The mid-century era, spanning roughly from the 1950s to the 1970s, was a time of optimism, space exploration, and atomic age design. This spirit of innovation spilled over into Christmas decorations, resulting in a unique aesthetic that continues to charm today.
So, if you’re looking to add a touch of retro flair to your holiday décor, then mid-century modern Christmas decorations are the way to go. Here’s a guide to capturing that distinctive mid-century magic:
Embrace the Atomic Age
The space race was a defining feature of the mid-century era, and its influence is evident in Christmas ornaments. Think sleek, geometric shapes like spheres, stars, and boomerangs. These ornaments often come in metallic colors like silver, gold, and chrome, which add a touch of glamour to your tree. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different shapes and sizes for a dynamic look.
Sputnik Chic
Sputnik chandeliers were all the rage in the mid-century, and you can capture that essence with sputnik-inspired Christmas tree toppers. These toppers typically feature metal rods that branch out like a starburst, sometimes adorned with glass bulbs or tinsel. They add a touch of whimsy and space-age flair to your tree.
Aluminum Aplenty
Aluminum trees were a popular choice in the mid-century, known for their sleek look and fire resistance. While they might not be the most practical decoration today, you can incorporate the aluminum aesthetic with aluminum ornaments. These ornaments come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and their reflective surface adds a touch of sparkle to your tree.
Color My World
Mid-century Christmas décor wasn’t afraid of bold colors. Think bright red, turquoise, teal, and orange. These colors can be incorporated into your ornaments, garland, and even your tree itself – some artificial trees even came in these colors during the mid-century era. However, to avoid overwhelming the eye, it’s best to choose a dominant color and use the others as accents.
Frosted Fun
Flocked Christmas trees, with their coating of artificial snow, were another popular trend of the mid-century era. While flocked trees might not be for everyone, you can incorporate the frosted look with flocked ornaments. These ornaments come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and the flocked finish adds a touch of winter wonderland charm to your décor.
Bottle Brush Beauties
Bottle brush trees, with their fuzzy branches and colorful decorations, were a staple of mid-century Christmas décor. These miniature trees come in a variety of sizes and colors, and they can be displayed on tables, shelves, or even as part of a larger Christmas village scene.
The Joy of Putz
Putz houses, small ceramic buildings depicting winter scenes, were another popular mid-century Christmas decoration. These charming houses often feature illuminated windows and festive details, adding a touch of whimsy to your holiday décor. You can find vintage putz houses at flea markets and antique stores, or you can purchase new ones that capture the mid-century aesthetic.
A Mid-Century Mantel
Your mantelpiece is a prime spot to showcase your mid-century Christmas décor. Drape it with a garland in bold colors or metallics. Add a collection of mid-century ornaments, putz houses, and bottle brush trees. For a finishing touch, place a pair of reindeer made of glass or ceramic on either end of the mantel.
Don’t Forget the Stockings
Stockings are a must-have for any Christmas décor, and the mid-century era offers a unique take on this tradition. Look for stockings made of felt or velvet in bold colors or geometric patterns. You can even find stockings shaped like stars, rockets, or snowflakes to capture the mid-century spirit.
Light Up the Night
Mid-century Christmas décor embraced modern lighting techniques. String lights with large bulbs, often in unusual colors like pink or blue, were popular choices for trees and garlands. Bubble lights, with their round, glass globes filled with colored liquid, were another favorite. While these vintage lights might be hard to find, there are modern reproductions available that capture the mid-century look.
Creating a cohesive mid-century holiday theme
The mid-century era’s optimism and space-age design translate beautifully into a unique holiday aesthetic. But how do you ensure your decorations capture that cohesive, atomic-age magic? Here are some tips to weave a truly immersive mid-century Christmas experience:
Think Beyond the Tree:
While a stunning mid-century tree is the centerpiece, don’t stop there! Dot bottle brush trees in various sizes throughout your home. Set up a charming village scene with vintage putz houses. Hang colorful felt stockings shaped like stars or snowflakes for a playful touch.
Color Coordination:
Mid-century Christmas embraced bold colors. Choose a dominant hue like turquoise or orange, and use it for your tree skirt, garland, or even a statement wall hanging. Accent with pops of contrasting colors like red or teal for a dynamic yet balanced look.
Atomic Accents:
Let the space age inspire you! Hang geometric ornaments in metallics like silver and gold. Top your tree with a sputnik-inspired topper that bursts with metallic rods and glass bulbs. Don’t be afraid to mix textures – metallics with frosted ornaments create a captivating interplay.
Light the Way:
Mid-century Christmas celebrated modern lighting. String oversized bulbs, perhaps in unconventional colors like pink or blue, across your tree and mantel. For an extra touch of nostalgia, hunt down vintage bubble lights with their round, colored globes. Modern reproductions exist if the originals prove elusive.
Festive Feast:
Extend the theme to your table! Use a vintage tablecloth in a bold color or geometric pattern. Set mid-century inspired dishes – think clean lines and pops of color. For a centerpiece, create a miniature winter wonderland with frosted ornaments, bottle brush trees, and miniature putz houses nestled in faux snow.
The Finishing Touches:
Small details make a big difference. Display vintage ceramic reindeer or Santas on your mantel. Wrap presents in solid-colored paper with bold ribbons or geometric wrapping paper. Play classic holiday tunes from the mid-century era for a truly immersive experience.
By incorporating these elements, you’ll create a mid-century Christmas wonderland that’s both festive and stylish. Your guests will be transported back to a time of optimism and atomic dreams, making your holiday celebration truly unforgettable.
Wrapping it Up
Mid-century modern Christmas decorations offer a unique way to celebrate the holidays. By incorporating these elements into your décor, you can create a festive and stylish atmosphere that evokes a sense of nostalgia. So, this holiday season, embrace the atomic age, break out the aluminum ornaments, and let your mid-century Christmas spirit shine!
