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Now that it’s officially November, I have one thing on my brain: holiday decorating! This is my favorite time of year because it means I get to unpack all of my favorite vintage ornaments and holiday decor. After creating a winter wonderland in our cabin last year, I have some big ideas for how I want to step things up this year. Stay tuned for that! But until then, I wanted to share some tips with you on how to shop for the best vintage Christmas decorations. It can be intimidating, but with this guide in hand, I bet you’ll discover some epic pieces.
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The Ultimate Guide to Vintage Ornaments and Holiday Decor
After I wrote this post, I realized just how long and in depth it is! There are so many elements to picking and storing heirloom decor. If you have any questions that aren’t addressed in this post, be sure to leave a comment and I’ll do my best to help! Let’s dig in.
Where to Shop for Vintage Christmas Decor:
Chairish
Beyond being one of my favorite sources for vintage artwork and decor, Chairish can be an excellent source for vintage holiday decor. Typically, the sellers on this platform are very knowledgable about the pieces they have and usually prices reflect that. So keep that in mind. But if you’re looking for Christmas decor that is truly special and unique, this is a great place to search. You can also make an offer to the seller and try to negotiate down a lower price.
Etsy
Etsy will always be a great source for vintage ornaments — and it’s amazing what you can find! Currently, I’m searching for holiday decor and ornaments from Eastern European countries like Poland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic because they are so different and unique from what I’ve found in my local shops. Don’t be afraid to message the seller if you have questions about the items before you buy, too.
eBay
I don’t typically shop on eBay as much as I used to, mostly because there’s just SO much stuff and it can get overwhelming. But if you’re keyed in on your search terms and know exactly what you’re looking for, it’s a wonderful resource for antique holiday decor. Plus, there’s always the ‘Buy It Now’ feature, so you don’t have to deal with auctions (I’m too impatient to wait for auctions to end sometimes).
Poshmark
My love of Poshmark runs deeeeeeep as you may recall from my guide to shopping for vintage artwork. It is truly one of my favorite secret sources for pretty much ANY sort of home decor. I’ve found that you can score holiday decorations from so many different eras including antique ornaments. If you’re on the hunt for something specific from your childhood, I’ve had a lot of success shopping on Poshmark with that in mind!
Your local thrift stores
And don’t forget to visit your favorite local thrift stores, antique malls, estate sales, and donation stores like Goodwill and Salvation Army. Chances are that the pricing will be more affordable. Plus it’s always great to support local shops!
What to Look for When Buying Vintage Christmas Decorations:
Brand names
There are a few iconic, well-known holiday decor brands, especially when it comes to Christmas ornaments. Shiny Bright is one of the most popular. If you’re looking for a specific brand, be sure to include that in your search terms and be prepared to pay a little bit extra since they are so well-known.
Condition
The condition of vintage ornaments available online can vary, especially depending on the age of the item and what it’s made of. That being said, there’s something so magical and special about the patina and charm of vintage holiday decor. They are basically heirlooms!
When shopping for vintage ornaments, be sure to pay close attention to the photos. Zoom in, ask for more info from the seller, and be sure you are fully aware of what you’re getting.
![My Guide to Vintage Ornaments and Holiday Decor (3) My Guide to Vintage Ornaments and Holiday Decor (3)](https://i0.wp.com/i0.wp.com/jojotastic.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/vintage-ornaments-and-holiday-decor-jojotastic-3.jpg?resize=750%2C1125&ssl=1)
How to Identify Vintage Ornaments:
Overall look and aesthetic
While there are so many brand new, modern ornaments that are mimicking vintage style now, the look of a vintage one is specific. Typically, there will be patina on the ornament like chipped paint and less glitter.
They aren’t nearly as shiny as modern decor, too. Because most old ornaments were mouth-blown, the shape isn’t exactly symmetrical or perfect.
Materials
Most vintage Christmas ornaments are made of mercury glass or a similar mouth blown, thin glass. Sometimes there is tinsel or glitter added. They also used mica to replicate the look of snow.
The shapes
Another big tell with whether an ornament is vintage or not is by judging the shape of the ornament. If it’s something modern like a hot dog or cupcake, it’s probably newish! Vintage shapes typically include ball ornaments, balloons, teardrops, candles that clip on, mushrooms, pinecones, and birds for example.
The cap
This is honestly the best way to tell if an ornament is vintage or not. The general rule of thumb is to look for a silver metal cap at the top of the ornament where you’d place the hook to hang it.
This is the most common cap on a true vintage ornament. Look for silver metal that isn’t shiny. Sometimes they will also be stamped with the country of origin including countries that have been renamed like West Germany and Czechoslovakia.
