Vintage Christmas is a treasure like no other. Full of nostalgia and charm, vintage Christmas decor bring a certain home-y feeling that just can’t be replicated by modern day decor. Each year, I work to grow my vintage Christmas decor collection, and I’ve rounded up a guide of all the things I look for and love in the home.
Aluminum Trees
Aluminum Christmas trees from the 1950s, complete with the spinning color wheel and stand, bring nostalgia and shimmer to a Christmas collection. I recently picked up on with pom poms on the end at my local antique store, though they’re getting increasingly hard to find. The mid-century modern trees were made by brands like Evergleam and Peco, and most of the trees are silver. If you’re lucky enough to find a different color, snag it up! Those are incredibly rare.
Vintage Mercury Glass Ornaments
Vintage Holiday ornaments add a sparkle and color to a tree that just can’t be replicated by other, modern day ornaments. Brands like ShinyBrite sell these candy colored, delicate glass creations that look great on old and new trees alike. I have a collection handed down to me from my nana, as well as some other special pieces I picked up at antique stores.
Santa Mugs
Santa mug collections have become a cult-like obsession in the antique community, and rightfully so. These old, porcelain mugs from the 50s and 60s have such charming faces, and come in a variety of color-ways and handle styles. Some also have matching pitchers! My personal stash only includes 1 set of Santa Noel Handle mugs, and they are one of my favorite Christmas pieces.
Ribbons, Wrapping, and Cards
Vintage wrapping supplies has been my new obsession this Christmas season. Vintage spools of patterned, curling, and crushed velvet ribbon look just as beautiful on display as they do on presents. My favorite finds have come from both antique stores and goodwill, you just have to be willing to dig!
As for wrapping paper, every time you see vintage wrapping paper, I urge you to grab it! It’s pretty pricey when purchasing online, though my local thrift stores have blessed me with a huge stash. Vintage wrap is often times in folded sheets, or it looks just a bit older on the roll. The papers have eclectic patterns, and when used together, create the most beautiful, curated look under the tree.
Finally, if you love vintage iconography, keep an eye out for vintage holiday cards. Postcards from the 1910s are common at antique stores, and I was able to thrift a stack of 50 cards from 1940! Some I use for decor, and others I give out with gifts.
Shaped Candles
Gurley Candle figurines are these adorable, seasonal candles that are in the shape of all kinds of cute, holiday icons. These were made from the 40s to the 70s, and have become quite a collectors item. Other brands, like dial soap, also have made holiday figurine candles. Have you ever had a candle you found too pretty to burn? Well that’s exactly how you’d come across one of these today! I have a santa and angel dial soap candle set for Christmas, and a cute stash of Thanksgiving ones!
Vintage Christmas brings such a special charm to your current-day decor, and the hunt to find these pieces makes it all worth the while. Start your search in you grandparent’s attic, check out local church thrift stores, and ponder those antique booths to build your own, timeless collection.
All thoughts and opinions are my own. I purchased everything with my own money.