With the holiday season fast approaching, it won’t be long before it is time to put up the decorations. Other than a live Christmas tree, a retro aluminum tree — like reader BusyBhive’s tree, above, from our uploader Tinselmania: 73 vintage aluminum Christmas trees — is one of the most authentically vintage ways to decorate for the holidays. Golly, do we love our aluminum Christmas trees! Unless you are lucky enough to have one that’s been in the family for years, you’ll have to do a little searching to locate one of these tinsel beauties. I’ve scoured the internet and racked my brain to bring you this list of 9 places to find vintage and reproduction aluminum Christmas trees to add a little — no, a lotta! — sparkle to your holiday decor. Read on, and add to the list if you can! –>
Above: Reader MrsErinD’s retro 60′s aluminum tree.
Where to find new reproduction aluminum Christmas trees
1. Yuletide Expressions:
This seems to be the best place online to find new reproduction aluminum Christmas trees. But you better act quickly. I emailed the company asking for more information and the sad story is — they have stopped production of these fantastic reproduction aluminum trees at their plant in Cooperstown, North Dakota. They will be selling off their remaining stock and once it is gone — it’s gone forever.
There are two styles — the classic aluminum Christmas trees and slimline aluminum Christmas trees — which are each available in several sizes from four- to nine-feet tall. Yuletide Expressions also offers replacement parts for their trees and color wheels to help you achieve the complete retro holiday experience. Another fun treat –they seem to have found a vintage Alcoa guide to decorating your aluminum Christmas tree <– and they have made it available as a handy downloadable guide.
Yuletide Expressions trees are also available through their resellers — Oak Tree Vintage and Elements Gifts and Decor — two more places to look for the remaining stock of these aluminum trees.
2. Amazon
On Amazon, I could find just one Genuine Aluminum Christmas tree available (shown above). It is much less expensive than any offered by Yuletide Expressions, but the reviews are mixed about the quality of this tree. I also can’t find anything in the description or reviews about where this tree is made.
Where to find authentic vintage aluminum Christmas trees
3. Ebay
There are — of course — a wealth of vintage aluminum Christmas trees to be had on Ebay. Many different styles, heights, colors and branch types — For example: Vintage Pom Poms, like reader Drew’s above, are hot hotter hottest. While there are still some bargains to be had on Ebay, be prepared to shell out some of the green stuff — some vintage trees can fetch several hundred dollars at auction.
*the search box above is an ebay affiliate link. Buy any item from ebay when you click through our links and we get a little spiff.
4. Etsy
A variety of vintage aluminum trees can also be found on etsy.com, and you bypass the frustrations of an auction. Once again, sizes, colors, styles and price points vary widely.Above: Reader modshawn found his gorgeous vintage hunka metal on etsy.
The hunt: Estate sales, yard sales, vintage shops, Craigslist & “Mom’s attic”
I can’t say for sure, but I’m guessing blogger Uncle Atom probably got his aluminum Christmas tree (above) from one of these sources. There are some real deals to be had on vintage aluminum Christmas trees — most likely you will find the best deals available when you are on the prowl at estate sales, yard sales, vintage shops, craigslist and everybody’s favorite — family attics and basements. The best time to do your aluminum tree hunting in the off season — when prices aren’t driven up by holiday demand and folks are doing their annual house purges.
Pam adds that, while she generally does not go to estate sales early (because she has way more than “enough” stuff already, if you are on the hunt specifically for vintage Christmas, this might be a reason to get up early, grab a cuppa and get in line. Conversely, though, in the dead of summer, when folks just aren’t in the holiday mood, she often sees vintage Christmas decorations still available in the final hours of the sale at half-price, or better. Throw everything in a big box and ask very very nicely, “How much?” and you might be surprised by the price you are quoted to take the stuff off the estate sale organizer’s hands.
No matter where you find your vintage (or new) aluminum Christmas tree — REMEMBER — these types of trees were not made for electric lights. Remember: NOEL – NO Electric Lights on aluminum Christmas trees.
Growing up our neighbors had an aluminum tree, with a color wheel that washed the tree in 4 different colors. I thought it was pretty cool.
Nice post Kate – my wish is for everyone here to find their own aluminum tree! I actually found mine years ago on ebay, in the summertime, when bidding competition isn’t so bad. Of course, once you have an aluminum tree, you have a very valid rationale for seeking out vintage ornaments!
