Do you remember the Christmas tree at Grandma’s house? Lately I’ve been saving so many vintage Christmas tree ideas, from bubble lights and old glass ornaments to popcorn garland and quilted tree skirts!
Every year I pull out our box of ornaments and get so nostalgic. So this year, I want our tree to feel warm, a little imperfect and full of memories.
Best of all, you don’t need real antiques to try these vintage Christmas tree ideas. So I rounded up 12 of my favorite trees, plus the vintage-style pieces I’d buy to recreate each one at home!
What Makes a Christmas Tree Look Vintage?
For me, it always starts with warm light first. Think colorful bulbs, bubble lights or candle-style lights instead of cool white LEDs.
Then add glass ornaments, a homemade-looking garland and a cozy skirt. Plus, if you want to carry the look around the house, my vintage Christmas decor ideas have lots more inspo!
1. Wrap It in Paper Garland and Colored Lights
First of all, colored lights are the fastest way to make a tree feel retro! Here, a bright blue garland wraps around and around, so the whole tree feels playful.
Also, the red and white checkered floor makes it look straight out of the 1950s. So add a strand of bubble lights for that extra old-fashioned glow!
2. Collect Ornaments Over the Years
Honestly, I love a tree where every ornament has a story! Plus, this one sits in a log cabin next to a brick fireplace.
Then the gold star on top and the pile of wrapped gifts make it feel so cozy. In short, mix new glass ornaments with a few old favorites!
3. Vintage Christmas Tree Ideas: Choose a Sparse Tree
Back then, Christmas trees were much more open than the full ones we buy today. So a sparse tree instantly looks vintage!
Also, the open branches let every ornament hang straight down. Then a glass finial topper and a few white snowflakes are all you need.
4. Layer On the Lights
More lights, please! Indeed, this tree glows with layer after layer of warm lights.
Meanwhile, an antique chest and a wreath on the window keep it old-fashioned. Then shiny reflector ornaments catch the light and make it sparkle even more!
5. Top It With a Straw Star and Citrus Garland
A woven star topper feels so homespun and sweet! Below it, there are red ornaments and a simple citrus garland too.
Plus, an old step ladder next to the tree adds a fun farmhouse touch. So try dried oranges for a cozy, natural look that smells amazing!
6. Use Candle Lights and a Quilted Skirt
Before string lights, people put little candles on their trees! These clip-on candle lights give the same look, but safely.
Then a red and white quilted skirt finishes it off. After all, it’s like wrapping the tree in Grandma’s favorite quilt!
7. Hang a Simple Popcorn Garland
It doesn’t get more classic than popcorn garland! Meanwhile, this little tree sits in a corner next to a stone fireplace.
Also, plaid throws on the sofa make the whole room feel like a cabin. Bonus: a faux garland won’t get eaten by the dog!
8. Vintage Christmas Tree Ideas: Plant It in a Stoneware Crock
A tabletop tree is perfect, especially for small spaces! Here, it sits in an old stoneware crock, so it looks extra homey, on a green gingham tablecloth.
Then a big plaid bow on top makes it so cheerful. So if you have a big tree, try a white woven tree collar for the same vintage look!
9. Collect Glass Finial Toppers
Aren’t these glass finials so pretty?! Back then, vintage toppers came in every color, so a collection looks amazing on a table.
Also, you can put one on the tree and display the rest on a mantel. In short, they’re a little piece of Christmas history!
10. Add a Little Feather Tree
Feather trees were one of the very first artificial trees, and they’re so charming! Plus, this one sits on a white cabinet by the stairs.
Then a few small ornaments and some bottle brush trees make it a sweet little vignette. Above all, I love it for an entry or a kitchen!
11. Tie On Big Plaid Bows
Of course, plaid bows make any tree feel cozy! Here, a big red plaid bow sits on top, while smaller ones are tucked into the branches.
Plus, the old wood barn wall behind it is so charming. So grab two rolls of wired plaid ribbon and tie a few big bows for an easy upgrade!
12. Go Old-World With Velvet and Ribbons
Finally, this tree feels like an old European Christmas! Velvet ornaments, long ribbons and little candles hang all over the branches, so it feels so lush.
Also, loose ribbons add such a soft, romantic touch. Then mix in a few gold ornaments for a little sparkle!
Ready to Trim Your Own Vintage Christmas Tree?
First of all, I hope these vintage Christmas tree ideas gave you lots of inspo for this year! Above all, start with warm lights and one homemade-looking garland.
Then add a few glass ornaments every year. Honestly, that’s the fun part of vintage Christmas tree ideas, because they grow with your family! After all, the best vintage trees are collected, not bought all at once. Merry Christmas and happy decorating, friends!
Shop These Vintage Christmas Tree Ideas
In short, here are all my favorite pieces in one place. So just tap any item to shop it, and then have fun decorating!
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