Victorian Christmas Ornaments
Unleash your imagination when it comes to selecting Victorian Christmas ornaments to go with your holiday theme. In just about every aspect, from size and shape to color, texture, subject, materials and more, the sky’s the limit.
One of the most delightful things about holiday decorating with an 1800’s theme is the era’s over-the-top aesthetic; the lavish elegance of period holiday decor uses rich colors for drama, multiple layers to make a big impact, and a “more is better” attitude toward embellishments.
This carries through to all aspects of the holiday decor of the period, but nowhere is it more gorgeously expressed than in the the profusion of ornaments the decorators of the day used everywhere. Here are some tips on how to select, create, and use ornaments in your period holiday decorating.
Think outside the modern decorating box
Round glass balls may be the backbone of modern holiday ornments, but in a Victorian theme the possibilities are endless. Flowers, fans, angels, cherubs, large Santa figures, gift boxes, character figurines, dolls, and even fancy shoes are among the classic decorations of the era.
Elaborate embellishment is one of the charms of the decorative items of the period, so look for items with lots of detail, including beading, tassels and charms, pendants, paintings of people or scenes, and anything that gives additional sparkle.
Paper was a popular material for authentic period decorations. In addition to large, elaborately printed heavy paper figures, the the Victorians also used Christmas cards and other printed scenes on the tree and in arrangements.
Delicate filigree shapes are classics of the era. Look for stars, bells, and miniature gift boxes made of metal or gilded paper filigree.
Elegantly economical: make your own decorations
Antique decorations can be pricey and hard to find, but there are lots of excellent reproductions available both as individual items and in sets. But if you’re stretching your holiday decorating budget, creating Victorian Christmas ornaments for your tree can be easy, economical and fun. Here are some examples to spark your creativity:
- Fold wrapping paper into fan shapes and embellish with lace, ribbon, artificial flowers, or strings of craft beads or pearls.
- Shape by-the-pack paper doilies into cones and fill with brightly-wrapped candy
- Use dried babies’ breath and silk flowers to create mini bouquets that you can embellish with lace and ribbon and tuck among the boughs.
- A glue gun and a few yards of assorted ribbons, lace, braids, and craft pearls, beads, and chain can turn a pack of inexpensive satin balls into period masterpieces.
- Make oversized tassels of decorative rope combined with with craft chain, beads, pearls, and ribbon.
About the Author
Love the idea of vintage Christmas Decorations, but not sure exactly which era would suit you best? Take the simple quiz at Vintage Christmas Decorations and find out your vintage decorating style!
Victorian Flower Soft Wreath Card with Stacey Richardson of SweetStamps.com
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VICTORIAN STYLISH YOUNG WOMAN BROOCH FLOWER PEARLS FENTON MICHIGAN $9.99 |
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GRANNYS VICTORIAN multi flower ON BLUE 100 % COTTON PRINT QUILTING FABRIC $1.97 |
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GRANNYS VICTORIAN BLUE FLOWERS WALL PAPER 100 % COTTON PRINT QUILTING FABRIC $1.97 |
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GRANDMAS VICTORIAN PINK FLOWERS 100 % COTTON PRINT QUILTING FABRIC $1.97 |
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GRANDMAS VICTORIAN FLOWERS ON GREEN 100 % COTTON PRINT QUILTING FABRIC $1.97 |
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Antique victorian blown glass brides bowl on metal compote and painted flowers $60.00 |
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ANTIQUE VICTORIAN 18K GOLD GARNET PEARL LOVE KNOT FLOWER ENGRAVING EARRINGS 1880 $450.00 |
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Victorian Bristol Glass Vase Robins Egg Blue Enamel Wreath of Flowers Gold Rim $44.99 |
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Antique Victorian Wicker Straw Art Grain Plant Flower Dresser Vanity Tray Hair? $3.99 |
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Antique Victorian Georgian Diamond Enamel Flower Brooch $299.99 |
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Chidren’s Girl’s Victorian Flower Girl Nancy Oliver Twist Fancy Dress 9~11yrs $39.42 |
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Hi Res Art: Victorian FLORAL ILLUSTRATIONS Images Postcards Flowers Seed Fruit $15.28 |
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Victorian Inspired Flourish Flower Clear Crystal Rhinestone God Cross Pin Brooch $2.99 |
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ANTIQUE VICTORIAN c1880 VASELINE OPALINE GLASS BOWL VASE CRANBERRY FLOWERS $15.78 |
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Unique Victorian Dress Single Flower Pottery Vase $6.00 |
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VINTAGE SILHOUETTE VICTORIAN SOUTHERN BELLE OLD FRAME WALL HANGING DRIED FLOWERS $14.99 |
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antique Victorian SILVER fine micro mosaic charm drop star flower necklace -2270 $616.12 |
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antique Victorian big 1.1″ daisy flower french jet pierced earrings -2374 $142.18 |
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antique Victorian big daisy flower french jet triple pendant drop necklace -2372 $315.96 |
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2 Antique Victorian Game of St. Valentines Day Cupid Flower from Paddy’s Land #9 $39.99 |
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5 Victorian Tradecards For Maine Music Dealer With Roses, Flowers, Autumn Leaves $3.75 |
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VINTAGE 1970s VICTORIAN STYLE FLOWER SOLID BRASS BUCKLE $25.00 |
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Victorian Floral Swag Silk flowers Rose & Hydrangea 28″ $11.95 |
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Victorian Floral Swag Silk flowers Rose & Hydrangea 28″ $11.95 |
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Victorian Floral Swag Silk flowers Rose & Hydrangea 28″ $11.95 |
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Victorian Floral Swag Silk flowers Rose & Hydrangea 28″ $11.95 |
