Wow! We recently got back from the Dallas market where we were focused on purchasing product for Holiday Magic - crazy that we prepare for the fourth quarter all but three months during the summer. It is always fun to see what is new and find out if the product we need to create the themes we have planned is available. This year was completely opposite of last – there were so many new products that we came home with four more themes than we went to market with, and two more trees than last year.
This is definitely the year of tradition, which is no surprise when reflecting on the difficulties our nation felt last year. Red and green were the dominant colors, religious icons were prevalent, fairies were relegated to the forest (we did find some hiding for all the fairy collectors) as angels took over, and Santa has taken back the spotlight from the snowmen. Of the figures not specifically associated with Christmas, the deer was by far the most popular. From traditional to contemporary it is available in every color and finish imaginable – and we bought a multitude for the store because they were so irresistible. Whimsy is very popular, again showing our need to experience a lighter side, and whimsical figures of all kinds can be found, particularly in the pet arena which we will feature again this year.
Our looks for this year are varied, but a few of my favorites are the Mary Englebreit tree, a red, green and black look we are calling American Christmas featuring Jane Seymour’s art, and the entry tree which will be festooned with all shades of burgundy, pink and violet, covered in flowers and the perfect backdrop to the angels which will be flying everywhere. We also have plans to incorporate natural shells into one of the looks, and doing an encore is the fabulous line of realistic stuffed animals that lived on the woodland tree last year. Of course there will be no shortage of birds, butterflies and bugs, and Mark Roberts has created lots of new elves which will have a tree to themselves this year. I could go on and on….. it may sound like a bit of an illness to some, but I can’t wait to start Christmas!
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