The trends of Christmas past are alive and well.
Jay Wilde
It’s time to pull your many bins of holiday decor out from storage!
Transform your abundance ofChristmas postcardsinto a decadent garland over the mantle with the help of a few clothespins.
Credit:Jay Wilde
One manufacturer,Shiny Brite, started mass-producing its whimsical wares in 1937.
Rare or complicated designs cost more.
How to display them:Thread mismatched bells on a length of twine or yarn for a homemade garland.
Hang individual bells on the Christmas tree or from the arms of a chandelier.
Loop a bundle from doorknobs or evergreen swags.
Look for bargains at estate sales and thrift shops in older neighborhoods.
We recommend doing the same.
Assemble a throng of tree candles together, placing some atop overturned mugs to vary heights.
Or sprinkle pieces among garlands, dishes, and other Christmas ware.
Credit:Jason Donnelly / Collector: @C.B._DESIGNS
Slip one at each place setting on the dinner table as a name card and souvenir for guests.
Or hang them astree ornamentsusing a small paper clip and a metal hook.
Original versions were often handcrafted on a small scale withindividual lightbulbson the branches.
A single lightbulb at the base illuminated all the colorful plastic ‘lights’ from within.
Small trees standing on the dining table can take on a candle-like appearance when their lights are turned on.
Miniature Creches
These tiny nativity scenes feature the traditional manger scene.
), and they aren’t widely available.
Score antique ornaments by the lot on eBay or Etsy; they’re often a few dollars each.
How to display them:Of course beaded ornaments are wonderful hanging from the tree.
Credit:Jay Wilde / Collector: @JESSWASSERMAN
They’re also gorgeous gathered in a bowl or basket for display on a mantel or tabletop.
Antique trees are often a little bent, tattered, or missing a few bristles.
New bottle-brush trees are usually inexpensive at discount or big box storesall the better for stocking up!
Credit:David Land / Collector: @MAGENTAMODERN
They’re absolutely charming en masse.
Both vintage and reproduction mercury glass are widely available as vases, bowls, figurines, and ornaments.
Tree figurines can be pricey; over $100 for a set of small trees.
Credit:Jay Wilde / Collector: @MYWEATHEREDHOME
Modern reproductions can be had for about the same price.
Display an array of glass trees in all shapes and colors.
Silvered glass ornaments on the tree or wired into a garland add a special touch.
In recent years, these midcentury marvels have surged in popularity and are widely available again.
True vintage tinsel trees are rareand expensive.
Even small ones in decent condition go for $200-plus on eBay.
Prices start at $25 and can soar sky-high.
New Jadeite also runs the gamut in price depending on the manufacturer.
Credit:Jay Wilde / Collector: @MYWEATHEREDHOME
Credit:Adam Albright / Collector: @INSPIREDBYCHARM
Credit:Adam Albright / Collector: @RUSTICWILDARROW
Credit:Jay Wilde / Collector: @MYWEATHEREDHOME
