Spruce up your seasonal stylings
Gabrielle Fagan gets the hang of this year’s Christmas decoration trends
The tree is always a focal point for seasonal settings – and this year you might want to shake it up a bit. If ever there was a time to let your festive spirit run wild – without breaking the bank, of course – this is surely it.
Take your pick from ‘baubilicious’ neon brights, a fashionable Renaissance blend of blushing pink and gold, or a magical snow-inspired look. We’ve rounded up three key trends, with advice from the experts on how to achieve them so you don’t end up tangled in tinsel or baffled by baubles.
Here’s three star Christmassy themes for 2020…
NEON BRIGHTS FOR THOSE SILENT NIGHTS
Want something fun yet stylish to suit a modern residence? Traditional Christmas decorations don’t really suit sleek contemporary settings. Instead, take it technicolour and turn up the festive funk.
“Our Pop Art theme is about experimenting with colours and being as brave and bold as you dare,” enthuses Jason Billings-cray, Christmas buyer at John Lewis.
“It’s inspired by the experimental Pop Art movement, which emerged in the 1950s and ’60s. Abstract themes, reflective surfaces of polished stainless steel and mirror-like pieces of work are key ingredients. Our collection plays with light and colour through glass effects, foils and beading.”
You could also add additional impact by stringing up some neon lights, metallics and sequins, and festively fun multi-coloured wreaths.
RENAISSANCE ART
Chic and understated, with its on-trend palette of soft pink, gold and hints of teal, this look will appeal to those who like their settings fashionably seasonal.
“Our Renaissance theme draws on classical references from ornate frescoes, but updated in a contemporary way with the use of feathers, velvet and pearls,” says John Lewis’ Billings-cray.
And the preoccupations of Renaissance artists chime with Christmas. “That artistic movement was characterised by sculpture and decorative arts, with references to literature and music throughout, which are reflected in bejewelled tree decorations – from cherubs and harps, to sea creatures and birds,” Billings-cray adds.
“The colour palette includes soft pinks and builds through to blues and greens with hints of metallic gold.” Pastel-coloured accessories, luxurious embroidered fabrics and faux fur will perfectly complement this subtle, elegant look. Embellish a mantelpiece with garlands, beads and foliage sprays in the same colour palette.
SNOW IS THE ANSWER
“Our Snowfall and Sparkles collection has a celebratory feel, with a touch of sparkle and grown-up glamour,” says Lynsey Abbott, Christmas buyer for Dobbies Garden Centres.
“The decorations include a mix of bright white matte and iridescent glass, with feathers and mirroring details. Creating an effervescent backdrop for cocktails and canapes, this icy cool theme will soon have you dreaming of a white Christmas.”
Alternatively, if you want to create more a traditional forest scene, Dobbies has an Enchanted Forest collection available, which includes a Bristle Owl Decoration, £4.99; Matt Glitter Ribbed Green Glass Bauble, £3.99 and Snowflake Glass Bauble, £3.99. These go perfectly with a Dobbies’ Premium Nordmann Fir Cut Tree, £49.99 for a six to seven-foot tall example.
To create a balanced tree that’s visually pleasing, buy baubles in sets of three, six or 12, and add these on first in a ‘Z’ shape. Hang your larger baubles closer to the centre of the tree to give more visual depth, and use small ones towards the end of the branches. About 80 baubles is the ideal number for a seven-foot tree.