14 Vintage Christmas Decorating Ideas to Try

Are you a fan of antique and vintage decor? Today I’m sharing some wonderful vintage Christmas decorating ideas and ways to use your special thrifted finds for holiday decor.

Here’s a little something you should know about me. I love searching for the perfect antique and vintage treasures every chance I get.

It could have something to do with the fact that I live in a 1920 beach house. When you live in an old house, it’s easy to gravitate towards anything charmingly classic and timeless.

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Where to Shop for Vintage Christmas Decorations

The Christmas season is my favorite time of year to decorate.

If you’re looking for Christmas decorating ideas but don’t want to spend a lot of money, incorporating vintage items with your other holiday decor is an affordable option.

When it comes to home decor Christmas shopping, there are several options to find collections and items that you’re looking for.

What to Look For in Vintage Christmas Decor

To determine if something is actually vintage, examine its materials, craftsmanship, and overall condition.

Vintage Christmas decorations usually have a level of craftsmanship and attention to detail that may be lacking in more modern pieces.

Look for signs of wear and aging, such as fading, chipping, or patina, as these can be indicators of authenticity. Additionally, vintage decorations are more likely to be made from materials like glass, hand-painted ceramics, or delicate fabrics, rather than plastic or mass-produced materials commonly found in contemporary items.

A nostalgic charm is often seen in vintage Christmas decor through its design and color palette. Traditional reds, greens, and gold, along with classic motifs like angels, Santas, and reindeer, are typical of vintage pieces.

14 Vintage Christmas Decor Ideas to Try This Season

In this post, I’m sharing some of the ways I’ve used antique and vintage items in my Christmas decor over the last few years.

So let’s take a look at some of my favorite vintage finds and Christmas items for the holidays. I think you’ll agree that they fit in perfectly with the rest of my home decor.

Vintage Christmas Kitchen Decor: Vintage Dishes

Styling vintage dishes for Christmas can be so easy and look beautiful all dressed up for the holidays. It’s the perfect time to spruce up an open shelf or hutch and make a gorgeous holiday statement.

Showing off your beautiful pieces for the holiday season is as easy as adding a sprig of greenery, some pinecones, a few berries, or some ornaments.

Decorating with vintage Christmas pieces is an easy AND inexpensive way to give your space an entirely festive holiday look.

I’m still on the hunt for more vintage transferware and ironstone pieces to add to my collection.

I love the way that blue and white vintage dishes look during the holidays which proves that you don’t have to display only traditional Christmas colors to make a seasonal statement.

Deck the Halls with Vintage Christmas Ornaments

I have several sets of vintage ornaments here and there, but not quite enough (yet) to make a statement on any of my Christmas trees.

But that’s not stopping me from displaying vintage ornaments in a dough bowl or styling them in a vintage wooden crate.

Whether your Shiny Brite Christmas ornaments are hanging on the tree or filling a beautiful bowl, these vintage glass ornaments make a beautiful statement for the holidays. They also make great gifts for friends or your favorite hostess during the season.

Use Vintage Containers to Display Christmas Decorations

When it comes to vintage Christmas decorating ideas, there are no limits to what you can use to show off your holiday decor.

I’ve used rusty chicken feeders, wooden dough bowls, old wire baskets…the list goes on and on. Find your favorite vintage container and fill it with whatever makes you happy.

Whether you find a pitcher in silver, pewter, or copper, this flea market find will always make greenery or a floral arrangement look fabulous.

How about a beautifully tarnished vintage silver trophy cup to hold your mini Christmas tree?

Bring on the Warm and Cozy Vibes With Vintage Christmas Throw Blankets and Quilts

Vintage plaid throw blankets add warmth and coziness to any indoor or outdoor space during the holidays.

They also add a perfect pop of color for a more festive holiday vibe. I have them hanging over every chair for that “charm factor” we all want to have in our homes during the holidays.

Vintage plaid blankets are a favorite Christmas decorating idea for my fur babies as well.

Wrapping a vintage throw around the base of your Christmas tree is a great idea for a tree skirt. You can also hang several on a ladder leaning up against a wall.

Brighten Up Your Holiday Space With Vintage Thermos Collections

I fall in love every time I see a collection of vintage thermoses. There is something so magical about how they look all displayed together on an open shelf or cabinet.

Jenn at Down Shiloh Road has one of the BEST thermos collections. I personally love the white and aqua combination.

Arrange Stacks of Vintage Books for Christmas Decor

Vintage books can be added to any Christmas vignette for that perfect finishing touch. They are one of the best ways to add interest to any holiday decor vignette.

Another great way to use vintage books this holiday is by mixing them in with your Christmas tablescapes. And the best part is that they are a perfect way to add height to any vignette.

Vintage Christmas Kitchen Decor: Fill a Vintage Stoneware Crock With a Mini Tree or Greenery

Thrifted stoneware crocks are a great find for the holidays and can be used as a small tree container. You can find vintage crocks at most thrift shops these days.

Vintage Galvanized Buckets and Pails as Christmas Decorations

Rusty, beat-up galvanized containers are one of my favorite vintage Christmas decorating ideas.

