For many of us, the magic of Christmas lies in the memory of the festive seasons past, and the family traditions we keep alive year after year. If you’re someone who finds comfort in nostalgic holiday charm, there’s no better way to celebrate the season than by embracing a vintage-inspired Christmas aesthetic. Think classic decorations, a table brimming with elegant traditional fare, and a timeless soundtrack that transports you to a simpler time.
Burleigh Pottery are here to share their tips for creating a vintage Christmas atmosphere in your home, from tree to tablescape.
Creating a vintage-inspired tablescape
When we envision a classic Christmas scene, we often picture family and friends gathered around a beautifully presented dinner table. Here are a few ideas for elements to include in your traditional tablescape:
1. A seasonal centrepiece
What’s more timeless than nature itself? A simple arrangement of fresh seasonal greenery like holly, ivy, mistletoe or poinsettia creates a stunningly festive focal point. Place your plant or stems in a tankard or Etruscan-style jug for added elegance.
2. Traditional table linens
Start with classic Christmas colours like greens, reds and whites. When selecting a table runner or tablecloth, natural materials like linen and cotton look most timeless, while some lace accents look equally stunning. Add visual interest to each place setting with a patterned napkin, and perhaps a placecard featuring your honoured guest’s name for that personal touch.
3. Charming ceramics
Dinnerware should feel timeless — think blue and white for a classic look that will work year-round, while green and white or red and white add a festive feel. Choose a delicate pattern for your dinner plates and serving bowls that will blend seamlessly into the tablescape. An eye-catching cow creamer can make a great statement piece for serving sauces and gravies. A tastefully patterned, earthenware tea set is perfect for serving post-meal hot drinks. Think about how you’ll present your desserts — a tiered cake stand adds some regal vintage flair.
4. Cutlery and glassware
Details like silverware really make a vintage tablescape. It’s worth trying antique shops or charity shops to pick up a pre-loved set for some added authenticity. For glassware, fluted or goblet-style wine glasses make a nice touch. For those who enjoy a stronger tipple with their post-meal mince pie, a vintage decanter looks stunning if you can get your hands on one.
Vintage Christmas menu ideas
Now for arguably the best part of any Christmas day: the meal.
For a taste of nostalgia, you can’t go wrong with a 70s-style prawn cocktail to start. Serve in elegant glasses with a hearty drizzle of Marie Rose sauce. A cheese fondue is an indulgent interactive option. With its retro charm, it’s sure to bring smiles around the table.
For the main course, a traditional roast turkey never goes out of style. Be sure to serve with all the classic trimmings: crispy roast potatoes, rich gravy, buttery roasted vegetables and savoury stuffing. Don’t forget cranberry sauce.
Desserts are where your vintage theme can really shine, with profiteroles being an undeniable crowd-pleaser. Filled with creamy custard and slathered in chocolate sauce, they can easily be scaled up for a lot of guests if you’re hosting a party. With its layers of colour and flavour, an old-fashioned trifle will ramp up the nostalgia factor. For something even more traditional, why not offer a Christmas pudding flamed with brandy before serving?
To wash it all down, offer guests a variety of festive drinks: spiced mulled wine, is a holiday classic. If you’re aiming for a creamy indulgence, Baileys Irish Cream is always a hit, or try a batch of eggnog.
Gift wrapping
Modern printed wrapping paper is often non-recyclable. Why not give this year’s wrapping a vintage twist to help the planet while adding style to your gifting?
Wrap your gifts in some brown or green kraft paper, or maybe some decorative wallpaper which is durable and can be reused again and again. Tie them together with some twine for a rustic feel. For a hand-crafted look, you could slip some dried flowers or a sprig of pine in with your string. Bows are simultaneously vintage and on-trend, so why not add some satin ribbon to your gifts for a stylish detail? Your giftee can reuse their ribbon again and again, whether that’s for future gifting or for adding to an outfit.
Gift tags can be easily made by hand, and are another lovely way of adding a personal touch to your gift wrapping.
Vintage décor
When it comes to vintage Christmas décor, less is often more. Think simple, elegant touches that evoke a sense of warmth and nostalgia.
Incorporate natural greenery in your decor scheme, perhaps a few sprigs of holly or some pine cones along mantelpieces, and a festive wreath to hang on the door. Making your own wreath or garland can be a lovely festive activity to do with family.
More hand-made ideas include paper chains and stars, or, for a more natural look, dry out orange and lemon slices and string them together for a beautiful and fragrant garland.
The vintage Christmas tree is typically adorned with hand-painted baubles, bunting, and often mismatched ornaments. Ceramic hanging decorations are set to be on trend this year, while also encompassing that traditional charm. Glass baubles are another alternative — just try to avoid plastic to get that timeless feel.
Lastly, incorporate some antique brass candle holders to bathe your beautiful scene with a warm, flickering glow.
Curating a vintage Christmas soundtrack
No Christmas gathering is complete without music. Create a playlist filled with festive songs that have stood the test of time to capture that vintage charm.
Crooners like Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, and Nat King Cole have become synonymous with the season. You could even add in some choral renditions of traditional hymns for a timeless feel.
For an even more authentic experience, play your Christmas classics on a record player if you have one. The crackle of vinyl will transport guests back to a simpler time!
Choosing classic Christmas films
Finally, select a classic Christmas film or two to set the mood for your vintage celebrations.
With their old-fashioned charm, films such as It’s a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street, or A Christmas Carol embody the magic of a vintage Christmas with their heartwarming stories.
And, for entertaining the little ones, Mickey’s Christmas Carol or A Charlie Brown Christmas are both great nostalgic choices.
Amy Harvey, digital marketing manager at Burleigh Pottery, said: “Whether you’re hosting a Christmas dinner, wrapping gifts, or simply enjoying time spent with loved ones, embracing a vintage-inspired aesthetic brings a certain magic to the festive season. With a well-thought-out tablescape, complete with a delicious traditional menu and a nostalgic soundtrack, you can create a Christmas experience that feels timeless and full of warmth, evoking the simple pleasures of Christmases gone by while creating new memories to cherish in the future.”
