Now that Thanksgiving has passed, we can officially start dusting off our Christmas trees and ring in the Yuletide cheer with holiday decorations. This has been a year of coming together, so bringing back the old with the new makes sense. During the pandemic, we've gravitated toward the familiar for comfort -- things that remind us of childhood, simpler times, cozier years -- and local stores have taken notice. The trends this year are, well, evergreen.
Tree trends
Maybe Nov. 26 marks the day you put up your Christmas tree, or maybe you start as soon as the smell of snow hits the air. Regardless, nothing transitions a room quite like a Christmas tree. Florists say it isn't as much about real or artificial trees that matters but about how you decorate them.
River City Florist leans toward artificial trees each year to show their decorations throughout the season. If you want to go the traditional route, manager Brooke Wolfson recommends keeping the water reservoir under a fresh tree full to prevent it from drying out as fast. For decorations, you can mix fresh with false: Decorate your artificial tree using ribbon and seasonal sparkle, then add some potted poinsettias around the base.
"Cut poinsettias do not last long at all and really do best potted with constant moist soil," Wolfson said.
Susie Schaefer Hinds, of Schaefer House, echoes the longevity statement when it comes to greenery. Fresh greens and holly can make for beautiful decorations, but you can also add touches that will stand the test of time. Long pine needle pins can be added into wreaths, centerpieces, and mailbox and front porch arrangements.
"Longevity is something people are doing this season," Hinds said. "Sometimes making investments in simple greens can be timeless and allow you to add your touches to it but also hold up for the length of a season."
Hinds has seen themed trees on trend for this year: Use different trees for each space in your home, and pick ornaments that best reflect the room's function. In the family room, decorate a tree with heirloom ornaments and memorabilia. For a child's space, add a little more whimsy with brightly-colored ornaments or decorations they've made at school.
"Sometimes a specific room dictates more personality," she said. "Some customers have used a candy theme or gingerbread theme, and we take a spin off of that."
Holiday hues
A design trend that's lighting the way is lighter colors -- Hinds has seen more cream, pale white and champagne colors in markets this year. Adding a lighthearted, calming touch to a space can be as easy as using softer colors. Homey textures can also lend to a comforting atmosphere -- birch ribbon and flannel accents can mix without being overbearing.
"Using those lighter elements, softer branches, is also easy to create," Hinds said. "It reflects the way people are thinking -- they just want happiness."
Consider, too, a more muted Christmas look with deeper holiday colors. Pairing a dark Christmas red or forest green against wooden decor can instantly make the colors pop without being overwhelming, said Claire Michael, of Southbank Gift Company.
For example, decorate your entertaining room with buffalo-check plaid placemats, then place a charcuterie board (which Southbank can customize) nearby. Add in tea towels with those darker hues or a holiday pattern, and you're ready for a family reunion.
Vintage or DIY decorations
Peggy Davis, owner of Shop Girl, said one trend has come back strong during the pandemic: nostalgia. Christmas is her favorite time of the year at the antique store because customers are transported right back to their childhood when they walk in the door.
"They see things from their childhood and start reminiscing," she said. "During the pandemic, people are buying more vintage because it feels safe, like going to your grandparent's house. It takes them right back to a certain Christmas."
This has especially caught on with younger generations, Davis said, with this year's trend of the "grandmillenial:" folks in their 20s-30s leaning toward the frilly linens, floral wallpapers, and, yes, vintage Christmas decorations to make their home look like one from their grandparent's generation. Glass ornaments and neon-colored baubles have been especially popular sales this year.
The vintage ornament trend bridges the divide between generations, she said: Those who grew up in the '60s passed down a handful of ornaments, so well-loved items bring them a sense of comfort. For younger generations, it intersects with their passion for environmentalism and making a smaller carbon footprint.
The trick with vintage items can be keeping them safe -- this is where do-it-yourself displays come in. The Schaefer House has popularized the terrarium cookie jar: Find a large glass or vase, put artificial snowflakes and sprigs of greenery in its base, then place your vintage items inside. Heirloom ornaments can also be arranged on a wreath and kept inside so they don't get damaged.
"It creates a snowglobe kind of look. ... It lets you showcase pieces that are dear to you and also keeps them protected," Hinds said.
Shop Girl sells DIY decorations by local artists, including Dr. Nancy Howe, who specializes in Christmas window paintings. Start by painting a board with a holiday-themed design, then attach a window frame to the front. It's a simple craft that can use mostly found materials -- and it lends a little extra magic to spot Santa through your "window" with a bag of toys.
Vintage or DIY can work for your budget and be readily available as supply chain issues continue.
"With (Shop Girl), we find most things within 30 miles of the store," Davis said, "so you don't have to be shipping from different countries. Because we buy locally, that money goes right back into the community, and you'll end up with something unique."
(India Garrish/News Tribune)
(India Garrish/News Tribune)
(India Garrish/News Tribune)
(India Garrish/News Tribune)
(India Garrish/News Tribune)
(Submitted by Peggy Davis)
(Submitted by Shaefer House)
(Submitted by Shaefer House)Terrarium cookie jar
You will need:
• cookie jar, vase, hurricane or apothecary jar
• artificial snow
• central decor (greenery, tree sprigs, vintage decorations, etc.)
• central holiday-themed items
• ribbon
Put it together:
• Start at the base: Place the artificial snow at the bottom of the jar to ground the items. Then, ground your sprigs and decorations in the snow. Stick the central items in the middle. It should create a snowglobe-like effect.
• Place the lid on the jar, and wrap patterned or solid ribbon around it to draw attention to the items inside. Items can be similarly displayed at the base of a lantern – in that case, tie the ribbon to the handle.
• Display as a centerpiece on your kitchen table, or if used in a lantern, place on either side of your front door to welcome visitors.
Window painting
You will need:
• a wooden board
• paint or a Christmas-themed transfer
• adhesive or nails
• a window frame
Put it together:
• Paint or place a themed transfer on a board — make sure the visuals intersect well with the window frame panels.
• Once dry, adhere or nail the window frame to the board.
• Hang the window on a nearby wall to add an extra holiday scene to your space, or place anywhere for decoration.