There’s something about decorating for Christmas that feels more momentous than decorating for the other holidays. It could be because we get to break out 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. Taking inspiration from the past is just one of the many ways we honor each iteration that’s brought us to the present.
From tinsel to needlepoint, these vintage holiday decorating 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 mantle, and even the kitchen counter while cooking dinner. “There’s just nothing like that warm glow; it makes everything feel calm and a little magical,” she insists. “It’s simple, but it slows everything down in the best way.”
A lot of neighborhoods have luminary traditions that involve lining DIY paper lanterns along the streets and pathways. If not, you can also add some Christmas curb appeal by putting battery-powered lights in your front windows.
Family Heirlooms
Handmade stockings, needlepoint pillows, old European villages, tartan tree skirts—these holiday 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 get just as excited about incorporating these meaningful pieces as clients because “they add soul, memory, and a collected-over-time warmth that can’t be replicated.”
Red and Green
Neutral Christmas decor, which is beautiful and photographs well, has been trending for a while now. That said, “there’s nothing like the nostalgia felt gathered around a home filled with the classic red and green colors of Christmas,” insists Emily Wood, founder of Emily Wood Interiors and The Foyer in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Of course, it’s not just about the colors, but how they’re utilized. Decorate in layers, playing with different textures, patterns, and shades in a way that feels eclectic without being cluttered.
Tinsel
“I hang a little bit of silver and gold tinsel, but not too much—just enough to catch the light,” Earman says. “It reminds me of Christmas mornings during childhood, and I love giving tinsel a more refined look now.” Though the most traditional use of this metallic material is, of course, on a tree, you can also drape it on garland, wreaths, centerpieces, and more.
Collectibles
When Anderson looks back on her childhood, she remembers ceramic trees with peg lights, charming vintage sleighs, little snowmen, and other collectibles from the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. She describes these whimsical accents as adding instant sentimentality, “reminding us of simpler seasons filled with wonder, anticipation, and tradition.” Plus, you can look forward to adding to your array every year, associating each one with a different time in your life.
Real Trees
“Fake trees have become very popular over the years as manufacturers continue to improve the look and feel, making them seem more lifelike,” Wood admits. “Still, nothing gets me more in the holiday spirit than smelling a fresh Fraser fir!” No matter how inconvenient it is to light one up and dispose of it at the end of the season, there’s something to be said about an imperfect tree that you and your family picked out, deciding together that it was perfect for your home.
Mercury Glass Ornaments
Forget uniform, solid-colored balls that lack personality—Anderson implores you to consider hanging vintage Santas, toy soldiers, and tiny reindeer on your tree instead. She describes mercury glass ornaments as being “treasured for their nostalgic glow and Old World charm” with “timeless sparkle” by everyone, not just designers.
Needlepoint Stockings
No longer reserved for Nana and her friends, needlepointing has become the preferred craft of other generations as well. “Younger women are pouring their hearts into these time-consuming yet oh-so-special mementos,” Wood insists. Just imagine hanging up the stocking you made for your child next to the one your grandmother made for you.
Bright Colors
“I love to see bold jewel tones and vintage-style colored bulbs in a home’s Christmas decor,” Earman says. Just two ways of bringing playful drama to a space through color, the brightness is reminiscent of the joy of holidays and puts a smile on everyone’s face.
