Trends

Super Floral’s “Christmas Trends 2019” report showcases an exciting array of trend stories – colors, themes and motifs – including “Garnet Grove,” “Cabana Chill,” “Juniper Frost,” “Opulent Advent” and “Cranberry Bliss.” Each of these five trend stories plays with contrasted combinations including folkloric and quaint, festive and unexpected, unconventional and modern, earthy and nostalgic, and nature and shimmer. This “2019 Christmas Trends” report offers new inspiration for holiday décor, and there is something in the mix to suit the taste of each and every holiday customer.

These curated trends for the 2019 Christmas season are influenced by current and forecasted directions in lifestyle and well-being; fashion, textiles and tactile materials; colors; and shapes.

For this report, we invited floral designers from coast to coast to share their interpretations of our five trends. Representing the Midwestern states are Helen Miller, AIFD and Laura Daluga, AIFD. From the Mid-Atlantic region are Nancy Leppo, EMC and Eric Schellack. The South is represented by Beth Hohensee, AIFD; Carolyn Shepard, AIFD; and Rita Daffinson, while the South Central U.S. is represented by Beth O’Reilly, AIFD, TMF. The West Coast features Melinda Lynch, AIFD and Erik Witcraft, AIFD, and the Northeast by Lisa Greene, AIFD, PFCI.

These colors, elements, botanicals and designs in these trends are guidelines to help you create holiday arrangements and décor that’s new and exciting. Keep in mind that they are open (somewhat) to interpretation and customization for consumers in your specific marketplace.

“Christmas Trends 2019” Sponsors

Accent Décor
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Regency International
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Steelgrass
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Smithers-Oasis North America
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GARNET GROVE

Earthy elements and nostalgic keepsakes meet modern industrial shapes and lines in “Garnet Grove.” Cabin chic has become more sophisticated in this trend, yet it retains its rustic serenity. This trend focuses on the nostalgia of less-complicated times and aims the winter holiday toward warmth, peace, and kinship.

Garnet Grove’s colors are a combination of soft warm neutrals and darker moody hues. Emphasis on burgundy, navy blue, rich forest green and antique plum tones give this trend depth and warmth. Accents of golden mustard, terracotta and whitewash pair perfectly with the smoky, rich tones of the winter season.

Textural contrasts of organic elements such as wood, citrus, dried flowers, wool and stone blend with antiqued industrial metals and vintage glass. Botanical patterns and prints mingle with warm plaids and checks in textiles and papers.

ELEMENTS

Wood, colored glass, slate, dried botanicals, pottery, baskets, deer, bears, tassels, antlers, bells

BOTANICALS

Roses, ‘Sahara’, ‘Black Baccara’, ‘Naomi’ (Rosa spp.)

Hortensias, burgundy and blue (Hydrangea macrophylla)

Leucadendron ‘Safari Sunset’

Baby’s breath (Gypsophila paniculata)

Winterberry ‘Magical Times’ (Ilex verticillata)

Holly, green berried (Ilex opaca)

Bull bay (Magnolia grandiflora)

Western red cedar, coned (Thuja plicata)

Design by Nancy Leppo, EMC

Design by Beth O’Reilly, AIFD, TMFPhoto by Taylor Sparks Photography

Design by Melinda Lynch, AIFD Photo by Giselle Crout

CABANA CHILL

Snow and ice turn to snow cones and fruity drinks adorned with umbrellas. Colorfully festive and unexpected, “Cabana Chill” tells the story of holiday in the tropics. This versatile trend can be about just the joyful colors – tropical blue-greens, pinks and hot corals mixed with gold metallic accents, weathered driftwood and rich green foliages – or it can include the tropical motif, as well – whatever will appeal to your clientele and sell in your shop. With the inclusion of the tropical elements, Cabana Chill is whimsical and has a good sense of humor. Think Hawai’ian-shirt SANTAS, big bright orchids, palm trees and the trend animal of the moment: the flamingo. Retro luau styles lend the trend a lighthearted kitsch.This story is heavy with floral influences. Christmas trees with botanical blossoms and large tropical foliage, palm trees, and pineapples adorned with lights remind us that the holiday is the holiday no matter where you celebrate it.

ELEMENTS

Pineapples, flamingoes, palm trees, tropical leaves, string lights, tikis, retro surf SANTAS, Hawai’ian shirts, sand snowmen, shells

BOTANICALS

Cymbidium orchids, pink and yellow

Dancing-lady orchids (Oncidium spp.)

Flamingo lilies, lavender and pink (Anthurium andraeanum)

Protea ‘Pink Mink’ (P. nerifolia)

Pineapples (Ananas comosus)

Incense cedar (Calocedrus decurrens)

Sago palm (Cycas revoluta)

Split-leaf philodendron (Monstera deliciosa)

Design by Beth Hohensee, AIFD

Design by Beth Hohensee, AIFD

Design by Kristine Kratt, AIFD, PFCI

JUNIPER FROST

Icy winter forests play with shadow and light in “Juniper Frost.” Snowy evergreen branches turn soft shades of blue-green, and ice crystals sparkle as glowing drops of light. This trend story feels serene and romantic as it pairs nature with shimmer.

Juniper Frost’s colors focus on frosty Eucalyptus hues and soft matted blues with accents of neutral earth tones. The gray-green colors of lichen and sage combine effortlessly with crisp blues as do champagne metallic and matte gunmetal gray.