What a great holiday wish Uncle Atom!
I acquired my Evergleam 6 foot aluminum tree from a friend whose wife’s grandmother had passed away in Nebraska. He knew I was looking for one and called and asked if I wanted it. Of course I said yes and he brought it back to me in Tennessee. The tree did not have a color wheel but my uncle in Tennessee happened to have one that belonged to my great grandparents but no tree to go with it. It was a very happy marriage!
We have many vintage aluminum trees at Retro on 8th. They are not on the website but we can get photos and info to you. Some are pom-poms, we have 3′, 5′ and 6′ as well as spinners and color wheels.
I am all for people buying repros but there is something about getting to know the quirks of a vintage aluminum tree…it almost takes on a life of its own!
When we set up the trees each year we joke with customers and ask if they want to go into the aluminum tree branch sleeve manufacturing business. No takers yet…but, we think it’s like Mr. McGuire in ‘The Graduate’…I have one word for you, Benjamin…sleeves!
LOVE your The Graduate reference, Hayley!!! I use it all the time, and no one seems to get it except the husband.
I found what I *think* to be a vintage aluminum tree at our local re-use center. However, I’ve never seen (or felt) an aluminum tree in person so I can’t be sure if it’s tinsel or aluminum. It feels like tinsel, soft to the touch. Do aluminum trees feel the same way? I don’t have a color wheel and was wanting to put lights on the tree (if it is, in fact, just tinsel I presume it would be safe) Anywho, sorry for the rant!
Precautionary Pam here: Kendra — you need to find a professional who can advise you how to tell the difference….
COMMENTERS PLEASE NOTE: I am not comfortable allowing comments/advice on the site on how to tell aluminum vs. tinsel, and will not approve such comments.
Readers: If you have this issue/concern: Find a professional to look at your tree and advise you what it is made of, and from that whether and how you may light it safely.
A couple of years ago, I decided I’d look for one on ebay and only get one if I could find one that I could pick up within 10 miles. Turns out, there were several, and I got a good deal on a 5-footer.
http://www.vermontcountrystore.com has reproduction tinsel trees and the color wheel along with a lot of other new retro holiday decorations
Thanks for the source sarah!
Last year I couldn’t find an authentic aluminum tree within my budget, so I ordered a silver tinsel pre-lit tree from treetopia.com. It has a ton of branches (more space for more decorations!) and is very easy to set up and then fold up for storage. They have tinsel trees in almost every color you can imagine. It’s a decent alternative for authentic vintage if you’re on a tighter budget or time frame.
They sell color wheels, too. I think I’m going to spring for one this year.
When my grandma died six years ago, we found a color wheel in its original packaging. Sadly, no aluminum tree. I’ve had the color wheel since; it always provided cool lighting for all the shows my band played in college. Now my husband and I bought our first place, and we need an aluminum tree! Thanks for this post!
I found my vintage aluminum tree at a garage sale about 5 years ago for $30 – I don’t know the brand but it was made in Wisconsin. I have tons of vintage glass ornaments, many that were my grandmother’s, so I load up the tree with them. I also have a reproduction aluminum tree that I got at an after Christmas sale. I actually like it better than the vintage one because it is more sturdy. I found a color wheel at an antique shop/flea market for cheap – one of the advantages of living in the Midwest! I remember my grandparents having an aluminum tree when we were kids – I thought they were super cool and mod. I don’t know what happened to it but I wish I had it!
I’ve been kicking the idea of finding an aluminum Christmas tree, I guess this article is meant to be a sign!
great roundup! I hope to have one someday but can’t afford to pay premium prices…will keep a lookout at estate + garage sales
When you least expect to find something, that is when you usually find it. Keep looking on a regular basis, I have discovered that many of my friends for some unknown reason other than fear don’t like to venture out to Auction Sales, they have plenty of them in our area, and they are a hoot to attend. You might find a tree there, and also make a few new friends. Remember those that attend these are as off the beaten path as we are when it comes to treasure hunting. Good luck in your search. JT
I’ve wanted a silver tree with a color wheel since I was kid. I should seriously get on that!
Meanwhile, I’ve also been obsessed with vintage ceramic trees like this one (http://www.theflowerseeds.com/Trees/Vintage-Ceramic-Christmas-Tree/) FOREVER. My grandmother had a little collection. So Christmassy! So easy! So perfectly vintage!
