A century ago Finnish Christmas trees were often decorated with candles and sweets. These days decorators have a lot to choose from, as shops abound with ornaments of all stripes.
Christmas tree decorations reflect trends, too. Helene Friman, product chief at the Weiste Christmas decoration factory says that their designs draw inspiration from everywhere around them. Weiste follows magazines, for instance, attends international decoration fairs and keeps a keen eye on nature when designing their products
"A Christmas decoration needs to reflect Christmas and winter somehow," Friman says. "But we have very summery things like butterflies, dragonflies, fairies and different flower patterns. They're beautiful so they work in decorations."
Glitter a must
Friman calls the Christmas decoration scene of 2015 very white. Consumers have bought Weiste's naïve animal themes such as foxes, owls, reindeer and bears.
"Christmas decorations always involve something glittery, that's very important," Friman says. "The colour white and glitter are joined by a blue shade of ice. We use a lot of silver and red. Gold is not used as often as before."
Some black ornaments can also be found. Friman says that black has become an acceptable Christmas colour.
"Black is here to stay. Fifteen years ago when we made the first black ornaments it was a bit of a shock to people. Some wanted it, some hated it."
Modern baubles and blue hits
The top sellers at the Stockmann retail giant in Helsinki are characterised as modern.
"Star shapes in matte black or white were sold out immediately," says cashier Jenna Teir. "The black ones were the quickest off the shelves. Green doesn't really appeal to people this year."
Copper and brass are making a comeback, Teir says.
Head designer Pia Lehtovuori of the Anttila concern's Anno label says natural themes abound this year. Christmas tree balls with animals such as squirrels and birds are a hit.
"Warm metallic colours are used to accent the style. We have gold, brass and copper in the Anno collection this year as well.But blue hues are the thing in 2015."
Lehtovuori says that red, white and silver continue to be Christmastime favourites.
"Traditions are important in the Nordics and we see that in the way we celebrate Christmas," she says. "But modern elements are in there too, that means graphic design, grey shades and pastel hues."
