Decorating for the holidays with antiques
Sometimes we need to take a step back in time. Away from all the technology, fancy gadgets and things that make us forget what the spirit of the holidays are really about. One hundred plus years ago, Christmas and the holiday season had a different meaning. Decorating, feasting, sharing songs, music, and gifts with others were all the order of the season. If you want to experience a nostalgic holiday and go back to days when life was simpler, visit your antique store in Southampton for some solutions to decorating your house with antiques.
Decorating the tree in earlier days was always a festivity and trees were decorated with elaborate ornaments. Back then, flickering candles were used to illuminate the tree. Even though we wouldn’t take that risk today, there are quite a few safety lights that are shaped like candles that you can use (we know this is cheating but, safety comes first!). Fancy paper Santas, glistening angels, chocolate wreaths, tinsel tassels and other beautiful ornaments were used to adorn the tree. If you take the time to look, some of these antique ornaments can still be found today when you visit an antique store.
For decorations around the house, look for older holiday items like antique and vintage Santas and reindeer. You can readily find these items in antique shops and estate sales. You can also incorporate antique items that weren’t necessarily used for the holiday but would make great additions. Depression glass, especially vessels like vases and big bowls can be placed around the house and filled with ornaments or treats for your guests. There is no need to buy these items in retail shops when they can be found in antique stores. The older items hold stories from the past.
When you visit your antique store, look for old sleds, bells, and containers. These can be strewn around the house to achieve a holiday look, vintage style! Look for glass cases and flat surfaces that can be used to showcase your holiday décor. There are so many antique items that are waiting for you to find them and use them in your holiday magic. Antique Allure offers a multitude of items like this!
Incorporating old pieces with what you already have is a great way to showcase antiques if you don’t have many to use. If you have family heirlooms for the holidays but you don’t use them because you don’t think they fit in with your current decorating style, think again. What’s old is new again and family heirlooms are meant to be used and treasured, not stored away for no one to enjoy. Maybe you have a few of grandma’s old ornaments in storage. Put them on your tree! They will make a statement. You can also fill an old vase or bowl with them and set them on a table. They are sure to start a conversation and before you know it, you are sharing memories of days gone by.