Tracie, I love the ceramic trees as well! My grandma always had hers on top of her tv. When she died, I was the only one of her 11 children and 40 plus grandchildren who had any any interest in it. I have been happily displaying it and thinking of her for the past 11 Christmases!
Kate, check out Lin’s Antiques and Collectibles. They usually have a good selection of aluminum trees in their Holiday section.
Thanks for the tip! I will.
Found ours on eBay (the color wheel too) several years ago. We had one when I was a kid for many years. My father ditched the color wheel after a couple of years and hung C-7 bulb strings all over it. What with the aluminum branches and nylon/rayon carpet, if you came within about an inch of it a spark would jump (from built-up static) that sounded like a cap-gun & would actually hurt..! Oh, those were the days. I prefer the color wheel anyways. We have collected quite a number of vintage & retro-inspired ornaments…
I’ve got 6-ish or so vintage aluminum trees in varying shapes/sizes. Most were bought through local sellers (antique shops, etc.), got one from family, and I may have picked up one or two small ones on eBay. I also have several styles of color wheels and revolving tree stands, purchased through the same venues.
Went to an estate sale… Was digging around the garage and came across a peice of a color wheel… Kept digging and found all the parts and assembled it. I was so excited! Went and put it in my pile by the checkout (the people saw me, in fact urged me to make a pile!) I come back to checkout and they took it out of my pile and sold it to the person who was buying a Xmas tree bc they said it went together. I had to call BS on this! They didn’t have them priced together, they didn’t have them in the same room, in fact they didn’t even know there was a color wheel in the GD house! I was sooooo angry I think I didn’t pay much of anything for the rest of my finds to try to appease me.
Sarah
You might be able to buy a color wheel at your local Walgreens. My mom bought a silver X-mas tree a few years ago and two years ago we went into Walgreen and bought a color wheel there of all places. Last year I went into BigLots at X-mas time and they were selling the color wheels as well. Good luck to you in finding one.
Rebekah
I have seen color wheels at Target the past few years. Haven’t checked this year though. Might try Target.com.
Shoot. Guess i’ll put some lights on it and cross my fingers? Just keeeeeeding. Wal-mart had some fabulous 7 ft. tinsel trees last year at a great price-$90, I think. That’s our usual tree of fabulousness.
Grew up with my grandparents having the 5 ft aluminum tree and color wheel every Christmas of my childhood. Once they passed on, I inherited the task of cleaning our their home… and low and behold, in the attic in it’s original box, all branches ‘sleeved’ and in wonderful condition, sat the Christmas Tree! Was a life-saver for us the year our holiday party was on December 26 and the ‘real’ tree we purchased early in the season turned brown! Out with the brown and up with the silver! Was quite the ‘conversation starter’ that year! A year or so later, my daughter found the color wheel in the bathroom cabinet!
I didn’t really appreciate aluminum trees until this post. They’re very pretty actually. A few years ago I bought a little 3′ fiber optic tree. I’ve become very fond of it. We like to turn the lights off and watch it spin its colors. It reminds me of the fiber optic ball my dad had in the 70s, so I guess technically my tree has some retro roots. I don’t see myself getting an aluminum one, I wouldn’t want to hurt my tree’s feelings.
I’m glad you have an appreciation of them now — I have a silver tree, but it is not aluminum. I like putting lights on my tree too much to have an aluminum tree, though if I decided to put up a second tree in my den, I might spring for a 4 ft aluminum tree….I’d have to find the perfect one first though…
Kate.
This really brings back memories. My dad’s parents had an aluminum tree and color wheel. I remember them turning off the livingroom lights and us kids laying on the floor watching the room change colors. It did seem odd that they didn’t cut one of the pines on their farm like my other grandparents.
I don’t know where the tree is now but my wife wishes she had it.
rick
What a great memory! That must have been magical…
Rick, I used to do that, too! Lay on the sofa and watch the color wash over the ceiling and walls. Just beautiful!!! I loved our tree!!!!
My parents did not like the aluminum trees and would not have one in the house, so I don’t have any emotional attachment to them. They certainly remind me of the era, however.
I wonder if the metal recycling places might be a good place to look. My local recycler pulls brass statuary, candlesticks, vintage tools and pots and pans, old car bumpers, and anything else that might have more value than it’s melt value, out of the stream and re-sells it. They usually have a bunch of aluminum ladders, too.
