How to Decorate With Vintage and Antique Christmas Decor

Have yourself a vintage little Christmas this year with our suggestions for antique and retro Christmas decorations that'll give your holiday home a big boost of charm.

By: H. Camille Smith, Marian Parsons, and Jennifer Perkins

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Antiques + Vintage: Holidays With History

Wondering how to give your holiday decorations a look that's personal and oh-so-pretty? Antiques and vintage finds are the key — especially when displaying treasured hand-me-downs or thrifted scores that remind you of childhood Christmas celebrations. So, scour the attic, basement and garage (or your local thrift store) for holiday decor with a history. Read on to learn more about your favorite Christmas collectibles, plus get designer tips for beautifully displaying them.

Beaded Ornaments

These meticulously made Christmas ornaments were a popular craft project in the ‘50s and ‘60s. Some were mass-produced readymade, but DIY kits were also available. Oftentimes these beaded ornaments were handcrafted using scraps of ribbon and beads that the crafter had on hand. Full of metal pins stuck into foam balls, these sparkly ornaments made for a great collection.

Glass Ornaments

Nothing beats the gorgeous reflective shine of a tree full of antique glass ornaments. When talking about glass ornaments, most people think of the Shiny Brite brand or style of ornaments that were popular in the 1950s, but glass ornaments like these go back further than that. Some are very old and fragile coming from Germany with hand-painted holiday scenes and such. Extra care needs to be taken with this collection when it comes to display and storage, but that unbeatable sparkle and color make the extra care worth it.

Christmas Villages + Putz Houses

Putz houses were originally nativities that were put under a Christmas tree, but Christmas villages have evolved way beyond that purpose over the years. When shopping, look for houses that are of a similar style and scale to keep your village's overall look cohesive. Arrange them on buffets, dressers, hutches and mantels or honor their original purpose and place them under the tree.

From: Marian Parsons

Jewel Trees

A popular Christmas craft of yesteryear is a jewelry tree. These framed velvet-backed trees were often made with broken costume jewelry and various other small sentimental trinkets. Somewhat hard to find and often expensive when you do, these tree-shaped treasures make a great holiday-themed gallery wall. If you can’t find a vintage version, grab a glue gun and make your own.

Ceramic Christmas Trees

A popular craft project that began in the '60s and continued well into the '80s, these hand-crafted cuties are making a strong comeback. Not only are they showing up in magazines and on social media, but they are topping the Christmas decor searches on the Internet. If you spot one at a thrift store, estate sale or yard sale, snap it up! Customize these trees with replacement plastic bulbs in colors that complement your preferred color palette.

Find More Ideas: 25 Easy Ideas for Decorating a Tabletop Christmas Tree

Santas

One of the easiest vintage holiday collections to start is an army of vintage Santa dolls and figurines. These can be big or small, plush or plastic and sometimes they can even be driving a sleigh or car. Santa has been mass-produced for years, which makes them very accessible even at your local thrift store.

Christmas Pyramids

These German Christmas pyramids have become more accessible through import stores in recent years and are a beautiful, easy centerpiece to bring out for the holidays. Just tuck some greenery and candles around them and you're done. If buying vintage, make sure all the windmills are intact and carefully inspect each small character for breaks, missing pieces or sloppy repairs.

From: Marian Parsons

Vintage Insulated Containers

Now known generally by the brand name Thermos, these plaid-clad containers were once a common site during lunchtime at both job sites and school cafeterias. Today, they're a fun retro collectible that's easy to source at thrift stores, flea markets, estate sales and online markets. The cheery red tartan exterior makes them a perfect vase for displaying backyard evergreen clippings and colorful hypericum berries for an easy-to-assemble Christmas centerpiece.

Find More Ideas: 70 Merry + Bright Christmas Centerpiece Ideas

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Tree Toppers

Antique Christmas tree toppers, sometimes referred to as finials, look lovely all year round. A collection of toppers might outnumber your Christmas trees, but they are easily displayed atop things like glass bottles or metal receipt spikes. Just be sure to use a bit of adhesive putty on the bottom of your toppers to keep these fragile finials in place.

