Styling Your Home with Vintage Charm for the Holidays
Written by: Faith O'Mara
As the days get colder and nights grow longer, we know exactly when some of the most magical times of the year are approaching. And we all know what that means...TIME TO BUST OUT THOSE HOLIDAY DECORATIONS!!! The holiday season is a time to create warmth, joy and lasting memories, and what better way to fill your home with charm and character than by decorating with fabulous vintage treasures? Whether it's a growing collection of old ornaments, nostalgic glassware or a retro-inspired Christmas tree, vintage decor brings a timeless touch that can make your holiday celebrations feel extra special.
With Christmas being right around the corner and trying to tackle the never-ending list of things to do before the big day, I wanted to provide you with a simple guide to styling your home with vintage charm for the holidays without any added stress. We’ll explore how incorporating vintage pieces into your holiday decor can add personality, nostalgia and a unique style to your home. Ready to blend old-world charm with modern-day festivities? Let’s dive into some creative ideas to help you decorate your home with vintage style this holiday season!
Start with a color palette
First things first, before we dive into decorations, let's start by picking a color palette. Traditional red, green, and gold is always a beautiful look, or add in some metallic silver for a luxurious vintage feel (cue the tinsel). Pops of purple, yellow, or orange add a good splash of color. You could also opt for pretty pastel colors for a retro 1950s kitschy Christmas vibe with soft pink, baby blue, and mint green. A popular modern color palette that is always a safe choice involves using neutral colors if you prefer them. Or perhaps you're like me and occasionally prefer to be a bit more adventurous and bold, opting for more color for added joy. Choose all the vibrant and cheerful colors that bring a smile to your face!
Add vintage elements to your tree
To infuse vintage charm into your holiday decor, incorporate vintage ornaments into your Christmas tree. The Christmas tree is the centerpiece of holiday decorations, so using vintage ornaments will make it truly stand out. Consider glass ball ornaments like those from the Shiny Brite brand, vibrant and colorful ornaments shaped like bells or icicles, hand-blown and hand-painted German and Polish glass pieces, and ornaments adorned with mica or wire mesh. Adding traditional tinsel or metallic garlands will enhance the classic charm. Don't overlook the impact of a vintage tree topper for an added effect! Under the tree, a knitted or crocheted tree skirt can provide a cozy, old-fashioned appearance. A vintage train circling the tree would also be a delightful addition.
Add vintage textiles
Incorporating textiles is an effortless way to add vintage charm to your home during the holidays. Consider using plaid or gingham patterns for throw pillows or blankets on your sofa or lounge chair. You'll be amazed at how quickly this simple addition can create a vintage Christmas atmosphere! Dressing your holiday dining table with a vintage tablecloth or napkins is another excellent way to utilize vintage textiles. Hang vintage hand towels in your guest bathroom or kitchen. One of my favorite textiles to seek out is vintage hand-knit or needlepoint Christmas stockings and needlepoint decorative pillows, which sometimes come in the shape of Santa!
Don't forget about lighting
Never underestimate the power of candlelight to instantly add vintage charm to a space. We can all agree that lighting can completely transform the ambiance of your home. It plays a crucial role in creating a warm, inviting, and festive atmosphere is for the holidays. Proper lighting will highlight your holiday decorations. Â Brass candleholders can create a cozy environment while adding a touch of vintage style. Additionally, beautiful glass fairy lights can offer a romantic, whimsical look that highlights focal points throughout your home. Retro lamps with mid-century modern designs or art deco are also great options for incorporating vintage charm. For added elegance, consider swapping your entryway light for a vintage chandelier. Tea lights in old jars, pillar candles, or antique candleholders will further enhance the atmosphere.
Set the table with vintage charm
Setting a holiday table with vintage items is an enchanting way to create a cozy, nostalgic atmosphere that feels both elegant and personal. To create an ideal holiday tablescape with a vintage touch, seek out vintage holiday glassware featuring holly or Christmas tree motifs, gold-rimmed china, floral patterns, and retro designs on plates and cups. Choose etched glass cups or crystal wine glasses that shine in the light. For a more playful, eclectic feel, mix and match colored glass. Enhance the dinnerware with vintage plaid napkins or placemats. Add an additional vintage touch by selecting napkin rings that match your color scheme. Don't forget the vintage silverware! When serving, use vintage silver platters, cake stands, and tiered trays to add elegance to your holiday meals. Display a small holiday scene under a vintage glass cloche as your centerpiece. Incorporate vintage candle holders with tall taper candles for a warm glow, and fill empty table spaces with greenery or flowers.
Vintage figurines are your friend
Decorating with vintage figurines and holiday characters brings nostalgia and adds fun to your holiday decor. Everyone loves a good Santa figurine! Old ceramic, glass, or porcelain Santa figurines give a good vintage Christmas feel and would look great almost anywhere: on a bookshelf, fireplace mantel, or TV stand. Place the figurines at different levels to add depth to your decor. Use decorative boxes, trays, or risers to elevate pieces. A vintage nutcracker (or two or three) would be an excellent addition to your mantel or table decor too. Trust me when I say you can't have too many Santas for your holiday decorations!
Upcycle vintage finds for a fun DIY
Upcycling vintage finds for holiday decor is a fantastic way to add unique, sustainable charm to your space. Use vintage ephemera (such as magazines or old sheet music) to make paper snowflakes, garlands, or lanterns. Finding old lace, fabric, and buttons to repurpose into holiday decor like ornaments, garlands, or wreaths is always fun and looks great! You can use vintage bottles or jars as candleholders, and old tin cans can be repurposed as festive planters. Antique wooden window frames can be repurposed as a rustic photo display. Vintage wooden crates can serve as storage or display units for your holiday decor; stack them as shelving or fill them with ornaments, pinecones, greenery, or birch wood. Make a DIY wreath using several vintage ornaments to create a timeless, elegant wreath. Stack a few vintage suitcases to create a unique holiday vignette.
Small final touches
A quick and easy way to bring vintage charm to your home is by displaying old holiday cards or photos. You could hang them on a string with clothespins, frame them in vintage-style frames, or use them as part of a holiday garland. Old books are my favorite way to decorate, and you can find them in your color palette and stack them on your mantel, TV stand, or a bookshelf. If you have any family heirlooms or vintage items that have been passed down, don’t be afraid to use them! By combining vintage accents and thoughtful details, your home will be ready for your holiday gatherings with the perfect touch of vintage charm that will create a lovely, warm atmosphere for your guests to enjoy. I hope this helped you find some inspiration for incorporating vintage into your holiday decor for this year or in the years to come.
Happy Holidays!
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