Step into a Winter Wonderland: Rediscovering the Magic of Vintage Christmas Decor

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the enchanting world of vintage Christmas decor. From handcrafted dehydrated citrus garlands to delicately painted ceramic Christmas trees, this article will transport you to a bygone era filled with nostalgia and charm. In this captivating journey, we will delve into the realm of vintage glass finial tree toppers, explore the intricate beauty of vintage Putz houses, and marvel at the artistry of vintage shiny-brite ornaments. So, come along and discover the magic of vintage Christmas decor that will make your holiday season truly unforgettable.

Dehydrated Citrus Garland

Dried orange garland is a classic tribute to past Christmas traditions when people would use whatever they had at home to decorate their Christmas trees, even fruit! We love the layered effect of citrus slices on beautiful evergreen greenery.

Find the tutorial at Spoon Fork Bacon.

SHOP ORANGES

Vintage Glass Finial Tree Toppers

Glass finial tree toppers have remained popular throughout the years. American brands like Shiny-Brite introduced colorful painted styles with glitter in the 1950s and '60s. You can find these vintage pieces for $30-70 each.

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Vintage Feather Tree

An antique German feather tree is the perfect size for a tabletop display on a stairwell. Delicate Shiny-Brite ornaments add a touch of sparkle. Visit this Etsy shop for a selection of authentic goose feather trees. See the next slide for more details.

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Vintage Tree Skirts

A quilted tree skirt is a charming way to add a nostalgic touch to your Christmas decor. Festive designs in red, green, and white bring a homespun feel. Many of these skirts were handmade using store-bought patterns.

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Vintage Putz Houses

Colorful cardboard dwellings, known as "Putz" houses, are available on online vintage sites for as little as $10 each. They create an adorable winter village display on a mantel or shelf. Adding bottlebrush trees completes the charming village theme.

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Putz Cardboard Christmas Houses

The cardboard version of these German Christmas houses became a popular tradition in midcentury America. You can follow this blogger's lead and use them to bring a festive touch to overlooked spaces like cupboards.

See more at Inspired by Charm.

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Gingerbread Houses

Gingerbread houses have been enjoyed since the 1500s, inspired by the story of Hansel and Gretel. While you can purchase easy-to-make gingerbread house kits, you can also try making a cookie version of The Mercantile created by the executive pastry chef Virginia Fistrovich. It includes six pounds of dough and a gallon of icing!

Ceramic Christmas Trees

It's no surprise that these colorful tabletop trees became popular in the '70s. Take inspiration from this blogger who creates a retro theme by displaying her collection of ceramic trees along with a vintage ornament garland.

See more at PMQ for Two.

Tinsel Christmas Tree

Step back in time to the '60s with a tinsel tree adorned with vintage ornaments. Tinsel was originally added to Christmas trees to reflect the light from candles, though it was once considered a luxury item. Nowadays, tinsel is easily accessible and can be used to achieve that vintage vibe.

See more at Aww Sam.

Vintage Red Truck

During the holiday season, you'll notice the popularity of these old-fashioned red trucks everywhere. This pillow resembles the big red pickup truck parked outside The Mercantile, the Drummond Ranch Power Wagon. Follow the steps to make this pillow and add it to your collection of retro decorations.

Get the tutorial at Raggedy Bits.

Snow Globes

Snow globes have been a popular holiday decoration since the mid-20th century. You can create your own snow globe with a retro car carrying a Christmas tree home using mason jars.

Get the tutorial at Mason Jar Crafts Love.

Vintage Quilt Christmas Tree Skirt

Vintage quilts evoke a sense of nostalgia like no other. Apart from using them as cozy blankets, you can also repurpose them to create a beautiful tree skirt for your Christmas tree.

Get the tutorial at Sarah Hearts.

Vintage Santa Claus Figurines

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Vintage Santa Mugs

Santa mugs are not just for coffee or hot cocoa; they also make the perfect containers for displaying greenery or bottlebrush trees. This island centerpiece in a country kitchen is completed with red and white tins filled with greenery.

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Ice Skates

Hang a pair of old ice skates in your entryway to create a nostalgic winter wonderland atmosphere. The flocked wreath and velvet pillows add to the overall charm.

Vintage Tinsel Icicles

Tinsel icicles bring a touch of shimmer to your Christmas tree. While the vintage packaging is delightful for display purposes, it's best to use new tinsel for safety reasons. A tinsel-covered tree instantly adds a vintage vibe to your holiday decor.

