Retro Christmas crafting and decorating stories have been a staple of this blog and our community for 10+ years. And, as with all things midcentury, the mass market has been following along, a bit more every year. But this year — 2018 — mass market Kitschmas seems to be here bigger than ever. Leading me to hereby declare: The U.S.A. may now be at “Peak Retro” when it comes Christmas decorations being created for the mainstream market. Above: A shot from inside the Bethany Lowe wholesale 2018 Christmas catalog, which is chock full of retro.
Update, readers asked where to get these retail. I found them on Amazon via the links (affiliate links) below:
- Bethany Lowe ornaments — https://amzn.to/2PJKjz4
- Bethany Lowe buildings — https://amzn.to/2PLajd9
- Bethany Lowe figurines — https://amzn.to/2PL4Lzj
And more if you click the particular category!
Bethany Lowe ornaments — https://amzn.to/2PJKjz4
Bethany Lowe buildings — https://amzn.to/2PLajd9
Bethany Lowe figurines — https://amzn.to/2PL4Lzj
I went out for a few hours last week to scan local places for itsy ornaments for wreaths and putz houses, and golly, Retro surely must be the #1 theme this year.
What I’m seeing in stores:
Much of the retro Christmas decor that I saw in stores or am seeing online appears to be either (1) licensed reproductions like the lovely Kurt Adler* and Christopher Radko Shiny Brite* reproductions (*affiliate link), (2) similar-such facsimiles aka knock-offs taken straight from the past, or (3) manufactured items inspired by the work of crafters and artists who have been innovating with lovely ideas to upcycle and showcase authentic ephemera and ornaments in new and pleasing ways.
Want to create your own upcycled creations — using vintage and/or new ornaments? It’s SO FUN to create your own heirloom! We have several detailed tutorials to help you on your way:
- Make a wreath from vintage ornaments — many stories here, including original instructions from Georgia Peachez who, as far as I know, invented or at least popularized this craft including giving me instructions to post and share on the blog.
- Make dioramas using empty ornament boxes — kudos also to Georgia Peachez.
- And of course, we have our own twist on putz houses — see all our designs and get to our free downloadable patterns in one place.
Cindy says
Have you guys checked out this site? Scans of many vintage Christmas catalogs! I went ga ga when I found it! There are some household and clothing items in the catalogs too … I wish they also had the standard catalogs as well as the Christmas ones!
http://www.wishbookweb.com/the-catalogs/
Ann says
Oh my gosh! Cindy, thank you for this link! It’s like a ride in the “Way-Back Machine” (remember Mr Peabody from Saturday Morning Cartoons?). Already today I have looked at every page of two of them. I remember pouring over these very catalogs to make up my Christmas gift list for Santa.
Donna in SC says
well I know what I will be doing tonight while I watch election returns! I have only looked at two catalogs, found my mother’s sterling flatware (Moonglow, I have several teaspoons but cannot afford to even fill out 4 place settings) and her chenille bathrobe that I adored as a child! I cannot wait to find other precious things!!!
Thank you, Cindy!!!!
Rebecca Prichard says
I have wanted a ceramic tree for years. I was interested in the 10″ one on Vermont Country Store but the reviews say the holes are too large and people were GLUING the bulbs in. Unbelievable. So much crap out there and VCS shouldn’t even carry it if that’s the case. Does anyone have one to recommend?
Thanks!
Pam Kueber says
Hi Rebecca, I have one that I bought vintage. I’ll look for it (it’s stashed in the attic and I don’t think I’ve ever put it out) and send you photos and if you want it I’ll send it to you. It’s the least I can do after all those stories — on your kitchen, two bathrooms and more — over all these years!
Joan S. says
I saw at Target today. Search: “mr christmas ceramic tree” I don’t know quality but look cute and less expensive than elsewhere.
Caroline says
Target also has some smaller bottle brush trees this year for $1-3 in their “dollar” section when you first walk in the door. 2 pinks, a light minty color & a couple others. Also found some cute ones with multi color balls stuck to them at HEB (grocery) last night for $1-5, depending on size, so they do seem to be out there a lot this year!
Pam Kueber says
Thanks for the tip, Caroline. When I went to Target last week, they did not have their Christmas out yet. Golly, it was Halloween already and NO Christmas out??? JK
Jay says
I could be wrong but I thought Vermont Country Store offered these years back.
lynda davis says
I noticed that Ikea had a small set of 3 bottle brush trees for $4.99. I saw them in an email I got yesterday.
Pam Kueber says
Thanks, I will check those out — Ikea usually offers great value!
Joan S. says
I checked and my wishes, bottle brush trees and big paper stars. aren’t available online and the store is too far. Ikea – you break my heart!!
Pam Kueber says
Hi Joan, I recently bought three different sets of bottlebrush trees on Amazon to test and compare (Story coming next week), here is the package I liked the best: https://amzn.to/2PKFMwl (affiliate link)
Joan S. says
Thanks, Miss Pam. Looking forward to your “report.”
Karin Jeffrey says
Thanks to this site I made a wreath using some of my mother’s vintage ornaments. I got a lot of positive comments. It’s not Georgia Peachez level, but it came out great. Bring on the retro Xmas stuff!
Phyllis says
Bottle brush trees are my retro-obsession and every year they turn up at good prices (under $20) in Home Goods, Home Sense, TJ Maxx etc. The large ones over 10 inches are harder to find but I do see them. Those tend to appear early – right about now actually – and are snapped up pretty quickly.
Ann says
Vermont Country Store has a very retro Christmas on the catalog that arrived yesterday–ceramic trees and little deer. They call them “Classic” decorations.
Pam Kueber says
Yes, Vermont County Store has been the leader in this before it was even trendy (again).
Mary Elizabeth says
Vermont Country Store sells a lot of retro stuff, not just decorations. They still sell classic shirtwaist dresses and corduroy jumpers for women similar to what I wore (in kid sizes) in the 1950s. They even have retro candy and fragrances. What could be cooler than dressing up in a 1950s dress and splashing on a little Tabu?
Midge Brock says
I keep looking at all the terrific retro Christmas decorations in the Vermont Country store catalog! The last thing I need is more Christmas stuff….but its hard to resist!!
Joan S. says
Love Bethany Lowe Catalogs. Great inspiration plus usually there will be an inexpensive version somewhere. Her stuff is gorg but pricey – angel doll is $70 retail. However, it really gets me in the mood. For that, I am grateful.