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Will 2018 be “Peak Retro Christmas” — I think maybe so

Pam Kueber - Updated: October 11, 2021

Retro Renovation stopped publishing in 2021; these stories remain for historical information, as potential continued resources, and for archival purposes.

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: 

I loved this retro wrapping paper at Homegoods — a mad mash of illustrated midcentury-inspired Christmas cards and gift tags, in all the right colors.

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. 

I just bought this box of classic reproductions from Kurt Adler on Amazon for a putz house project coming up soon — I *think* the weebits are the right size to fit the front yards of the putz houses. I’ve picked up these exact littles vintage over the years, but I need a bunch, stat.
shiny brite holiday wreathe from georgia peachez
The genius of Georgia Peachez, one of my idols.

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. 

christmas ornaments vintage
Some of my authentic vintage Christmas decorations — fascimiles of designs like these seem to abound in 2018.

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:

What do you think?
Are you seeing an Peak Retro Christmas in all your stores, too?

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47 comments

Comments

    • 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!!!!

  2. 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.

  3. 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

  5. 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.

  6. 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!

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

      • 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?

  9. 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!!

  10. 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.