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Glass Ornaments
Those delicate glass ornaments in fabulous colors deserve to make a comeback, according to Farmer. He says that it’s especially chic to pile some gorgeous glass ornaments in a silver punch bowl.
Tree Toppers
“Even if you don’t have ornaments on your tree, a vintage topper can add instant nostalgia,” Richter says. “There are so many out there made of glass, plastic, or metal. Some even light up.”
TINSEL ICICLES
Riebe says that tinsel icicles, those thin, metallic strands that are reminiscent of the icicles outside, are a great way to add “excitement and drama to a Christmas tree.” It’s an approach that he showcases frequently on his Instagram page, and says that while tinsel is inexpensive, it will absolutely have an impact.
“If you don’t have many ornaments or other decorations, tinsel icicles can fill the gap,” he says. “It can even be saved and reused year after year.”
Hobbyist Ceramics
Richter says that once upon a time, many people took ceramics classes where they painted a white mold of a Christmas tree or a Santa Claus or some other holiday figure.
“These were very popular in the 1960s to 1980s, and now are very nostalgic,” he says. “While many have found the trees that light up, there are many other shapes out there that are very fun and decorative. Since these were so popular, they are often easily found at thrift stores and flea markets.”
Christmas Villages
“Whether your village is composed of paper Putz houses from the 1940s or ceramic models from the 1980s, there is something so magical about creating your own little snowy fantasy world,” Riebe says. “These villages look especially great displayed on a fireplace mantel or dining room sideboard. Don’t forget to include bottle-brush trees, lampposts, and villagers, and give everything a generous dusting of snow.”
POMANDERS
Farmer says that he personally loves pomanders, and wants them to make a comeback. “The cloves and oranges are so delightful, and the scent is beyond amazing,” he says. “Anything Colonial Williamsburg with fruit is my fave.”
Add a velvet bow to each piece of fruit and stack them in a bowl for a festive touch.
Bubble Lights
Richter suggests that if you want to immediately add a nostalgic look to your tree, try bubble lights.
“They add an element of movement, and are so very charming,” he says. “Many companies reproduce them so you can buy new ones that are safer to use and still get that vintage look.”
Hand-Painted Ornaments
Back in the day, most vintage ornaments were painted and decorated by hand, and Riebe says that this handiwork shows in the ornaments’ intricate details and motifs.
“From your traditional Santas and elves to more interesting motifs such as florals, lighthouses, mushrooms, and even squirrels, the vintage varieties seem endless,” he adds.
Advent Calendars
When he was growing up, Richter counted down the days until Christmas with an Advent calendar, and it’s still something he does to this day.
“I use vintage Advent calendars that typically have a sweet holiday scene printed on them and are often embellished with glitter,” he says. “It’s a fun thing to hang in the kitchen or entryway. In today’s digital age, it’s also a nice, mindful activity to add to the mix.”
Trains Under Trees
“There is almost nothing cuter or more nostalgic than a toy train circling around the bottom of a Christmas tree,” Riebe says. “The models that feature real smoke coming from the engine and Santa in the conductor’s seat are especially entertaining.”
Framed Jewelry Trees
When he was little, Farmer remembers a framed Christmas tree that his great-grandmother had, packed with mismatched earrings, brooches, and costume pieces.
“I loved it!” he says. “A touch of kitsch and a touch of class!”
You can still find these jewelry-adorned trees through online vintage marketplaces like Etsy or eBay, or you can always try your hand at making one yourself.
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