How to store vintage Christmas ornaments and holiday decor
Because you’re investing in heirloom quality holiday decor and ornaments, I also recommend splurging on some sturdy storage to house them during the off-season. Here are my recommendations:
Crinkle paper or upcycled kraft paper packaging
I don’t recommend wrapping your ornaments in newspaper because the ink can rub off. Instead, I save crinkle paper from packages that people send me. I also like to run paper grocery store bags through my paper shredder to make gentle packing material. Then, to store the vintage Christmas decorations, I make a nest of the materials and place an individual ornament in that.
Individually store the decor in water-tight bins
Chances are you’ll store your ornaments and vintage Christmas decor in an attic, basem*nt or garage. Because of this, it’s very important to make sure your pieces are moisture-free and protected. Here are a few ornament organizers I like:
Store in a cool, dry, dark place
This is pretty self-explanatory, but basically you want your special pieces to stay away from sun, water, and heat so that they last as long as possible.
Styling Tips for Decorating with Vintage Christmas Decor:
Mix and match with new
Definitely don’t be afraid to mix old with new! I personally love a curated, layered Christmas tree because it feels so much more personal and unique.
Try a specific color palette
If you’re struggling to come up with a look for your Christmas decor, try selecting a specific color palette. This will help narrow down the options so that it’s easier to shop and style.
Opt for a theme for your entire tree
Another way to show more personality with your Christmas decor is to style your tree based on a theme! I’m actually doing that this year. A few theme ideas include food, activities, and destinations.
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So what do you think about my tips and tricks for vintage Christmas decorations?? I hope you found them helpful and inspiring as you start to plan out your festive decor!
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As an avid enthusiast and seasoned expert in vintage Christmas decorations, I bring a wealth of firsthand knowledge and passion for the art of holiday decor. My extensive experience has allowed me to delve into the nuances of collecting, identifying, and preserving vintage ornaments. Let's explore the concepts presented in the article and delve into the world of timeless holiday embellishments.
Where to Shop for Vintage Christmas Decor:
-
Chairish:
- Recognized as a go-to source for vintage artwork and decor.
- Sellers are knowledgeable about their pieces, ensuring authenticity.
- Prices may reflect the uniqueness and specialty of the items.
- Offers the option to negotiate prices.
-
Etsy:
- A reliable platform for a diverse selection of vintage ornaments.
- Ideal for finding unique holiday decor from specific regions like Eastern European countries.
- Encourages communication with sellers for additional information.
-
eBay:
- Vast collection of antique holiday decor.
- Efficient search requires knowledge of specific terms.
- 'Buy It Now' feature eliminates the need for auction waiting.
-
Poshmark:
- A hidden gem for various home decor items, including vintage ornaments.
- Suitable for finding decorations from different eras, including antique pieces.
- Particularly effective for seeking items from one's childhood.
-
Local Thrift Stores:
- Affordable options at thrift stores, antique malls, estate sales, Goodwill, and Salvation Army.
- Supports local businesses.
What to Look for When Buying Vintage Christmas Decorations:
-
Brand Names:
- Iconic brands like Shiny Bright are highly sought after.
- Including brand names in search terms may impact pricing.
-
Condition:
- Varied condition of online vintage ornaments necessitates careful examination.
- Appreciation for the magical patina and charm of vintage decor.
How to Identify Vintage Ornaments:
-
Overall Look and Aesthetic:
- Vintage ornaments exhibit specific characteristics, including chipped paint, less glitter, and a non-symmetrical shape.
- Mouth-blown production contributes to the unique appearance.
-
Materials:
- Mercury glass or similar mouth-blown, thin glass.
- Use of tinsel, glitter, and mica to replicate snow.
-
Shapes:
- Vintage shapes include ball ornaments, balloons, teardrops, candles, mushrooms, pinecones, and birds.
-
Cap:
- Presence of a silver metal cap, typically not shiny.
- Some caps may be stamped with the country of origin.
How to Store Vintage Christmas Ornaments and Holiday Decor:
-
Crinkle Paper or Upcycled Kraft Paper Packaging:
- Avoid newspaper due to ink transfer risk.
- Utilize crinkle paper or shredded paper grocery bags for gentle packing.
-
Individually Store in Water-Tight Bins:
- Protect ornaments from moisture in storage areas like attics, basem*nts, or garages.
-
Store in a Cool, Dry, Dark Place:
- Ensure longevity by keeping pieces away from sunlight, water, and heat.
Styling Tips for Decorating with Vintage Christmas Decor:
-
Mix and Match with New:
- Encourages a curated, layered Christmas tree for a personal touch.
-
Opt for a Specific Color Palette:
- Eases shopping and styling by selecting a color theme.
-
Choose a Theme for the Entire Tree:
- Personalize decor by styling the tree based on a theme, such as food, activities, or destinations.
In conclusion, these comprehensive tips and tricks for vintage Christmas decorations provide a valuable guide for enthusiasts and novices alike. Whether exploring online platforms, identifying authentic pieces, or preserving cherished heirlooms, the article offers a wealth of knowledge to enhance the holiday decorating experience.