When it comes to decorating for the holidays, I’m all about Vintage Christmas. Sometimes that means using actual vintage Christmas decor around my home, but that also means upcycling vintage pieces in a festive, merry way. And if you also enjoy vintage holiday trimmings, then this collection of decorating ideas and upcycling projects is definitely for you.
Displaying Antique Postcards
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Vintage Christmas postcards are a favorite collectible, and there are lots of ways to display them. This one utilizes vintage scrub brushes as display stands, but old flower frogs (the sharp kind) are another favorite method.
I’ve also framed vintage Christmas postcards, as well- which is an alternative display idea, too.
Vintage Toy Trucks as Christmas Decor
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
An old toy truck from your childhood (or even a newer one) is such a great piece of potential Christmas decor! You can outfit it with mini wreaths or little LED light strands. Or in this case, fill up the bed with fresh-cut (bottlebrush) trees. No matter how you decorate it, your little truck was meant to be used at Christmastime.
DIY Baby Ice Skates for a Vintage Sled-Inspired “Wreath”
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
An old-fashioned sled adorned with ice skates has become a favorite pairing when it comes to holiday decor. And if you find a small decorative sled like this, you can recreate that look as door decoration for the holidays. The vintage part? Those “ice skates” started out as vintage baby shoes!
Christmas Lantern with Vintage Wrapping Paper
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
I’ve made a couple of projects with vintage Christmas wrapping paper, but this one is probably my favorite. Yes, those “lantern panels” are made from vintage gift wrap that I laminated. But the most interesting part of this project is the Christmas tree-shaped item that was PERFECT for upcycling into a lantern in the first place.
Vintage Christmas Decor on the Porch
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
An old sled isn’t the preferred way to glide down a snowy hill anymore. But it sure is cute when propped up on your front porch during the holiday season! You can decorate it with all sorts of things: a wreath, a pair of skates, or even mittens like these (which were made from a thrift store sweater!).
Waterless Snow Globes
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Waterless snow globes are the easiest snow globes to make, and they really are just as cute! And while you can use new jars and decorations from the craft store, I’m partial to old jars and vintage decorative bits like these.
Vintage Flocked Wreath
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
This vintage flocked wreath was adorable plain, but had gotten slightly damaged over the years. Gaps had formed in the bristles and other areas had flattened out. But with the addition of a few vintage ornaments, it looks full and festive once again!
DIY Christmas Ornaments from Paper Coasters
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Remember those paper coasters that stores like Hallmark would sell throughout the year? They were certainly cute and festive, but not all that proficient at being, well…a coaster. The good news is that they’re absolutely perfect as a craft supply for this DIY Christmas ornament idea.
Ornament-Topped Bottles
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Pretty bottles- old or new- aren’t normally considered something to use as Christmas decor. But they’re the perfect base to display a few of your favorite (or perhaps most delicate) ornaments. Imagine a Christmas mantel filled with these ornament-topped bottles…wouldn’t that be absolutely stunning?
Vintage Snow Shoe Door Decor
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
A vintage snow shoe- or even a newer one- is definitely not the typical Christmas wreath. But, not only is it fun to decorate with greenery and ribbon, but the shoe itself is a fun way to show off a few of your favorite Christmas cards, as well.
Upcycled Paper Trees
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
These recycled paper trees are fun Christmas craft ideas to make with all sorts of paper. Book pages, sheet music, old Christmas cards- you name it. These secret to their cuteness is the torn edges and the vintage receipt spikes that you use to make them.
Don’t they look like antique iron Christmas tree stands?
Vintage Christmas Decor with Ornament Boxes
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Once your vintage ornaments are hung on the tree, the empty boxes might be festive enough to use as Christmas decor, as well. Stacked like a Christmas tree so you can appreciate the graphics printed on the sides, it’s a fun and unexpected way to decorate for the holidays.
And yes, that’s a vintage cookie cutter on top, too.
Playful Retro Wreath
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
This Christmas wreath has a retro feel, thanks to the vintage decorations and old fashioned Santa graphic in the center. But the best part is that it was made by upcycling a plastic tray from the thrift store.
Vintage Soda Crate Display
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
A vintage soda crate with large enough openings is the perfect thing for displaying some of your most prized ornaments. And here’s a bonus- you can use the crate to store the ornaments throughout the rest of the year, too!
Peppermint Sticks in a Toy Truck
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Usually, a vintage toy truck is filled with bottlebrush trees- and the truck itself is usually red. But for a fun “twist”, how about an aqua toy truck filled with peppermint sticks like this? The colors have a great retro feel, and the peppermints look like they lumber from a magical candy forest.
Peg Bag Door Decor
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
A vintage clothespin bag or peg bag wouldn’t normally scream “Christmas wreath”. Unless, of course, it was already sporting some Christmas colors! Then it’s the perfect thing to repurpose into a Christmas plaid door hanger during the holidays.
Brass Candlestick Ornament Display
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
The best part about collecting brass candlesticks is that they all coordinate perfectly together without needing a matching pair. And look how FABULOUS they are as a unique way to display your favorite vintage Christmas ornaments?
And if you’re a fan of vintage ornaments, especially Shiny Brites, then you’ll want to give this post a read, as well…
Decorating Ideas for a Vintage Christmas
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this cheery collection of vintage Christmas decorating ideas! There are so many ways to add some nostalgia to your holiday decorations and hopefully some of these ideas inspire your own vintage Christmas decor this year.
Craft on!
S
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Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
I was so inspired by your clothespin snowflakes that I made four of them last year. I left them as is and used them hanging from a frame with greenery. yesterday I fished out all of my late MIL’s vintage earrings and I “blinged” them up. They came out so beautifully and this year I will display them on my Christmas tree. Thanks for the inspiration!
Oh, I love hearing this, Gina!! Thank you for sharing with me!
Love all of your ideas! My next project is your Retro Tray Wreath. Soooo cute! Thanks for the inspiration!
Thanks so much, Patti- and Merry Craftmas to you!
I enjoyed your post. I love the Vintage Christmas decorations. They remind me of more peaceful time.
Thanks, Doris!