Business already taking on holiday themes

Deck the halls in pink, or blue, if that’s preferred. Or how about turning the tree upside down?

It’s the latest trend in holiday decorating, according to some area experts. Instead of the traditional red and green, brighter colors are appearing as a decorating option for the Christmas season this year. This weekend kicks off the holiday season as a number of Farmington stores will have their Holiday Open House.

It’s the chance for the stores to showcase the latest in decorating and gifts. For shoppers it’s an opportunity to get an early start on decorating ideas and gift-giving choices.

Admittedly, it’s hard to miss the bright pink tree in the window of Jennie Annie’s on East Columbia Street downtown. Jenny LaChance, owner of Jennie Annie’s, says the tree has been a big seller for her since it was set up. The tree is the latest in what LaChance feels is a new trend in holiday decorating.

&#8220I think anything pink and girlie is a new look for this year. Anything bright and sparkly will be very popular,” she added.

Jeannie Roberts, of Botanique’s on the Square, also sees &#8220soft and glittery” as a popular decorating idea. She has placed pale turquoise fabric in the window of her shop.

&#8220Everything is whimsical, glittery and shiny this year. There is a very nostalgic feel to decorating,” she said.

Just a glance in the stores lets the shopper see that nostalgia is everywhere.

Sharon Hosking works at Forget-Me-Not on East Liberty Street. That store offers shoppers the primitive country look for the holiday season.

&#8220If it looks home-made, it’s very popular,” she said.

Snowmen and &#8220anything that lights up” are also favorites, Hosking feels.

Feather Christmas trees are making a come-back. They can be found in both the small and larger sizes. For those not wanting to decorate in the brighter colors, vintage is always in style.

&#8220Everything old is new again,” said Terry Straughan of Friends of Country. &#8220Folk art, feather trees, lots of bead garland are always very popular.”

This is the eleventh year for Straughan, Marilyn Holmes and Sue Burlbaw to have the open house at their store. This year there is a tree with a twist in the front window.

&#8220We have an upside down Christmas tree as a display. It’s a popular trend in the east. We have ours for display,” said Straughan. &#8220Our friends helping us decorate that tree had a blast.”

Who knows? Next year’s trend could be an upside down pink tree.

Holiday Open House is a traditional kick off to the holiday season in the downtown shopping district.