Another idea is to shop thrift stores in the off-season: ask them if they have one taking up too much room in storage–waiting for Christmas to come around.
My tree was a Xmas gift last year. My Mom knew we wanted one and found someone that has multiple trees and was willing to get rid of one. She thought she was buying a 4 ft tree but we ended up with an amazing 6-7′ tree.
We’ve been looking for a good deal on a color wheel so that one from Vermont Country Store should work great!
I have two vintage aluminum trees with sleeves in boxes. One is 4 ft and the baby is 2 ft. I have color wheels for both. I got everything from eBay several years ago. We had one, of course, when I was growing up. I don’t know what happened to it over the years. But I am happy to have my two precious ones now! They will be going up soon along with my little collection of bottle brush trees!!!
My family has a STAINLESS STEEL Christmas tree that has been in the family since around 1956 or ’57 I think. My grandparents drove from their home in Hammond, IN up to Marshall Fields in Chicago specifically to buy this new Christmas wonder the first year it was available. They put it in their front window with 2 color wheels (which my grandpa hung from the ceiling and coordinated the timing so that they both changed color at the same) plus several spotlights. Apparently it was such a newfangled thing that every night that year cars were lined up around the block to drive past and view their display.
I had the tree up in my house the first year I lived here, but it is pretty large and there was no room to walk with the color wheel and spotlights on the floor. I gave it back to my parents as they have a large living room where it can be displayed properly. We all love that tree and it will no doubt stay in the family to be enjoyed for years to come.
I love your story!
I bought our silver tree (I don’t think it’s true aluminum since it’s pre-lit), last year online at Kohl’s. They appear to still have quite a few, but they’ve gone up in price a lot. I only paid $125 for mine a year ago, but the cheapest one now appears to be nearly $200. Of course, this being Kohl’s, I’m sure I had a ton of coupons I used.
Even if it’s not a true vintage aluminum tree, it totally fits in with our MCM decor and adds the perfect retro touch!
I was one of those that paid a premium price, at Christmastime, on Ebay for my vintage aluminum tree. It was our first Christmas in our 1950′s house and I just had to have one. Luckily the tree came with its own stand and to my surprise, it was a rotating stand. I had never seen a stand like this and while it does require you to “nicely” decorate all sides of the tree since you SEE all sides of the tree, it has definitely been a conversation piece with our friends and family. I also found a vintage color wheel and I love that my grandkids think it’s the most beautiful tree they’ve ever seen, just like how I felt about my grandmother’s aluminum tree when I was a little girl. While my grandmother used all one color ornaments, I love the hunt for vintage ornaments and so long as they are glass and vintage, they make the cut.
Target has a 6′ silver tinsel tree on sale for $50 this week. I wish it was sold in stores, but it is free shipping, free returns after all.
http://www.target.com/p/6-silver-slim-tinsel-tree/-/A-14072393#prodSlot=medium_1_5
I have a 6′ Pom Pom tree that I dearly love (got on eBay 3 or 4 years ago) that some of the branches are starting to unravel…any tips for the best way to repair?
I remember a neighbor had an aluminum tree with the color wheel in their front picture window…I always thought it looked magical. But, we have always had real Christmas trees…love the pine scent.
I agree. Although I love the look of retro trees, I love the smell of a fresh one better.
I love the photo of the tree with the Christmas album covers on the wall. We totally had the Barbra Streisand album pictured. That really brought back memories to see it! Deciding on which Christmas record to play while we opened presents was a big part of Christmas morning for us. Did anyone else have the Goodyear “The Great Songs of Christmas” collection? My mom bought each new album as they came out.
We had the Firestone Collection on constant rotation. Last year I bought a vintage console hi-fi and one of the first albums I found is that very one!
I have a teal aluminum Christmas tree that I bought for $20 after Christmas from Urban Outfitters about ten years ago in the clearance section of their website. You have to keep your eyes open all the time because you never know where you can find this stuff.
