As families across the country start putting the decorations up now that December is here, they’re likely to shun traditional colour schemes and real trees, in favour of fake pines adorned with pink dinosaur baubles.
John Lewis has analysed how decorations have evolved since 2009, with traditional colour schemes replaced with quirkier options a decade on.
Ten years ago, green, red and gold baubles were all the rage, but now shoppers prefer subdued colours such as blush pink and copper adorning their tree.
Because the demand for more personal and creative decorations has increased over the years, retailers are now producing a wider range of Christmas items, such as gin and cheese advent calendars and dinosaurs baubles.
While people shunned fake trees for the real deal in 2009, a rise in quality alternatives means that people will invest more in faux-pines.
John Lewis looked into the difference between Christmas decoration trends in 2009 vs 2019, and found that households in the UK have moved on from small, traditional trees
In 2009, red, golden and green and silver baubles were all the rage, and buying individual baubles was a struggle
Dan Cooper, Partner and Head Christmas Buyer at John Lewis said: ‘In 2009, we typically thought a thin bit of red or gold tinsel mixed with some round baubles and a few lights attached to a heavy adapter meant we were ready for Christmas.’
‘Ten years on the UK tastes have become so much more adventurous and sophisticated.’
He continued: ‘Artificial trees have grown in quality and popularity, and become several feet taller. Ten years ago 4ft trees dominated the range sold by John Lewis, but today 7ft trees are our most popular with 9ft trees growing in popularity,’ he added.
‘UK households are now more likely to decorate their Christmas tree in sophisticated colours of white, blush, green or copper than bold colours, such as red or gold, which were the favourite colours ten years ago.’
In 2019, people moved on from vibrant colours in favour of copper, blush pink and white or clear tones
Individual baubles are more popular than ever, and new creative options even include pink dinosaurs (pictured)
‘Upside down trees which were popular in 2009 are no longer sold by John Lewis. Instead, pre-lit trees are on-trend and this year for the first time they have overtaken un-lit trees.
‘One of the biggest changes in trends has been in Christmas baubles. In 2009 most of us bought traditional round baubles and there were very few individual ones. John Lewis sold santas, butterflies and angels.
‘These changes have been driven by a growing culture of entertaining, Instagram and innovation in Christmas decorations which have become much higher in quality and therefore last much longer, making us more likely to invest in them.’
In 2009, big round baubles were very popular, especially in green, red and gold. Light garlands were also smaller than they are today
