Have you started preparing for Christmas yet? It might still seem early to start present shopping, but the winter has definitely started setting in. November can seem a bit of an odd transitional month before the fun of Christmas really kicks in, so we’ve quizzed a few of our favourite retailers to see what they predict will be their best selling items for Christmas 2010. There’s plenty of festive sparkle and cheer here to brighten up the chilly evenings and to help you get your creative, present-buying brain in gear!
Image credit: Dwell
1. Kitsch Glam
Dwell have gone all zany on us this Christmas with their Golden Ceramic Pineapple. It’s a different direction for Dwell, but we’re loving this injection of glam retro fun into the festive season, and there are also artichokes and pine cones in the range for real enthusiasts of the kitsch trend! The range is ‘a little unconventional,’ admits Dwell’s Tyler Vautier. ‘[They're] just the thing to bring colour and excitement to any party.’ Which is exactly why we think these will be a big hit too. Another key decoration from Dwell is the multi-coloured sequinned Harlequin Bauble (coming soon), which will funk up any Christmas tree with a touch of disco!
Image credit: Graham and Green
2. Faux Fur
Graham and Green have a great range of snuggly faux fur throws and cushions, which are sure to be a big hit this Christmas with kids and adults alike. Faux fur is amazingly cosy, which is our favourite kind of trend: practical as well as chic! Louise Graham, brand director at Graham and Green, says that faux fur is ‘luxurious, and will add texture and warmth to your home this Christmas’. Dwell and OKA are also on-trend with their snug faux fur throws.
Image credit: House of Fraser
3. Retro Kitchenware
We’re massive fans of colourful kitchenware, and are fully on board this retro trend for Christmas. Ross Carder from House of Fraser comments on the trend for bright kitchen products being focal points that draw attention to themselves in the kitchen. He says that ‘they turn the mundane robotics of kitchen items into style icons,’ – and we agree! Our favourites are House of Fraser’s delectable red Delonghi espresso coffee maker, and their KitchenAid mixer. These brights will take you right into the New Year and spring (and will last for years after that too).
Image credit: Heal’s
4. Gothic Drama
‘Who’s dreaming of a white Christmas now?’ ask Heal’s in their Christmas 2010 lookbook. They’ve taken the dark and dramatic Christmas look to the heights of full-scale gothic glamour. Gillian Anderson, their trading director, says: ‘The gothic trend was started on the international fashion catwalks by Alexander McQueen with his now famous skull print accessories becoming a ‘must have’ for every fashionista.’ And we have seen this style feeding into homeware. Check out the Primal Elements chandelier candles, which are a sparkly taken on the candelabra and chandelier trend, while the Modern Alchemy Gothic Memento Mori Skull Candle is sure to please any Hamlet-loving relatives you may have. You’ll notice skulls popping up all over the place, from Dwell to Barbara Hulanicki.
Image credit: V&A
5. Animals
Animals have been a huge interior trend this season, and one which you’ll either love or loathe. However, they are great when it comes to presents, and the V&A have got some fabulous animal-themed gifts this Christmas which will work just as well for adults or kids. Samantha Safer comments that the V&A aims to produce ‘quirky well designed products’, which is an apt description for their Donkey Clip Memo Holder, which is an ingenious take on the standard peg design, and their Bird and Leaf Cable Tidy Clips. These products are sweet as well as functional and will work just as well in a child’s bedroom as in a home office.
I hope you’ve been inspired to do some Christmas shopping, even if it is a bit early for your liking. Remember, it’s better to do it sooner rather than on Christmas Eve!
Read more posts by mydeco.
