When choosing Waterford Crystal Christmas ornaments to present as . . . → Read More: Waterford Crystal Christmas Ornaments – Heirlooms to Treasure]]>

Waterford Crystal Christmas ornaments add a timeless splendor to any holiday decor. Their brilliant sparkle and deeply traditional roots make Waterford Crystal Christmas ornaments an ideal gift for those who appreciate classic beauty – and a wonderful way to treat yourself to some affordable luxury this holiday season.

When choosing Waterford Crystal Christmas ornaments to present as a gift to a very special person on your Christmas list, carefully consider their style and taste. Do they favor Victorian opulence in their Christmas decorating? Or is a modern, streamlined look more in line with their personality and preferences? Have they recently celebrated a joyous event, like a wedding, anniversary, or the arrival of a new member of the family? There’s a Waterford Crystal Christmas ornament available to perfectly suit nearly everyone, so take the time to make sure you’re purchasing the ideal ornament which will become a treasured keepsake to the person receiving it for years to come.

For those who like decorations with a modern flair, there are a number of Waterford Crystal Christmas ornaments with clean, classic lines which are sure to please. The 2011 Snowstar ornament, for example, features a bold yet simple design, bursting with radiant energy. Similar, yet even more streamlined in appearance, is the 2011 Jim O’Leary Snow Crystals ornament, named for Jim O’Leary, Design Director at Waterford Crystal. For those who relish the urban exuberance of the annual New Year’s celebration at New York’s Times Square, there’s a 2012 collection of Waterford Crystal Christmas ornaments commemorating the bond so many of us around the world share while watching the historic Ball drop to ring in the new year.

If you’re looking for something with an air of Victorian extravagance, be sure to peruse Holiday Heirloom line of Waterford Crystal Christmas ornaments. These sumptuous, fancy ornaments come in all shapes and sizes, and often boast rich Christmas colors, intricate designs, and sparkling gold accents. Waterford Crystal Christmas ornaments from the Holiday Heirloom line are absolute show-stoppers, and their ornate and imaginative design will make them fast favorites with anyone who appreciates lavish holiday decor.

And of course, Waterford Crystal Christmas ornaments are a time-honored way of celebrating life’s milestones. Their 2011 Celebrations and Commitment ornament showcases a pair of rings entwined – perfect for those celebrating landmark anniversaries. Or capture the joy and romance of a couple’s first year together with the 2011 Our First Christmas ornament, adorned with a pair of swans gracefully arching their necks toward each other to form a heart shape. And when there’s a new baby, give a gift the family will treasure for years to come, like the 2011 Baby’s First Christmas ornament. Shaped like a baby bottle and complimented with silver accents, this adorable ornament will inspire a lifetime’s worth of happy memories.

Waterford Crystal is known for its long-standing tradition of unsurpassed elegance and unmistakable quality. The Waterford company, named for the Irish harbor town where it was founded, was established in 1783. The Waterford Company was the vision of brothers William and George Penrose, who dreamed of creating the finest quality crystal for
objects of beauty in the home. More than two hundred years later, the reputation the Waterford Company established for crafting the finest in crystal ornaments and home decor stands unchallenged. Waterford Crystal Christmas ornaments continue to this day to be hand-crafted as they have been for centuries, by a small group of artisans in Waterford, Ireland. Each piece is individually worked to brilliant, flawless perfection, and designed to lend a lasting air of grandeur and refinement to the home.

This video provides an inside look at the new Waterford Crystal factory and showroom, where the finest in crystal Christmas ornaments and home decor continues to be produced to this day. Seeing the origins of these beautiful items, and the care which goes into the manufacture of each individual piece brings you closer to the Waterford experience.

Celebrating the beauty of nature was a vital theme in late Victorian and Edwardian decor. Authentic, natural items like pinecones, . . . → Read More: Make Victorian Magic With Unique Christmas Lighting Ideas]]> Looking for Christmas lighting ideas to help you make your home a Victorian wonderland this holiday season? Here are some easy and inexpensive Christmas lighting ideas which will make your home sparkle with Victorian charm and elegance.