Pretty Porcelain

Prized for its pure white color and ability to mold with intricate details (like Santa's tiny fingers), most vintage figurines are made of porcelain, rather than the heavier and coarser earthenware. While porcelain itself is surprisingly sturdy, small details can easily be broken off over time. To protect your cherished pieces, place them where they're unlikely to be knocked over.

From: H. Camille Smith

Blow Molds

When it comes to storage, blow molds are a bit more of a commitment due to their cumbersome size, but they are so worth it! The original lawn decor, before there were inflatables, these hard-plastic Santas and snowmen lit up neighborhoods. Nowadays, if you are lucky enough to stumble upon one of these blow molds at a flea market or antique shop, they are often too expensive to be put out in the yard. Luckily, they look just as great on the mantel.

Wagons + Carts

A small wooden cart or a little red wagon makes a unique and mobile base for a real or artificial Christmas tree. Look for bargains at flea markets and yard sales that can be used indoors during Christmas, then moved out to the porch or garden in the spring. A wagon or cart can also be sidled up to the tree as a place to arrange presents on Christmas morning.

Find More Ideas: How to Decorate Your Christmas Tree Like a Professional

From: Marian Parsons

German Candy Box Bobbleheads

These antique, hand-painted Santas are a two-for-one special — they open in the center to reveal a candy box, and they are bobble heads. As a bonus, they frequently they come in fun colors other than classic Christmas red.

Vintage Holiday Pins

A favorite of Christmas-loving matriarchs everywhere, these costume-jewelry pins, very popular around the midcentury, were (and are still!) a budget-friendly way to give an everyday outfit a holiday fix-up, fast. This stack of gifts proves that the petite pins also make an adorable gift topper. Easy to source at estate sales, church bazaars and thrift stores, these Christmas cuties can typically be found for a few dollars or less (We paid just 50 cents for this adorable enamel and rhinestone brooch!).

See More Photos: Colorful Christmas Table Setting Ideas That Go Beyond Red + Green

From: H. Camille Smith

Salt-Glazed Santas

Highly collectible, salt-glazed Santas are predominantly in shades of blue and cream, gray or tan. Thought to have originated in Germany in the 14th century, salt-glazed pottery begins with a durable, stoneware body that's then fired at high temperatures with ordinary salt thrown into the kiln. The salt vaporizes, forms a gas, then attaches itself to the pottery's glazed surface, creating the signature mottled appearance and orange-peel texture of salt-glazed pieces. While the process itself is centuries old, the blue Santas are a more recent invention and take their cobalt-blue color from Dutch potters. Salt-glazed Santas are still in production today and vintage pieces are easy to find on online shopping sites. Collectible makers to look for are Eldreth Pottery Works, Rowe Pottery and Beaumont Brothers.

Find More Ideas: Colorful Christmas Table Setting Ideas That Go Beyond Red + Green

From: H. Camille Smith

Wooden Nutcrackers

Forever tied in our imaginations to Christmas, in large part thanks to The Nutcracker ballet, which premiered in Moscow more than 130 years ago, the once purely utlitarian nutcracker has taken its place as a symbol of the holiday season. While many older wooden nutcrackers could indeed crack nuts — you'd be best served to use a modern-day metal nutcracker to do that messy task, instead. Especially if you're lucky enough to inherit or find one of the highly collectible German versions from the 18th, 19th or early 20th century created by well-known makers Otto Ulbricht or Steinbach.

Find More Ideas: 32 Ways to Decorate Your Kitchen for Christmas

From: H. Camille Smith

Spun-Satin Ornaments

These vintage, candy-striped, spun-satin ornaments from the '60s were a mass-produced, inexpensive option at the time, making them super easy to source today at estate sales, garage sales, thrift shops and online vintage sites. Thanks to their foam-and-thread construction, they were one of the first shatterproof ornaments, so you can it is relatively easy to find these pretty little ornaments for a reasonable price — and sometimes still in the original box. Add them to your tree for a nostalgic touch or use them, as we have, as a pretty plate topper.

