What are the Key Elements of Vintage Christmas Decorating?

Winter is a time for cozy glamour and nesting. Vintage Christmas decorating is all about capturing the charm and nostalgia of yesteryears. To create a truly authentic vintage Christmas look, there are a few key elements you should consider:

1. Classic Color Palette

A traditional color palette of red, green, gold, and silver evoke a sense of nostalgia and are commonly associated with vintage Christmas decor. However, look at your interior decorating style and chooses items that flow together. Classic colors as mentioned above can look beautiful with nearly every interior, but also think outside of the box. Gold and silver are the perfect base for any decor, but if you tend to gravitate more toward a softer palette, think about adding a soft blue and/or pink.

2. Antique Ornaments

Utilize antique glass ornaments for your Christmas tree and decor. Seek out vintage glass ornaments and hand-painted baubles. Indented, reflective ornaments are essential.

3. Soften Your Wrapping Paper Look

Wrapping gifts can be time consuming and exhausting but the end result can bring cohesiveness and finished elegance to your tree. Choose classic holiday motifs with beautiful script, or a plain white wrapping paper. Adding a long, silk or velvet ribbon and a sprig of faux or real greenery will add an extra layer of nostalgia to your presents. Or, purchase a bolt of yarn to use as your ribbon. Multiple wraps around your gift add texture and charm. 

4. Candles and Candle Holders

Use vintage-style candle holders and real candles to create a warm and cozy atmosphere. Opt for traditional taper candles or vintage-inspired pillar candles. Simple brass candlesticks tied with a velvet ribbon tied add instant charm. If real candles are a cause of concern, consider using electric candles. They come in all sizes and are a game changer when you place them inside glass front cabinets, under a cloche, or on wall sconces. 

5. Retro Christmas Lights

Instead of modern LED lights, opt for retro-style Christmas lights. Look for string lights with larger, colorful bulbs like the C7 bulbs to give your decorations an authentic vintage feel. Fairy lights are a must because you can put them anywhere in your decor for an elegant glow.

6. Garden Elements

Bring your outdoor accents inside for the winter season. The aged patina of a concrete garden statue, a rusted urn or a chippy vintage capital create a juxtaposition against a soft floral stem, a velvet ribbon, or a simple pine tree. Adorn a weathered angel with a small wreath or a vintage lace table topper and tie a ribbon on the handle or base of an urn, leaving the tails of the ribbon long and flowing.

7. Antique Decorative Accents

Incorporate antique decorative accents by adding delicate figurines such as porcelain birds, angels, and religious statues under garden cloches, or peeking outside of a floral arrangement. Bottle brush tabletop trees and glass garlands draped over cabinets or laying gracefully on a plateau mirror add a layer of creativeness and intrigue. Use an old brass or crystal lamp base as a tree stand for miniature trees or branches, finishing the stems with a simple, oversized ribbon.

By following these key elements of vintage Christmas decorating, you can create a festive and nostalgic atmosphere that will transport you and your guests back in time. Embrace the charm of the past and enjoy a truly memorable holiday season.