Shoppers upgrade their homewares to impress this Christmas

Retailer Debenhams has seen shoppers rushing in to buy fine china and cutlery sets in order to gain one-upmanship over their Christmas guests.

Such is demand that sales have gone up my 20% compared to this time last year.

Other items flying off the shelves include Egyptian cotton bed sheets which are soaring by 28% and premium towels which have risen by 12%.

Alice Duggan Head of Debenhams Home Buying says; “Shoppers are aiming to really impress their festive guests and leave them green with envy, it’s a clear case of keeping up with the Joneses.”

Customers are paying particular attention to the dinner table and sales of china, crystal glassware and dining accessories such as placemats have all risen.

The trend was first seen in December, since the November pay day customers have been flocking in to spruce up their homes for the festive season.

Customer research by department store Debenhams shows that people will host on average, five parties or dinner parties over the festive period at home.

Alice Duggan continues; “2012 is the year for entertaining at home, the street parties of the Jubilee have simply continued into the house.”

“Customers are intent on making their homes so luxurious that they would rival any premium boutique hotel.”

“As the cost of entertaining in restaurants and bars increases, shoppers are spending their hard earned cash on entertaining at home and giving their humble abode a make-over in the process.”

TV shows such as ‘Come Dine With Me’ and ‘Dinner Date’ are other reasons behind the trend for entertaining at home this Christmas.

Cookware is another area that shoppers are upgrading, a rise has been seen in pots and pans in an effort to make sure the food they offer is as enticing as the décor.

The trend for longevity in homewares and investment buying is a key trend for 2012 which is set to continue throughout 2013.

For more information, visit debenhams.com.