Celebrating the beauty of nature was a vital theme in late Victorian and Edwardian decor. Authentic, natural items like pinecones, bare branches, and even sea shells lend themselves to creative Victorian Christmas lighting ideas, as do representations of nature, like faux flora. Incorporating natural or nature-inspired items into your Victorian Christmas lighting ideas helps bridge the gap between authenticity and modern innovation, and softens the effect of commercially-available Christmas lighting options.

Since the Victorians lived in a world of gas and candle light, one of the best ways to capture the Victorian essence with your Christmas lighting ideas is to stick with neutral light tones like white or soft gold. You can also incorporate more colorful lights into your Victorian decorating scheme, and one of the best ways to do so is to conceptualize Christmas lighting ideas which somewhat mimic nature. For example, you can achieve a sort of glowing holly berry look by wrapping a strand of red lights around a faux pine garland.

One fast and easy way to instantly Victorian-ify common Christmas lights is to intertwine them with garlands of silk greenery or ivy, which can be purchased inexpensively at many large discount stores. These light and garland combinations look smashing when secured in archways, draped under mantles, or even wrapped around your Victorian-themed Christmas tree. Another Victorian Christmas lighting idea along this line is to secure silk flowers to strands of lights. These flowers are typically mounted on flexible wire stems, which can easily be wrapped around the lights and bent into place.

If you’re looking for interesting Christmas lighting ideas for a natural and captivating Victorian centerpiece, consider a basket of sea shells, sparking with Christmas lights. All you need is a large basket, a strand of common Christmas lights, a handful of plain-old stones or large gravel, a few ribbons, baubles, or trinkets which compliment your holiday color scheme, and of course a selection of gorgeous sea shells. First, punch a hole near the bottom of the basket large enough to slip the plug for the Christmas lights through, and feed the plug through it. Next, arrange some stones in the bottom of the basket to create bulk – this will give the illusion that the entire basket is full of shells. Now’s the time to get creative – arrange your lights, shells, and any Christmas accessories you fancy on top of the stones. This creates a sturdy, gorgeous, and oh-so Victorian light-up centerpiece which works holiday magic anywhere you place it. If you have lots of shells to spare, consider making several of these – a large one for your sideboard or dining table, and smaller ones for coffee tables and end tables.

San Diego Interior Designer Rebecca Robeson has some excellent Christmas decorating tips to share, which include using seashells to stunning effect in her Christmas decor. In this video, she shows how she used seashells to decorate her mantle, interspersed with lights and more traditionally-themed Christmas items. The effect she achieves is breathtaking, and lends itself quite naturally to a Victorian decorating theme. Her design methods are very complimentary to the unique Christmas lighting idea utilizing seashells described above.

One of the most authentic-looking Christmas lighting ideas for your Victorian theme is electric or battery-operated candles. They’re much safer than the wax candles which were used to light Victorian homes, and they’re inexpensive, so you can use them abundantly – place them alone or in groupings on coffee tables, end tables, sideboards, mantles and shelves. And giving them a lush and resplendent look couldn’t be easier – simply place them in the centers of wreaths laid flat. You can add your own personal decorating touches to the wreaths, such as baubles or ribbons which compliment your holiday color scheme, for a complete look of Victorian elegance.

One of the best places to find unique Christmas ornaments is thrift or charity shops. They’re often goldmines . . . → Read More: Unique Christmas Ornaments For Any Decor]]> Unique Christmas ornaments can help you turn your holiday decor from same-old to simply extraordinary. Get ready to think outside the “balls and bows” box – unique Christmas ornaments bring a refreshingly unexpected twist to any Christmas decorating motif.

One of the best places to find unique Christmas ornaments is thrift or charity shops. They’re often goldmines of unusual vintage Christmas ornaments, which are usually sold at ridiculously low prices. And once you’ve thoroughly ransacked the Christmas section, don’t forget to check out the housewares, knick-knacks, and even the jewelry – re-purposed items often make delightfully unique Christmas ornaments, so shop with a creative eye. As an added bonus, your purchases in these shops typically benefit a worthy cause. Unique items, fabulous prices, and your money going towards an organization which does good – how much better can shopping get?

