A Tuscaloosa florist will soon bring a touch of Alabama to one of the most famous holiday celebrations in the country.
Tammy West, owner and creative director of Glow Floral Event Design, has been selected to assist in decorating the White House for Christmas 2025 — a once-in-a-lifetime honor for her and her assistant, Lacey Labaj.
West, who has spent more than 30 years in the floral and event design industry, said the news of their selection came after submitting an application that showcased their portfolio, experience, and passion for Christmas decorating.
“We submitted everything and then waited about two months to hear back,” she told Yellowhammer News. “We were approved pending the background check, and then just a few days ago, we got the email — we’re in.”
The decorating team will spend a week in Washington leading up to the White House Christmas Party on December 1. West and Labaj extended their travel plans to stay for the event. “I have no idea exactly what we’ll be working on,” West said. “But I’m sure we’ll be covered in glitter the whole time.”
Originally from Birmingham, West moved to Tuscaloosa a decade ago when her husband joined the University of Alabama as a physician. Since then, Glow Floral has become a fixture in the community, working with UA, local organizations, and brides across the state.
“Oh my gosh, it’s just… I love Alabama,” West said. “To be able to say we’re from Tuscaloosa and represent our state in this way — that makes it even more special. We want everyone to know where we’re from.”
To make sure of that, West and her team are having special sweatshirts made with a Christmas wreath and the words “White House Christmas 2025” featuring the Glow logo in the center.
For West, this opportunity is more than a professional milestone. It’s personal.
“I started my career decorating for Christmas as a visual merchandiser at Macy’s and Rich’s,” she said. “To now be going to the White House… it’s like coming full circle. This is the pinnacle of Christmas decorating.”
She expects to work in a designated section, possibly decorating a tree or themed space. “I would imagine there are over 100 trees,” she said. “We’ll probably be assigned a section and get inspiration for what it’s supposed to look like. Then we just start decorating.”
West launched Glow Floral out of her home during the COVID-19 pandemic, and within a year, it had grown into a full-service floral and event design business in downtown Tuscaloosa. The studio specializes in elegant weddings, corporate events, university functions, and daily deliveries. It has worked with clients connected to the Masters Tournament, the Medical College of Georgia, and celebrity figures including Oprah Winfrey.
Her assistant, Lacey Labaj, graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in hospitality. She began at Glow as an intern and, four years later, continues to share her creativity as a design assistant.
West credits community support and hard work for Glow’s success. “It’s a very physically demanding job,” she said. “You can’t do it if you don’t love it. It’s not the money that drives you — it’s the passion. That’s what makes it special.”
West stated she was humbled and excited to be selected to participate in decorating the White House. “This is such a cool thing to do,” West said.
“It’s just not something that you get to experience in a lifetime. To be chosen to do what we love, during one of our favorite seasons, it’s like coming full circle. This is the pinnacle of Christmas decorating.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
