Unlike other areas of the house which slowly gather dust, the mantelpiece gets a makeover each year.
Come December, Christmas cards pour through the letterbox ready to brighten homes with a sprinkling of festive cheer. The tradition of sending Christmas cards may seem increasingly obsolete in an age of social media where a message can be sent with a tap on a screen, yet it remains a thoughtful gesture that is universally appreciated.
And what better way to make a statement via post than with a luxury Christmas card? Household names such as Smythson, M&S and Selfridges stock beautiful designs that impress the second they’re whipped from the envelope.
Many families opt to exercise their creative skills and make their own luxury Christmas cards. Every year, the Prince and Princess of Wales release their family Christmas card to eager fans. A concoction of Fairisle knits, perfectly tousled hair and beaming grins feature heavily within the professionally photographed note.
This seems fitting, considering that the Christmas card has its roots in royalty. Like many Yuletide traditions such as crackers and Christmas trees, Queen Victoria kickstarted the trend as the first person ever to send a Christmas card.
Developments in the publishing industry meant that more affordable gift cards were available for the middle classes, while more illustrative options were only available in bookshops and stationers.
According to the V&A, they were expensive, costing approximately one shilling per card (approximately £28 in today’s money) and aimed at bourgeois customers. Familiar iconography began to pepper card designs. Robins perched in dainty trees, snow-clad vistas and countryscapes were handed to and from Victorians in their numbers, becoming cherished keepsakes as a result.
From classic festive multipacks and colourbomb graphics, 3D pop-ups and sweet charity-giving illustrations, there are plenty of enchanting cards to consider. Ensure your 2024 Christmas cards are the crème de la crème of sophistication and sentimentality by shopping our edit below.
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Selfridges Holly Jolly Christmas Cards Box of Eight
Who said luxury has to be traditional? Selfridge’s playful and lively cards will inject any home with a bolt of spirited colour.
Buy now £18.00, Selfridges
Cath Kidston Baubles Christmas Cards, Pack of Nine
These intricate cards prove that baubles don’t just belong on the Christmas tree. They come in four rich designs, and feature adorable animals dressed in festive kits, adding a perfect sentimental touch.
Buy now £8.95, John Lewis
Caspari Nutcracker Vignette Boxed Cards, Pack of 15
Send them a special note adorned with classic Christmas nutcrackers. With a decadent display of a luscious tree and ornaments, these cards are sure to make your recipient feel the festive warmth.
Buy now £22.00, Fortnum & Mason
M&S 3D Pop-Up Santa’s Workshop Charity Christmas Card
Teleport to the North Pole with these detailed Santa’s Workshop charity Christmas cards. Send your loved ones something extra special with pop-up 3D designs, which will steal the spotlight while perched on any mantelpiece.
Buy now £8.00, M&S
By Anthropologie Christmas Mitten Boxed Cards Set
You know Christmas is around the corner when you can detect the scent of Anthropologie's festive candles wafting down the high street. The store is a treasure trove, and they’ve created these cozy crafty mitten cards, perfect to send out.
Buy now £18.00, Anthropologie
Smythson Dove Christmas Card Set
Smythson knows a thing or two about luxury stationery. The heritage brand has released a beautiful collection of Christmas cards this year, including this serene dove set complete with illustrative gold detailing.
Buy now £39.00, Smythson
Papier Peace Dove Christmas Card Set
Spread peace and love this season with Papier’s contemporary card sets. The brand is saturated with diverse designs, making choosing the perfect print a feat in itself.
Buy now £28.00, Papier
V&A The Snow Ballet Christmas Cards Pack of Eight
The V&A’s gift shop is never to be underestimated. The museum is brimming with cards for all occasions, and this dance-inspired pack is en pointe for sharing Christmas cheer.
Buy now £6.00, V&A
Smythson Carousel Christmas Card
Pick and choose from your favourite Smythson offerings and send individual cards. This ornate carousel card will delight any recipient, thanks to its charming print and white woven texture.
Buy now £13.00, Smythson
Help Musicians Jackie Morris Bundle
Support a good cause while you shop this year. These beautifully designed Christmas cards are sure to touch the hearts of your loved ones. Shop the variety bundle of 50 cards, or buy the volume you need separately.
Buy now £20.00, Help Musicians