Flea markets and yard sales are also veritable treasure troves of unique Christmas ornaments. As with thrift shops, flea markets and yard sales are good bets for finding vintage Christmas items at prices so low you can hardly resist. These are also great places to find items to creatively re-purpose into unique Christmas ornaments. And don’t forget to bargain! A reasonable amount of haggling is usually expected at these venues, so offer the price you’d like to pay, and see how it goes. You’ll often be pleasantly surprised at how willing the seller is to accommodate you.

Some of the most gorgeous and unique Christmas ornaments can be found at no cost at all – right in your own backyard! Sticks and twigs, pine cones, and dried flowers and leaves all make lovely Christmas ornaments just as they are. And for just a little money – say, the cost of a can of clear spray paint and a package of glitter – can be easily crafted into beautiful decorations which are sure to accent and compliment your holiday decorating theme.

To compliment a Victorian theme, look for unique Christmas ornaments which reflect richness, opulence, and luxury. Look for items with bold colors, gilt accents, pearls and crystals. The Victorian theme lends itself to re-purposed jewelry, like strands of pearls or lavish brooches displayed prominently. And when you’re browsing shops, markets, or even your back yard for unusual items with a Victorian theme, don’t forget that a can of gold spray paint can go a long way toward creating a glimmering gilt effect.

A retro theme lends itself to unique Christmas ornaments. One easy and eye-catching ornament you can make is to simply attach a wire hanger to an item of cutlery – yep, cutlery, plentifully available for next to nothing at most thrift shops. Retro fans may recall George Nelson’s famous “Spoon and Fork” clock – hanging spoons and forks from your Christmas tree or incorporating them into your holiday decor is a fitting and fun tribute, and is sure to spark conversation. If you want to make the cutlery extra fancy, spray each piece lightly with a coat of inexpensive clear spray paint and dust with glitter. You can then hang them from the tree or attach them to chopsticks with floral tape to form striking floral picks.

Unique Christmas ornaments are very easily found to add zest to a folk art holiday theme, and one of the best places to look is your backyard. If you’re luck enough to live close to pine trees, gather up those cones – they make delightful Christmas ornaments just as they are, and can easily be made extra special with a coat of spray paint or a few dollops of glue and glitter. Kindling bunches are another unique and whimsical decoration which perfectly compliment folk art decor – simply gather a small bunch of twigs, and tie them in the center with a pretty ribbon.

Sending and receiving Christmas cards is one of the most popular holiday traditions, but it’s a relatively modern addition. The first commercial Christmas cards were produced in London in 1843 and sold . . . → Read More: Choose Christmas Card Designs That Reflect Your Vintage Holiday Style]]> Choosing Christmas card designs that reflect your favorite vintage Christmas decorating style is a fun, affordable way to share your personal take on the holidays.

Sending and receiving Christmas cards is one of the most popular holiday traditions, but it’s a relatively modern addition. The first commercial Christmas cards were produced in London in 1843 and sold for a shilling – equivalent to a few pennies, but not an inconsiderable price at the time – each.

Though now we tend to think of Christmas cards as a cost-effective way of maintaining ties with far-away friends and relatives, they didn’t start out that way. The first Christmas cards were costly because they were hand-tinted rather than mass-produced, and because sending letters via post was both expensive and uncertain, they were mainly hand-delivered to a small, close circle of friends.

The advent of commercial printing lowered the price of Christmas cards to within the reach of most people, and the establishment throughout England of the Penny Post, which made it possible to send a letter or light package with a stamp costing just one penny, made mailing Christmas cards a viable option.

The Christmas cards produced through the end of the Victorian period were luxurious and elaborate, made of top-quality paper stock and lavishly trimmed with fringe, lace, and silk. Though the Victorian cards sometimes featured winter scenes, more often they focused on themes of general beauty and imagination, such as flowers or fairies.

In 1875 Christmas cards were first produced and sold in America by lithographer Louis Prang. Like the original English cards, the first American versions were fairly elaborate high quality cards sent in sealed envelopes, but that trend changed in the late 1890s when an amendment to US postal regulations made it possible for commercial entities to create mailable postcards.

Christmas postcards were very popular around the turn of the century, but by the 1920s cards sent in envelopes once again became the norm. However, the newer cards were less elaborate and more affordable than those of the Victorian era, and most featured seasonal themes.

