Digging Up That Old Vintage Christmas Decoration

There are so many areas in which it is now considered appropriate, and even chic, to pull out things from the past (from the distant past) and use them as current fashion and decoration statements. Vintage Christmas decorations are just one more domain in which it has suddenly become acceptable and is slowly becoming the most stylish way to decorate for the holidays. 

Whereas 20 years ago everything had to be brand new in order to be stylish, now things that have a subtle beauty, instead of an overstated Christmas theme, are the preferred type of a vintage Christmas decoration; candle holders for example; while 20 years ago red and green Santa Claus and elf candle holders were the norm and the desired style—such candle holders are now considered campy.

It is considered to be much more stylish to pull out your great-grandmother’s old silver candlesticks and play some holly berries on a white tablecloth around the candlesticks. Since vintage stuff is very rarely very specialized for Christmas, you have to use your imagination and create holiday color schemes with fabrics and lighting. This is the understated type of vintage Christmas decoration combined with the style of the 21st century, but borrowing some elements from the past.

Finding Vintage Pieces

As mentioned, there are not very many strictly vintage decorations out there, but you will still have to be a little creative to pull this off. Sure, if you consider the 70’s vintage, you’ll be able to find plenty in your own garage, but if you’re looking for early 20th century pieces or even late 19th century pieces, you’re going to have to look beyond your own garage. 

Perhaps you have a collection of old family heirlooms that includes a silver tea set or even just a silver tray; this is a perfect base for a vintage Christmas decoration even though it may not look like it. You can make this tray into a center piece by placing a thin wreath on it and working candles into the wreath. Perhaps you have old crystal bowls which can become elegant appetizer bowls or can also be made into a centerpiece with candles and greenery.  Candlelight makes cut crystal shine like snowflakes—a truly festive way to make a vintage Christmas decoration.

Whatever you do, look for things that are versatile. Crystal and silver are your best bests—they can produce a holiday feel with candlelight and a few red accents and greenery. There’s no need to buy an entire set of Christmas china—plain white porcelain with a red napkin in a glittering crystal napkin ring will produce the same Christmas feeling, but in a an elegantly vintage way.

Overall it is quite easy to see that there are many different benefits that can be gained from using a vintage Christmas decoration, and so if you do happen to have a vintage Christmas decoration then you should make sure that you bring it out for Christmas.