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LED the “Light of the Future”
LED’s (Light Emitting Diodes) are rapidly replacing incandescent lighting in both decorative and commercial applications.
They achieve high brightness with only a small fraction of energy, using only a few Watts of power compared to conventional mini-lights consuming anywhere from 50 Watts per string of 100. The savings of up to 98% in electricity quickly add up.
LED lights may initially cost slightly more than conventional lights; but, they more than pay for themselves within a single season.
The many benefits of LED's are:
- Long life span - L.E.D. lamps are rated for up to 200,000 hours of use.
- No filaments to burn out, therefore saving in maintenance costs.
- Nearly indestructible, solid epoxy lenses, no glass bulbs to break.
- Rust proof, Zinc-coated lamp contacts.
- Added safety - Lamps always remain cool to the touch, regardless of how long they are left on.
Follow the example led by our nation’s capital. In 2006 the tree at United States Capitol Building used LED lighting. This year the tree at the White House will be lit by LED’s as well!
It’s no wonder LED’s are quickly becoming the lighting choice of businesses and homeowners alike!!!!
For more information on this subject, click here (PDF).
Learn More About LED's. Click Here |
Commercial Décor
This year, say suppliers of all holiday décor, commercial clients will be displaying larger scale displays and seasonal imagery designed to appeal to a broader range of cultures and religions. Clients are opting for cutting edge displays that convey the holiday spirit, utilizing jumbo size shatterproof ornaments and sculptures. They are attracting and retaining clientele while promoting holiday cheer by choosing more artistic and visually compelling displays.
Another popular trend is the use of wall décor such as sprays and wreaths, due to its high visual impact without taking up valuable store space.
Strip Centers are becoming more upscale, upgrading their general and holiday décor to better compete with the larger malls.
And lastly, LED’s are creating a lot of excitement amongst commercial clientele due to the product’s reliability and low energy usage, allowing for more intense lighting displays without having to spend on costly electrical upgrades. |
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Tree Themes for 2008
- Go “Green”- Resembling a woodland theme, this year’s green holiday décor would encompass the use of materials found in the natural world. Among the many options are wild birds, feathers, nests, deer and the use of flowers and foliage such as amaryllis, holly, hydrangea, eucalyptus and willow twigs.
- Black and White – This color combination is hot this year. Popular ornaments icons such as snowflakes, snowmen, penguins could be easily incorporated into the white and black theme. A particular trendy look could be achieved by displaying white ornaments on a black tree or black ornaments on a white tree.
- Monochromatic- Pick a color, any color and go to town with it! You can achieve a very elegant look by mixing different textures and sizes while staying within the same color family.
- Cities and States- A casino tree (featuring cards, dice and money ornaments) will work in Atlantic City or another gambling spot; and a seaside tree (with fish, seahorses, starfish and corals) in a beach town. There are many retailers offering regional-themed decorations that can be further personalized, making them more locally focused.
- Specific Interests- Trees are being used to convey a specific trade or hobby. A gardening theme for gardeners, an African heritage theme for African-American clients, a nativity theme for religious clients, a dessert treat theme for bakers. The possibilities are endless.
- Looking Back in the Past- Victorian themes are a must, as well as less distant looks such as 1950’s, 1960’s and 1970’s. Licensed ornament collections from Kurt S. Adler include pop-culture items for any these eras. Themes that you might envision could include Elvis, “I Love Lucy” and “Betty Boop” amongst others.
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Home Décor & Trends
Elegant Dressings
Tree skirts are becoming a focus of design interest, playing a prominent role in holiday decor. Consumers are purchasing tree skirts that complement their home décor and style as well as contribute to the presentation of their trees. Expensive materials such as velvets and silks are becoming quite popular options as well as larger sizes such as 60 inch and 72 inch.
Festive Partyware
A trend towards larger and more frequent gatherings is helping boost sales of products that help create a memorable party. The popularity of casual low key entertaining is creating a demand for whimsical themed earthenware and ceramic tableware in non-traditional colors. A definite trend is the pairing of black and white as well as the rustic look, which incorporates hollowed-out wood serving bowls and twig napkin rings.
Trendy Invitations
While the trend towards decorating seems to be “casual”, the opposite speaks true for party invites. Rather than informing guests via phone or email, many consumers prefer to send written invitations. Among color combinations and motifs picked are red and gold, copper and blue, as well as embellishments such as boxwood, winter flowers and brocade. |
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Halloween Facts
According to the National Retail Federation’s 2006 Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, Halloween continues as one of the biggest decorating holidays of the year, second to Christmas. Their survey states 67.0 percent of consumers plan to purchase Halloween decor and 48.6 percent plan to decorate their home or yard.
The spending increase is largely due to a surge in celebrating. The survey found Halloween’s popularity has increased among young adults who are celebrating with large parties, elaborate costumes and decor.
HALLOWEEN TRENDS
Oh Scary Tree… Festive trees and ornaments aren’t just for Christmas anymore. There is a variety of twisted decorations available for Halloween. Think black fir trees, LED orange Rice Lights, and freaky ornaments. Check out these fun sites for some great ideas… www.slavictreasures.com and www.christmastraditions.com
Parties
With Halloween falling on a Friday this year, that means a week-end of partying! The focus is on dark and spooky with lots of realism. Throwing a party? Themed based parties are all the rage this year. Be on the lookout for more elaborate yard displays, complete with lighting, special effects and all kinds of frightful props. If you really want to splurge and create a memorable event, check out the insane and realistic props by Scare Factory and FrightProps, you won’t be disappointed.
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