Home & Gift reveals food and fun feature in the upcoming seasonal themes
Tasty trends have been served up at Home & Gift Harrogate as this week’s summer buying festival predicted what’s in the mix for the upcoming season.
With The Better Trends Company picking Woodland Picnic, Comfort Food and Sunset Haze as the titles for the trio on the featured section at the front of the event, which finishes today, 24 July, at Harrogate Convention Centre and the Majestic Hotel, there was plenty from the greeting card fraternity on offer, while product launches included Belly Button Designs’ Giftware brand – so new it hadn’t been included in the trends while being suitable for all three.
No-ccasion celebrations were the highlight of Comfort Food, described by Better Trends as “embracing the joy of everyday events, focusing on food and fun this season. Food brings us together, offering a delightful sensory experience. Whimsical graphics and hand-drawn illustrations highlight the simple pleasures and connections that make life special.”
Among the products selected to embody the theme were donut and tea cards from Sam Jayne Design, along with its mugs and coaster, Little Paper Soul’s Fab ice-cream card, and crockery from the Electric Dreams collection by Eleanor Bowmer @ Pure Table Top that also covers cards.
Woodland Picnic is the eco-chic trend with a palette of soft earth colours and muted jewel tones where “wildflowers intertwine with forest folk and luxe picnic escapes”. Better Trends said it isna refined aesthetic where people will “embrace the tranquillity of nature with hand-painted florals and bespoke ceramics”.
Once Upon A Tuesday’s calendar featured in the display, along with cards, soaps, hand cream and notebooks from Toasted Crumpet.
And, while the Sunset Haze title doesn’t scream food, the description surely does: “Indulge in the essence of a Mediterranean escape, where beach sundowners and chic al fresco dining meet in perfect harmony.” Prints, artistic geometrics and fine ceramics blend “for an elevated boho vibe” with key elements including curated tablescapes and vibrant textiles in warm inviting tones.
Showing the versatility of the greetings industry, there were coasters, napkins and bowls from Eleanor Bowmer @ Pure Table Top to demonstrate the trend, along with calendars and planners by Once Upon A Tuesday.
Better Trends partnered with show organiser Clarion Events to provide forecasting and design advice for the upcoming season at Home & Gift.
A spokesman said: “We empower small and medium businesses with our accessible and focused trend reports, consultancy and design strategy. We emphasise responsible and ethical trends and design direction to promote eco values, community and feminist retail to create better futures for people and planet.”
