I have spent many hours over the past few weeks shopping for Christmas decorations.
Yes, I know it is not Thanksgiving yet, but interior designers need to be prepared!
My intention was to research the trends and know which stores had which decor pieces so I am prepared to help clients looking for a particular Christmas item.
I visited stores that you have most likely shopped - HomeGoods, Target, Tuesday Morning, Pier 1, Kirkland's, Dillard's, Macy's, At Home, Kohl's, JCPenney, Cost Plus World Market, Z Gallerie, Hobby Lobby, and more (yes, I was busy).
I also visited some boutique stores, big box stores, and furniture stores.
On my shopping quest, I was able to see certain Christmas trends that were at most every store that I visited.
photo taken at Arhaus
Here are a few of the Christmas decorating trends that I noticed.
Red Truck
The most popular Christmas decoration that I saw was a red truck, typically with a Christmas tree in the back.
I saw red truck Christmas ornaments, towels, figurines, signs, and much more.
This red truck is not popular, but it is (in my opinion) maybe a little too popular.
The red truck trend is just a bit overwhelming because of the huge quantity of decorations that I saw.
If you love the red truck, then get the red truck, but I suggest passing on this trend if you want your Christmas decorations to be more unique.
photo taken at Big Lots
Mixed Metals
A popular Christmas color scheme is a combination of gold and silver.
This year, a Christmas decorating trend is to add other metals to the gold and silver.
You can mix rose gold, copper, iron, and brass with your silver and gold to have a trendy Christmas color scheme.
These mixed metal color schemes are especially popular when the ornaments have a vintage patina.
This color scheme works well in more contemporary or modern homes.
photo taken at Anthropology
Travel Trailer
An unusual trend that I noticed was the use of travel trailers or RV's as a theme.
I saw travel trailer ornaments, inflatables, Christmas village pieces, and more.
All of the travel trailers had a vintage style trailer look (probably from the 1950's).
This trend is worth exploring, but I don't expect it to stick around for years to come.
photo taken at Michaels
Faux Fur
Faux fur has been popular for many years as winter decor, but it is now transitioning into Christmas as well.
I saw faux fur stockings, tree skirts, Christmas trees, and ornaments.
Warmer colors of faux fur (such as cream, brown, and beige) typically work well in a traditional home while cooler colors (such as gray and bright white) typically work better in a more contemporary home.
photo taken at Anthropology
Unicorns
Most little girls (and some older gilrs) love unicorns, and there are an abundance of unicorn Christmas decorations this year.
I saw a few unicorn ornaments, but the majority of unicorns were in outdoor wire frame light displays and inflatables.
Some of the unicorns had wings or elf friends.
The majority of the unicorns were not Christmas themed, so you might want to get one if you have a unicorn party planned in the future.
photo taken at Home Depot
Mermaids and Beach
Another very popular Christmas trend this year is mermaids and the beach.
I saw Santas dressed for the beach, mermaid and sea shell Christmas ornaments, the 12 days of Christmas at the beach, starfish wreaths, and many other beach and mermaid related Christmas items.
photo taken at Stein Mart
Nutcrackers and Santas
Nutcrackers and Santas are always popular, but there seemed to be more than usual this year.
There might be a nutcracker or Santa dressed in clothes depicting every sport, country, and profession.
photo taken at Dillards
Natural Woodland Creatures
One of my favorite trends this year is woodland creatures made out of twigs, bark, straw, and other natural materials.
I saw owls, squirrels, reindeer, rabbits, and other critters as Christmas ornaments, wreaths, and figurines.
photo taken at Joanns
Professional Qualty Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor Christmas lights have become much more elaborate this year.
The lights that project on your house can now do extra tricks, such as project figures like a movie (which is intended to be played on a garage door).
There are professional style lighting systems to link your lights to a sound track.
Of course, everything can be programmed to your smart phone.
photo taken at Home Depot
Other Trends
Here are a few other trends that I noticed in multiple stores. Some are a little unexpected.
Gnomes
Zebras
Llamas (Fa la la la llama)
Avocados
Flying Pigs
Mardi Gras
Merry Christmas!
