John Lewis opens its Christmas Shop...
The countdown to Christmas has begun as John Lewis has officially opened its online Christmas shop and unveiled its Christmas decorating trends for 2024.
Christmas planning really is a year-round event, and in March (the start of spring), I was invited to John Lewis' HQ in London to see a sneak peek of the new Christmas 2024 themes. If a pink Christmas tree, Stanley Cup-inspired bauble, quilted placemat and mushroom-shaped mirror ball fills your heart with joy, then keep reading. There is in fact something for everyone, from traditional to kitsch, and decorations that continue the warmth and cosiness of the autumn season.
What's new for 2024?
In a shift from previous years, the trends have been simplified into four distinctive themes (and names) inspired by a celebration of contrasts: Sugar & Spice, Wisdom & Wonder, Dawn & Dusk and Trinket & Treasure.
‘We delved into the world of opposites, allowing this to spark our creative journey, bringing to life four bold collections that are as varied as they are distinctive,’ says Charlie Murray, Christmas buyer at John Lewis.
This year you can expect more novelty baubles, supersized wreaths, a focus on doorscaping, more outdoor lighting, faux foliage, and in what is a continuation from last year, bows will be everywhere, but they're getting oversized.
You won’t be disappointed if you love browsing the quirky, trend-led baubles that John Lewis has now become renowned for. Other than the Stanley cup, there’s a dart board, tennis ball, felt garden peas, slice of pizza, Quality Street chocolates, and for dog lovers, a Pomeranian with a red Santa's hat, making these baubles perfect as gifts and not just for decorating the tree. There are over 346 loose bauble options this year, as well as 59 different boxed sets. For the table, look to quilted placemats, novelty-shaped platters, metallic-rimmed champagne glasses and pom pom napkin rings.
And while red Christmas trees currently are trending on Pinterest, John Lewis is championing pink as the 'it' colour for the festive season, which is why the retailer has launched its very first pink Christmas tree.
There are a lot more firsts for John Lewis this year too. ‘Our team of in-house designers pushed creative boundaries by using AI for the first time to create gift wrap, snow globes and baubles, as well as experimenting with the likes of handpainting, collaging, block printing and lino cutting,’ says Lisa Cherry, head of Christmas at John Lewis. ‘We are also delighted to introduce Pri Pri, a new brand founded by an alumni partner making baubles and wreaths from recycled saris.
'Our commitment to glitter-free cards, wrapping paper and crackers is unwavering with 100 per cent of the John Lewis range being recyclable,' Lisa adds.
Is the John Lewis Christmas shop open in-store?
Not yet, but you can shop all John Lewis Christmas decorations online, including Christmas trees, festive lights, accessories and baubles. The early interest in Christmas seems to increase each year, and John Lewis reveals that searches for ‘Christmas tree decorations & baubles' are up 30 per cent compared to last year.
John Lewis' Christmas themes 2024
Fancy a first-look at the John Lewis Christmas collection? Get some festive decor inspiration with these 2024 themes...
1) Sugar & Spice
Sugar & Spice is a nod to the dopamine decorating trend – there are no rules here but joy is guaranteed. It’s kitsch, perfect for maximalism lovers, and it sees the launch of John Lewis’ first pink Christmas tree. JL's in-house designers experimented with AI to curate this collection, and honed in on the latest TikTok trends. Baubles include sweet refreshments, gingerbread men, chequerboard patterns, retro icons, and a mirror ball cherry and mushroom decoration.
2) Wisdom & Wonder
This is a shiny, opulent theme with warm metallics (lots of gold), monochromes (classic black and white) and gunmetal, mixed with rich orange. Baubles feature mythical creatures, Greek sculptures and banquet-style food, alongside suns, moons and stars, and sophisticated geometric and baroque patterns. A glitter martini glass and bubblegum-blowing statue are particular bauble highlights here. And for entertaining, there's sleek glassware and cutlery, and black and gold table runners and crackers. This luxe theme will see you through Christmas and into the New Year celebrations.
3) Dawn & Dusk
This trend is the perfect transition from autumn. The classic red and green colour palette is reimagined in grown-up tones of burgundy and khaki. Central to the theme is the snowy forest Christmas tree: think downswept and Narnia-like. Inspired by mystical winter woodlands, this rustic theme is brought to life with glass mushrooms, holly print bedding, candlelight decorations and illustrated gift wrap, plus, velvet is used as a key texture throughout. JL's bestselling woodland animal decorations have been given an upgrade too with some chic new outfits. This theme also lends itself well to garden decorations, with outdoor rattan mushroom lamps perfect for porches and patios.
4) Trinket & Treasure
A wholesome theme inspired by world travel, Trinket & Treasure is the first ever to be glitter-free and combines embroidery details and felt textures for a charming handcrafted element. With a colour palette of indigo tones, deep reds and metallics, and considered materials from recycled denim to cotton to papier mache baubles, it puts a real emphasis on crafting and upcycling. Dress your table with quilted placemats alongside painted glassware and flat-packed recycled trees.
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