My
delight was embarrassing really. After
all, it was only an elf clad in red and white felt. He wasn't that handsome—he had pointy ears
and a jutting chin, but he grinned cheekily, and his eyes sparkled. I bought him on the spot. I grew up looking forward to unwrapping the
“elf on the shelf” every Christmas, but our family had a house fire, and the
elf perished. To find another perched on
some vintage Christmas ornaments in an antique store years later brought back
childhood in an instant, and there was no question that he was headed home with
me.
Much
of how we decorate and celebrate at Christmastime is tied to tradition and
nostalgia. Decking our halls with
vintage décor keeps memories and childhood alive for new generations. Here are some suggestions for using antique
and vintage Christmas collectibles in your home:
1.
Wire a wreath to a vintage sled and prop
outside your front door.
2.
Fill
ceramic Santa mugs with candy canes or small treats.
3.
Arrange
pewter candlesticks and Santa statues across a mantle with some greenery.
4.
Top
your tables with mid-20th century Christmas linens and hang vintage
stockings by the fire.
5.
For
a little sparkle, accent your table with a collection of glass finials. These vintage tree toppers were made in
varying heights and finishes and were popular before stars became the topper of
choice.
6.
Use
green or red and black plaid wool throws liberally on chairs, tables, or
mantles.
7.
Display
mercury glass, sometimes called silver glass.
It was made in the early 19th century by blowing a silvering
formula into glass shapes. Unlike
silver, mercury glass doesn't tarnish, but it adds a pretty touch anywhere in
the house, especially when paired with greens or flowers.
8.
String
a piece of jute across a frame, wall, or window, and hang Christmas cards with
vintage clothes pins. Hanging vintage
holiday cards or postcards creates a nostalgic look for your garland.
9.
Deck
your tree with vintage ornaments and glass balls, or attach the ornaments to a
gift bow to make your present wrapping pop.
10.
Set
your table with collectible holiday glassware in greens, reds, and whites.
11.
If
you like a more natural feel, fill primitive dough bowls, crates, or baskets
with fresh greens and berries. Use
burlap on the tree, around your presents, and as a table topper. Burlap also works great as a wrapping accent.
12.
Duplicate
older lighting on your tree with replica bubble lights, large colored stringed
bulbs, or LED candles. If you do find
original decorative lighting, be sure to check the wiring for safety before
using. Place replica candles in your
windows. Electric versions with
realistic soft tops in candle holders look especially appealing.
13.
Go
fifties with an aluminum tree in a variety of colors. This is a fun accent in a child’s bedroom.
14.
Make
a seasonal kitchen valance out of vintage holiday aprons.
15.
Place
an over sized holiday advertising poster in your entryway and frame with garlands.
16.
Don’t
have a fireplace? Build or purchase a
faux mantle made of barn wood or molding for your wall and place a neatly cut
stack of wood at its base.
Sentimental style will add whimsy and
warmth to any home. Go back to a simpler
time this year, and make fresh memories with antique holiday collectibles.
