Colin and Justin: Twelve ways to a vintage Christmas

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Decorating with vintage Christmas pieces creates a home rich with character and nostalgia

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Ask many commentators to evoke the spirit of holidays past, and, chances are, they’ll suggest plundering a red, gold and green palette to set a truly vintage mood.

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Whilst we’ll happily ascribe to that triptych as a salient starting point, the old school oeuvre doesn’t necessarily update the holiday aesthetic, it merely replicates the era as a ‘cut and paste’ predictable ‘lift’.

For us, ‘retrospective’ is best served when vintage style is carefully appraised, with thought given to how it plays alongside existing items, rather than when it’s served literally verbatim.

Via numerous visits to Christmas markets, we’ve been inspired by Mid Mod chairs in berry hues, ruby toned plaid pillows, red spined hardback books and rustic coloured Nordic rugs, accents that don’t literally scream Christmas, yet still feel somehow festive.

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As we see it, old school Christmas decor suffuses nostalgic charm that modern, mass-produced items miss. By incorporating selected elements from the 1920s through to the 1970s, it’s easy to curate atmosphere that embraces the heart of a bygone era. This edit should keep you on the safe side of shiny…

1. Glass ornaments

Little whispers old school quite like mercury glass, or teardrop shaped glittery baubles. These gained popularity in the mid-19th century, and originals can be sourced via antique markets or Etsy. Search for baubles with hand detailed, reflective ‘depressions’ shaped like bells, birds or figural Santas. Visit www.christopherradko.com who produce, under license, Shiny Brite ornaments that were popular in the Mid Mod period.

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2. In the mix

A surefire route to a curated aesthetic is to interplay texture and pattern. Layer plaid or tartan fabrics into your scheme with pillows, blankets, or perhaps a tree skirt. Choose organic elements such as pinecones and evergreen branches to introduce a rustic feel that peddles back in time.

3. A nostalgic Noel

Take cues from days gone by and employ natural materials for garlands and centerpieces. String popcorn onto thread, or stud fresh oranges with cloves, and tie off with ribbon. Then dash to the garden for greenery to add a cozy woodland feel – and aroma – to mantels and doorways.

4. Retro lighting

Ditch modern LED’s for light garlands with a vintage aesthetic. Bulb strings with larger globes evoke a classic 50s vibe, whilst multi coloured bulbs add a post war, jaunty touch. When employing older fittings, exercise caution, or have wiring professionally checked for safety.

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5. Display nostalgic motifs

Incorporate characterful figures to evoke cherished memories. A vintage elf, plastic Santas, old school snow globes and ceramic trees with built-in lights are quintessentially mid-century pieces whose addition adds an echo of days gone by.

6. Use antiques in creative ways

Repurpose vintage items for unexpected holiday displays: fill glass apothecary jars with ornaments, or try vintage kitchen flour sifters or ironstone pitchers as unique vases in which to display greenery and berries.

7. Table dressing

Embroidered linens and vintage tablecloths set the scene for nostalgic holiday dining. Layer your table with vintage china, silvery trays and festive glassware, all of which can be found for minimal outlay in thrift and charity stores.

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8. Bottle brush trees

These colorful cuties are a mid-century staple, and are fun grouped together on a fireplace or tabletop: available in various sizes, they add whimsy to any vignette. Visit Michaels (https://canada.michaels.com) for inspiration.

9. Stockings

Battle a path to the fireplace and hang felt or chunky knit stockings stuffed with gifts like fruit, candy canes or marbles, as was the custom in the early 20th century.

10. Frame vintage art

Frame Christmas illustration from thrifted books, or last year’s Christmas cards, to amp up sentimental mood. Hang in a cluster, stand back, and enjoy.

11. Brass tactics

Warm metals add a timeless quality, so seek out brass candlesticks, deer figurines, or stylised bells: these pieces mix beautifully with greenery and ribbon for an elegant, old-world feel.

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12. Create vignettes

Instead of spreading vintage items thinly, group to create storytelling displays. A collection of Putz houses, for example, or a vintage wooden sled repurposed to hold gifts, make charming focal points, but remember it’s all in the mix: intersperse with new items to ensure a fresh, curated look.

Decorating with vintage Christmas pieces creates a home rich with character and nostalgia. By fusing past and present, incorporating natural elements, and focusing on classic, colorful accents, you’ll create a uniquely personal holiday haven for friends and family. Ding dong!

Watch for Colin and Justin on HGTV’s Cabin Pressure, City Tv’s Breakfast Television and Paramount Plus TV’s Sub Zero Reno. Find the Colin and Justin home collection in stores across Canada.
Visit www.colinandjustin.tv.

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