We always look for new ways to decorate for the holidays, but sometimes the old ways are the best option. Martha Stewart reminds us of the beauty of vintage decor with her faux aluminum Christmas tree.
The doyenne of homes took to Instagram to share her prickly silver nostalgia-core mini-tree. On her blog, Stewart explains that these tinsel trees were popularized in the 1950s, with millions manufactured across the US between 1958 and 1969. Previously relegated to garages and attics, these trees are gaining popularity in 2024. The sustainability and ease of set up of these trees makes them a wonderful option for modern homes.
Of her unorthodox Christmas tree choice, Stewart states: 'I have several vintage aluminum trees of varying sizes that have branches with rosette tips. These are really pretty even without decorations, but I always prefer them with ornaments, such as these pink and bright-rose ones. The tabletop tree stands on my counter in a large, ruffled galvanized-metal tray that is filled with artificial snow and finished with a still-life scene of deer figures.'
This set of 12 Christmas ornaments is the perfect way to elevate your Christmas tree with a simple, vintage touch. These would look beautiful on a colorful tinsel tree
Replicate Stewart's technique affordably with this beautiful tinsel tree from Amazon. It's only 4 feet tall, so you can easily incorporate multiple into your decor scheme.
Inspired by a snowy white Christmas, scene, this table tree is a smaller *but no less beautiful) alternative to Stewart's. Place on a tabletop or mantle to bring a Christmas shimmer to your home or desk in your office.
This pre-lit silver Christmas Tree features 400 LED Warm White lights for an unrivalled sparkle that Stewart would surely love. It's an ultra-luxe alternative to a traditional tree, but it's a risk that will surely pay off (if you dare).
A zoom into Stewart's ornaments shows that she loves a red/ dark pink/ cream color pairing. This luxe candy ornament perfectly taps into that palette. It has a bright, vibrant color and a fun swirl pattern, for a playful addition that will look perfect on any tree (whether classic or silver).
Finish the look with a chic and stylish Christmas tree skirt. An accessory like this can help ground a tinsel tree and help keep the look from feeling too over the top.
Further, this nostalgic trend is right in line with current Christmas decor trends. Victoria Robinson, design expert, states: Nostalgia is making a strong return this Christmas, with many looking to decorate their homes with statement pieces that evoke memories of the past.' These retro designs have appeared across various celebrity homes this year, from Kris Jenner to Jessica Chastain to Joanna Gaines.
If you like the retro maximalist Christmas decor idea, it's easy to replicate in both big and subtle ways. Robinson suggests: 'While a complete throwback to the 70s might not be everyone’s preference, incorporating small elements like a ceramic tree to your window or mantlepiece display can add a touch of magic and sentimental value to your decorations. These vintage-looking accents should be layered, with each decoration joining to make a big celebrative display. To match their rustic and handmade appearance, ceramic trees and other standout ornaments can take their place as focal points on end tables, windowsills or mantelpieces and can be paired with natural small decorations like pinecones, snow-dusted artificial holly branches and garlands.
For a design more similar to that created by Stewart, you can choose several of these aluminum trees in different shades. Stewart uses a silver, bronze and blue tree in her home for contrast. When searching, it's worthwhile to get trees in different heights so that they can be layered in an appealing way. Since the feeling of this trend is nostalgia, there is no way to do it wrong as long as it captures that lived-in feeling for you. As per usual, Martha Stewart offers the blueprint.
