John Lewis has launched a virtual 3D tour of their Oxford Street Christmas Shop, bringing this year's festive themes to life for customers at home.
Using footage captured from within the shop, shoppers can use their computer, smartphone or tablet to "walk through" the virtual shop and purchase their favourite products. While the shop is still open for people to visit in person, this initiative gives everyone the chance to experience the much-loved store.
Earlier last month, John Lewis announced it would be opening its Christmas shop 10 days earlier than last year for the first time ever.
The British retailer made the decision to bring forward the opening date following a high level of customer searches on its website for Christmas products — which, so far, is already up 370% on last year.
Some of the most popular searches include Christmas trees, baubles, cards, lights and wrapping paper.
"Christmas always provides a reason for celebration and a welcome break. Understandably it looks as if people are looking forward to and planning for it earlier than ever this year," Jason Billings-Cray, Partner and Christmas Buyer at John Lewis & Partners, says.
"Christmas celebrations mostly take place in our homes and we have seen how the lockdown has made people think more about their homes, so perhaps we shouldn't be surprised that people are already thinking about how they will decorate their homes this Christmas."
Some of the key themes for Christmas this year include Art Nouveau, Pop art, Renaissance and Bloomsbury. As well as fun festive colours, this year also sees the collections tap into the beauty of the outdoors — something which many of us embraced during the pandemic.
John Lewis & Partners Post Impressionism Toucan and Leaf Bauble, Multi
Jason adds: "During lockdown many people have spent more time outdoors and become closer to nature. From the hundreds of emails from customers asking to be alerted when specific decorations become available it looks as if animal baubles will be the most popular this year with peacocks, squirrels and toucans topping the list of most wanted."
Customers aren't only searching for trees and decorations, either. Searches for Christmas puddings on Waitrose is up by 75% on last year, while mince pies and mincemeat are up 100% and 400%, respectively.
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10 eco-friendly Christmas crackers for your festive table
Kate Sproston Design Woodland Reusable Christmas Crackers
Made from natural linen and embroidered with satin thread, each reusable cracker is also finished with a pretty green ribbon. Fill them with special gifts, or use them as a place marker at your Christmas dinner table.
You can choose an individual cracker, or opt for a stylish set of two, four or six.
The Little Green Cracker Company Eco Christmas Crackers
Along with all the sustainability credentials, these crackers come with gifts your guests will actually use — including a mini soap bar, organic teas and flower seeds. We love the frosty foliage design over this green base, too.
William Morris At Home Festive Fabric Cracker Gift Set
Inspired by two William Morris Gallery archive designs, this wonderful reusable fabric cracker comes complete with a fragrance-free lip balm and clementine and clove scented hand cream, making it a great stocking filler idea or gift.
We simply adore how well the rich turquoise velvet bows pair with the extravagant print.
At £19.50 each, these reusable candy cane striped crackers are a little pricey, but they'll add an elegant touch to your Christmas table and will work with a range of Christmas themes over the years.
Made from linen, they come ready to fill with your own gifts.
Encased in these beautiful Christmas crackers sit an assortment of sweet wooden gifts. Plus, Tom Smith is supporting the Trussell Trust, a charity focused on putting an end to hunger and poverty throughout the UK, so you’ll not only be helping the environment but this fantastic cause, too.
LatterLux Personalised Eco Christmas Crackers
These handmade crackers can be personalised with a name or message in a choice of twelve different colours. These are fill-your-own, so you can add in something you know your loved ones will appreciate.
With a traditionally merry tartan design complemented with gold ribbons and snowflake detailing, these reusable crackers would work well on so many different dining tables.
You'll also be supporting a small business as you shop.
Looking to embrace a Scandi-inspired decor theme these year or prefer a more minimal table setting, then these cotton and linen crackers are perfect.
Available individually or in sets of two, four and six, each one features ribbon bows and an embroidered festive red motif.
Fortnum's has long been our go-to for luxury Christmas crackers and this year's selection hasn’t disappointed. In the brand’s signature Eau de Nil colouring, this set will bring a touch of elegance to any dinner table.
The gifts are sweet too: each cracker contains a recipe from Fortnum’s debut cookbook, along with a mini kitchen utensil to help you whip up a feast.
Inspired by the classic carol, these 12 Days of Christmas crackers depict everything from turtle doves to french hens. We're wooed by the whole set, thanks to the quaint illustrations and thoughtful metal gifts (including nail clippers and a yoyo).
John Lewis, which has committed to plastic-free crackers since 2020, has lots more charming designs on offer.
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