Find More Ideas: Colorful Christmas Table Setting Ideas That Go Beyond Red + Green

From: H. Camille Smith

Vintage Skis

Antique wooden skis, ski poles and snowshoes are all screaming to be used as holiday decor. Hang them on the wall or lean them against a piece of furniture to showcase their rich, timeworn patina. The best part is that they can easily transition into winter decor once the tree comes down.

Find More Ideas: 12 Ways to Add Cozy, Vintage Style This Winter

From: Marian Parsons

Bubble Lights

First patented in the US by Carl W. Otis in 1944, bubble lights and their atomic-age-inspired shape and color palette have cheerfully bubbled along on both fresh and faux Christmas trees since their release in 1946. They were an instant phenomenon with the original manufacturer, NOMA, dominating the market and selling so many sets of the interactive lights that they're synonymous with midcentury holiday decor. While NOMA's production of the iconic lights stopped for a few years, thanks to the rise of mini "fairy" lights in the 1970s, the company is manufacturing them again, re-creating the iconic mid-mod design.

Find More Ideas: 100 Beautiful Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas

From: H. Camille Smith

Retro Ornaments

Most likely from the '60s or '70s, this sweet little Santa started life as a Christmas tree ornament but, along with a few mini vintage glass baubles, the jolly old elf adds a playful bit of decoration to a table setting or tabletop vignette. Adding a vintage ornament to a table like this allows you to showcase sentimental, hand-me-down decorations that might get visually lost on the tree.

Find More Ideas: 85 Easy DIY Holiday Ornaments for All Ages

From: H. Camille Smith

Ornament Boxes

Often when it comes to antique Christmas ornaments, the boxes are every bit as cute as the contents. Shiny Brite is an iconic midcentury ornament brand where the boxes are almost as coveted as the actual ornaments inside. These boxes look great on shelves mixed in with holiday decor. This display option is especially handy if you have pets or small children you don’t completely trust around a tree full of delicate glass ornaments.

Sleigh Bells

Antique sleigh bells have become hotly collected recently but to make your seasonal decor sing (pun intended), incorporate bells of all kinds. Their shine and festive ring make them a natural holiday accessory. Tuck them into greenery arrangements, use them as ornaments, or hang them on a doorknob to announce the arrival of family and friends. Many modern reproductions exist, but to find vintage or antique versions, search local antique stores or reputable online auction sites.

From: Marian Parsons

Vintage + Reproduction Feather Trees

Genuine feather trees made out of goose feathers are still available for purchase but can be expensive. Fortunately, reproductions can be found in natural pine colors along with more whimsical whites, pinks and blues. These trees look perfect simply decorated with some clip-on candles and are ideal for small spaces.

Find More Ideas: 50 Alternative Christmas Trees to Try This Year

From: Marian Parsons

Retro Candleholders

Nothing boosts your dining table's style cred like antique and vintage Christmas collectibles, especially when they're family hand-me-downs that add a sentimental touch. But, don't worry if you didn't inherit your grandmother's funky starburst candleholders. Many Christmas collectibles can be found for a steal at estate sales, flea markets, church bazaars and garage sales.

See More Photos: Crafty + Classic Christmas Table Setting

From: H. Camille Smith

Knee Huggers

These adorable little elves come by their name honestly. They all have long legs curled up to their chests with arms wrapped around them in a knee-hugging position. They come in various sizes and styles. Before there was an elf on the shelf, there was a knee hugger.

Find More Ideas: Funny, Creative Elf on the Shelf® Ideas Kids Will Love

Special Occasion Serveware

Make special occasions even more memorable by breaking out the "good" dishes. An instant heirloom, this celadon green serveware’s timeless design is based on a vintage artichoke dish that was first produced in the late 1800s. Just as fashionable today as it was then, this is one piece that’s sure to impress your guests.

