Tree Themes & Holiday Schemes for 2010 | In This Issue

The theme's the thing when it comes to decorating Christmas trees. Vibrant tree schemes in stores and showrooms are not only wonderful methods for displaying merchandise, but are creative and stimulating ways to promote broad product concepts. Wynne Schwenk of Melrose International advises finding unique ways to display ornaments around decked trees. "We sell stacking baskets that glitter and we use them as well," he explains. "We open them up and stuff them into the tree and fill them with ornaments that were used. Another option is to use a peg board around the tree and hang the ornaments on the pegs."

"It's the way consumers want to buy," explains Heather Shepardson, CEO Rauch Industries & Christopher Radko. "We know that 53% of Christmas buyers get inspiration from retail displays, from a buyer study we purchased from Unity Marketing. If you just have ornaments sitting around in baskets, that's not inspiring to consumer. It's important that you have decorated themed Christmas trees."

With all the potential for attracting buyers, tree themes are naturally a hot topic for showroom designers and retailers. Creative compilations of ornaments help shoppers envision what products could look like in their own homes. Shepardson admits that often customers are hesitant to take items off the tree to shop, so she recommends having a tree to give inspiration, but display ornaments in baskets or on wire trees nearby. This makes it easier to shop.

Midwest-CBK also has several products specifically designed to transform showroom trees into selling vehicles. Metal mesh baskets with extendable arms that are incorporated right into the Christmas tree can be attached at different heights and pulled out to different lengths on the trunk of the tree. Retailers fill the baskets with ornaments so customers can see the beautiful tree display, but shop from the metal baskets, making it much easier for retailers to replenish stock within the display. Midwest-CBK also offers extendable arm shelves that attach to the trunk of the tree at different heights, so retailers can showcase figurines and other key items within the tree.

Traditional themes will reign as the most prominent for 2010. Danny McDonald, vice president Regency International, believes that the financial status of the country will continue the trend toward classic themes. "People will want to escape back to their youth, thinking of family and happier times," McDonald expresses. "These memories include family and friends joined together with a tree trimmed in red, green and gold."

Angela Evans, director of design for Midwest-CBK predicts that 2010's themes will reflect a return to the classic image of femininity. "Beautiful, luscious decor, rich colors and fabrics with bold, classic patterns are elements used in creating our Gracious Holiday look," she explains. The collection includes thick tassels, refined ornaments and embellished elfin Santa characters. The color palette is both elegant and powerful, featuring strong reds and greens infused with touches of lime and gold to soften the palette and create an overall feminine feel. Patterns feature elegant, feminine florals and scrollwork.

While mainstream America is clamoring for the comfort of conventional trimmings, manufacturers and designers are still attempting to infuse some fresh perspectives. "There are new twists that simply expand upon the realm of time-honored red, green and gold," notes Philip Horton, buyer/product development for Direct Export. "You have to have those basic true colors of Christmas in your store, but you can have other representations."

Maria Albanese of Regalis Import admits that she finds inspiration for themes by mirroring what is happening in the fashion and home decor fields. "We went from aqua blue to a more royal blue and deep purple, because that's what we saw in fashion. We're also starting to use pretty tangerine colors as that hue emerged in New York," Albanese points out. "Europeans have been using chartreuse for years, but now it's starting to be used here in America."

McDonald offers Regency's Champagne Toast theme as an alternative for the more traditional red and white schemes. "With the color of rose becoming stronger, we are accenting with pearls, silver, champagne gold and eggshell creams," McDonald explains. "We are also using hues of soft mist greens we call Aspen Green and touches of milk chocolate."

Retailers and vendors are hopeful that the economy will inspire people to desire fun, less serious themes. "People are looking for something to help them lighten up, to bring a smile to their faces," claims Louise Tinagero, marketing coordinator for Kurt Adler. The Girls Night Out collection from Kurt Adler is a perfect example of a fun motif for 2010 with its glitzy ornaments done in hot pink and black.

Another trend emerging for 2010's Christmas trees is the blending of expensive and inexpensive ornaments. "Celebrations by Radko can be used in combination with Christopher Radko Fine European Glass," Shepardson describes as an example. "Often consumers use their 'collectible' or 'high value' ornaments on the front or outside of the tree and other pieces as filler in the center to hide bald pots, reflect the light and make the tree fuller and more radiant."

This focus on frugality has also inspired a surge in retro themes. "Christopher Radko's Shiny-Brite is about how America celebrated Christmas in the mid-20th Century," Shepardson explains. "Difficult economic times during the war prompted less expensive, but still colorful and festive glass ornaments." Today's challenging economy mirrors this, she notes. People are looking for nostalgia, whimsy and decor that harkens to past fond memories.

Angela Evans, director of design for Midwest-CBK agrees citing Tinsel Town as a nostalgic mood enhancing theme. "The economy may be in flux right now, but our spirits don't have to be," she claims. "We find ways to lift our spirits with celebrations, family and friends." Tinsel Town evokes memories of 1920s elegance, extravagant parties and glamour. The color palette is very contemporary and sleek in black and white with lots of platinum silver glitter to add sparkle and shine. There are multi-purpose items in this theme, such as limousine ornaments, top hats, glittered stars and champagne bottles, which extend selling opportunities, giving retailers options beyond Christmas decorating.

Food-related sets will also continue to be popular in 2010. Wine, coffee and chocolate are three collections that will be offered by Kurt Adler. Tinagero reveals that the wine series will have updated colors, including pewter, while the coffee and chocolate lines will boast fun sayings that all foodies will love.

Themes will also be returning to nature with woodland chic schemes. "We have a nature-inspired series with foliage and animals that will be very earthy for 2010," Tinagero notes. This will extend to organic trends such as the Warm & Fuzzy concept from Midwest- CBK. "Hand-crafted, natural products continue to flood the market," Evans explains. "As the world around us becomes more and more high-tech and disconnected, people crave designs with a warm, hand-crafted, artisan touch and made from authentic and ecofriendly materials. Our Warm & Fuzzy collection features handcrafted stockings, characters, ornaments, wreaths, hats, mittens, tote bags and other items made from organic, hand-dyed wool."