During the thirties, Christmas cards were typically relatively simple and seasonal, often with a stylized drawing of a holiday scene and a light-hearted greeting sometimes set in rhyme. In the forties, with World War II looming over all nations, Christmas cards took a more sincere turn and religious symbols, along with heartwarming depictions of children and family scenes, became common.

During WWII the US Postmaster General urged consumers to send their Christmas cards as first-class mail, paying the full first-class rate of 3 cents each, with the slogan “First-class friends deserve first-class mail.”

After the war, the new, upbeat, and progressive attitude that swept the nation was clearly evident in the Christmas cards of the day. During the fifties and sixties Christmas cards were less elaborate, less traditional, and less sentimental than those of the past; cartoon characters, stylized, cartoonish drawing, and greetings intended to make the recipient laugh were characteristic.

Greeting card Giant Hallmark estimates that 1.5 billion Christmas cards are sold in the US annually. You can easily carry through your theme of vintage decorating, just by choosing the right type of Christmas card designs.

For a Victorian Christmas theme: look for cards that embody the more-is-better spirit of Victorian Christmas ornaments: large, even oversized cards with lots of embellishment, elaborate script, romantically rendered images of beautiful objects like candles and flowers or seasonal scenes like nativities or Christmas trees.

For a Folk Art Christmas theme: select small, simple, meaningful cards that have a brief, sincere holiday message and a “handcrafted” look and feel.

For a Retro Christmas theme: Look for “studio” type cards – long, narrow rectangular cards that feature cartoon-type drawings and carry a humorous message. These cards became wildly popular in the fifties and are still available for just about every occasion, including Christmas.

Whether you prefer the lush elegance of Victoriana, the homey warmth of traditional folk art, or the colorful, upbeat cheer of retro style, there are Christmas table linens that will make the most of your decor.

For a Victorian Christmas look: . . . → Read More: Christmas Table Linens Enhance Your Decorating Style]]> Choosing the right Christmas table linens is a fast, simple way to enhance your holiday home decorating.

Whether you prefer the lush elegance of Victoriana, the homey warmth of traditional folk art, or the colorful, upbeat cheer of retro style, there are Christmas table linens that will make the most of your decor.

For a Victorian Christmas look: The sky is the limit when it comes to Victorian decorations. The era’s love of intricate embellishment and “more is more” ethic gives you free rein to use layer upon layer of rich, sumptuous fabrics, strong colors, shiny textures, and plenty of decorative touches.

• The basics: dress your table in layers. Start with a base tablecloth large enough to hang well below the edge of the table, then add a contrasting topper that covers the top of the table but leaves the base cloth visible. Some combinations to consider: a white or cream base cloth with a plaid topper in christmas colors; as a base use a Christmas tablecloth tablecloth in a deep, dramatic jewel tone like forest green or wine red with a gold lame topper; or a dark plaid base cloth with a cream or white topper in linen, lace, or net.
• Add-ons and extras: for extra drama, add a contrasting center runner, napkins, and placemats. When it comes to Victorian style, bigger is generally better and if your table is large enough, oversized lace, linen, or cutwork placemats will add extra elegance. Paired with embroidered or lace-trimmed napkins in filagree holders, they’ll give your holiday table breathtaking period style.

For a folk art Christmas look: Think craftsmanship, tradition, and simplicity. Fabrics that are colorful yet durable, embellishments that are friendly and fun, and a bright but uncluttered look are the hallmarks of this style, which exudes a sense of friendly, down-to-earth welcome to one and all.

• The basics: start with a full tablecloth. White, cream, or a bright but simple holiday plaid in cotton or linen all work well; look for homespun-type fabrics and go for some colorful embroidery or a simple lace or rick-rack trim rather than shiny, glittery decorations.
• Add-ons and extras: try a simple topper in a contrasting color – for example, a muted plaid topper over a cream linen tablecloth, or a fringed burlap topper over a plaid base cloth. Placemats are optional, but simple rectangles in cotton, linen, or burlap with some touches of colorful embroidery or a bit of ribbon trim will look great. If you have ethnic folk art pieces like Matryoshka (Russian nesting dolls), try putting one at each table setting. One of the best things about folk art decorating is that nothing has to match exactly, so don’t hesitate to use simple but colorful cloth napkins in simple holders to add a finishing touch.

