2018 Christmas Trends
By Jane Knowles from Just So in Malvern
I often think greetings cards are the way to spot new trends in design. A card can be produced for a fraction of the cost of larger more permanent items, so maybe companies are willing to take more risks and employ young designers with fresh ideas, which will be less of an issue if the trend doesn’t catch on?
We have had a whole load of trends over the recent years. A few years ago, every card I was offered had a cup cake or a pair of shoes on. Last year it was Unicorns (still going strong) Prosecco and Gin, but we now have Llamas competing for top spot...who would have thought it?!
Design trends that have been received well by the public in cards are then adopted by clothing and home-ware producers. This season look out for Pineapples and Cactus too, a nod to the times when a pineapple was a true luxury and signified wealth and prosperity.
When I am buying, it is fine to stock ‘trend items’, they are fun and lift the shop but you also need to stock the items that make people feel comfortable, warm and safe as we head into the darker nights. So I stock candles, cosy lighting, cuddly cushions and bright coloured soup mugs, items that encourage you to ‘hunker down’ and prepare for winter.
Colours are also important trend setters, especially in clothing and soft furnishings, so look out for anything in warm mustard and gold, russet and sage green. We have some wonderful cashmere relaxed fit jumpers and cardigans coming into stock in an array of jewel colours which celebrate the season and keep you toasty!
I think the Christmas Decoration trend this year could be best described by the term ‘Fantasy’. So sparkly unicorns, mini ballet dancers and gorgeous baubles with leaves, feathers and mini led lights inside will be lighting up homes and delighting children of all ages.
For present buying trends, think useful, practical and a bit of a treat. A great present is something you would have loved to buy for yourself, but couldn’t quite justify the cost, and then someone else spotted it was perfect for you, and bought it as a gift. Smiles all round!
You can find Just So, a unique, independent high quality card, gift, jewellery & homeware shop in Barnards Green in Malvern. It offers a true ‘Aladdin’s Cave’ of gift ideas for all occasions, ages and budgets.