Waitrose has recorded a boost in sales of luxury home, dining and décor purchases in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

The retailer has seen the sale of luxury toiletries increasing by 48% year-over-year, while washing and bathing product sales grew by 68%, and home fragrance products sales increased by 22%.

Sales of dining items have also increased by 54%, including patterned napkins, which saw a 41% sales rise. Table linen and glassware sales also grew by 31% and 37%, respectively.

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Catherine Shacklock, Christmas homeware buyer at Waitrose, said: “This year, we’re seeing our customers truly embracing the hosting role this festive season.

“The trend for high-end, convivial hosting is something we’re seeing becoming more popular across the year, and we’re delighted we can make our customers’ Christmases ones to remember with festive homeware as well as food.”

Consumers are also purchasing larger items for desserts and sweet treats, with sales of Waitrose Christmas 6 Month Matured Christmas Pudding 800g increasing by 10% compared to the smaller version.

Waitrose’s No.1 Hand Decorated Matured Rich Fruit Cake 1.5kg also saw a 33% increase in sales.

Consumers are also preparing for post-dinner entertainment, with games and puzzles sales increasing by 27%.