How to Decorate for Christmas Using Vintage Items

As you guys all know, I’m a big fan of mixing new finds with cherished family favorites. I love the layered mix of pieces that have lots of patina snuggled next to treasured new pieces. Spaces that have a “collected over time” look make me melt especially now that there are so many amazing holiday home tours to enjoy.

I know from experience decorating for the holidays can be tough if you’re living in a home that has limited storage space. Our attic is tiny and we have to be very selective about what decorations we chose to keep each year.

It used to drive me kind of bananas because there are so many beautiful holiday decorations out there. I want to bring them all home. Then I realized decorating around the vintage items I use every day doesn’t have to be hard…you just have to see them in a different way. These are a few of my favorite examples of how to decorate for Christmas using vintage items.

I can’t get enough of this vintage plaid blanket. I used it as a table runner during the fall season and it was a perfect fit for a makeshift tree skirt…

just ask my sweet rescue Jelly Bean.

We couldn’t find the right tree topper but then I remembered I found this plaque that was made in Scotland earlier this year. It had a handmade label on the back that reads its translation “I am ready.” I’m already working on the tee shirt design that’s inspired by this plaque.

I would never have thought to put cinnamon sticks in this vintage shaving cup but my mom tucked those sticks in there like it was “a thing.” I loved it.

I’m seriously in love with all rusty scales. Layering the scale with a wreath gave the table a cozy feel.

I know I’m not alone in collecting vintage rolling pins. This layered look is really easy to achieve. Grab your favorite cookie cutter, a rolling pin and your favorite tea towel and you’re good to go.

Antique dough bowls seem to have a million different uses. This one was filled with pumpkins and gourds a few weeks ago and then I transitioned it to the pinecones and branches. This literally takes minutes if you’re pressed for time.

I can’t remember if I told you guys or not but my family has a long history with tobacco farming so I was really excited to find this big tobacco basket over year ago at an estate sale. I bought the music sheet wreath at my first Country Living Fair. You could easily change the wreath out for a hot chocolate and cider bar sign and make this whole area a drink station.

Vintage containers are also fun to use in Christmas decorating. Like this aluminum coffee pot filled with snowy branches, the crock filled with snow tipped garland, the old ash bucket filled with fire wood and the vintage suitcase that’s been previously used on the gourmet s’mores bar.

I’m always a big fan of using creamware and ironstone too. Like this set up on the back patio for friends dinner.

One of my favorite vintage decorating finds from this holiday season is about 50 years old. This Nativity is missing the star and the moss on the roof and it makes me love it that much more.

Most of these things were fairly inexpensive so if you’re on a budget it’s a great seasonal decorating option especially since you can use most of them all year long. See you guys back here tomorrow. I’m sharing a DIY Mobile Wrapping Station!

Many blessings,
CoCo