Gnome for the holidays

Hoffman’s Patterns of the Past in

Princeton offers a large variety of gnomes, which continues to be one of the hottest home décor trends in 2021, according to Jyl Morse, owner of Hoffman’s.

Story and photos by Shannon Serpette

Everything that goes out of style always seem to come back in. Need proof? Just look at bell bottoms and scrunchies.

The home décor darling of 2021 is a familiar face to those who remember the 1970s. Those adorably cute gnomes you might recall from your parents’ or grandparents’ gardens have made an astounding comeback the past several years in gardens all over the U.S. But last year and this year, gnomes have been remarkably popular for Christmas décor as well, according to Jyl Morse, owner of Hoffman’s Patterns of the Past in Princeton, a store that sells china, decorations, ornaments, and much more.

“The popularity of gnomes really hit the fan last year,” Morse said. “Gnomes are really big this Christmas. It’s a big European thing, but it’s coming here. They’re just so darn cute.”

Why they made such a

Looking for a last-minute ornament to give someone for the holidays or to stock up on after-Christmas items for next year? Hoffman’s Pattern of the Past offers customizable gnome ornaments. They can print any name on the gnome ornaments they have so everybody, even those with unusual names, can get into the fun.

ShopHoffman's forallyourChristmaspresents!

big resurgence after falling out of favor for decades, Morse isn’t entirely sure. Perhaps it’s because they’re seen as harbingers of good luck, especially when placed in the garden. Or maybe it’s because it brings back a sense of nostalgia for generations old enough to remember them in the 1970s. But one thing is certain – Morse has been seeing them fly off her store’s shelves this year.

“People buy them year-round,” she said. “They’re nice, and they’re colorful.”

Whatever the reason for their new popularity, Morse said it’s refreshing to see such a positive, fun trend come back into play, and she’ll enjoy it while it lasts.

“Next year, it might be something else,” she said.