Christmas is coming! Worry not….
After shaking the sand out of your flip-flops and bathing suit, it’s time to start planning for the next big thing. No, not Thanksgiving, Christmas! With less than four months to go planning your Christmas decorations and entertainment for Christmas cannot be left to the last minute. We’ve put together some of the Christmas decorations trends that are shaping this coming season in order to make your Christmas celebrations a success.
Two of the big trendsetters for Christmas decorations in the western world come from the world’s largest Christmas Fair in Frankfurt Germany and John Lewis Department Stores in Great Britain. The influence of these trendsetters on Christmas is huge.
The Christmas Fair for 2018 identified four broad themes that provide lots of room for creativity. Many of the colour ideas overlap with those of the John Lewis group. The themes are Vivid Heritage, Eclectic Gathering, Balanced Sobriety and Splendid History. Here we’ve explained each theme and offered some ideas for pulling it together.
VIVID HERITAGE
This theme draws from the cultural motifs and tradition designs of northern Europe and Central America. It emphases hand crafted styles and folk patterns.
There is a natural, rustic feel to the CHristmas decorations in this theme. Colours are strong, rich and traditional. Rich rose/garnet, classic Christmas green, mustard yellow, deep sapphire blue, dark teal, muted blue-grey. When you decorate using the Vivid Heritage theme think the Disney movie Frozen – log cabins, fireplaces, wool mittens, geometric patterns, straw ornaments, deer, wolves, bears and owls.
If you lean toward the South American theme consider patterns from the rain forest, big leaves, multi-coloured flowers, coarse fabrics that are hand-woven, and embroidered or appliqued pieces. A home that emphases Vivid Heritage might have doesn’t have to be old fashioned but might draw on china with Scandinavian patterns, punched metal lights, wild life ornaments and pine or cedar boughs. The traditional Christmas colours of red and green are pushed to a slightly more jewel tones of garnets and teals for added warmth.
ECLECTIC GATHERING
An Eclectic Gathering theme uses opposites to create something new and different. For example glamorous and sporty, or gentle and intense.
The colours used in this theme are vibrant tones of pink, lemon, azure, and mandarin offset with rose, gold and black. For example: Pink table linens with black dishes, really modern cutlery and vintage silver trays.
Add in candles and ornaments in a mix of the three colours to create your centerpiece features. For gift-wrapping ideas, you might consider solid colours for instance azure, tied up with black and gold old-fashioned ribbon. Or maybe gold toned paper with wire edged tulle in mandarin and rose tones.
BALANCED SOBRIETY
For those who like a clean, crisp, uncomplicated and modern feel, Balanced Sobriety is a great theme. Think modern Korea or Japan.
Simple clean lines with a Zen like sense of calm and order. Minimalism is demonstrated in the look of this theme. The use of light woods, high gloss black and matt brass along with handmade papers, polished and natural stone and neutral linens bring great depth to this theme. The use of geometric patterns, origami and woven designs in bamboo or fabric lend a strong tactile aesthetic to the environment. Including wood or forest based scents in the Christmas decorations will enhance the sensual effect of this theme.
The colours here are cool gray, pure white, black, with dark maroon, red gold and light natural wood tones. The emphasis here is on modern sophistication. Table settings would be simple, clean and understated. Modern cutlery in a bright stainless accompanied by bright white dishes in a mixture of matt and glossy finishes would look great. Table linens would be minimal, perhaps with only linen napkins folded in a geometric design. A marble vase with a tree branch hung with folded paper ornaments might be an interesting centrepiece for conversation.
SPLENDID HISTORY
If lush, rich, elegance is your idea of Christmas then this theme is for you! Splendid History draws on the influences of precious stones, rich textiles, warm metallics and dark woods.
This look is one of sophistication and wealth. It is elaborate, ornate and opulent. Although there could be contemporary touches, think the Sun King’s France or the Medici’s Italy. The colours for this theme are full dark, tones with summer leaf green, aquamarine, deep red wine and warm gold.
Tables would look great in deep blue lines with gold-rimmed glasses and china. Soft grey napkins with jewel encrusted napkin rings would finish off the place setting. Table centrepieces might have rich orchid like flowers with feathers and warm gold toned branches hung with crystalline ornaments. This theme seeks to have you cocooned in a lavish, warm environment for close and intimate formal dinners.
For more insights into other 2018 Christmas trends you might check out these links.
Christmasworld 2018 Highlights Holiday Trends | giftsanddec.com
Christmas or Holiday color trends 2018, Updated | Backtobrain
2018 Christmas Trends – Home & Family | Hallmark Channel
And just for fun here’s the 2017 John Lewis Christmas advertisement for the United Kingdom!
It really is time to start thinking about Christmas parties and Christmas decoration! Don’t leave it too late or you’ll miss out on some amazing opportunities to really show off your hosting skills and panache. The ideas above are just meant to whet your appetite and get you on your way. With some thoughtful preplanning and organizing, you won’t have any worries for your holiday season. No matter what theme you pick, you’ll be able to wow your friends and family and make this Christmas truly memorable.
Remember that Simply Elegant is already moving forward with Christmas planning for this year. We can help you plan and bring to life your corporate or personal events. If you’re looking for venues, Christmas decorations, lighting, florals or Christmas catering, give us a call and our fantastic team will be able to work with you to create a spectacular Christmas event. Give us a call or send an email to meet with one of our event stylists!