For a Retro Christmas look: geometric shapes, vivid and even surprising colors, and a sense of whimsical fun are the keys to creating an authentic and memorable retro Christmas look. One of the best things about retro style is its flexibility; it can work equally well in an upscale urban decor or a kid-friendly family home.

• The basics: for authentic retro style, forget the lace and layers; retro style is clean, sleek, and distinctly unfussy. One good way to start is with a full tablecloth, brightly printed in a colorful holiday pattern, or you can forego the tablecloth entirely and buff your table to a polished gleam, then dress it with big bright placemats and matching or contrasting napkins in simple holders.
• Add-ons and extras: color is key in retro decorating, so be bold; go for the classic Christmas colors of bright red and green, or take a totally retro tangent and give your holiday table dramatic flair with non-traditional colors. Try a solid black tablecloth topped with placemats in geometric prints of aqua, cream, and retro-pink.

Aluminum Christmas trees are a true creation of the mid-century period. Originally manufactured by Chicago-based Modern Coatings, inc. in the mid-fifties, they hit a peak of popularity . . . → Read More: Aluminum Christmas Trees: Enduring Retro Christmas Icons]]> The aluminum Christmas Tree is one of the most enduring Retro Christmas icons; a space-age, whimsical, and anything-but-natural centerpiece that captures the upbeat look-to-the-future optimism of the fifties and sixties.

Aluminum Christmas trees are a true creation of the mid-century period. Originally manufactured by Chicago-based Modern Coatings, inc. in the mid-fifties, they hit a peak of popularity during the sixties and Wisconsin’s Aluminum Specialty Company became the leading manufacturer, producing a veritable forest of more than a million aluminum trees between 1959 and 1969.

Just about every aspect of the original aluminum Christmas trees was new and exciting, including the fact that they were distinctly do-it-yourself decor. They came boxed and ready for assembly, each tree consisting of a metal or wooden “trunk” and pre-formed metal branches featuring lightweight aluminum foil “needles”. The center pole had angled holes drilled at regular intervals into which the branches were inserted.

The very idea of packing and unpacking the Christmas tree was an ultra-modern concept; for centuries the process of getting the holiday tree was a traditional event in and of itself.  However the mass move to suburbia and the generally speedier pace of life in the 60s made the process of trekking through the forest, selecting the tree, chopping it down and hauling it home increasingly impractical for most families, and the streamlined approach of a reusable artificial tree was a welcome change for many.

However, while the advent of artificial trees introduced a new level of convenience in some ways, the original aluminum Christmas trees weren’t without challenges. Because the branches were made of metal, twining strings of lights around them was inviting a short circuit.

Inventive home decorators worked around this with the rotating color wheel, an ingenious device that illuminated the entire tree in a spectacular ever-changing variety of colors. A color wheel consists of a circle of transparent panes of glass or plastic in varying colors, set on an axis in front of an ordinary light bulb. When the device is plugged in, the wheel turns slowly and the light shines through it, bathing the immediate area in a flood of color.

The effect of a sparkly silver tree lit by a color wheel was remarkable and the combo kept aluminum Christmas trees extremely popular throughout the sixties. However in the early 1970s trends and tastes changed; real looking artificial trees became popular and most aluminum Christmas trees were relegated to attics, basements, and garage sales.

But in the late 1990s and early 2000s, a burgeoning interest in mid-century style and all things retro led a whole new generation to discover the magical, futuristic glamor of the aluminum tree. New and improved versions of this venerable holiday classic are available everywhere in every size, from petite tabletoppers to majestic showstoppers.

You don’t need a big budget or a huge collection of pricey antiques to bring a vintage touch to your holiday decorating.Though some authentic pieces from the era of your choice can definitely . . . → Read More: Vintage Christmas Decorations]]>
Whether you love over-the-top elegance, warm homespun charm, sleek modernism or campy fun, there’s nothing like vintage Christmas decorations to make your holidays special.

