Whilst we all have our own individual style when it comes to Christmas décor ideas, keeping abreast of the popular themes for Christmas each year gives us ideas and inspiration to ring the changes too. It’s always exciting and refreshing to visit the high street and internet stores to see how we can use the pieces we have collected over the years with new and exciting takes. In this article, we take a look at some of the predictions for themes and toys this Christmas, giving you a heads up and jump start on creating the perfect Christmas feel for your home.
Toys
What the top toys will be for Christmas each year is the golden topic as far as children are concerned. In an article for Good Housekeeping magazine, Gary Grant, Founder and Executive Chairman of the popular toy shop The Entertainer predicts that big-brand toys will be as popular as ever. He places emphasis on toys that are inspired by films and TV shows that have been popular this summer, such as Paw Patrol, Super Mario and L.O.L. Surprise!
In the same article, Peter Jenkinson, who is a UK-leading toy expert, offers the prediction that the Ravensburger Upside Down Game will a much sought-after family fun game this Christmas.
John Lewis use a panel of five under 12 year old’s to help them choose the Top 10 toys for Christmas. The children play with and test toys in their Toy Testing Lab and then choose their favourites. This year, some of the top choices were:
- Scalextric Batman vs Superman
- Lego Elf Clubhouse
- John Lewis FSC Wooden My 1st Train Set
- Space Puzzle Ravensburger
- John Lewis Waitrose Supermarket
- Gravi Pro Starter Extreme
- Kaloo My first Doll
- Harry Potter Games Compendium
- Soft Cuddly Friends – Hoppie Rabbit
Maybe some of these choices might be reflected in the lists that your children write for Santa this year!
Décor
When it comes to decorating our homes, many of us like to mix our well-loved and traditional pieces with the latest design trends. Ashley Baker, Senior Interior Designer at Vesta, a firm of interior designers, predicts that for Christmas 2021, making our own decor will be popular. She expects homemade garlands of firs with dried oranges, cinnamon sticks, foliage and berries and an emphasis on getting together with family and friends to do so.
Tableware
With the COP 26 UN Climate Change Conference taking place in Scotland this year, an environmentally friendly emphasis seems fitting for Christmas, a time of consumption and excess packaging. Good Housekeeping’s Deputy Homes and Interiors Editor, James Cunningham predicts a strong lean towards sustainability in our tableware choices for 2021. He says in “Think re-usable crackers, recycled glassware and handmade or hand-finished dinner plates,”. “You can also consider re-purposing last year’s Christmas cards as placeholders and use foraged pinecones to hold them.”
He also suggests choosing white shades with frosted silver and clear glass for the elegant look that will be a popular theme for Christmas tables this year.
Themes
Although the traditional Christmas colours of reds, golds and greens are likely to remain popular, James Cunningham from Good Housekeeping predicts a trend for burnished berry tones, such as grapes, raspberries and plums paired with gold for a sophisticated and dramatic look to our décor. John Lewis are placing emphasis on bringing the beauty of nature into our Christmas design ideas, offering themed décor collections, such as the vibrant neon jewel tones of Gemstone Forest, silvers, neutrals and soft blues of Snow Mountain and the coppers and blues of Copper River.
Lights
As with predicted Christmas themes and décor, nature and bringing family together will be reflected in our lighting choices. Lucy Kirk, Creative and Photography Manager at lighting store, Lights4fun predicts that a nostalgic theme will permeate lighting options with vintage featuring strongly along with retro Christmas tree lights. She also predicts that outdoor lighting will have the emphasis on bringing cheer to our neighbours and visitors. She predicts that animal themed lights will be especially popular, with cute and fun acrylic penguins or large stags to create an eye-catching display. It seems that the main theme for Christmas 2021 is sustainability, handmade with love and getting together with family and friends – we will drink to that!