From: H. Camille Smith

Antique + Vintage Toys

Toys and Christmas are a natural pairing. Bring out old dollhouses, train sets, ride-on toys and rocking horses to fill in gaps under the tree until new presents arrive on Christmas morning. Decorating with vintage toys is especially sentimental when you use well-loved toys owned by family members.

Get the How-To: Kids' Craft: Make a Pom-Pom Christmas Garland

From: Marian Parsons

Corsages

Before everyone wore a Christmas sweater to their office holiday party, women wore Christmas corsages. Some were made with live flowers, but more often than not these kitschy accessories were made with aluminum leaves, shiny glass balls and plastic foliage.

Tinsel Trees

Silver tinsel Christmas trees and their accompanying color wheel are the epitome of a retro-inspired Christmas. The shiny aluminum branches can be found in gold, pink, teal and most commonly silver. A vintage tree is hard to find but luckily there are some good reproductions being made.

Find More Ideas: 25 Easy Ideas for Decorating a Tabletop Christmas Tree

And, Brass Candlesticks

Once considered dated, vintage brass candlesticks have made a major comeback in recent years — sending prices up in pace with their rise in popularity. But, thankfully, these glittering goods can still be inexpensively found at yard sales, church bazaars and estate sales. Resist the urge to polish your newfound treasure; brass's glowing patina is key to the metal's timeless charm. Ready to dress them up for Christmas celebrations? Our tutorial, below, will show you how to upcycle plain napkin rings and a bit of faux greenery into mini candle rings that'll quickly festive-up taper candles.

get the how-to: Quickly Craft These Christmasy Taper Candle Rings

From: H. Camille Smith

Pedestals + Cake Stands

Of course, pedestals and cake stands can be used any time of the year, but the best holiday decor can be used throughout the year. Think beyond cakes and bundts and use these decorative serving pieces to add height to a centerpiece or buffet arrangement. Place an advent wreath on top or a small nativity scene. Surround the pedestal with greenery, pinecones, seasonal fruit or nuts and candles.

From: Marian Parsons

Holly Jolly Serveware

To give your holiday table an extra festive finish, be on the lookout for utilitarian items, like this cake knife, with the charm of Christmas past. Found at an estate sale for just 50 cents, this cute server adds midcentury charm with hand-painted candy-cane details.

From: H. Camille Smith

Bottle Brush Trees

Believe it or not: The trendy little trees you see everywhere during the holidays actually owe their creation to ... the toilet. In the 1930s, Addis Brush Company, a manufacturer of toilet brushes, began dyeing brush bristles green, adding a base and ... voila: a mini tree that could be displayed anywhere — from mantels to dining tables — was created.

Find More Ideas: 20 Festive Christmas Bathroom Decor Ideas

Holiday Brooches

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but Christmas brooches are even better. New and vintage styles are readily available to start a new collection. Ask your grandmother if she has a few in her jewelry box. These look fabulous displayed together on a fabric dress form or stuck into a small cork round and then hung from a tree branch as an ornament.

Old Stockings

A fixture in European homes since the early 1800s, Christmas stockings have such a long history of yearly use that you may have some old ones tucked away that you could repurpose as decor this year instead of hanging them by the chimney with care. If so, take our cue and substitute an old stocking for a front door wreath to brighten up your front porch in a jiffy. We simply filled a burlap stocking with bubble wrap, then slid in a few flocked faux-evergreen branches. For a free filler, use fresh evergreens instead.

Find More Ideas: There's No Place Like an HGTV Home for the Holidays

From: H. Camille Smith

Wood Crates

The cardboard boxes of their day, wood crates of assorted sizes were originally used to ship grocery items like cheese, butter, fruit or even wine and champagne. While many of the utilitarian items were broken down and discarded over time, enough were stashed away in garages and basements by thrifty homeowners who repurposed them as sturdy storage. Appropriately lined to prevent water damage, they make a rustic container for housing holiday plants.

get the how-to: How to Make a Gorgeous + Easy Poinsettia Centerpiece for the Holidays

Christmas Crackers

A treasured tradition in the UK and many former colonies, like Canada and Australia, pulling open a cracker to reveal a small favor and joke is as much a part of celebrating Christmas as the tree itself. London-based confectioner Tom Smith is credited with inventing the favors in the mid-1800s. Thanks to the novelty of the small bang created when both ends of the cracker are pulled and the cracker's relatively low cost, they quickly caught on and their popularity spread to holiday celebrations across the globe.

