The John Lewis Christmas Shop has officially opened in its flagship Oxford Street store and, for the first time ever, virtually on John Lewis' website too.
Inside the Oxford Street Christmas Shop
The Oxford Street shop in central London boasts its largest ever Christmas Tree Forest, showcasing seven new festive trends and room sets, and includes a one-stop gift emporium. Watch the video above to see inside!
As you walk through the Festive Footpath there are 1,332 beautiful hanging green baubles decorating the shop floor, whilst the dazzling walkway features delicate glass baubles, with 1,500 individual light bulbs to light up the way.
The Christmas Forest has over 40 different styles to walk through, ranging from a 4ft tree to a staggering 9ft tall version. A key highlight this year is the exclusive Symphony tree, which is the latest in festive technology. It's programmed to play music from seven Christmas classics, from Carol of the Sugar Plums to Deck the Halls, and the tree performs a precise light show too.
There are seven themes to immerse yourself in. Get inspired by the room sets, from dining room looks to cosy living room set ups, plus the Pop Art trend is a perfect space for children to choose their favourite decorations and for parents to indulge in their playful side.
Christmas Shop Virtual tour – how does it work?
In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, the retailer is bringing the magic of the high street to customers, who can, if they prefer, shop and browse from the comfort of their own home instead of going in store.
The 3D tour of the Oxford Street shop is pretty incredible and it offers customers a 'walk' through experience. Using footage captured from within the Oxford Street shop, customers can use their computer, smartphone or tablet to click through the virtual shop and see this year's festive themes brought to life. All you have to do is click on the tagged products to find out more and buy.
Explore the Virtual Christmas Shop
Christmas shopping trends at John Lewis
Customers are shopping for Christmas earlier than ever before (Christmas sales are up 112 per cent compared to 2019), with the nation planning to bring some cheer into their homes sooner and avoiding the Christmas Eve crush.
The John Lewis online Christmas Shop opened in late August. We're told sales of Christmas trees and decorations are already up 232 per cent and 156 per cent respectively in comparison to last year.
'We know that Christmas might look a little different to our customers this year, with smaller celebrations at home and video calls to loved ones. But we also know that many are looking forward to the small joys that the festive season brings: from decorated fireplaces to wreaths on doors,' says Dan Cooper, Partner and Head of Christmas at John Lewis & Partners.
'Our customers are planning earlier than ever to revel in the festivities and likely spread out the tasks to avoid any last minute rushes. This year we have created a Christmas shop that will of course delight and inspire our customers but we have also focused on making it a simple journey that means they can tick off their list happily and safely.'
Current best-sellers:
John Lewis reveals that since opening its online Christmas Shop, the best-selling baubles to date have been:
- Pop Art Rainbow bauble (25 per cent charitable donation to NHS charities)
- Art Nouveau Gin Decanter
- Bloomsbury Stack of Books
- Impressionism Onion Drip bauble
- Art of Japan Fan
John Lewis & Partners Pop Art Rainbow Bauble, Multi
All John Lewis & Partners Christmas shops will open in branches across the country from 25th September – 5th October. The full range of Christmas products can be found online at johnlewis.com
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14 Christmas garlands on our wishlist this year
We love this pretty gold garland with delicate bells. The 72 warm LED lights will add a cosy ambience to your home and radiate a warm feel. Please note, this is mains powered.
With a traditional feel, this green garland features mixed berries, pinecones and hessian bows. Use it as a Christmas table decoration or place it along your sideboard.
Habitat's white berry garland features clusters of snowy-white berries that come together to feel timeless and inviting. Drape it over your mantel or lay it along your table for a soft, wintry touch.
We're big fans of this lovely garland with realistic berries, pine cones, and foliage. It would look wonderful wrapped along a bannister or as it has been styled here, as part of a festive tablescape.
Paper decorations have made a resurgence over the past few Christmases, offering a handmade and fun feel to a space. This elegant star paper garland will create a statement when draped across any fireplace.
For a touch of old-school glamour, Anthropologie’s pearl swoop garland brings a hint of Art Deco elegance to your festive scheme. Pair with the matching pearl Christmas tree ornaments for a beautifully coordinated, softly shimmering look.
Thick, bushy and long, this cream and gold garland from Amazon has a variety of berries, pine cones, baubles, flowers and leaves interwoven with a slight glittery finish.
Pastels And Gold Crystal Cascade LED Garland
A beautiful addition to your tree or mantel, this jewelled Christmas garland with pale pastel gems is so elegant. The delicate golden droplets add a touch of glitz, making it a great choice for a Christmas tree that isn't flocked.
This snow-flocked design has a frosted look that's perfect for a wintry and snowy feel, and warm LED lights for a hint of sparkle.
Add a delicate hint of whimsy with this sparkling leaf garland that's well-suited for a slim Christmas tree or for creating a dinner table centrepiece, like this one. With 30 LED lights built in, you can even add extra sparkle after dark.
With its pussy willow and fir branches, this charming pre-lit garland from The White Company has a lovely rustic feel. This one is battery-operated.
All Aglow Pre Lit Christmas Garland
If you want a garland that sparkles, look no further. From shimmering gold berries to real woodland pinecones and botanical sprigs, this LED garland lends itself to a luxe decorating theme. It's also dusted with shimmering gold glitter.
Red and pink is a colour pairing we’ll never tire of, and this satin bow garland is pure joy for maximalists. Drape it across a mantel for a cheerful pop of colour that feels instantly festive and fabulously fun.
Woodland Sparkle Natural Christmas Garland
We're quite fond of this woodland garland, featuring twinkling lights for extra ambience. It's perfect for decorating the home over winter.
Where can you hang a Christmas garland?
Christmas garlands for stairs can be strung along a banister and winding staircase (see the image above for inspiration), while you can also buy garlands for fireplaces, creating a beautiful focal point on your mantel. Christmas garlands with lights (as a bundle or a light-up garland) are especially helpful for creating a magical, festive ambience across the home.
And if that wasn't inspiration enough, garlands can also be used on your classic Christmas tree, a twig Christmas tree (these are typically string or beaded garlands), as a table centrepiece, or even across windows, either pinned along the window frame or on the windowsill.
How long should a Christmas garland be?
Essentially, you can use a Christmas garland wherever you want, just ensure you get the appropriate length. For example, if you want to drape a garland around a staircase or wardrobe, you'll need a longer length, compared to a dining table or windowsill.
The same can be said for using a garland to add fullness to a Christmas tree. For LED garlands, you'll also want to double-check what batteries you require, or if it is mains powered, as this will affect where you can use it.
