I’ve seen many items and art designs during my 11 years with Disney Theme Park Merchandise. During that time, there have been a few outstanding items that have caught my attention (I’m looking at you, Disney Centerpiece). Today, I’m happy to share what I think is my favorite art program we’ve ever introduced to Disney Parks – Holidays for Your Home. This nostalgic line of holiday decorative items includes ornaments, pillows, home goods and more. I caught up with the merchandise development team to learn more about the inspiration behind the designs.
“We’ve been working on this new program for about 18 months,” explained Roger Dressen, merchandiser for seasonal products. “The designs were inspired by a few things from the 1960s, including handcrafted holiday cards sent by the Walt Disney Studios and classic holiday television programming. Lately, we’ve seen a resurgence of mid-century styles in many aspects of design. I grew up in the late 1960s and early 1970s, so Holidays for Your Home is a return to the holidays of my childhood.”
To create this new art program, Disney Design Group artists, Mike Sullivan and Natalie Kennedy, used a color palette that would simultaneously feel both modern and nostalgic. Packaging and product designs contain certain colors that give items the appearance of being vintage without looking old. Finally, the use of textures and patterns give many items a handcrafted look.
“One of my favorite items is the woven stocking that was meticulously crafted in North Carolina,” continued Roger. “I also love the glassware box which uses the vintage Disneyland and Walt Disney World logos. The whole design of the box makes the package a keepsake in its own right.”
The art team included Disney characters as they would have appeared in the 1960s in many of the designs.
“We wanted to capture that retro style, while still making sure that guests could immediately recognize Mickey Mouse,” explained Mike Sullivan, Senior Character Artist with Disney Design Group.
Guests will find Holidays For Your Home items in select merchandise locations at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts.
You may also find select products on the Disney Parks online store – DisneyParks.com/Holiday.
I hope you have a swell holiday season this year!
Comments
Steven,
This new line looks amazing. Do you know when the Disney Gift Card Holiday Pin Series of the $75 gift cards will be released. I love collecting them to make the holiday scene. All I keep hearing is sometime this month but an actual release date would be great to know.
I love the vintage/nostalgic look so much! Many thanks to you and your team for all of the work put into these products. I hope to see more “throwback” items in the future!
Is the apron also made in North Carolina?
@Lisa – The apron doesn’t appear to be made in North Carolina. It is pretty amazing in person. I saw a few runners at the recent Wine & Dine Half Marathon wearing the apron for their race outfits.
http://www.disneystore.com/mickey-mouse-holiday-apron-for-adults/mp/1364270/1000401/
I ADORE this collection. I can’t wait to see it in person in a few weeks. I’ll definitely be bringing some pieces back with me.
I had seen the milk and cookies plate at the end of October and fell in love with it… and now seeing the oven mitts and apron? So much for not buying anything for myself this year!
I have to agree that this is one of the best product designs ever! Vintage design is definitely back in full force and these items fit the bill. I already have the trivet, mug, trays, and only 2 of the ornaments, because I had to stop somewhere! However, I have a serious eye on the apron and potholders, well honestly, everything. This is one of those designs where you really want the whole collection. Also, I love that most of it is being offered online. Great job!
@Nicolette – Thank you for the kind words! I will share your feedback with the team. I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed the artwork 🙂
Golly! These designs remind me of a time when my Disney obsession was in its infancy! It’s so amazing how the Character design and even the artwork layout down to the font can trigger memories of childhood Holiday Cheer! I do thinks it’s time we got Santa a new plate for his cookies! Your HM Pal in Ohio, David
@David – Right on! The character designs are one of my favorite things about the collection.
There goes my Christmas bonus 😛
It looks nice, but … where’s the Hanukkah merchandise?
@Eric – Disney Parks carries a few Hanukkah items as well. I’ve seen a mug, wine glass, banner, plate and pin.
Comments are closed.