Oh, I love them sooooo much! I haven’t been able to put mine up in years due to kitties. They try to eat them. Let me note that if anyone has pets and they see their pets taking even a *tiny* interest in chewing on the tree, take that tree down or close it off in a room. I know a couple of people who’ve had to take their pets to the emergency vet for expensive surgeries because of them. You don’t want your pets ingesting bits of metal. Okay, I’m a total buzz-kill but it’s true. : )
Yes, the tinsel is not kitty-friendly at all. We are a tinsel-free home. Just too much risk.
yes, I can’t put mine up because of my kitties too
I found my Aluminum Christmas tree on eBay a few years ago. It does look like the auction prices don’t go as high, on off holiday months. I also found my color wheel (a new reproduction) on eBay too. My tree isn’t in the best of shape nor as sparkly as I’d like, but I think I won the auction for $75, so I can’t complain too much.
Craigslist is a good option too. I’ve seen some nice aluminum trees on the Atlanta craigslist awhile back.
Go GREEN! Buy aluminum! GO GREEN! Buy ‘recycled’!!! Support the little man, and buy used!
I feel lucky. I purchased a 5ft vintage aluminum tree from eBay about 5 years ago (after watching for many) for $50 from a seller in Canada. I can’t remember the name, but it has it’s original box, all branches, all branch sleeves. It was one of those times on eBay when ‘the wind is at your back’ and no one else is watching the item you’re watching. I was the only bidder.
My Dad was the more modern thinker of the family. He chose the danish modern furniture, he chose the aluminum Christmas tree. It was about 1962-63 when we got the tree. As some other member notes, I remember my brother and myself laying on the floor under the tree looking up at all the colors from the wheel changing on the silver metallic branches. It WAS magical!
Sadly, it only took about 3 years of that before we all started bellyaching for a real tree with the pine smell. I have no idea what happened to that aluminum tree. Trash or given away I suppose.
Every time I decorate our aluminium tree now, I look up and say “This is for you, Dad.”
I got my first Aluminum Christmas tree at an antique mall for $30. I got another one at an estate sale for $18 and then combined the two. I absolutely love it and I have collected vintage ornaments, tree toppers and vintage villages etc.. for years. I have actually just pared down on some things but I keep collecting vintage cmas lights and ornaments because I like to make wreaths and Christmas pictures from them. We get a real tree each year for the kids and we all love to decorate that tree together but the aluminum tree is my special treat!
I purchased my 7 ft. aluminum tree on Ebay last spring (off season) for $120. That price included shipping. I think the trees over 6 feet are a little less common. Most I have seen are 4-6 feet.
I purchased my color wheel for $1 at an estate sale being run by the grandson, He did not know what is was; I had to tell him.
I also purchased a metal revolving musical tree stand at another estate sale for $5 and still works perfectly.
I cannot wait to put it all up next week
Gasp. The link to the vintage ALCOA decorating guide on the Yuletide Expressions site is priceless. An all-silver tree with TWO dualing color wheels as shown on the bottom of page 3 really has me thinking silver tree!
Okay, I couldn’t stand it anymore and have a little 2 foot tree on the way! Can’t wait!
Although I’m completely blown away by the vintage color wheels (between the numerous unique designs and fantastic boxes and names these could warrant collecting unto themselves) I thought one of these would probably overwhelm my little 2 footer. So what I’m going to try is one of the little 6″ Phillips Color Changing lights.
The newer model number has a speed control on the color change selector so I’m thinking this might just work. The styling of these reminds me quite a bit of the small round “eyeball” lights that were an alternative to the color wheels back in the day too.
My mother has a color wheel that she’s used to light the front door ever since I was a kid. It still works fine, but the colored plastic sheets are getting pretty tattered. And ideas on replacing them? It’s the kind of wheel with an aluminum frame and then different colored pie pieces made of like a thick cellophane.
Min -
If you search on eBay you can find sellers that have pieces of the color wheels up for auction or sale. You just have to ferret out which plastic inserts would actually fit your wheel.
Good luck!
How badly do you want one? I nearly fainted when I saw this craigslist add.
I have a six foot Revlis stainless steel xmas tree in excelent condition in original box also in great condition. Comes with the working rotating swiss music box revolving stand in xmas green also in a great original box. Stand has plug ins for lights.asking 395.00 or best offer.Has glass tree topper in green also. cash only. you pickup.
http://masoncity.craigslist.org/hsh/3386435231.html
I have several aluminum trees in various sizes. Last night I just purchased this book about aluminum trees from eBay.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/300798732778
Now back to searching for a blue, green or gold one…
I have that same book, Michael!! Thanks for reminding me so I can put it out!!!
