Photos by L.G. Patterson
When is it okay to decorate for Christmas and turn on Mariah Carey? After Halloween? After Thanksgiving? Are the decorations already up in your house? This is a highly debated topic, but one thing we can all agree on is that there’s nothing like decking your home with twinkling lights and adorning your front door with wreaths.
Sandra Ferguson, owner of Allen’s Flowers Inc., provides insight into what is trending this season. “My daughter and I goto a home decor market each year to learn about what’s trending, so we know how to best help our customers,” she says. “We visit various company showrooms and purchase the products we will eventually have in the store to sell. We’re often buying a year in advance of the actual holiday, so we purchase Christmas in January.” Because of this, industry leaders often predict what will be trending in the coming years in order to prepare for the bigger holidays.
Reds and greens are classic trademarks of the Christmas season, but the past few years have seen a shift toward more unconventional color schemes. This Christmas season, there are three trending themes to be on the lookout for when decorating your home.
Comfort & Joy
The trend of using soft blues, grays and whites for Christmas decorations creates a more modernized holiday atmosphere. These cool tones are often featured with simple designs and understated ornaments, incorporating textures like faux fur and metallics for added warmth. Natural elements such as pinecones and greenery are commonly used to enhance the theme. Soft lighting, including fairy lights and candles, complements the colors, resulting in a cozy and stylish setting that reflects the winter season.
Sparkle & Shine
Also known as “gilded Christmas,” this theme features blends of silver and gold in decorations, and is trending for its festive appeal with a hint of luxury. This trend allows for pairing with various color schemes, from classic reds and greens to modern neutrals. Textures play a key role, with glittery finishes and shiny surfaces enhancing the visual impact. “We’re seeing more gold come back than ever before, like in reindeers and candlesticks,” Ferguson says. “We also have spray-on sparkles that add a shimmer to the greenery.”
Cozy Christmas
Recurring throughout the year in many homes, this trend embraces neutral tones like tan, brown, cognac and burgundy to create a warm holiday atmosphere. This palette focuses on earthy hues that evoke a sense of coziness and comfort, hence the trend’s name. Natural materials, such as wood, burlap and linen, are often used in decorations, adding to the theme’s rustic charm. Textured elements like knitted throws and plush pillows add warmth, while accents of burgundy bring a rich, seasonal touch. This approach encourages a more laid-back, intimate celebration, perfect for gathering with loved ones during the holiday season.
Black & Gold
Allen’s Flowers adds one more theme to their collection this season: Mizzou. As the home of the Missouri Tigers, it only makes sense to include themes of black and gold in Columbia decor at all times. “We’ll have MU ornaments and gift items, which we haven’t had in the past, so we’re really excited about that,” Ferguson says. Some of these decorations can be used year-round like clocks and coasters, while Mizzou-themed snowmen can be stored for use each winter.
In addition to wreaths, garland, centerpieces and other decorations, Allen’s Flowers will have a selection of fresh greenery for purchase at their store. Ferguson says people travel from cities like Kansas City and St. Louis to shop their designs and the wide variety of decorations. “I love this job and I love Christmas,” she says. “It’s fun, it’s pretty and people really enjoy it.”
Make the most out of your decorations by following these trends, purchasing quality products and taking care of them.