You don’t need a big budget or a huge collection of pricey antiques to bring a vintage touch to your holiday decorating.Though some authentic pieces from the era of your choice can definitely set a tone, you can fill your home with period charm, beauty, and fun without breaking the bank.

There’s a world of reproduction ornaments from which to choose, and you can add your own hand-crafted touches at almost no cost at all. The key to getting precisely the vintage Christmas decorating look you want is understanding the general style you’re going for and keeping it in mind as you choose your decor. It’s easy, affordable, and fun!

Start by taking the little quiz below to determine what era to go for:

When I think of Christmas decorations, I think of
a. traditional grown-up elegance, with lots of baubles, bangles, and beads
b. homey, touchable, kid-friendly style with a natural touch
c. funny, campy, fantasy fun with a modern edge

My ideal Christmas tree would be decorated with
a. porcelain angels, beaded satin ornaments, velvet ribbon, shimmering pearls, and lace
b. handmade wooden ornaments, strings of popcorn, and personal mementos
c. candy, tinsel, bright glass balls, bubble lights, and cute character ornaments

I think the best colors for Christmas are
a. deep gem tones or pale pastels with loads of gleaming silver and gold
b. traditional red and green, with white accents and lots of natural wood tones
c. as bright as possible

My idea of a great Christmas gathering would be
a. a lavish, multi-course meal served on china and crystal
b. cocoa and cookies with close friends and family
c. a cocktail party

If your answers were mostly a’s: Victorian Christmas Decorations are your perfect style. Lush, lavish, and downright decadently elegant, they’re the epitome of holiday glamor. The “less is more” modern aesthetic is a million miles away from this regal, multi-layered look, so if you’re a “more is more!” type of person, a Victorian theme is what you’re looking for.

If your answers were mostly b’s: the warm, family-oriented simplicity of Christmas folk art is ideal for you. Some well-chosen handmade ornaments serve as accents to the natural beauty of live green pine boughs, colorful, fragrant fruit, and the glow of a crackling fire. The emphasis is all on the natural, the touchable, and the personal.

If your answers were mostly c’s: The glitzy fun of a retro Christmas complete with mid-century modern decorations would suit you to a T. Bubble lights, cartoon character ornaments, and unapologetically artificial tinsel trees lit by revolving color wheels will whisk you to the stylish holidays of the 50s, 60s, and 70s.

Christmas cards personalized to express your personality and what’s most important to you stand out from the array of plain, boring, non-personalized . . . → Read More: Show You Care – Send Christmas Cards Personalized]]> Christmas cards personalized for family, friends, and co-workers are a fun, novel way to show the people who are most important in your life how much they mean to you, during the holidays and beyond.

Christmas cards personalized to express your personality and what’s most important to you stand out from the array of plain, boring, non-personalized cards most people receive during the holidays.

If you’re thinking about having your Christmas cards personalized, before you buy, consider what makes you stand out from the crowd.

Is it your interests, your hobbies, or your personal style? Christmas cards personalized to express and celebrate aspects of yourself are doubly meaningful and memorable to those who receive them.

If you’re very passionate about an activity or hobby, look for Christmas cards personalized with designs which specifically reflect what you’re into. Be it outdoorsy activities, crafting, food and cooking, even building and home improvement – there are hundreds of card designs available right online for you to choose from.

Christmas cards personalized to reflect your interests tell the people who receive them a little bit about you and the kinds of things you enjoy – and who knows, you might find some common ground with someone on your Christmas card list!

One of the most popular ways to have your Christmas cards personalized is to choose those showcasing favorite photos. Recent pictures of family are always welcome, and keep the people on your Christmas card list feeling up-to-date with you and your loved ones.

A great way to make creative use of  Christmas card designs personalized with photos is to choose a memorable photo. A beautiful shot taken on a recent vacation, a candid, funny photo, or even a sweet photo of your pets make excellent subjects for Christmas cards personalized with photos.

Photo Christmas cards can actually be part of an excellent, affordable gift for close friends or family. Choose a decorative desk or wall frame that fits the card and send the two together in a single package – the recipient gets the beautiful holiday greeting and a permanent memento as well!