Get the How-To: How to Make Party Crackers for Any Occasion

Stoneware Crocks

Antique ironstone crocks, originally used to house everyday food items like salted meats, pickles and butter in the days before refrigeration, make a beautiful base for live evergreen or faux trees. Learn how to take care of these century-old collectibles, below.

See More Photos: Antiques 101: Guide to Collecting Ironstone

Moravian Stars

Moravian stars have been a popular part of holiday decor, particularly for people of German descent, since the mid-1830s. Ranging from six points to over a hundred, the typically 16 to 26-pointed stars are often seen as illuminated paper or glass lanterns. Many smaller paper mache ornament versions exist, often covered in German glass glitter. Paired with fresh-cut evergreens, seeded eucalyptus, aromatic eucalyptus, pomegranates and a trio of old and new glass topiaries, this century-old star really shines.

See More Photos: Host Happy: Throw a Festive Friendsmas Party

From: H. Camille Smith

Flocked Animals

Often referred to as Kunstlerschutz, vintage German flocked animals are a sweet addition to holiday vignettes. Also frequently known by the name of their most famous maker, Wagner Handwork, the handmade flocked creatures from the '40s, '50s and '60s can be hard to find in good condition. Originally created as kids' toys, the tiny animals were often played with, resulting in broken legs or rubbed-off areas of flocking, but even with some damage, their charm is undeniable. Find the real deal on online auction sites or keep your eyes peeled for modern reproductions, like these cuties.

Find More Ideas: 15 Reasons Why We're Flocking to Faux Snow

From: H. Camille Smith

Vintage Throws

Whether your preference for vintage throws is graphic Hudson's Bay point stripe or a figural Fair Isle knit, you can't go wrong by tossing a colorful vintage throw into the mix when decking the halls — or even the dining room. Dressing the dining chairs with vintage wool throws is a colorful way to soften hard seating so Christmas dinner guests will linger over coffee and dessert. Originating in the early 19th century on the most geographically remote inhabited island in the United Kingdom, the Fair Isle-style of knitting has a long history and owes much of its popularity to the British Royal Family's fondness for the intricate designs.

Find More Ideas: Crafty + Classic Christmas Table Setting

From: H. Camille Smith

Hand-Me-Down Quilts

Some heirloom quilts are too fragile or tattered to use as bedding, but they're too precious to throw away. Repurpose one into a charming, cottage-style Christmas tree skirt by using the largest intact portion of the quilt. Our step-by-step instructions, below, show you how.

Get the How-To: Turn an Old Quilt Into a Christmas Tree Skirt

From: Marian Parsons

Antique Wood Sleds

Easy to source at estate or garage sales (or your own basement or garage), vintage or antique wood sleds are a beautiful addition to any Christmas display. Bonus: These kids' toys were constructed to be used outdoors so damage from winter weather isn't a concern. Place them, as we have, near the front door and add a DIY evergreen swag made from either (free!) backyard clippings or faux greenery.

See More Photos: 12 Ways to Cozy Up Your Front Porch for Christmas

From: H. Camille Smith

Weathered Buckets

Buckets are another great antique find that makes a charming container for a fresh Christmas tree or seasonal potted plant. They can also be filled with goodies and given as a hostess gift. Look for buckets that are sturdy, in good condition and can be cleaned. Tip: Before adding a live plant, be sure to add a plastic pot liner if the bucket isn't watertight.

Learn More: Tips for Cleaning and Restoring Antique and Vintage Finds

From: Marian Parsons

Brass Trays

Brass is one of those rare materials that get better with age as the metal's surface takes on a rich, warm patina with time and use. So, don't worry about cleaning it, just put that old brass tray to work to add a festive golden gleam to holiday bar carts.