The calm nature of this trend palette allows its elements to blend seamlessly with just about any style, from very organic and natural all the way to modern.

A play of textures helps give Juniper Frost its contrast. Matte porcelain finishes mingle beautifully with the sparkle of glitter and the shine of pearlized surfaces. Fur and feathers add an ethereal mood while blending with the brilliance of crystals and ice.

ELEMENTS

Glass, ice, pearls, feathers, crystals, diamonds, frosted branches, snow flakes, seed lights, paper ornaments, linen

BOTANICALS

Bouvardia, white (B. longiflora)

Star-of-Bethlehem, white (Ornithogalum thyrsoides)

Poinsettias, white (Euphorbia pulcherrima)

Sea holly/Thistles, blue, ‘Magnetar Questar’ (Eryngium spp.)

Juniper, blue-berried (Juniperus communis)

Silver fir (Abies alba), Dusty miller (Senecio cineraria)

Eucalyptus (silver-dollar, seeded, ‘Baby Blue’)

Design by Carolyn Shepard, AIFD

Design by Lisa Greene, AIFD, PFCI
Photo by Laura Kozlowski Photography

Design by Kristine Kratt, AIFD, PFCI

Design by Lisa Greene, AIFD, PFCI
Photo byLaura Kozlowski Photography

OPULENT ADVENT

The “Opulent Advent” trend story is unconventional and modern. This trend comprises luxe textures, ornate finishes and powerful color contrasts. It is minimalistic and artistic, with fearless combinations of surfaces and patterns.

Opulent Advent thrives on shiny finishes and blends effortlessly with softer matte surfaces. Unexpected accents of sleek black and white, mustard yellow and crisp lavender make unique and dramatic contrasts when paired with cranberry red, bright blue and rich jade green. Metallic gold and silver add reflection and sheen.

This trend combines powerful textures and surfaces that are both organic and fabricated. Geometric shapes combine with classic holiday forms such as trees, SANTAS and reindeer. Marble, agate, ice, and paper blend with mirror, glass, ceramic and stripes to give Opulent Advent elemental simplicity with a powerful modern twist.

ELEMENTS

Geometrics, marble, wire forms, metallics, faceted icon shapes, contemporary stars, dimensional paper trees, mirrors, agate, glass, stripes

BOTANICALS

Amaryllises, red (Hippeastrum spp.)

Callas, lavender and purple (Zantedeschia rehmannii)

Carnations, purple (Dianthus caryophyllus)

Delphinium, light blue

Hyacinths, lavender (Hyacinthus orientalis)

Winterberry ‘Golden Verboom’ (Ilex verticillata)

Kale, purple (Brassica oleracea)

Georgia pine, Southern yellow pine (Pinus palustris)

Design by Beth Hohensee, AIFD

Design by Laura Daluga, AIFD

Design by Helen Miller, AIFD

Design by Beth O’Reilly, AIFD, TMF
Photo by Taylor Sparks Photography

Design by Beth Hohensee, AIFD

CRANBERRY BLISS

Inspired by artisan handicrafts and global holiday markets, “Cranberry Bliss” is folkloric and quaint. Pushing forward from the Danish Hygge movement (contentment, well-being), this trend reflects texture and warmth and allows us to slow down and embrace rooted culture and kindred design.

Cranberry Bliss is sentimental and authentic. Its colors are warm and encompass a range of hues. Most important, this trend engenders a mono-chromatic palette of traditional holiday reds blended with light blush through deep burgundy. Navy blue and warm greens are key accents in the palette, along with matte white and soft gold.

Texture and textile help tell the story of Cranberry Bliss. This tactile trend embraces soft knit yarns, fringe, tassels, felts and matte porcelain finishes. Mix-and-match wrapping papers, primitive graphics, and tablescapes inspired by arts-and-crafts reflect the simple joys of winter.

ELEMENTS

Felted, beaded, fringe, vintage bells, winter scenes, bottlebrush trees, paper deer, mercury glass, pompoms, tassels

BOTANICALS

Persian buttercups, pink, coral and burgundy (Ranunculus asiaticus)

Guernsey lilies (Nerine bowdenii)

Hortensias, antique and pink (Hydrangea macrophylla)

Persian buttercups, pink, coral and burgundy

(Ranunculus asiaticus)

Pincushion flowers (Scabiosa spp.)

Poinsettias, pink (Euphorbia pulcherrima)

Red amaranth/Prince’s feather (Amaranthus cruentus)

Tileaves, red (Cordyline fruticosa)

White pine (Pinus strobus)

Design by Rita Daffinson
Photo by 2b Photography LLC

Design by Eric Schellack

Design by Erik Witcraft, AIFD

Design by Beth O’Reilly, AIFD, TMF
Photo by Taylor Sparks Photography

Bill Schaffer, AIFD, AAF, PFCI, and Kristine Kratt, AIFD, PFCI, are the creative directors behind Schaffer Designs, a floral event company. Bill and Kris are diverse contributors in the floral industry, specializing in not only trend translations, education, product development, and showroom and trade-show design, but also commissioned floral installations as well as being award-winning authors. Email bill@schafferdesigns.com and/or kris@schafferdesigns.com.