Be sure to select a frame that matches the “feeling” of the card as well as the size – for instance if you have your Christmas card personalized with a photo of you on a camping vacation, select a frame with a woodsy, rustic feel. If your card features a family photo, look for a sleek complimentary frame.

Christmas cards personalized to reflect your personality and tastes in general are always welcome, and make a lasting impression on those who receive them. Whether you love modern, streamlined designs, the lacy romance of Victoriana, or the warmth and sincerity of folk-art motifs, you’re sure to find Christmas cards personalized to reflect your individuality online.

Purchasing your personalized Christmas cards online has another advantage – the odds are far greater that no-one will be sending a card like yours. There are hundreds of reputable online companies offering great deals on Christmas cards personalized to your liking – you’re sure to find exactly what you want, and at a great price. Don’t wait – start shopping for Christmas cards personalized for those you care about today.

To create a Victorian atmosphere with your Christmas tree decorations, think rich . . . → Read More: Christmas Tree Decorations Set the Holiday Mood]]> Christmas tree decorations set the mood for the holidays. Whether it’s the splendor of Victorian elegance, the frisky, fun modernism of the retro look, or the warm, homey comfort of folk-art, choosing the right Christmas tree decorations will help you get the look you love.

To create a Victorian atmosphere with your Christmas tree decorations, think rich and luxurious. Deep colors and fancy trimmings are the order of the day. Lace, pearls, beads and bows – don’t hold back, because it’s very hard to go over-the-top with a Victorian look. Choose a few colors for your theme and stick to them, and from there, the sky’s the limit.

Don’t forget, rich and luxurious doesn’t have to mean expensive. There are easy and frugal ways to achieve look of Victorian Christmas decorations. One way to make your own Victorian Christmas ornaments is to invest in a few bunches of silk flowers in colors that match your theme. Remove the flowers from their plastic stems, attach wire hangers, and viola! You have a lovely set of Christmas tree decorations which perfectly compliment a Victorian theme. Make them even more elegant by tying on some pretty ribbons.

Another way to make quick and easy Victorian-themed Christmas tree decorations is to buy a few yards of pearl trim, available at craft stores and many discount stores. Simply cut the trim into pieces a few inches long – no need to be exact – and attach a wire hanger to the top. Hang them among your other Christmas tree decorations – they look like lovely pearl icicles, rich and luxurious.

If you want to spark up your holidays with a fun, festive, retro look this holiday season, choose Christmas tree decorations with clean lines and bold shapes. No fussiness, no frilliness – just pure, streamlined fun. Think jazz, think Jetsons, think go cat, go!

An easy way to get retro-riffic with your Christmas tree decorations is to opt for novelty lights. Most large discount stores now sell modern versions of retro favorites like bubble lights, figural or shaped lights, and big-bulbed lights at reasonable prices. These lights bring a light-hearted ambiance to your tree, and are the perfect backdrop for other retro-style Christmas tree decorations.

For the ultimate retro look, consider hanging your Christmas tree decorations from an all-silver or all-white tree. These artifical trees first became commercially popular in the early 60′s, and their especially space-age look makes the ideal showcase for your retro Christmas tree decorations. They’re funky and fun, and sure to give your home a cheerfully retro ambiance for the holidays.

If you’re in the mood for warm, cozy, folk-art inspired Christmas tree decorations, think hand-made. Even if you purchase the decorations, as long as they look hand-made, you’re set. Think natural fabrics, simple accents, and rustic carved wood.

Folk art-style Christmas tree decorations are some of the easiest and most fun to make yourself. For instance, you can whip up a batch of Christmas tree decoration craft dough, roll it out and cut it into festive shapes with your favorite Christmas cookie cutters, and bake the shapes and paint them to your liking. These Christmas tree decorations have a lovely, warm, folk-art look, and are a blast for the whole family to make.

You can also easily convert inexpensive satin balls into folk-art Christmas tree decorations with a few yards of fabric and some complimentary ribbon. Choose a natural fabric in a color that goes with your decorating scheme, and cut it into squares big enough to encompass the balls. Wrap the fabric around the balls like little packages, and tie it in place with some complimentary ribbon. You now have a set of whimsical, folk art-inspired Christmas tree decorations.