Create a Timeless Christmas with Vintage and Thrifted Finds

Vintage Christmas Decorating Ideas: How to Add a Touch of Nostalgia to Your Holiday Decor

Are you tired of the same old Christmas decorations year after year? Why not try something different this holiday season? Try shopping at your local antique or thrift store.

Not only is decorating with vintage or thrift pieces a great way to add a touch of nostalgia to your home it’s also a way to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for your family and guests. Plus it can be very budget-friendly.

The Charm of Vintage Christmas

There’s something about the charm of vintage Christmas that just can’t be replicated with modern decorations.

Another aspect of vintage Christmas that I adore is the simplicity. There’s no need for flashy, over-the-top decorations when you have classic pieces like a simple wreath or a string of dried orange slices. Vintage decor allows you to focus on the true meaning of the holiday season, rather than getting caught up in the commercialism.

Choosing Your Vintage Christmas Theme

When it comes to decorating for Christmas, vintage themes are always a popular choice. Choosing the right vintage theme can help create a cozy and nostalgic atmosphere in your home during the holiday season. Here are a few popular vintage Christmas themes to consider:

Victorian Christmas

If you’re looking for a classic and elegant vintage theme, a Victorian Christmas may be the perfect choice. This theme is characterized by ornate decorations, such as lace, ribbons, and gold accents. You can also incorporate vintage containers, china, and artwork to add to the overall Victorian look.

Retro Christmas

For a more playful and colorful vintage theme, a retro Christmas may be just what you’re looking for. This theme is characterized by bright colors, such as pink, turquoise, and red, and playful decorations, such as tinsel and bubble lights. You can also incorporate vintage-inspired ornaments, such as shiny brite ornaments and bottle brush trees, to complete the retro look.

Rustic Farmhouse Christmas

If you’re looking for a cozy and rustic vintage theme, a rustic farmhouse Christmas may be the perfect choice. This theme is characterized by natural elements, such as wood, burlap, and pinecones, and simple decorations, such as wreaths and garlands. You can also incorporate vintage-inspired ornaments, such as handmade ornaments and antique toys, to add to the overall rustic look.

No matter which vintage Christmas theme you choose, remember to have fun and let your creativity shine through. Happy decorating!

Finding Authentic Vintage Decor

As a lover of vintage Christmas decor, I know how exciting it can be to find authentic vintage ornaments to add to your collection. Here are a few ways I’ve had success in finding them:

Vintage & Flea Markets

Vintage bazaars and flea markets are great places to find vintage Christmas ornaments and decorations. You never know what treasures you might stumble upon! Look for booths or sections that specialize in vintage or antique items. Some flea markets even have vendors who specialize in vintage Christmas decor.

When shopping at vintage and flea markets, keep in mind that not all vintage ornaments will be in perfect condition. Some may have scratches, chips, or other signs of wear and tear. However, these imperfections can add character and charm to your collection.

Antique Stores

Check your local antique stores or vintage markets for fun additions to your holiday decorating like old snowshoes, skis, or sleds.

How I Use Vintage Treasures To Decorate

Old window frames are also perfect for using when decorating for Christmas! Hang a window frame on the wall and drape a garland across the top.

A window frame is also perfect for a backdrop for hanging a pretty Christmas wreath like this DIY jingle bell wreath.

A vintage wooden crate with shelves is perfect for displaying pinecones and wooden ornaments for a rustic Christmas farmhouse look.

Antique mirrors add character to your walls. The aged patina of this mirror can’t be duplicated with a brand-new piece. Mirrors are perfect for hanging a greenery swag for Christmas.

Here I hung a cedar swag and topped it with 2 large pinecones ( I hot glued the end of a wide burlap ribbon to the end of each cone for hanging).

DIY Vintage Christmas Ornaments

One of my favorite DIY vintage Christmas decorations is handmade ornaments. They are easy to make and add a personal touch to your tree.

These DIY angel ornaments have a Victorian look to them with chiffon ribbon dresses and printed vintage angel faces. This is a pretty ornament to add to your tree this Christmas.

If you love the vintage look of mercury glass ornaments but not the price why don’t you make your own?? Follow my step-by-step tutorial to create your own set this holiday season.

Fill glass ornaments with dried flowers for a romantic vintage look. These are so easy to make and you can fill them with your favorite dried flowers.

Incorporating Thrifted Finds into Your Home

If you’re looking to add some charm and nostalgia to your Christmas decor, incorporating thrifted finds is a great way to do it. Here are some ideas for how to use thrifted pieces throughout your home.

Dining Table Centerpieces

Thrift stores are a fantastic resource for finding interesting vases. For this Christmas table setting, I used a thrift store vase to create a centerpiece that has a vintage feel using a mix of fresh greenery, baby’s breath, frosted pinecones, and branches. I tied a piece of frayed velvet ribbon with a dried orange.

Christmas Entryway Table

On my small entryway table, I used a mix of thrift store finds and vintage pieces to create a cozy look.

A simple tip for dressing up old books is to tie a ribbon around them. I love the frayed velvet ribbon from Hobby Lobby. It’s a bargain too (located in the fabric dept)! Adding a pheasant feather and dried flower adds to the vintage charm.

A small thrifted iron urn filled with feathers and wrapped with a piece of cedar gives old-world charm and I only paid $2 for the urn.

Bedroom

This old cabinet was a $15 find that was in rough condition but I loved the original drawer pulls and it had potential! I used chalk paint in brown and tan to give it a makeover.

A silver tray from the thrift store is perfect for creating a simple Christmas display with glass trees, pinecones, and an ivy plant to add a touch of green.

Outdoor Decorations

Vintage and thrifted decorations can also be used to add some holiday cheer to your outdoor space. Consider using vintage sleds, skates, or even a vintage Christmas tree to decorate your porch or yard.

Hang a swag made from fresh greens and bells tied with Christmas ribbon on the front of a sled for a classic look.

Vintage buckets and pails make cute containers for small trees on your porch.

Another way to add a vintage feel to your holiday decor is by using traditional Christmas colors. Red and green are classic Christmas colors that have been used for centuries, and they never go out of style.

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So this year add a trip to your local antique shop or thrift store to look for interesting pieces to make your home feel warm and cozy. Not only will you create your own one-of-a-kind look you will probably save a few bucks by shopping secondhand!

xo, Jennifer

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