There’s still just about enough time left to decorate before Christmas! From wallpapering or at least using some leftover pieces for wrapping presents to selecting a piece of gorgeous interiors fabric for a tablecloth. To inspire you, here are some vintage Christmas decorating ideas from Christmas present, but also a few favourites from this blog’s Christmas past.

A vintage Christmas recipe

Ideally, interior decoration should work all year round and act as a backdrop for every occasion. And it isn’t just a can of paint that can achieve this, some patterned wallpapers do the job equally as well. Using antique and vintage furniture gives a home so much individuality and texture and is something I like to extend to Christmas decorations too. Each year I dig out treasured tree decorations from Christmas past giving prominence to the homemade ones, especially those that have been gifts.

Cosy lighting

When it comes to lighting, I like to avoid using harsh overhead lighting for living rooms. I prefer instead to opt for a combination of vintage wall sconces and candlesticks with occasional table and floor lamps. This is an effective way of achieving relaxing pools of ambient light, especially at Christmas.

Candlelight is very much part of this lighting plan but lit candles should never be left unattended. A solution for busy households at Christmas is to use realistic battery-operated candles (remote control optional) from Polkadot Parsley.

Evergreens

William Morris designs have stood the test of time and continue to connect on an emotional level, which is, I think, the genius of his designs.

They certainly make a wonderful cosy backdrop for Christmas decorations as you can see in the Morris & Co living room image below. Lovely to note that antique bobbin furniture has taken on evergreen status in Morris & Co styling.

The Winter Solstice (21 December 2024) reconnects us to the slower rhythms of midwinter at a time when we need most to be reminded of nature’s renewal. I can think of nothing better than the ancient tradition of bringing armfuls of fresh evergreens into the house, using them to decorate table settings and fruit bowls, and covering just about every other surface too.

Rebecca Christie-Miller x Pentreath and Hall

It may seem a small thing, but having enough side tables is a prerequisite ingredient for happy entertaining, especially at this time of year. There is nothing worse than seeing a guest left hanging with a glass, with nowhere for it to go! Side tables also offer a less overpowering way to inject colour and decoration to a room.

This Moorish side table is from brilliant antique dealer Rebecca Christie Miller’s exciting new collaboration with Pentreath and Hall. You may remember Rebecca featuring on the blog in 2023.

Decorating with interior designs for less

Decorating with remnant fabrics, wallpaper, lighting and accessories from top interior suppliers for less the price is more than just an appealing prospect. It is also an ideal way to source designer fabrics for a Christmas table, creating decorations or for updating a cushionscape.

For more inspiration, you might like to take a look at Georgie Pridden and The Haines Collection.

Shop the blog

My online vintage shop has pairs of vintage candlesticks and candles sconces which make great gifts if you can bear to part with them, that is!

Thank you

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In the meantime, I wish you a peaceful and jolly festive season!

With best wishes,

Charis x