Following on from a recent blog with my prediction for what will be the next trend, I decided to write a separate blog to cover some existing trends. These are trends which are still strong and which look set to continue into 2018, with some even incorporating my predicted trend of shiny metal accents!

So, here’s what we can expect to see more of in the coming months:

Unicorns

The demand for all things unicorn doesn’t seem to be abating and there are lots more products to look forward to for this theme!

First there came grey horns then came horns with added pzazz! Now there are horns with floral details and tassels and even ones with striped pastel tones. Ideal not only as party hats for a unicorn theme party but also for cake decorating. We’ve even seen horns added to bubble balloons to make unique unicorn designs!

Flamingos

A flamboyance of flamingos is guaranteed to brighten your day and bring on those summer vibes! The flamingo lilo was a big hit in 2017 (Anna here is a big fan!) and we think the Floating Flamingo balloon will be equally well received.

Pineapples

This 2017 trend has continued to grow and couldn’t be more perfect for incorporating the 2018 ‘metal’ trend. Just check out some of these golden pineapples – bling, bling!

Rose Gold

Rose Gold is another trend which shows no sign of slowing and you can expect to see many more rose gold products. It also lends itself well to the ‘precious metals theme’, completing the mixed metals look when teamed with other silver and gold items.

Organic

A difficult look to achieve but when you get it right, it’s simply stunning! As confidence grows, I think we’ll see more and more organic balloon designs from photo opportunity frames to half arches and from garlands to balloon walls. Organic designs work well with flora and fauna as well as shiny metals. We love this picture by Qualatex taken to showcase the new Chrome latex balloons.

Royal Wedding

Not exactly a trend but certainly something on the radar is the forthcoming Royal Wedding. According to one manufacturer, there was a dramatic increase in the number of weddings taking place between 2010 and 2012, which they attributed partly to William and Kate’s wedding so they expect to see a similar boost later this year. This sounds like good news for the industry since not only should it provide an increased demand for wedding decorations but hopefully they’ll also be a few street parties to mark the occasion as well. So, with that in mind, perhaps a combination of union flag products and products featuring the ‘stars and stripes’ may be in order?

Football

Well, we couldn’t mention the Royal Wedding without also mentioning the FA World Cup, could we?! The Cup Final is set for 19 May 2018; the very day Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are due to get married. Hmm, we foresee some fights for the TV on that day!! Again, not strictly a trend, but football fever may have a knock-on effect when it comes to choosing a theme for a party so take this as a ‘heads up’!

Paper Decorations

And last but by no means least, we’re seeing an increase in the popularity of paper decorations. From buffet table backdrops to staircase decoration, mixing and matching paper decorations couldn’t be easier (or more on trend if you incorporate some shiny metal designs!!). In a blog by House & Home, Designer Sarah Hartill shows shares step-by-step instructions on how to create a festive paper garland which could also be adapted to suit many themes from Baby Shower to Summer Party.

We will be extending our range of paper decorations over the next few weeks so as always, keep an eye on the New Products section of the website as well as our usual social media haunts such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

Well I think that’s enough from me for now but have you seen any other trends emerging? Leave us a comment below!

Rachel