Christmas often evokes feelings of nostalgia. Whether you're watching your favourite childhood Christmas movie, tucking into a mince pie that reminds you of grandma's recipe, or hanging tree decorations that have been passed down through generations, Christmas makes sentimentalists of us all.

If you want to capture that warm feeling of nostalgia this Christmas, look no further. We've put together a list of vintage Christmas tree decorations that will make you feel like a kid again waiting to hear footsteps and hooves on your roof.

What is retro design?

If you're a child of the '60s, '70s or '80s, you'll be happy to know that retro design is alive and well, and that extends to vintage Christmas decorations!

Retro design usually refers to the design aesthetics of the 1960s and afterwards. That decade first set the trend for bright colours, geometric shapes, and graphic patterns.

Modern retro designs utilise design features of the past and bring back the nostalgia of the good old days in modern ways. Alternatively, you can try and get your hands on some legitimately retro Christmas decorations if you want something on your tree that's actually from the decade you're reminiscing about.

6 ways to decorate your home for a retro Christmas

With items ranging from retro Christmas baubles and tree lights to vintage tablecloths and nutcrackers, your whole house can be transformed into a vintage wonderland in no time.

1. Tabletop ceramic Christmas tree

These tabletop trees from the '70s have made a comeback. If you're looking to give your holiday atmosphere a fun, retro feel, then a mini Christmas tree is just what you need. They come in a range of colours including green, silver, gold, and white, and more often than not they have working, multicoloured tree lights built in!

The originals from back in the day now sell for a pretty penny, but if you don't want to pay that much there are plenty of new versions available at more affordable price points.

2. Vintage tree skirts

Add some retro flair to the bottom of your tree with a vintage Christmas tree skirt. The quilted designs in festive reds, greens, and whites were a common favourite among grandmothers and have a particular homespun charm about them.

Matching your baubles to the colours in your tree skirt is a great way to start tying all of your tree decorations together.

3. Retro Christmas lights

If it's a bright, colourful Christmas you want, there's no better place to start than the larger-than-life multicoloured string lights of the past. Netflix’s Stranger Things can probably be thanked for bringing them back into the mainstream. Though hopefully, the lights you buy won't start talking to you like in the show!

They can not only be wrapped around your Christmas tree but they can also be strung along your wall in a line or around a door frame to make for a dramatic entrance or exit.

If you want to go vintage with your Christmas tree, but aren't quite sold on giant Christmas lights, your retro home can dazzle just as much with a fibre optic Christmas tree.

4. Retro Christmas table decorations

It's not all about the living room. Spaces where the Christmas food is made and eaten, that's where the real magic happens, and your kitchen or dining room table should reflect that. Our parents knew that, and so did their parents.

What better way to jazz up a table than with a vintage tablecloth? From merry plaid prints to embroidered border detailing, there's something that works for every home. Why not light some coloured candles to match your chosen tablecloth, or sprinkle some candy canes over the space? 

We also have a guide on how to make and fill your own Christmas crackers for that extra personal touch at the dinner table for your guests.

5. Vintage red truck

In the run-up to Christmas, you'll start to see these vintage red trucks pop up everywhere. It's no wonder, since an old red truck is often used as an image of sharing happiness and bringing people together for the holiday season. Pop it in front of your festive Christmas garland for a traditional colour combination with a retro twist.

You don't have to buy a literal miniature red truck, either. You can find printed pillows, ornaments, and more to dot around the house.

6. Nutcrackers

These expressive wooden statues were made popular by the Nutcracker Ballet. Most of us have seen a festive Nutcracker at a family member's house growing up. When you see one of these figures up on the mantel or windowsill, it’s officially time to get into the Christmas spirit.

Nutcrackers still pop up in nearly every Christmas store today, which is a testament to their enduring popularity. You can opt for the more traditional nutcracker, often painted in shades of red, or put a modern spin on your retro Christmas by snapping up a sparkly, silver Nutcracker figurine.

Have festive fun with Christmas Tree World

With all of these retro Christmas decor ideas, you'll have your dream retro wonderland in no time. Now all that's left is to get the turkey in the oven and put the presents underneath the tree!

At Christmas Tree World, we offer a wide range of Christmas decorations at affordable prices. From Christmas trees and Christmas tree lights to wreaths and garlands, our high-quality products are made to last, so you can enjoy using them for many years.

Decorate your living space with our collection of decorations today, and you can receive a 10-year guarantee plus FREE UK mainland delivery when you spend over £30!Read our delivery & returns specifications for more information.