the community. And it all took place in a festive and welcoming atmosphere.
For years, The Modern Christmas Tree designs have graced upscale hotels and other public venues around the world. But during the 2022 holiday season in Denver, the general public can visit the first-ever, pop-up Modern Christmas Trees store in Cherry Creek North. On Tuesday, Nov. 2, opening day, activities began with a ribbon-cutting and some personal, poignant stories from Marshall fire victims–who were gifted with Jubilee trees to help navigate the holidays as they rebuild their lives. The store also donated 10 percent of sales to the victims of the Marshall fire.
Later in the afternoon, invited guests enjoyed a wine-tasting reception with owner Matt Bliss. It was a stylish celebration with mellow holiday tunes and a family foundation–Matt provided the wine and his mom Kathy Bliss baked 500 cookies to go with savory tidbits. Matt made sure a section of the store honored The Modern Christmas Tree beginnings, with nostalgic black-and-white photos that featured the first Modern Christmas Trees displayed in the famous I-70 “Spaceship House.” As the sun went down, the room full of lighted trees took on varying colors and moods, and guests began whipping out camera phones to capture their beauty…taking some spirited selfies, as well.
Lawrence “Bud” Stoecker was an engineer and builder of rockets for NASA Apollo missions who also designed his own modern Christmas tree. It was a symbol of his style and homage to the holidays he loved to share with family and friends. In 2011, Matt Bliss decided to honor his grandfather and share Bud’s design with the world: The Modern Christmas Tree. Each tree is engraved with Bud’s signature to signify authenticity, as well as artist satisfaction.
To visit the store, go the the northwest corner of the Ginny Williams Gallery at 299 Fillmore St. Store hours are: Sun-Wed 11am to 6pm and Thu-Sat 11am to 9pm. The venue is scheduled to be open until Dec. 23…or until designs sell out. Go online to Modern Christmas Trees here.
Or call 720-638-9511.