What’s old is new
As I begin to make plans for the holidays, the now predictable emotions of excitement tinged with trepidation are upon me. I love the season with all its pageantry and entertaining; decorating the house comes second nature to me, but getting calendar dates and family and friends organized is not so easy as we live countries apart. But I know it will all be wonderful, and I’m getting started early just to make sure.
Christmas trends is kind of a questionable subject. The ornamentation and decor are wrapped in traditions that don’t change. Central themes of a Christmas tree, stars, angels, reindeer and elves are ever present. However, manufacturers do introduce new materials, and fashion and design themes have a way of showing up on or around the tree. To discover what’s hot this year and to inspire me, I went directly to the source and spoke with Jackie Blackwell, chief elf at The Snowman Factory (www.snowmanfactory.com). She enthusiastically shared all the top faves for this year in her holiday vignette. Here are notes from the chief elf’s decorating list.
The rustic, cottage theme developed with natural materials is wildly popular. Twigs and vines show up everywhere, from large and small trees to ornaments and forest creatures. Burlap is used for ribbons and around the base of the tree, even gift wrap. Old wooden storage boxes make good stands.
Small space living has increased the demand for pencil trees (very slender) and corner trees (half trees), both artificial but realistic and reusable. Snowy trees are popular, great for white themes.
Red will always mean Christmas – this year’s trend color is Marsala, a deep wine red. Winter whites, shades of ivory and cream are a natural winter color, perfect for woodsy scenes or matched with metallic colors for a more neutral, contemporary decor.
LEDs have exploded onto the scene. These eco-friendly lights are brightening up everything: tree lights, tapers, large candles, themed ornaments and wreaths. Many are battery operated and remote controlled. Colored and white lights are softer. Fairy lights are wrapping stair banisters, windows, entranceways and more. Lanterns are a year-round favorite inside and out, showing up with LED candles.
Elves, elves and more elves. Stronger than ever this year, they pop up everywhere: snuggled into the tree, perched in a vine sleigh on the mantel, hiding under tables – they are mischievous, after all. Reindeer continue to be popular, inside and out. Small deer hang from the tree with apples tucked into branches – deer need something to eat!
Winter wreaths are a staple, either artificial or fashioned with evergreen boughs. Decorate simply with ribbon, or add miniature skis, snowshoes, skates and other ornaments reminiscent of winter activities.
One big addition to this year’s list (not shown) is scripting in chalk … table runners, napkin rings and ornaments can be personalized with chalk. This schoolroom classic symbol has made its way into our homes for the holidays.
There is also lots of glitz and glamour for those who love the style. Metallics, plastics, colored trees, wreaths with attitude are all there so that everyone can decorate for their personal take on the holidays.
Email your questions to house2home@debbietravis.com.