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Bonus: They could be worth a pretty penny! Decorative Garden Stakes
The holiday season has often been dictated by the newest thing: what’s the best gift of the year, what’s the "it" color everyone is decorating with right now, and how can we make our holiday display even better than last Christmas? This year, instead of feeding into that constant keeping-up-with-the-Joneses battle, embrace something that some of the most design-savvy people are focusing on this year: your personal style. Be true to you, and make your space stunning with holiday details that tell a story. Your individual taste might even lead you to treasures that are valuable in more ways than one.
At VERANDA, our editors believe the best way to add personality to your home all year long is to layer vintage furnishings and antiques alongside your newer pieces. The holiday equivalent is using vintage Christmas decorations. These unique pieces will add a storied depth to your space, and if you can find an addition to your collection at the right place and the right time, you might even strike gold. Chairish’s Vice President of Merchandising Noel Fahden explains what makes certain pieces of vintage Christmas decor so valuable: “Pricing considerations are often influenced by factors such as the item's production date and method.” She adds, “Many vintage Christmas ornaments and decor pieces, especially those crafted from glass, were not subjected to mass production. Instead, each one was meticulously hand-blown and hand-painted, resulting in one-of-a-kind pieces. This stands in contrast to modern ornaments, which are typically mass-produced and readily available on store shelves.” The slow, old-fashioned process makes for something truly special—and potentially valuable—in your home.
Judy Begland owner of Wharf Hill, a home decor, garden and antiques shop in Smithfield, Virginia, says, “Ornaments and decorations prior to 1900 are typically expensive and getting more difficult to find. A glass ornament might cost $40 to $80 and sometimes $100 to $200.”
To display your antique or vintage ornaments, Begland recommends putting the baubles on their own personal tree to make a cohesive yet celebrated display. “The foyer, sofa table, or deep windowsill are all good locations for a small tree,” Begland shares. Read on to see which vintage Christmas decorations will stand the test of time, according to our experts.
Begland says certain holiday decorations like "Santa, candy containers, reindeer and snowmen" never go out of style. She adds that these treasures can be displayed in stylish vignettes alongside candles, fresh greenery, or glass containers filled with colored balls. "They will add a lovely 'scene' for your vintage Christmas," she says.
Precious metals are a foundational part of any design but are especially important during the holidays. Bringing in these elements adds a festive, elegant touch to your holiday display. We love subtle touches like these candlesticks, ornaments or gilded fruit.
Wooden Christmas decorations have roots that date back to 16th-century Germany, and we cannot imagine a Christmas without this seasonal staple.
A favorite of Fahden, European mercury glass ornaments are hand-blown and hard to get your hands on, for very good reason. These artisanal pieces are one of a kind, adding a “timeless charm [that] will distinguish your holiday decor from your neighbors and friends.”
Make a show-stopping display for your home with vintage finds that might not look like holiday decorations at first glance, but definitely are in the right setting. Add a true evergreen piece to your festive display with a metal wreath—over the years, real greenery will come and go, but this charming addition will last a lifetime.
While crystal glassware may be confined to your table, you can display vintage holiday china all throughout your home. A festive plate wall in your entryway will add an inviting element to your space.
Handmade vintage holiday decorations extend far beyond just ornaments. Opt for needlepoint stockings or pieces like this hand-woven Christmas tree for a touch of old world charm.
For a sweet twist on the holiday season, embrace the sugar plum fairies dancing in your head. Glass candy pieces like candy canes and other prettily wrapped confections will add a touch of tasteful whimsy to your display.
A big moment for vintage Christmas decor is at the dinner table. Elegant crystal pieces are always a fun find, but during the holidays they add an extra layer of refinement that guests will appreciate. If you are looking for brand names, Fahden recommends searching antique and vintage websites for “Baccarat, Murano and Steuben.” Champagne glassware like this one by Baccarat will be fashionable long after the holidays are over.
Mary Alice Russell (she/her) is the assistant market editor for VERANDA. She composes gift guides and stories about style, design, decor, shopping, markets, and trends. Currently attempting to master the art of needlepoint, Mary Alice loves creating, baking and discovering hidden treasures like sea glass or the perfect chai latte.
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