Britons are elevating their Christmas décor to new heights this festive season, much to the delight of Laura Whitmore. Recent surveys indicate that nearly half of UK households are amplifying their festive spirit by setting up two or more Christmas trees, with the living room, dining room, and hallway being the top spots for embellishments.
Many families are investing more time and money into planning and arranging their decorations, surpassing their efforts from a decade ago as it brings them immense joy. Some individuals express a desire to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for their loved ones.
Furthermore, one-third of participants believe that enhanced decorations make their homes more photogenic. The renowned luxury artificial Christmas tree and décor brand, Balsam Hill, conducted a study to kick off its recent competition aiming to discover the UK’s most talented self-taught tree decorator.
The chosen winner will craft a magical Christmas display for TV personality and festive enthusiast, Laura Whitmore. Laura expressed her excitement, stating, “Christmas has always held a special place in my heart, and I am thrilled to be a part of this competition celebrating the remarkable talent within our communities.”
She continued, “I have a tradition of collecting a unique bauble from every place I visit, which allows me to reminisce about those beautiful memories while decorating. The personal touch in Christmas décor is what makes it truly special. I am eager to witness the diverse stories and styles showcased by people across the UK through their Christmas trees.”
The research revealed that 18% of participants plan to have their Christmas tree up before the end of November. On average, households will spend approximately four hours adorning their trees and other spaces, with London residents dedicating an impressive 5.27 hours to decorating.
Moreover, men tend to allocate more time and money towards decorating compared to women, spending an average of 4.35 hours versus 3.68 hours and £79.28 versus £49.69, respectively.
This year, less than 20% of Gen-Z individuals will opt for an angel tree topper, favoring the star option at 47%. Interestingly, tinsel is making a resurgence, with 27% of Gen-Z, 31% of Millennials, and 44% of Boomers planning to incorporate it into their tree decorations.
For over a third of the survey respondents, decorating their homes for Christmas is a pivotal aspect of the festive season, often accompanied by Christmas music, seasonal beverages, and festive attire to set the ambiance.
Mac Harman, CEO of Balsam Hill, highlighted the evolving trend in Christmas decorating, emphasizing its transformation into a significant creative outlet and a means of standing out. He noted that Christmas décor is no longer just a pastime but rather a creative performance, with the Christmas tree taking center stage.
Harman remarked, “Our study indicates that Christmas decorations have evolved into a showcase, with many individuals honing their skills to become amateur interior design experts for their family and friends. The ‘Top of The Tree’ competition aims to shine a spotlight on these talented individuals, celebrating the passion and expertise behind creating a memorable Christmas experience.”