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Vintage Shiny-Brite Ornaments

Few vintage Christmas decorations hold the same level of adoration as Shiny-Brite ornaments. Whether displayed individually or as a set, these colorful baubles are timeless and beloved by vintage enthusiasts. They can be used to adorn the tree or arranged in a tiered bowl as a centerpiece.

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Giant Finial Ornaments

Create your own giant finial ornaments to add a bold statement to your home. You can easily craft them using painted plastic bowls, cups, and vases.

Get the tutorial at Dream A Little Bigger.

SHOP PLASTIC CUPS

Button Ornaments

If you have a collection of vintage buttons, you can turn them into art with this fun tutorial. Combine them with pine branches, whether real or faux, to create unique and festive ornaments.

Get the tutorial at Live Laugh Rowe.

Vintage Dresden Ornaments

Create a festive menagerie on your tree with a collection of Dresden ornaments. Made of embossed cardboard, these colorful pieces can be found for as low as $5 or as high as $100, depending on their design, condition, and level of detail.

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Vintage Foil Light Reflectors

For a vibrant Christmas tree, look for flower-shaped foil light reflectors. These reflectors attach to each bulb on a string of lights, absorbing and radiating the light's glow. Multilayered versions may be more expensive, but you can find regular sets ranging from $10-50, depending on their condition.

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Vintage Plastic Santas

Vintage Santa figurines, in various shapes and sizes, add festive and nostalgic charm to any room. This 62-inch-tall plastic Santa, manufactured by LA Goodman in Chicago, would make a grand entrance on your front porch or in your entryway. Vintage and new glow-up blow molds are currently popular among collectors.

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Ornament Mantel Garland

String together your favorite antique ornaments to create a stunning mantel display that ties your entire living room together. This DIY ornament garland is a quick and easy way to add a vintage touch to your holiday decor.

Get the tutorial at Lovely Indeed.

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Vintage Christmas Signs

You don't need to hunt for antique stores or bid on eBay to get your hands on adorable vintage Christmas signs. You can create your own vintage-looking signs and hang them around your house this December.

Get the tutorial at Dream a Little Bigger.

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Vintage Christmas-Themed Matchbooks

In the mid-1900s, matchbooks with holiday designs were printed as advertising. Display a collection of these tiny treasures during the holidays to create a retro vignette.

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Vintage Holiday-Themed Glassware

Look for glassware and dishes decorated with holiday motifs at flea markets or yard sales. They can often be found for less than $1 each. Alternatively, check out Etsy and antiques shops for complete sets, like these candy cane-patterned milk glass mugs by Federal Glass.

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Vintage Dishware

Vintage dishware, such as the Hazel-Atlas Tom and Jerry set, was made by several glass companies. The fired-on designs were popular in the mid-1900s and add a touch of nostalgia to your decor when displayed on shelves, buffets, or tables.

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Vintage Cookie Cutters

If you're fortunate enough to find a complete set of vintage cookie cutters in their original packaging, they make for sweet decorating moments in your kitchen. Display them on open shelves to bring a pop of holiday cheer.

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Vintage Cookie Cutter Wreath

Create a charming wreath for your front door by gluing vintage cookie cutters together in a circular shape. Add a ribbon, such as jute, to complete the look. If you don't have vintage cookie cutters, you can still create this craft using new ones.

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Vintage Christmas Cards

Create a festive tree-shaped arrangement with a collection of vintage Christmas cards. The individual messages come together to form a graphic and joyful greeting. This decorating idea works especially well in small spaces where a traditional tree may not be feasible.

Amy Mitchell

Amy Mitchell is the managing editor at Country Living Magazine. She writes about a wide range of topics, including homes and lifestyle content.

From gingerbread houses to vintage glass ornaments, there is no shortage of nostalgia and charm when it comes to vintage Christmas decor. Bringing these treasures into your home not only adds a touch of the past, but also fills the air with the magic and spirit of the holiday season. So this year, as you deck the halls and trim the tree, consider incorporating some of these beloved vintage pieces into your own Christmas wonderland. Embrace the beauty of yesteryears and create memories that will last a lifetime with these timeless decorations. Let the vintage Christmas spirit fill your home with joy and warmth this holiday season.