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Spotlight On... Christmas
Making Merry If you haven’t come across gonks yet, you will this Christmas! They’re the ‘big thing’ in Christmas decorations Scandi-inspired mythological creatures considered to be a Nordic version of Santa Claus. Faceless, they’re easy to spot with their long white beards and pointy knitted hats! But, of course, that’s not all that’s going to be trending. With traditional red and greens still strong, and icy white and silver working its magic, PG&H went in search of what else will be making Christmas a magical one this year. According to the trend forecasters, ‘togetherness’ is, unsurprisingly, going to be the buzzword this Christmas, as families and friends will - fingers crossed! - at last be able to ‘make merry’ and celebrate the festive season together. For most, it will be an extra special celebration, with hosts and hostesses really pulling out all the stops when it comes to creating the nostalgia of Christmases past, with much loved family decorations dusted off and brought out of their boxes and new ones added, while scented candles, wax melts and reed diffusers will be helping to evoke the familiar Christmassy fragrances that we all know and love. For those who like to trend spot, there could also be a rather special addition to the guest list! “Gonks are a big trend this Christmas,” highlights Joe Davies’ head of product development Laura Leigh. “These quirky little fellows are Danish Nordic characters that are said to watch over the Right: Village Pottery from Joe Davies. Below: Joe Davies’ Skandi style gonks.
home. We’ve introduced Skandi style gonks in soft pinks and greys, following on from the success of our jolly spotty gonks in traditional Christmas red. They make the perfect Christmas decoration and gift to dress a mantelpiece, window or the Christmas table. Styles range from from shelf sitters and standing tall to fat gonks.”
Meanwhile, Laura says that warm and cosy are the main trends for Christmas 2021, with the company ensuring their gift products give the home a toasty warm feeling. “There’s nothing cosier than the glow of Christmas lights,” continues Laura. “Our Village Pottery range includes traditional red village houses as tea light holders, lanterns and brand new oil warmers, ensuring the home can smell like Christmas and glow with the lights of candles. Each piece has a unique vintage, craft look finish and, in keeping with the light up theme, there is a new collection of festive rattan decorations with warm white LED lights to brighten the home at Christmas.”
Above: Three gonks from the Gallery Direct range. Below: Among the Gallery Direct Christmas themes this year is frosty whites and silvers.
The collection has been made to look festive, with pine cone details, red berries, gold colourway and luxury gold bows. “There are different shaped wreaths for the front door, while, for the table, hearth and mantelpiece there are cone shaped Christmas trees and a light-up parcel shape, as well as hearts and stars for hanging on the wall. These decorations are sure to bring a festive charm to shop displays as well as to homes,” adds Laura. Meanwhile, gonks are also a staple in this year’s Gallery Christmas offer. “To add a fun touch to the festive season, Gallery’s gonks make a cute addition to any interior,” says Chris Lewis, head of sales & business development (Accessories). “The popularity of these amusing Scandinavian characters is gaining momentum here in the UK as they
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