As an antiques editor here at Country Living, I spend a lot of time sourcing (and admiring!) a lot really lovely old things. Over the years, one of the best lessons I’ve learned about vintage shopping is that, when you’re not exactly sure what you’re looking for, it’s sometimes better to follow the vendor than the category. That’s especially true when it comes to vintage Christmas decor.
As a new parent to a young toddler, I’m still very much figuring out my holiday style. (Currently, I’m feeling something between the trending Ralph Lauren Christmas look and something more quirky and homespun.) While I explore all possibilities, I’ve found myself returning again and again to a handful of online shops that always deliver when it comes to vintage charm.
Some of these sellers specifically specialize in vintage Christmas; others simply have an excellent eye that extends to the season. But all of them share one thing in common: a knack for finding the kinds of vintage pieces that make decorating feel personal, nostalgic, and full of heart.
For Retro Christmas Decor
The Vettel Farm
On Instagram and Etsy, Courtney Vettel does such a picture-perfect job of curating that nostalgic holiday feel. There’s an especially country charm to many of her offerings, including the darling vintage trucks filled with removable holiday decor.
Twins Love Christmas
I met the twin sisters behind this Etsy shop at the legendary Golden Glow Vintage Christmas show in Chicago this past August, and chatting with them was so much fun I knew that their Etsy shop would be equally enjoyable. Elf on the Shelf enthusiasts: How fun would it be to to add a retro elf to your tradition?
A Very Vintage Shoppe
Two of my favorite books about vintage holiday decor are A Very Vintage Holiday and A Very Vintage Christmas, both by Bob Richter. The collection of vintage pieces on offer in his Etsy shop veer towards the sweet side (there’s lots of figurals), but that’s just the look I’m craving when I think about what my young son might enjoy.
Three Daisies Vintage
It’s on my winter bucket list to one day visit this Aurora, Oregon shop IRL, which claims to host one of the largest “true vintage & antique” Christmas shows in the Pacific Northwest. Until then, I look forward to their monthly live shopping events on Instagram.
For Vintage Gift Wrap & Paper Goods
Tim’s Christmas Tide
This eBay shop has one of the biggest assortments of vintage wrapping paper I’ve encountered thus far. Just be sure to plan ahead when purchasing: most vintage wrapping paper is sold by yardage, not by roll.
Vintage Paper Market
If you’ll be scrapbooking or junk journaling this holiday season, this Ohio-based Etsy shop has you covered when it comes to paper ephemera. Also adorable: the vintage gift tags!
For a Ralph Lauren Christmas
The Polohouse
I’ve long loved this aptly-named Etsy shop for equestrian decor, trophies, and English Oak biscuit barrels, all signatures of the Ralph Lauren aesthetic. While most of their non-holiday pieces would fit in flawlessly with a Ralph Lauren Christmas, it certainly doesn’t hurt that the Holiday Decor section is currently hitting things right on the nose with this adorable tartan teddy bear.
Weston Table
If your style veers more classic and traditional, the vintage and antique selection at Weston Table is just *chef’s kiss*. From wooden skis to tartan-trimmed canapé plates, I always know I’m going get a well-curated edit of the highest quality items. Hostesses, take note: your holiday table will polish up particularly nice with their selection of champs buckets and silverplate pieces.
Replacements, LTD.
When I’m searching by brand name, Replacements is always where I head first. And the site is currently stocked with plenty of RL flatware, cocktail glasses, and some perfectly on-theme Ralph Lauren China patterns, including Hampton Floral, Homestead, and Balmoral Hunt.
