There is something about decorating for Christmas that is more meaningful than decorating for the other holidays. It could be because we're allowed to serve the hot chocolate, but it probably has more to do with the fact that it's an occasion rooted in tradition, a little different but equally meaningful for every generation and family. Drawing inspiration from the past is just one of the many ways we honor each iteration that has brought us to the present.
From tinsel to needlepoint, these vintage holiday decor trends are designer favorites that you can easily incorporate into your home, too.
Candlelight
Alexis Earman, founder of The Woodbury Home in Wilmington, North Carolina, lights taper candles almost every night in December—on the table, the mantel, and even on the kitchen counter while she cooks dinner. “There's just nothing better than that warm glow; it makes everything feel calm and a little magical,” she emphasizes. “It’s simple, but it slows everything down in the best way.”
Many neighborhoods have a luminous tradition of placing homemade paper lanterns along streets and paths. If not, you can also add a Christmas touch to your Christmas decorations by adding battery-operated lights to your front windows.
Family heirlooms
Handmade stockings, embroidered pillows, old European villages, tartan tree skirts – these Christmas decorations and more have been passed down through generations. According to Katy Anderson, founder and principal designer of Katy Anderson Interiors in Chevy Chase, Maryland, designers are just as excited about incorporating these meaningful pieces as clients because “they add soul, memory and a warmth accumulated over time that cannot be repeated.”
Red and green
Neutral Christmas decorations that are beautiful and photograph well have been trending for some time. Still, “There's nothing like the nostalgia you feel around a home decorated in the classic holiday colors of red and green,” emphasizes Emily Wood, founder of Emily Wood Interiors and The Foyer in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Of course, it's not just the colors that matter, but also how they are used. Decorate in layers and play with different textures, patterns, and hues in a way that feels eclectic without feeling overwhelming.
tinsel
“I hang a little bit of silver and gold tinsel, but not too much—just enough to catch the light,” says Earman. “It reminds me of Christmas mornings when I was a kid and I love giving tinsel a more sophisticated look now.” Although this metallic material is most traditionally used on a tree, of course, you can also drape it on garlands, wreaths, centerpieces, and more.
Collectibles
When Anderson looks back on her childhood, she thinks of ceramic trees with pinlights, adorable vintage sleighs, little snowmen and other collectibles from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. She describes these whimsical touches as instant sentimentality, “reminding us of simpler seasons of wonder, anticipation and tradition.” What's more, you can look forward to expanding your range every year and linking each one to a different time in your life.
Real trees
“Artificial trees have become very popular over the years as manufacturers continue to improve the look and feel to make them more lifelike,” admits Wood. “Still, nothing puts me in the holiday spirit more than smelling the scent of a fresh Fraser fir!” No matter how inconvenient it is to light and dispose of a tree at the end of the season, there's something to be said about an imperfect tree that you and your family chose and collectively decided was perfect for your home.
Mercury glass ornaments
Forget uniform, one-color balls that lack personality—Anderson suggests you consider hanging vintage Santas, toy soldiers, and tiny reindeer on your tree instead. She describes mercury glass ornaments as “prized for their nostalgic sparkle and Old World charm” with “timeless luster” by everyone, not just designers.
Needlepoint stockings
Needlepoint craft is no longer just the preserve of Nana and her friends, but has also become the preferred craft of other generations. “Younger women put their hearts into these time-consuming yet special keepsakes,” emphasizes Wood. Imagine hanging the stocking you made for your child next to the stocking your grandmother made for you.
Bright colors
“I love seeing bold jewel tones and vintage-style colored bulbs in a home's Christmas decorations,” says Earman. Just two ways to add playful drama to a room through color. The brightness is reminiscent of the joy of the holidays and puts a smile on everyone's face.