A Nostalgia-Inspired Christmas Tree
This Post May Contain Affiliate Links. Please Read Our Disclosure PolicyI’m so excited to share my latest Christmas tree with you! My Nostalgia-Inspired Christmas Tree is a nod to holiday memories, designs, and ornaments of the past.
If you’ve been following IBC for a while, you might be aware that decorating Christmas trees is one of my most favorite things to do. Even though it does take work, time, and money, coming up with a new concept (or two) every year and bringing it to life brings me immense joy.
Today is an especially fun day because not only am I sharing one of my Christmas trees, but I’m back with my Seasons of Home blogger friends. There are 16 of us who are showing you our Christmas trees or offering a look into our living rooms decked out for the holidays. This group is always inspiring, so you’ll definitely want to check out the links. I’ll include all of them at the end of this post.
Last week I took you on a mini-tour of my family room. I dressed up my mantel and added a little holiday flair to my bar cart. I also gave you a glimpse of my Christmas tree which I promised I’d be sharing soon. Well, today’s the day!
As the title of this post suggests, I wanted to do a tree inspired by the Christmases of yesterday. And while I know everyone’s holiday memories vary, I chose elements that felt nostalgic to me. This is what I came up with.
Nostalgia-Inspired Christmas Tree Decorations:
The whole process started when I found a bunch of these glass Santas at HomeGoods. I told myself, “One year I should do a whole tree of glass Santas.” Then I thought, “Why not this year?” So into my cart, the lot went.
In bringing this vision to life, I realized I was going to need a different tree. To get the look I was after and showcase these ornaments, I ended up purchasing a faux Noble Fir tree from Terrain. (Apparently, a lot of you bought it too as it’s currently sold out.) I love this tree because it’s not as full as a traditional tree, so there’s a lot of space between the branches for ornaments.
Since most of the Santa ornaments are red, I was inspired to wrap the tree in this holiday hue. I own a lot of round glass ornaments in various colors, so I went through them and pulled out most of the red ones. From large to small, they went on the tree.
I also picked up a few new ornaments that have a nostalgic/vintage feel: red Wagoneers with a tree on top, this cross-stitched red truck, and a couple dozen pipe cleaner candy canes.
And because I like adding ribbons to my tree, I thought this plaid flannel-like ribbon had the perfect classic feel. Because of the openness of the tree (and because this ribbon wasn’t wired), I just draped it between the branches rather than using my usual method.
However, if you struggle with adding ribbon to your Christmas tree, I recommend checking out this post. In it, I walk you through my usual process step-by-step. There’s even a video.
To finish off the tree, I needed two more things. First, more lights! As much as I love the small LED lights on this tree, they just weren’t bright enough in my space.
When I saw these battery-powered LED candles from Balsam Hill, I knew they would be ideal! Not only would they give more light, but the glowing candles would enhance the nostalgic feel I was going for.
(And in case you’re wondering, I’m crazy about them! You can switch to colored lights and adjust the brightness of the lights to the level you like best. I used two sets of twenty on this tree.)
Second, I needed a beaded garland. I was ecstatic when I found this gold beaded garland complete with these vintage looking glass Santas at a local Christmas shop.
To finish off the tree, I dug out my vintage metal star tree topper. I found this guy several years ago. In fact, if your memory is really good, you might remember it from my (somewhat famous) rainbow Christmas tree.
And with that, my tree is complete and my family room is now officially ready for Christmas!
Ain’t she a ‘beaut? I’m so pleased with the look. It’s exactly what I was envisioning.
Putting this tree together was bunches of fun, and I’m just loving how well it complements this room. Paired with that big brick fireplace, this is honestly where I want to be every night: fire roaring, lights on, and hot cocoa in hand.
Want to check out more of my Christmas Trees? Start here:
- Navy Blue Christmas Tree
- Flocked Christmas Tree
- Woodland Inspired Christmas Tree
- White Flocked Christmas Tree in Gold and Green
- Rustic Modern Christmas Tree
Additional Living Room Sources:
- Leather Sofa
- Gingham Chair
- Coffee Table
- Fur Trim Pillows
- Log Holder
- Round Wood Mirror
- “Snowed Inn” Pillow – from a local shop
- Mantel Decorations – check out this post
Now, be sure to check out all of my talented blogger friends below. I’m confident you’re going to love seeing their trees and homes decked out for the holidays.
Seasons of Home Christmas Decorating Ideas:
Ella Claire | Nina Hendrick Design Co. | Zevy Joy | Beneath My Heart
Boxwood Avenue | Craftberry Bush | Inspired by Charm | Home Stories A to Z
French Country Cottage | Rooms for Rent | City Farmhouse | Nesting with Grace
Thistlewood Farms | Jennifer Rizzo | Dear Lillie | Love Grows Wild
I love this so much! My favorite color is red, so I am always going to do a traditional, nostalgic tree and look, with images like yours to be inspired by. I have used other schemes before, from soft neutrals in a rustic direction, to minimal with whites and silver and light on the decorations, to white, silver, and bright gold glam, to tones of blues and white, to multicolored type traditional blending all types of colors, but I love the red nostalgic look like you have done here the most. This is the type look I have done 3 years and counting now, since I moved into a home that is so well suited to the red, nostalgic look.
I love the accents you chose. Perfectly coordinated! It is so cozy looking!
Michael,
How long do the battery candle lights last? I’ve been eyeing these for my tree but was concerned that I’d be replacing batteries all the time.
It might say on their website. The batteries lasted me all season. I didn’t always turn them on when the tree was lit, but I used them pretty often. I was pleased with the battery life.
xo Michael
Michael, so pretty! I zoomed in on the fireplace ornament……..adorbs🥰! I follow you religiously and your Christmas decor is truly inspiring.
It’s perfection! Love every little detail and the richly nostalgic feeling it evokes.
Merry Christmastime!
Can you share the source for the plaid ribbon?
I found it at HomeGoods last year.
xo Michael