I’ve had aluminum trees for years now. They really can’t be beat for campy Christmas cheer.
For a fun, Eco-friendly twist on the color wheel, get one (or two, or three!) of the new LED “party bulbs” that change color. They use much less energy, are much cooler to the touch, and fit nicely in those color wheels where the motor has burned out. Same retro look, much for dramatic effect.
Hey I have decided to go with the idea of changing the regular bulb out of the color wheel and replace it with an LED Party Bulb. They have them at Home Depot for 5.99 each. Looking forward to putting up my Two Aluminum Trees. I love these guys, they are so priceless it makes me feel like my Aunt Biddy and Granny Taylor are still amongst us. Funny how when I was a kid so many made fun of these trees, and now there is such a high demand for them.
I actually thought about making my own. I suppose all you would need is a Clothes Closet Pole cut to the size of your Tree.Drill holes in the pole. I was thinking that you could purchase super thin metal rods to make the branches, I would say a good guess would be to make them about 2 foot long. I would then buy about 6 or 7 packages of the fluffy Silver Garland at Walmart thread it onto the metal rods. A can of Cheap Walmart Silver Spraypaint will make the rods and the middle pole silver.
Here is something else creative if you wanted to go crazy, get an old box fan and lay it flat on the floor and paint it Christmas Green so you could get your Tree to Rotate. Of couse you would have to drill a decent size hole for the tree to interlock the two together. There you have your tree and stand.
If you cannot find a Color Wheel, then you could make several of those yourself, as well. Get you three or four spot lights that set on the floor and put LED Party Color Bulbs in them and they will shine onto your tree.
Mind you folks, this is probably a crazy idea, and I am not an Aluminum Christmas Tree Engineer, but it would get the point across that you meant business.
Let me know if anyone decides to be creative, I figure the whole cost would be approximately 50.00 for the materials. John Taylor
ha! Kate and I were just talking about this — “Make your own aluminum Christmas tree” — this morning. On the box fan, though: Wouldn’t it spin wayyyyyyy too fast?
Thanks, I had set down and thought this out a few years back, now you made me think of the other thing that I needed to add to the FAN. You would have to take the Control Switch off of the Fan and replace it with a Dimmer Light Switch, that way you could easily control the speed. Thanks for jarring my brain. It does work occasionally. John
SEE COMMENT BELOW about potential for fire hazard: Be sure to consult with a licensed pro first!
Wow, Pam I have been a fan of yours for a few years, and now I feel like the hyfaluten elite that you would take the time out of your day to respond to my posting. YEAHH RAHH. John Taylor
You do NOT want to put any kind of dimmer on a motor! Fire alert!
Besides, you don’t need to – rotating Christmas Tree bases are readily available. The rest of the tree idea sounds great.
I love these aluminum trees but don’t (yet) own one. Here’s another source:
Saturday I went down to Littleton south of Denver to my favorite Christmas phantasmagoria store, St. Nick’s. It’s over the top! Two stories of room after room packed — I mean PACKED –with wreaths, trees, garlands, ornaments, ribbons, stockings, candles, lights, and any kind of Christmas decoration you could imagine, and yes, they have artificial trees of every size and texture which includes aluminum trees – in 7′ and 5′ sizes. The owners have their own vintage pom-pom stunner decorated and on display over the stairwell — but it’s not for sale of course. The new ones don’t measure up, IMHO — but they are available from St. Nicks for anyone looking for a source. Expensive, however. Hope my link works!
This is a test (sorry Pam) because I am having a weird time trying to post. Just checking……..
What is happening when you try to post, Diane?? I’d love to know — we moved servers last week and you are finding any issues, it helps to know….
Well, for starters, you don’t see my comment posted here about where you can buy Aluminum Trees in Denver at St. Nick’s with the link to their website, do you? And I tried twice yesterday.
Last night I “posted” it I thought. But, when I checked it didn’t show up. Refreshed. Still didn’t see it — and my link oddly still showed in the “website” bar along with my name and email address.
Soooo, tried again (re-pasted my long-winded story)
Hit “Submit Comment.” Whoa! Got a big error message “this is a duplicate post! Certainly you don’t mean to post it again? You will be shot on the spot.” (just kidding with that last part)
Waited until today. Logged on. My comment about the tree source still didn’t show up. The link still appeared in the website “bar” and I had to erase it to post my “test comment” above, which initially told me “your comment is being monitored.”
