Today we are talking all about Vintage Christmas Ornaments love.
I have gotten so many questions recently about vintage Christmas ornaments, where to find them, how much to pay, etc. I thought for Friday Favorites this week- I would share a favorite tree along with some of my favorite tips for shopping and scoring vintage ornaments.
Vintage Christmas Ornaments
Even though I love to decorate a tree with layers of one color and lots of gold and silver- those colorful vintage ornaments are some of my favorites. And when it comes to mercury glass ornaments- the more the merrier in my opinion.
Vintage mercury glass ornaments are dainty delicate glass ornaments. They are not heavy or thick glass like todays chunky mercury glass ornaments. They come in colors and shapes and sizes galore- and a lot of them have details like stripes, snow, flocked etching and more.
Satin and Flocked Ornaments
You probably have also seen a lot of satin and flocked ornaments while shopping vintage as well. There is one little white and gold satin ornament tucked in with the others in the photo above. The good thing about these is when shopping online – they are lightweight and not breakable like the glass ornaments so can be far less expensive to ship. These satin ornaments that I share recently were an online score. They are beaded ornaments – these are most likely handmade but you can find some similar that were made for stores.
Where to Find Vintage Ornaments
I scour the thrift stores quite often during the holiday season. They will bring out boxes and boxes of Christmas stuff around Thanksgiving (some even earlier) And mixed in with the everyday Christmas- there are usually quite a bit of vintage. You might have to pick and choose- or purchase ‘bags’ of random ornaments to get the ones you want- but they are usually quite inexpensive. Average price from a recent thrift shopping trip was $2 a box.
You can also shop online at places like Etsy and eBay. Just beware that the sellers will ask more for anything that looks ‘vintage’ even if it is reproduction. I won a lot of vintage ornaments and bits just this morning for $10- but if you factor in the shipping- it is more like $15- which is obviously far more than the $2 a box at the thrift store. Knowing it will cost a pretty penny more- I save the online shopping for specific things I am looking for. A certain color, large amount at a low price, specific ornament, etc.
Reproductions
As I mentioned- there are a ton of reproductions out there too. And they are beautiful as well. So if you are just wanting to ‘get the look’ and are not as concerned about the vintage age- that is a great way to score the look right away.
Vintage Ornaments Patina
Yes indeed- there is a patina that vintage ornaments have. Mercury glass ornaments will lose silvering, the colors will have ‘cracks’ in it (though the ornament will be okay) and many of them will be missing their caps.
If they don’t have hangers you can display them in bowls, buckets, crates, etc. or fashion your own hangers to use them.
On Repeat
I use vintage mixed with new on repeat over here. If you were to look closely at the trees in the house- you will see a mix of ornaments in colors, styles, shapes, sizes, etc. I am in the ‘use and enjoy what makes you happy’ camp – there is no right or wrong way to decorate your tree.
Shop the Look
Frosted Balsam Tree | European Fir Tree
I hope this helps answer some of your questions! Coming your way on Sunday- the 2nd Tree in the 12 Trees Series. Happy decking the halls!
Jan says
Dreamy ….. just dreamy ~
Rachel Harper says
Vintage ornaments are my favorite and i’m always on the look out for them at thrift stores. Beautiful post.
Diana says
I adore old ornaments that are chippy andhave grazing. It just gives the tree a collected look that I love. I can’t wait for the 2nd tree.
Eugenia Annino Steger says
The post was just what I needed, going shopping with my daughter in law and daughter, I am looking for 12 at east to put in my coke Cola vintage box!
Aussie Jo says
The vintage look is so lovely
Heather says
Where did You get tuis be flocked tree?
Courtney says
Hi! It is the Frosted Balsam from Balsam Hill. https://bit.ly/3mUDo5O
Claire says
Vintage is common at my house. At age 72 having been married for 53 years, everything here from ornaments to sox are Vintage! I have to say VINTAGE ornaments are way better than VINTAGE sox! Beautiful post.
Eugenia Annino Steger says
I just went shopping this afternoon and really got a huge bag of gorgeous christmas ornaments for $3.99 at Good Will! Thank you for your advice!
Virginia Baker says
Love them all!
Cheryl Atkinson says
That is the prettiest tree i have ever seen. i sit here and think of all the vintage ornaments that i have passed up because at the time i didn’t appreciate them. ugh. You have such a beautiful collection, Thank you for sharing them with us.