The holidays always manage to bring out the creative side of people — whether for good or ill. Just last year two leading retailers started selling upside-down Christmas trees. Yep. Inverted, artificial conifers hung from the ceiling. Why you ask? More room on the floor for gifts, of course. (And the entertainment possibilities are endless. Imagine introducing said tree to a guest who's had one too many glasses of Grandma's "special" eggnog. A priceless moment, I tell you.)
For garden center people, the big question always is, "What will customers flip for this year?" For that we turn to the latest report from Christmasworld, otherwise known as "The World of Celebration and Decoration at the International Frankfurt Fair." This trade show focuses on European markets — Germany in particular. But many American suppliers have already picked up these hot new trends.
In Christmasworld, festive glitz, glitter and glamour were all the rage. In 2005, simple forms and natural materials were en vogue. This year look for more luxurious materials like crystal, pearls, satin and brocade.
Exciting color contrasts will also be in demand. Black and white will be particularly popular. Young, adventurous consumers (a.k.a. whippersnappers) will likely experiment with even bolder combinations like black and green or black and pink.
Another hot color of note is petrol, which after extensive research I discovered is a shade of blue -- not a hue reminiscent of unleaded gasoline. And apparently customers are clamoring for cognac colors: amber and honey brown shades. Good to know.
The ethnic look is also making waves in Christmas decor. An Africa theme complete with exotic animal prints should be in demand. Alpine themes will also be popular. So now's the time to break out the stag antlers, imitation fur and Dirndl dresses.
Christmasworld also spotlighted some practical innovations. Look for more wireless electric candles powered by rechargeable batteries. LED lights, which use less electricity than regular bulbs, will continue to proliferate.
But some hot European trends just aren't likely to make it across the pond. World Cup theme merchandise is expected to be a top seller. Anything with a football motif (translation: soccer motif) is expected to draw crowds overseas.
What will be the hot sports theme here in the states? If I were a betting man, (Which I'm not, because I learned my lesson in Vegas. Sorry, honey.) I'd put my money on NASCAR. That's right. It's not just for Southerners anymore. Need proof? Take a look at this CNN article. Notice that NASCAR-branded products increased 250 percent over the past decade. Females and people in blue states are rapidly becoming devotees. Keep your eyes peeled for a Christmas tree with an Earnhardt 3 as a topper!
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