Am I on probation?????
correction: it reads “your comment is awaiting moderation.” This one too!
I recently started putting all comments into moderation.
Diane, I found your tree comment in spam. I am not sure why it went there, I suspect that the link you put in there has been reported as spam somewhere else on the intertubes.
Oh, interesting….. thanks, Pam.
We got ours back in 92 on our honeymoon from my favorite vintage store of all time, now online. Wonderful people, and always have the best stuff!
http://www.dowahdiddy.com
Pam, I have been meaning to make sure you knew about Yuletide Expressions since I bought my DREAM tree two years ago. (I had a lot on my plate and never did.) It’s FABULOUS. I love it so much. I am saddened to read they stopped making them. Mine is very good quality.
Hi Rebecca, I’ve been eyeballing the Yuletide Expressions trees and maybe the pictures on their website aren’t doing them justice, but they don’t seem to be as *shiny* as vintage trees. This might be a dumb question but is yours really shiny? What size and model did you get (classic or slim)? Thanks!
No, not dumb, they are expensive for something that cannot be rationalized as a “need.” Plus, I LOVE talking about my tree. I think it’s shiny and gorgeous. I feel like a child when I think about it. I would love to send you photos. Should I email you? Or facebook?
I bought the 5 ft classic. I love it, and I love that’s it made in the USA. After reading about the old ones and how some of them were made vs. how these are made it was a no-brainer. Plus, as good as any old one could be, it’s still like 50 years old. Unless, you find it at a garage sale for cheap, it simply can’t be in great condition.
Hey Pam,
Awesome reading here about the aluminum trees. We have a vintage 6 foot GOLD aluminum tree that is set up every year…the neighbors always ask when it’s going up! We ended up using 2 color wheels and last year added a vintage rotating tree stand to the mix. Oh what fun it is!
Hi everyone, another tree that I found while surfing for alternatives to vintage trees is called the sparkle tree from a company called Chiasso. It’s not the same style as a vintage, the branches are more straight out, but it does look sparkly:
http://www.chiasso.com/store/item.aspx?ItemId=56088
that looks to be a really nice contemporary interpretation — thanks, Susie!
I have one 4 foot tinsel tree that I get out every few years that serves up a good vintage feel.. But a couple of years ago I was thrilled to purchase a *vintage aluminum tree in it’s original box.. Only problem- It has no pole or stand for the branches to go in. So the branches, in their sleeves, just sit there year after year until someday I sell them or get crafty and *make* a pole.. lol
..One day I will get the whole sh’bang!!!
Lauren,
It may not take much to make your own or you may count up the branches you have and look for a old ,nobody wants it, cheap green tree and use the pole after repainting. The story behind your tree, Priceless.
rick
Oh, hey- I didn’t consider using an old cheap green tree pole – I will keep my eye out for certain! Thanks!!
I bought a 4′ vintage aluminum tree with a color wheel this past August. I found it on Etsy and it was a great deal (probably because no one else was feelin’ the holiday spirit in the middle of summer!). I’ve never been so excited to decorate for Christmas! I have a big living room window in my apartment that faces the residential street and I’m really going to do it up.
Does anyone have any information on what kind of bulb to put in the color wheel? It arrived to me with large flood, but I’m not sure if that’s appropriate. I’ll probably switch it out with something with less wattage.
Hey I am going to purchase a LED Color Party Bulb for mine in a bit and I found them at the Home Depot. I hope this helps. jt
I purchased mine OFF season on Ebay for 50 bucks. It wasnt spectacular but it was nice enough. I will get another nicer one some day but for now it will do. I looked for a looooong time and I found the prices were MUCH more reasonable (Of coruse!) over the summer.
After an unsuccessful vintage search last year (couldn’t find anything in my price range that was in good or better condition), I picked up a new aluminum tree from craig’s list. It’s gllooooorrrrrrrrrious. And for ten bucks, I can overlook the fact it’s not “original.”
Yup, $10 can’t hardly be beat! Your tree will be vintage soon enough!
I didn’t know they were making new aluminum trees!
I bought an awesome 6′ aluminum reproduction from eBay seller “pointonepremiums” for just $60! Shipping was free!