Vintage Trimmings for Your Holiday House

By J. A. Young

The holidays are typically a time of tradition filled with the baubles and trinkets some of us have brought with us from childhood. Decorating for the upcoming holiday celebrations is the ideal time to bring our vintage accents to light. Vintage pieces of décor, while quite collectible, are also the hallmarks of the season to be enjoyed by family and friends year after year.

First things first: Where do you find all those collectible vintage trimmings if you don't already have a great stash in the attic? You go hunting, of course! Pull over at every garage and yard sale you pass. Visit flea markets, local antique shops and second hand stores. Estate sales and thrift stores are ideal places to find vintage holiday and Christmas items. Also, like an increasing number of us, kick back at your home computer desk and click to eBay, bidding to your heart's content on frilly angels, hard plastic trees, old-fashioned colored light bulbs and Shiny Bright orbs.

Also, keep in mind that there are many fine replicas of vintage items. If you like them, don't hesitate to add such items to your home; after all, today's décor might prove to be collectible tomorrow. The main idea is that your home exudes all the holiday warmth and hospitality that festive and seasonal décor can provide. If an item is pleasing to you, it is likely to please your guests as well.

Vintage Tree Ornaments

In any case, if you're thinking vintage, you might as well start at the focal point of your holiday celebrations: the Christmas tree. When you want to trim a tree with vintage pizzazz, think Shiny Bright - that is, a brand of brightly colored glass ornaments in various shapes - but primarily that glass ball we all have seen and love. Shiny Brights are not the only producers of vintage glass ornaments. You may discover - with much glee - glass examples from European countries like Germany that provide all the antique charm you could wish for. From painted glass to embellished orbs, vintage glass ornaments will make for an unsurpassed tree.

For an added tip - don't throw away any broken glass bulbs (unless in pieces) or tarnished ones. A great craft employs vintage glass bulbs formed into a wreath. A most exquisite project, this is simply another way to enjoy the beauty of holiday glass.

Glass, however, is not the only way to trim a tree. Look for any vintage ornament to adorn yours. From miniature bottle brush trees to porcelain angels with gossamer wings, there is a vast array of old ornaments that will promise enchanting holiday décor. Hard plastic (especially bakelite) ornaments can be both rare and collectible - finding a Santa or reindeer will be an especial treat! Hard plastic vintage lawn ornaments are also top notch vintage décor.

Tabletops and Trimmings

If you want to add a touch of magic to your holiday décor, consider a collection of felt elves. Many prime vintage examples sport a tag that says "made in Japan" somewhere on their costume. These elves sport plastic faces and are even posable. Hide them in the folds of a poinsettia or on a shelf near your holiday cookie jar. From the tree to your nightstand, these adorable holiday elves bring all the magic of Christmas down from the North Pole into your home.

You may also want to celebrate the holidays with tabletop pieces with holiday designs. Christmas china bedecked with sprigs of holly or wintry snowflakes adds festive cheer to the table. Even vintage glass plates in deep shades of red and green can add unsurpassed elegance to your holiday feast. Look out for novelty pieces like Mr. and Mrs. Claus salt and pepper shakers or holly-strewn creamers and sugar bowls.

When it comes to what's under the tree, you have purchased that state-of-the-art cell phone, but why not wrap it in a bit of vintage paper for a great look to match your vintage tree. Think what great photos! Wrapping all your packages vintage style will also tie into your overall holiday décor and charm all who come to see.

From vintage Christmas cards to old candle holders to antique snow villages - you can harness all the class and warmth of an old-fashioned Christmas. Your family and friends will certainly enjoy the care that goes into vintage styling. Add a cheerful holiday apron to your waist and you're ready to begin putting all your Christmas décor into place!

© Doityourself.com 2006