They are one of the best ways to show off your small trees. In fact, vintage galvanized pails, buckets, and tubs can all make great containers for any Christmas tree, depending on the size.

This vintage galvanized pail makes a wonderful container for fresh greens and seasonal flowers on my dining table. I placed three mason jars filled with water inside the bucket so this arrangement would stay hydrated.

Faux branches would look just as lovely in a galvanized container.

Vintage Christmas Sled Decor Ideas

I love vintage sleds, especially when they’re all dressed up for the holidays. I consider old sleds one of my favorite flea market goodies, especially when I find a great deal.

Whether you’re decorating your vintage sled for the front porch or inside your home, they are the perfect home decor for the holiday season.

Decorate your sled with ice skates, greenery, a wreath, bells, or a scarf. Just use your imagination.

Bring on a Ski Lodge Feel with Vintage Snowshoes, Skis, Poles & Boots

You can get really creative when it comes to holiday decorating with vintage snowshoes and skis. They are perfect to use for holiday decorating.

I just found my first pair of vintage snowshoes at an antique mall for $75 which is the cheapest price I’ve seen during my search over the past few years.

Show off Your Holiday Vignettes Using Vintage Wicker & Metal Picnic Baskets

Vintage picnic baskets are so fun to use for Christmas decorating.

This green vintage plaid metal picnic basket makes a great addition to the other Christmas decor displayed on my cottage kitchen open shelving. 

Wicker and metal picnic baskets are charming and one of my favorite ways to add character while decorating my kitchen for Christmas.

They’re a great way to add height to any space you decorate. I’ve found some really unique pieces on Etsy and here and there at flea markets and thrift shops.

Display Vintage Santa Mugs

Santa face vintage mugs add such a whimsical touch to Christmas decor. Whether they are vintage or vintage-inspired reproductions, they’re a must-have for your kitchen during the holidays.

There are so many great ideas for decorating these cute little holiday mugs. Add bottle brush trees, berries, greenery, or ornaments to make them more festive.

Try Vintage Christmas Bell Decor

This is the first year I’ve used bells in my Christmas decor and I can’t understand why I didn’t use them sooner.

I just found these for $9.50 at one of my favorite antique and vintage shops, Saltwater Antiques in Poulsbo. I was so excited to find such a great deal.

I’ve also found other vintage bells and vintage-inspired bells in the past couple of weeks but haven’t had a chance to decorate with them yet.

Add vintage bells to a wreath, your favorite stockings, your Christmas tree, or holiday swag.

Create the Right Mood with Vintage Candle Holders

I’m mixing metals this holiday season using my brass candlesticks and some new silver and pewter candlesticks I purchased earlier this year.

I love adding candles and candle holders to mantels, coffee tables, tablescapes…just about anywhere in my home for a soft holiday ambiance.

Visit My Vintage-Inspired Christmas Home Posts

Most Common Questions About Vintage Christmas Decor

How Do You Mix Old and New Christmas Decor?

Mixing old and new Christmas decor can create a beautifully balanced and harmonious holiday vibe in your home.

Start by mixing in vintage ornaments, figurines, or even heirloom stockings that hold sentimental value. These pieces bring a touch of nostalgia and tradition to your holiday display.

Complement vintage items with newer decor elements like trendy color schemes, contemporary tree toppers, or modern LED string lights.

What are Old Fashioned Christmas Colors?

We often picture rich and traditional shades such as deep red, forest green, and shimmering gold when thinking of classic Christmas decor colors.

Red is often connected to Santa Claus’s iconic suit, while green represents the classic Christmas evergreen trees used for decoration. Gold adds a touch of elegance and luxury to any holiday space.

What Color were Vintage Christmas Lights?

Vintage Christmas lights were typically seen in shades of red, green, and clear, resembling miniature candles. These vintage lights were often made from materials like glass or painted ceramics.

While modern Christmas lights come in a variety of colors and styles, the vintage hues of red, green, and clear continue to be a timeless holiday tradition.

What Makes an Ornament Vintage?

The biggest factor in making an ornament vintage is its age.

An ornament is considered vintage if it is at least 20 to 25 years old. Authentic vintage ornaments often feature hand-blown glass, intricate hand-painted designs, and specific details that set them apart.

Signs of wear, fading, or patina add character, and these ornaments may also reflect the design trends and color palettes of their era.

The next time you’re trying to think of an easy way to up your Christmas decorating game, visit an antique shop to find some amazing vintage pieces that will mix in perfectly with the rest of your holiday season decor.

If you have any questions or additional suggestions, feel free to share them in the comments below. And be sure to share this blog post link with anyone who loves vintage Christmas decorating ideas.

Until next time,

Happy Vintage Christmas Decorating!

More Vintage Inspiration for the Holidays

Every month I join my friends Stacy and Jennifer to bring you thrifting finds and vintage inspiration. Be sure to read their blog posts to see more. Their links are listed below.

Stacy | Bricks ‘n Blooms

My friend Stacy is sharing 5 easy mantel decor ideas for Christmas.

Jennifer | Cottage on Bunker Hill

My friend Jennifer has some great budget-friendly ideas for your Christmas decorating this year.

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