Retro Christmas Ideas For Decorating

vintage Christmas light bulbs displayed on white cake stand

Credit: David A. Land

As a child, the holidays were always a magical time. And when we decorate with vintage Christmas decor, it transports us to those beloved gatherings of yesteryear. Recreate the memories by shopping antique shops, estate sales, and flea markets for vintage decor that brings wonder and nostalgia back to the holidays.

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Vintage Ornaments

christmas tree with ornaments

Credit: David Land

A rainbow of vintage glass ornaments is a festive twist on classic Christmas decor. Blogger Kelly Elko displays her shiny brite collection on an artificial tree with widely spaced branches to showcase the ornaments. Get the look by mixing shiny new ornaments with retro ones that have a matte patina.

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Santa Mugs

vintage santa mugs and enlarged hot cocoa recipe in cabinet

Credit: John Granen

Everyone will want to stop at this hot cocoa station with vintage-inspired Santa mugs. Make a cute tag to attach to a glass pedestal bowl with marshmallows to invite guests to dig in. Faux snow gives the display a little extra holiday cheer.

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Antique Decor

white christmas tree and presents

Credit: Adam Albright

Scour local antique shops and when you've found the perfect decoration. We love the way this flocked Christmas tree looks decorated with vintage ornaments and battery-operated candles.

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Mercury Glass Christmas Trees

christmas tree decor on book shelf and lockers

Credit: Adam Albright

Dress up any tabletop or nightstand with a set of mercury glass Christmas trees. Pair them with a vintage holiday photo or an architectural salvage piece. A few colorful bottlebrush trees are always an easy addition to any holiday display.

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Snowman Blow Mold Christmas Decoration

snowman christmas blow mold

Credit: Courtesy of Ace Hardware

Christmas blow mold decorations were a staple during the 1950s in front yards everywhere. These plastic figurines are illuminated with a light bulb so they glow from the inside out. Add them to your outdoor Christmas decor and cue the holiday nostalgia.

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Vintage Light Bulbs

vintage Christmas light bulbs displayed on white cake stand

Credit: David A. Land

Christmas lights aren't just for trimming the tree! Grouping small items can add a big impact to your holiday decor. Display an assortment of antique holiday lights on a cake stand for a festive Christmas centerpiece.

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Christmas Villages

white mantel with green garland and wood christmas village

Credit: Adam Albright

Create a festive Christmas mantel with a classic village display. Modern materials—like ceramic and metal—better match a contemporary holiday aesthetic. Cluster several individual houses to create your own Christmas village display.

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Brass Candlesticks & Figurines

dining table with brass deer, candles, greenery and cinnamon rolls

Credit: Adam Albright

Create a wintery woodland feel with vintage brass deer. Set greenery on a runner for a natural centerpiece. Finish the whimsical look with antique brass candlesticks.

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Nutcrackers

classic red nutcracker statue

Credit: Courtesy of Kirkland's

Christmas nutcrackers are an iconic symbol of the holidays. The origin of the classic carved nutcracker tool dates back to the late 17th century. Adding a small figurine or nutcracker statue to your mantel is a modern way to display the classic.

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Antique Mirrors

living room snow covered pine white stockings velvet green chair

Credit: Adam Albright

Bounce a little holiday magic around the room with a group of vintage mirrors on the mantle. If the frames don't match, you can easily spray paint them for a unified look. Pair the mirrors with other antique holiday decor and a little greenery. Chunky knit stockings are simple, yet sophisticated.

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Vintage Lunch Boxes

wooden bench decorated with antique picnic basket and thermoses

Credit: Jay Wilde

Create a jolly welcoming scene to your home by dressing up the mudroom drop zone with mixed green garland and a woodsy wreath. Vintage lunchboxes and thermoses add a nostalgic feel. Although new, the felt banner looks like it could be a family heirloom.

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Wooden Sled

vintage sled with music-inspired gift wrap near tree

Credit: Adam Albright

Special delivery! Give an old-fashion sled new purpose as it holds precious cargo under the tree until Christmas morning. Wrapping gifts in Kraft paper and twine further the vintage appeal.

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Architectural Pieces

salvaged frames and molding with Christmas decor

Credit: Jay Wilde

Deck the halls with architectural pieces, like this shelf, which was probably once a door header or molding. Vintage prints and holiday postcards strung along the shelf create a garland-like look. Old frames, wooden candleholders, and white bottle brush trees round out the antique store finds in this delightful timeworn display.

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Antique Pitchers

pine needles in pitcher with christmas ornaments on shelf

Credit: Jay Wilde

Group old cream and sugar pots with metal pitchers for a collected-over-time vibe. Fresh cuts of greenery and multi-colored bottle brush trees add texture. Place glass ornaments along the counter for a pop of color.

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Snowglobes

snow globe in front of mini Christmas village

Turn to a classic snowglobe to add a touch of nostalgia to your Christmas decor. The snowy scene within each globe adds another element to your vintage Christmas theme.

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Antique Birdcage

antique birdcage with garland and wreath decor

Credit: Kritsada Panichgul

It's time to fill that vintage birdcage with your favorite holiday decorations. Add a small evergreen wreath to the front and fill the base with bottle brush trees or glass ornaments.

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Flour Sifter Centerpiece

vintage utensil holder with branches and berries

Credit: Adam Albright

Vintage kitchen utensils used as floral containers are a great way to repurpose old finds. Search the pantry or antique shops for flour sifters, pie pans, or old pitchers when you're playing with centerpiece ideas. Cut branches and berries will last a few days without water, or tuck a small glass of water inside.

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Vintage Furniture

pale blue buffet with mini Christmas trees on display

Credit: Adam Albright

Create an idyllic holiday vignette with a vintage sideboard. Dainty tabletop trees sit beneath antique corbels, which are hung in a Christmas tree shape. French linen pillows on metal chairs put the finishing touches on this charming holiday display.

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Silver Decor

Christmas Tree

Pour some holiday cheer on a sideboard with silver accessories. The natural patina gives the silver an elegant vintage look. Boost the holiday vibe with a mini-tree and a handmade holiday sign, made from pinning a cord to a fabric-covered foam-core board and set in a golden frame

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