Can I confess something? Every year as soon as November hits, I’m practically itching to dig out the boxes of old, mismatched Christmas decorations from my parents’ attic. Nothing says “the holidays are coming” quite like pricking your finger on a rusty ornament hook or finding that the vintage reindeer has somehow lost its nose—again. If you’ve ever craved that cozy, tap-into-childhood-kind-of-Christmas, grab your favorite mug (bonus points if it’s chipped and has Santa on it) and let’s walk through my favorite lived-in, memory-filled ways to deck your halls.
1. Vintage Ornaments
If you’ve never gone down the Shiny Brite rabbit hole, oh boy—be careful, it’s addictive. My grandma loved those glass baubles, every color under the sun. Now, I like to mix the old with shiny new ones (because, if you’re like me, half break every time you try to untangle the lights). The trick? Space out those branches so every little glittery sphere can do its thing.
2. Santa Mugs
We had a running contest as kids to see who’d get the mug with the biggest Santa mustache. (Loser got the cup with the faded cheek.) Nowadays, I line them up at the cocoa bar, toss in some marshmallows with a note that basically says, “Get cozy, you’re among friends!” Fake snow? Necessary for vibes, not winter disasters.
3. Antique Decor
My shopping motto: if it has a little dust, even better. Take a flocked tree, pile on anything that looks like it’s seen its share of Christmases—old ornaments, those little clip-on birds, battery candles that flicker just right. Feels like stepping into a black-and-white holiday movie.
4. Mercury Glass Christmas Trees
My aunt had these mercury glass trees all over her house, and as a kid I swore they were actually made by elves. Try this: cluster them on a side table with a random architectural find (like a corbel or chunk of trim), then weave bottle brush trees through the scene. The colors! Like a candy shop.
5. Snowman Blow Mold Christmas Decoration
You haven’t lived until you’ve tried to drag a giant plastic snowman out of the garage in your pajamas. My dad’s 1950s blow molds still have that warm glow—one lightbulb away from catching fire or pure nostalgia, you decide. Stick them on your porch and watch neighbors smile as they walk by.
6. Vintage Light Bulbs
Let’s talk old Christmas lights. Tiny, dangerous, and absolutely irresistible. I plop a pile on a cake stand and pretend it’s intentional (not that the string broke for the third year running). Instant centerpiece, plus a built-in conversation starter—“Remember when these used to actually work?”
7. Christmas Villages
Wooden villages are the secret weapon for mantels. Nothing beats that classic look. The best part? Rearranging the “town” every year—sometimes there’s a blizzard in the bakery, sometimes the school closes for two weeks. No rules, only good vibes.
8. Brass Candlesticks & Figurines
A thrift store brass deer is my holiday MVP. Throw in some greenery (whatever’s not half-dead in the yard), and grab those brass candlesticks with the melted wax drips. Instant woodland magic, minus the muddy boots.
9. Antique Mirrors
Mirrors on the mantle = Christmas magic on repeat. Don’t sweat mismatched frames—just pretend you’re mixing eras like a Parisian. I’ve spray-painted a few to hide scratches, plus they bounce the twinkle lights around the room. Top it all off with chunky socks hanging down and you’re golden.
10. Bottle Brush Trees
Ah, the humble bottle brush tree. Originally a way to use up old toilet brush bristles (true story)—now my favorite excuse to buy one in every color. Pile them on mantels, windowsills, even the back of the toilet if you’re wild. If they shed a little? That’s just vintage fairy dust.
11. Vintage Picnic Wares
Our mudroom looks like a yard sale gone rogue—picnic tins, old thermoses, some garland I swear was green when I bought it. Throw up a felt banner and suddenly, it’s Christmas at the cabin. Don’t be surprised if someone drops their mittens and finds a thermos full of last year’s cocoa mix.
12. Wooden Sled
Pro-tip: nothing says “Christmas morning chaos” like dodging a wooden sled to get to your coffee. But they make adorable gift holders, especially when you wrap everything in brown paper and twine. Every present feels like a secret agent delivery, don’t you think?
13. Architectural Pieces
My obsession? Weird old shelves and moldings. Hang them, balance postcards and Christmas prints across the top, stick a couple bottle brush trees in for color. Looks like your living room was styled by someone’s super chic grandmother.
14. Antique Pitchers
My kitchen counter is basically a museum for old pitchers. Fill them with fresh greenery (or branches snipped from the neighbor’s yard, thank you very much), then float a few glass ornaments along the counter. The mix of textures makes you want to touch everything—and maybe, finally, dust.
15. Snow Globes
No Christmas is complete without a few wobbly snow globes. Shake ‘em, watch the glitter swirl, pretend you’re in your own Hallmark movie for a minute. The best are a little cloudy, with chipped bases and stories you can’t quite remember.
So what about you? Which of these old-school touches brings back the loudest, happiest memories? Or maybe inspires a new, messy tradition this year? (Just don’t blame me if you start collecting Santa mugs. It’s a slippery slope.)
