We’re in the midst of a full-blown secondhand renaissance, where what’s old is highly covetable and can make your home feel like a curated homage to who you are. Whether outfitting your holiday table or dressing up a tree, design pros say there are certain vintage finds that will dominate the season.
If you see them at the thrift store or flea market, snag them promptly. Regardless of your design aesthetic, shopping vintage is one of the easiest ways to add a dose of charm and character to your home.
Glass Ornaments
From Shiny Brite designs in a rainbow assortment to mercury glass baubles that catch twinkling light just right, vintage ornaments are a big collectible this holiday season.
“I love the hunt for white, clear, and reflective ornaments that can join the pieces I have treasured for years,” says interior designer Teresa Collins. Use them on your own tree, weave them into your holiday present packaging, or add a curated selection to a bowl as a centerpiece.
Handmade Holiday Stockings
Vintage stockings offer both texture and personal meaning that make heirloom holiday decorating so appealing. Look for hand stitching, intricate embroidery, needlepoint designs, and personalized details. Collins says, “This inexpensive discovery becomes a Christmas keepsake.”
Ceramic Trees
These mold-made ceramic trees, featuring colorful plastic bulbs, were super popular in the ’60s and ’70s. Today, they’re extremely sought after. “They’re pure memory for so many of us—most people’s grandmother had one—and they give off a soft, low glow that makes a room feel calm at night,” says interior designer Page Finlay.
If you’re lucky enough to find one, she says they’re perfect for bar carts, kitchen counters, and bathrooms. And pro tip: You can usually find replacement bulbs if some are missing!
Brass Vases and Vessels
Brass is one of those timeless materials that looks beautiful in practically every aesthetic, hence its appeal. Look out for brass vases and vessels, which can be used on the mantel, coffee table, bookshelves, you name it.
“It gives a holiday display character while remaining useful all year,” Collins says. “For the holidays, I tie ribbon around the vessel and work greenery into the display. The piece stays, and the season changes around it.”
Wooden “Erzgebirge” Decor
Typically hand-carved in Germany, “Erzgebirge” decor is a favorite right now. Think candle-powered pyramids that spin from the heat of the flames and simple, colorful figurines.
“They bring natural materials and real craftsmanship into the holidays, and they feel like a little heirloom from the start,” Finlay says. “I’d skip lining them up like a collection. Instead, cluster one pyramid with a few smaller carved figures on a mantel or dining table, and light the candles while everyone gathers.”
Holiday-Themed Dishes
Instant charm is yours with dishes and platters that hearken back to simpler times. Items that are especially covet-worthy include Spode’s Christmas Tree sets, vintage Lenox china, and hand-painted ceramic serving pieces featuring holly, poinsettias, and festive winter scenes. Mix and match patterns for a “collected over time” look, or display your favorite finds on open shelves and in glass-front cabinets.
Wendy Rose Gould is a lifestyle journalist who routinely contributes to Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Women’s Health, and House Beautiful, among others. She covers home and garden, wellness, and travel, focusing on thoughtful storytelling and detailed reporting. When not writing, you can catch her perusing thrift stores, singing, hitting the gym, and petting any cat or dog that'll allow it.