Find More Ideas: The 40 Best Holiday Cocktails

From: H. Camille Smith

Handblown Glass Ornaments

Vintage and antique glass ornaments have been a collectible for decades but, due to the rise of shatterproof plastic ornaments, they're becoming more of a rare find. Collections of glass balls can be relatively easy to find at yard sales and thrift stores, but limited-edition pieces that are hand-blown, like this ornament commemorating man’s first walk on the moon, are easier to source in online marketplaces. Since these ornaments are delicate and can be potentially dangerous to pets and kids if broken, display them in bowls, under cloches, or in covered glass jars as an alternative to hanging them on the tree.

Find More Ideas: 20 Clever Holiday Decor Storage Hacks

Baskets

While baskets aren't conventional holiday decor, they can be extremely handy when creating displays. Look for baskets that can be used to hold Christmas trees, rolls of pretty wrapping paper, poinsettias, or even hung on the front door as a wreath.

From: Marian Parsons

Handmade Ornaments

Vintage and antique Christmas ornaments are highly collectible and pretty widely available at antique stores and online marketplaces. Keep an eye out for ornaments that were handmade instead of mass-produced to create a unique collection. Some popular homemade ornament styles are those made from natural elements like pinecones and nuts, paper mache, beads, yarn, fabric scraps or are adorned with German glass glitter.

Find More Ideas: 46 Creative Christmas Tree Themes

From: H. Camille Smith

Christmas Cards

These mini works of art from past decades often feature birds, flowers and wintry landscapes, with gilded foil details and colorful fringe. Try sprucing up a windowsill by hanging them from fresh evergreen swags. Or, make a casual collage by sliding them under the frame of a mirror — or, even dress up a doorknob with a beaded glass garland adorned with vintage cards. The pretty bits of paper can be inexpensively sourced at estate sales or thrift stores so when incorporating them into your holiday displays, don't be afraid to push the envelope.

Pinecone Gnomes

These handcrafted figurines from the 1940s, with their pinecone bodies, pipe-cleaner arms and kooky clay faces, are a holiday hoot. They pop up from time to time out of closets and attics, so if you see one, nab a little elfin magic. To show off these North Pole gnomes, create a snowy vignette on a bookcase. Just turn a few books on their sides, perch a pixie on white felt, and add a herd of tiny reindeer dashing through the snow.

Candle Clips + Holders

Bring back the nostalgic look of pre-string-light Christmas decor by adding some vintage clip-on candle holders to your tree. Light real candles on Christmas Eve (for a short time, never unattended) or fit modern battery-operated candles into the vintage holders. These candle clips can also be incorporated into tabletop greenery arrangements.

From: Marian Parsons

Light Reflectors

The awesome thing about vintage metal light reflectors is that most of them will fit over new lights. They add a vintage look with safer, modern wiring. The reflectors are best installed over larger C9 lights — whether clear, frosted, ceramic or colored.

From: Marian Parsons

Santas

Jolly Old St. Nick can be found represented in a variety of decorative mediums from ceramic to felt to fabric to paper mache. With so many options, the key is to be selective when starting or adding to a collection. Only buy pieces you really love and that work well with your collection as a whole.

From: Marian Parsons

Mittens, Hats + Scarves

Vintage and antique hats, mittens and scarves, especially those that are handmade and/or hand-me-downs, are a beautiful addition to holiday vignettes. Use a scarf as a table runner or wrap it loosely around the base of a small tree as a stand-in for a tree skirt. Mittens can be used to hold gift cards or as mini stockings for candy or advent gifts. Hats can be hung on hooks in an entryway as part of a wintry display.

From: Marian Parsons

Antique Bread Boards

Kitchen workhorses, like timeworn cutting boards, breadboards and chopping blocks have transitioned from being purely functional and hidden away out of sight when not in use to character-rich pieces that are kept constantly on display. When decorating your kitchen this year, work them into the decor by using them to serve up seasonal sweets or to create a rustic backdrop to a colorful wreath. Learn how to make your own clementine wreath to gift or display, below.

