Deck the Halls with Decades Past
by Stephanie Germana
Hi there, holiday homebodies!
If you know me at all, you know that most of my favorite Christmas decorations have come from the auction (German Santa candy containers, little Christmas villages, vintage holiday cards from years past, antique kugels and ornaments…) and so it should come as no surprise that I am making a last-ditch effort to convince you to ditch the plastic Santas for something a little more… charming.
I know I could (and usually do) say this about a lot of things, but modern Christmas décor has started to feel very mass-produced in recent years, and I personally feel like everything looks the same. I saw three vertical wooden porch signs that said “Merry & Bright” on my way home yesterday, and while that’s wonderful if that’s your thing!, I know that a lot of the purchases we make around the holiday season are because we just need something and we end up settling for what’s popular …because popular means it was the right choice, right?
Well… Not always. And here’s why: Is it actually you? Does it reflect the things that bring you the most joy around the holiday season? Does it bring to mind memories of holidays past, or family traditions? Does it inspire you to fully embrace the holiday spirit?
This season, let’s aim to skip the cookie-cutter Christmas (or at least, give the Merry & Bright sign a supporting role instead of the lead!) and dive headfirst into the world of vintage magic. Here are a few ideas on how to decorate your halls with decades past.
Treasure Trove Hunting (or, where to score some incredible stuff)
Auction Houses, Thrift Stores, Estate Sales: C’mon, you had to know that I was going to start with this one. When people are downsizing, one of the first (and often easiest) thing that they part with are their holiday decorations. If they’re moving away, it’s easier to start over, and if they’re downsizing, there likely isn’t room for the mass amounts they’ve acquired over the years! We have some incredible items in our next Discovery Auction, and our friends over at Sales by Helen do as well (including one of my personal favorites, German kugels!) As for thrift stores, what a great place to find little treasures that need new homes, and the best place to find wrapping paper, bows, ribbons, and candles!
Grandma's Attic: The ultimate jackpot, if you are lucky enough to have grandparents or older generations nearby! Some of my favorite decorations are things that I made for my mom when I was little (macaroni ornaments, anyone?) or the framed Christmas cookie recipe from my grandmother. Stockings, greeting cards, ornaments, you name it. Just ask!
The Power of Pinterest: Don't underestimate the power of a good ol' inspiration board. Scour Pinterest for vintage Christmas vibes, then hit the bricks with a specific vision in mind. You'll be surprised what hidden gems you unearth, and how effortlessly it can come together once you get all of the pieces in play.
Color Magic:
Go full-on 1950s kitsch with soft pastels and pops of cherry red. Think baby blue ornaments, dusty pink tinsel, and maybe even a sprinkle of silver glitter for good measure.
For a touch of sophisticated nostalgia, lean into rich jewel tones. Ruby red ornaments, emerald green garlands, and sapphire blue baubles will make your tree look like it belongs in a velvet-lined jewelry box.
Channel the glamour of Art Deco with antiqued silver, tarnished brass, and aged copper accents. Pair them with cream and ivory for a touch of understated elegance.
Mix and Match, Baby!
Don't be afraid of clashing! Vintage decor is all about the happy accidents. I recently remember hearing an Interior Designer say that pink and green don’t go together around the holidays. Hey, anything goes, as long as you’re putting your heart into it! Throw ornaments from different eras and styles together for a unique, personal look. Remember, grandma's porcelain angels might look fabulous next to that funky 1970s disco Santa.
Layer it up! Don't just hang ornaments from your tree, drape them around it! Weave in faded ribbons, vintage garlands, and even old costume jewelry for an extra dose of texture and sparkle.
Think beyond the tree! Vintage Christmas magic isn't just for the living room. Fill bowls with ornaments, hang mismatched stockings from an old ladder, or create a mini winter wonderland with bottlebrush trees and miniature houses. Every corner deserves a sprinkle of festive cheer.
Light Up the Night:
If you’re not committing to string lights, you’re hopeless. KIDDING! But truly- String fairy lights around your tree, drape them over windows, or tuck them into glass jars for a soft, twinkling glow. Remember, vintage Christmas is all about cozy vibes.
Vintage lamps are your new best friends. Warm-toned bulbs and unique shades (stained glass, ceramic, even old lanterns!) will add a touch of old-world charm.
Candles, candles, candles! Cluster pillar candles on trays, place tealights in vintage tins, or let votives flicker from inside old glass bottles.
So, there you have it. Your crash course in vintage Christmas style and charm. Remember, it's not about perfection, it's about creating a space that feels warm, inviting, and full of stories. So grab your thermos of eggnog, crank up the Bing Crosby, and let the vintage decorating adventures begin!
Happy Holidays, from all of us at Briggs Auction.
