Last Updated on December 12, 2024 by lindseymahoney
2024 is officially the first year where we decorated more than one tree in our home! This year, I decided to purchase a faux Christmas tree and decorate it using Shiny Brite and vintage ornaments.
This was a fun challenge because it gave me something to hunt for at estate sales! There’s something magical about decorating a Christmas tree with ornaments that carry a piece of history.
If you’re dreaming of a retro-inspired holiday, Shiny Brite ornaments and vintage treasures from Poland and Germany are the perfect way to bring mid-century charm to your home. These iconic ornaments capture the joy, nostalgia, and sparkle of Christmases past.
How to Create a Retro Christmas Tree Look
Christmas during the mid-century has specific trends that you will see in most holiday photos from the 1950s. Here is what I included on my Shiny Brite Christmas tree!
First, I set up our fake Christmas tree and spent some time shaping the branches to create a full and realistic look.
1 | Large, Colorful Strand Lights
The fake tree that I purchased came pre-lit with warm white lights, but I added two strands of colorful, retro lights to add some personality to the tree.
2 | Shiny Brite and Vintage Ornaments
Once the retro lights were hung on the tree, I began hanging the Shiny Brite and vintage ornaments. In all, I used about 130 vintage ornaments and am excited to grow my collection in the coming years.
I began searching for Shiny Brite ornaments in the fall, which is one of the worst times to find them because it is right around the holidays. After Christmas, I am sure I will have more luck finding these retro ornaments at estate sales and antique shops.
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3 | Tinsel and Icicles
I first used tinsel on our Christmas tree last year and I am hooked! The tinsel draped over each branch makes the entire tree sparkle throughout the day. This element was a staple on mid-century Christmas trees.
4 | Surround the Tree with More Vintage Decor
Behind the Christmas tree, I set up our vintage Christmas Village that lights up to create a cozy, warm glow.
The ceramic village is a collector’s item made by Department 56. While there are many villages and buildings to collect, I primarily have the Dickens Village and monuments from London.
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When decorating Christmas trees, my goal is not to buy everything all at once but gradually collect great items over time. Each year I will add more ornaments and more fun elements from the 1950s and ’60s.
For this Christmas tree, I still need to find a Christmas tree topper, preferably something that lights up. The Christmas tree skirt is a green tablecloth I already owned. I like how the bright green compliments the colorful ornaments throughout the tree.
Mid-Century Christmas Tree Elements
Bubble Lights
Bubble lights were the epitome of 1950s Christmas kitsch. These colorful lights had liquid-filled tubes that bubbled as they warmed up, creating a mesmerizing effect that delighted both kids and adults.
I have seen these lights on a few Christmas trees this year and it really is a unique look!
Flocked Trees
Flocked trees—artificial evergreens with a snow-like coating—were a hit during the 1950s and ’60s. Pairing a flocked tree with shiny ornaments amplified the festive glow.
RELATED: How to Flock a Christmas Tree | Trendy Holiday DIY
Sputnik Tree Toppers
Inspired by the Space Age, mid-century tree toppers often resembled starbursts or sputniks, adding a futuristic touch to the tree. These designs reflected the era’s fascination with modern technology and innovation.
Beaded Garland
Mid-century trees often featured hand-strung glass bead garlands in metallic tones. This is definitely on my list to add to our retro Christmas tree in the coming years.
Create Your Own Retro Christmas Tree
FAQs
Where Can I Find Vintage Ornaments?
If you’re ready to start your collection, here are some great places to look:
- Estate sales and thrift stores: This is my preferred place to find Shiny Bright ornaments and secondhand Christmas decor. Estate sales are where you can find some of the best deals on vintage items and it is where I found 90% of the retro ornaments on our tree.
- Online Marketplaces: Facebook Marketplace is probably the next best place to find ornaments, however, you have to really hunt for a good deal. EBay sellers usually charge more for ornaments and it costs more to pay for shipping, especially with breakable items like glass ornaments.
- Antique stores: I have found ornaments at antique shops, but they tend to be a little pricier than estate sales. Antique shop dealers often find their inventory at estate sales and then mark up the price when selling in their shop.
History of Shiny Brite Ornaments
During the mid-20th century, Shiny Brite ornaments became synonymous with American Christmas celebrations. Founded in the late 1930s by Max Eckardt, Shiny Brite was initially inspired by the delicate glass ornaments imported from Germany. However, with World War II on the horizon, Eckardt began manufacturing ornaments in the United States to meet growing demand.
Why Shiny Brite Stands Out
- Vivid Colors: Shiny Brite ornaments are known for their vibrant hues, including pinks, blues, greens, and silvers, often adorned with glitter or hand-painted details.
- Unique Designs: They featured everything from traditional spheres to teardrops, stenciled patterns, and whimsical shapes like bells and pinecones.
- Durability: Made of glass, they were often finished with a thin layer of silver nitrate, giving them their signature “shiny” appearance.
Shiny Brite ornaments were affordable and widely available in department stores, becoming a staple in American households. Today, their vintage appeal makes them highly collectible and the perfect addition to a retro-inspired tree.
Vintage European Ornaments
These European ornaments have an old-world sophistication and artistry that attracts modern day collectors.
German Ornaments
Germany has a long history of Christmas ornament production, dating back to the 16th century. By the mid-20th century, German artisans were creating intricate glass ornaments with hand-painted designs, embossed details, and reflective finishes. Kugel ornaments—thick, heavy glass spheres—were particularly popular, as were figurative designs like Santa Claus, angels, and animals.
Polish Ornaments
Polish ornaments are celebrated for their artistry and bold colors. Often more elaborate than their German counterparts, these ornaments featured intricate hand-painted patterns, delicate beads, and reflective accents.
Decorating a Christmas tree with Shiny Brite and vintage ornaments isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about honoring the past and creating a beautiful, memory-filled home for your family. Each ornament carries a story, and by incorporating these nostalgic pieces, you’re weaving a bit of history into your holiday celebrations.
Do you have a favorite vintage ornament or memory tied to your Christmas tree? I’d love to hear it in the comments below!
Merry Christmas!