Get the How-To: Handmade Gift: Craft a Healthy and Edible Wreath

Lanterns

Candle-filled lanterns are an undeniably beautiful way to brighten up any area, either indoors or out, for the holidays. To eliminate any fire hazard, use battery-operated candles for your flickering flames.

From: H. Camille Smith

Shiny Brite Ornaments

These colorful glass ornaments were sold at Woolworths in the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s — at just a nickel apiece — so it's no wonder that many of us remember their cheery colors brightening up childhood Christmas trees. Vintage Shiny Brites are still a bargain at garage sales and flea markets, so why not stock up? Fashion a spectacular centerpiece by displaying a few dozen on a tiered cake stand or give your tree a midmod makeover by mixing in the vintage gems.

Garden Totes

Bring the outdoors in and the summer to winter by mixing garden elements into your holiday decorating. A vintage garden tote makes a perfect place to arrange fresh greenery clippings and candles as a coffee table centerpiece. The empty rows of flowerpots can also be filled with small bottle brush trees, pinecones or even foil-wrapped chocolates or candy canes.

From: Marian Parsons

Toolboxes

Use a vintage wooden tote or caddy to hold a collection of smaller gifts. Wrap the small gifts in coordinating paper, and tuck each into a cubby, making a fun display that can be used for organizing once the gifts are unwrapped.

See More Photos: 15 Vintage Holiday Gift Ideas

From: Marian Parsons

Metal Matchstick Holders

Both practical and pretty, these compact containers were designed with a small hole near the top so they could easily be tacked to a fireplace surround or the adjacent wall to keep long wooden matches handy. You can still use them for this same purpose today, or follow our lead and loop ribbon through the nail hole to turn the metal cone into a faux greenery-filled chair swag.

From: H. Camille Smith

Vintage Holiday Bird Figurines

The next time you're at the flea market, do a little bird watching for Old World, clip-on bird ornaments. These hand-blown glass beauties from Germany feature delicate, spun-glass tails and each bird is attached to a clip, perfect for tree trimming. Showcase your flock in a fanciful display by the fireplace. Simply clip them onto a glittered tree branch from the yard for a stylish holiday hearth. On such an elegant perch, they're sure to sing a carol or two.

How to Decorate With Vintage and Antique Christmas Decor

Related To:

Shop This Look

Antiques + Vintage: Holidays With History

Beaded Ornaments

Glass Ornaments

Christmas Villages + Putz Houses

Jewel Trees

Ceramic Christmas Trees

Santas

Christmas Pyramids

Vintage Insulated Containers

Tree Toppers

Pretty Porcelain

Blow Molds

Wagons + Carts

German Candy Box Bobbleheads

Vintage Holiday Pins

Salt-Glazed Santas

Wooden Nutcrackers

Spun-Satin Ornaments

Vintage Skis

Bubble Lights

Retro Ornaments

Ornament Boxes

Sleigh Bells

Vintage + Reproduction Feather Trees

Retro Candleholders

Knee Huggers

Special Occasion Serveware

Antique + Vintage Toys

Corsages

Tinsel Trees

And, Brass Candlesticks

Pedestals + Cake Stands

Holly Jolly Serveware

Bottle Brush Trees

Holiday Brooches

Old Stockings

Wood Crates

Christmas Crackers

Stoneware Crocks

Moravian Stars

Flocked Animals

Vintage Throws

Hand-Me-Down Quilts

Antique Wood Sleds

Weathered Buckets

Brass Trays

Handblown Glass Ornaments

Baskets

Handmade Ornaments

Christmas Cards

Pinecone Gnomes

Candle Clips + Holders

Light Reflectors

Santas

Mittens, Hats + Scarves

Antique Bread Boards

Lanterns

Shiny Brite Ornaments

Garden Totes

Toolboxes

Metal Matchstick Holders

Vintage Holiday Bird Figurines

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