Sketch' festive installation has revived a Medieval trend we never expected to see this century

This Middle Ages feature has made its mark on London's chicest restaurant

Sketch' festive installation
(Image credit: Jean Cazals)

The era of the floating Christmas tree is here. Or rather, it's returned. Festivities in the Middle Ages may have seen the first floating (and upside-down) trees take center stage, but they are having a moment once again this 2021. How do we know? Because Sketch says so. 

The Mayfair institution has unveiled its 19th festive installation, and it's based upon a Christmas decoration idea that dates back a time long before Sketch's pink gallery made waves on Instagram. In fact, very, very long time before. 

According to traditions, an upside-down Christmas tree holds a religious sentiment that shaped festivities centuries in the past – but we expect this alternative Christmas tree idea is back for another year, at least.

Sketch' festive installation

(Image credit: Future)

This year, Sketch has exhibited floating Christmas trees in the Glade, the woodland-inspired space that acts as the backdrop for their festive decorations every year. And, in a move that upholds another annual tradition, Sketch revealed the designer behind the supernatural Christmas tree is a product of Sketch's favorite florist Ricky Paul. 

These floating Christmas trees know how to make a statement without overpowering the space – because, despite their striking design, the lack of decoration on the trees gives them an almost rustic aesthetic. 

So, should you float instead of going bright and bold? While this concept may seem daring, Etsy's Trend Expert, Dayna Isom Johnson, predicts that organic influences will reshape interior design ideas this December. And a raw, floating Christmas tree may be the solution you are looking for. 

Sketch' festive installation

(Image credit: Jean Cazals)

'We're seeing a big trend emerging in organic influences for Christmas decor this year,' Dayna explains. 

'I also predict that coastal elements – like driftwood and seashell accents – along with mountainscape motifs will take center stage for shoppers looking to incorporate this nature-inspired trend within their homes,' she adds.

And, in another nod to the biggest Christmas trends of the year, Sketch's multiple floating trees are set to inspire you to invest in more than one tree in your home. This comes after a recent survey by Squire's discovered that 11% of people are planning on having more Christmas trees in their house than they did last year. 

Sketch

(Image credit: Jean Cazals)

As many as 30% of respondents shared that they would have two trees, and 11% are planning on having three or more trees – though we expect this will rise even further following Sketch's historic installation. 

You can visit the installation at 9 Conduit St, London W1S 2XG. 

Megan Slack

Megan is the News and Trends Editor at Homes & Gardens. She first joined Future Plc as a News Writer across their interiors titles, including Livingetc and Real Homes. As the News Editor, she often focuses on emerging microtrends, well-being stories, and celebrity-focused pieces.


Before joining Future, Megan worked as a News Explainer at The Telegraph, following her MA in International Journalism at the University of Leeds. During her BA in English Literature and Creative Writing, she gained writing experience in the US whilst studying in New York. Megan also focused on travel writing during her time living in Paris, where she produced content for a French travel site.