Dubai, UAE, November 21, 2017:  Buying Christmas decorations for John Lewis must be one of the best jobs in the world. We are always developing new ideas to excite our customers, and this year we have travelled the world to bring together seven brand new decoration themes. Each of our themes is inspired by the fables and traditions of a particular country or region – Folklore takes its cue from Eastern European traditions, whilst Winter Palace tells the story of Russia’s Father Frost and his helper, the Snow Maiden. Being a lover of the great outdoors, my favourite theme this year is Into the Woods, which is set in the mossy, enchanted forests of Ireland.

This autumn our shops will take personalisation to the next level as we introduce Christmas Villages into a total of 11 locations, bringing together everything you could wish for when preparing for Christmas. As well as personalised baubles, sacks and wrapping paper, for the first time John Lewis has partnered with the Magic Candy Factory to offer customers the chance to have a selfie transformed into delicious fruit jelly. Customers can also visit the Great Wall of Baubles in selected shops - an area from which they can pick and mix a bespoke combination of baubles from a spectrum of 25 colours.

“Each theme is inspired by the fables and traditions of a particular country or region”

The majority of our tree ornaments are hand blown and hand decorated by skilled artisans in Europe and Asia, and we celebrate their skill with a collection of baubles we call Art of the Glassmaker – a showcase of some of the oldest and newest techniques in bauble making. And this year - you heard it first - tinsel is back. We've worked with our manufacturer in Wales to update this retro decoration and offer it in exciting new guises. My favourite is the oak leaf tinsel in soft gold, which is about as far from the crushed and faded stuff in my attic as I can imagine.

Dan Cooper
Christmas Buyer

WINTER PALACE
This year, opt for a dazzling Christmas scene with our Winter Palace collection. Inspired by an old Russian folktale, this Christmas story is as exciting as it is
beautiful. Ice-white waterfall lights, feathered peacock clips and diamante leaf baubles are just a few of the pieces that make this collection magical. W ith a palette of sapphire blues and glamorous golds, there’s no better way to create a sophisticated setting this season.

• St Petersburg Blue Tree 7ft AED 1,325
• WINTER MINI GLASS BAUBLE 28 AED 42
• JEWELLED-FEATHER-SKIRT-BAUBLE AED 32
• PALACE CROWN BAUBLE AED 32
• LOVABLE PUG BAUBLE AED 55
• AQUA SWIRL ORB AED 32
• CLEAR ICICLE ORNAMENT AED 32

INTO THE WOODS
Into the Woods takes inspiration from the fairy tales of the forests of Ireland. Decorated with an abundance of beautiful faux greenery and embellished insects, it creates a spell-binding scene. With over 40 hanging decorations; including glittery greenhouse, moss-filled baubles and woodland creatures; Into the Woods will make for a magical Christmas loved by all. Incorporated finishing touches of green hellebore and Joanna Buchanan dragonflies to create your very own enchanted woodland.

• GREEN BEAD BRANCH BAND BAUBLE AED 22
• GOLDEN PEAR AED 16
• CLEAR GOLD ETCHED BAUBLE AED 32
• 24ct Urchin Bauble AED 42

LIMA LLAMA
Drawing on Peruvian festivals, Lima Llama celebrates all that is bright about Christmas. Whether you’re Peru-bound or not, multicoloured ornaments and pom-pom garlands add an irresistible charm to all your decorations. Incorporate bursts of colour to your home with a vibrant tapestry stocking nand add our favourite llama plush to make any room pop.

• CLAYGIRL HANGER AED 16
• CLAYDOUGH 3D SANTA AED 27
• CONFETTI BAUBLE AED 27
• GREEN HONEYCOMB TREE HANGER AED 16
• WOODEN DUCK HANGER AED 27
• CLAYDOUGH 3D SAUSAGE DOG AED 22

TALES OF THE MAHARAJA
Tales of the Maharaja invites the myths and tales told through classical Indian dance into your home. Showcasing a beautiful use of colour, this collection is alive with vibrant washes of oranges and teals, sequins and feathers. With opulent glass baubles adorned with beads and exotic paisley prints, this collection creates the wow factor this Christmas.

• TEAL BEADED STRIPE BAUBLE AED 27
• LEOPARD HEAD 42 AED
• MERCURISED PINK BAUBLE AED 27
• FACETED RAINBOW BAUBLE AED 42