Author Archive

In days past the Christmas tree was hung with every type of decoration someone thought would look good. There were crocheted pieces, paper chains, icicles, and glass bulbs. They came in so many different colors the tree would look like a rainbow. Then people started getting more select in their choices. Styles were changing. The traditional Christmas tree became a work of art. New glass ornaments became available. This started taking on a new look. People could choose from hand painted designs, specialized ornaments, and personalized ones. The range of colors grew as well. Now the tree could be color coordinated with the decor of the house. The evolution of the glass bulb has grown even further today.

Glass Christmas ornaments grouped into themes. There are stained glass ones, etched ones, and so many more. You can walk into any store and find Currier and Ives or Thomas McCain on the more traditional globes. There are fantasy creatures like fairies and dragons for the younger crowd. Specialty ornaments are available which represent lines of work like teachers, firefighters, and police men. Hobby enthusiasts can find ornaments which reflect their favorite pastime from fishing to photography. Some of the most exquisite ones are from overseas. These unique bulbs are usually hand blown glass. They come in all different shapes and sizes. There are animals, snowflakes, and teardrops. Some are more traditional with hand painted detailing. They are spectacular to behold.

Tradition is strong when it comes to decorating the tree. Some people choose an ornament each year to commemorate the year. There are glass Christmas ornaments designed for this group. The ornaments can be custom ordered with names and dates. Some craftsmen will hand paint the ornament with specific instructions. Wedding and anniversary ornaments are gaining popularity as well. The etched glass ornaments are popular for this tradition.

Fun and whimsical ones are a pleasure to look at. These can range from a pretzel twist to cartoon characters. There are so many to choose from it is sometimes hard to decide. Many people can not and just choose what ever strikes their fancy. These are the people who's trees can tell a story. Everywhere on the tree will be something that tells about the family who decorated it.

Glass Christmas ornaments are extremely fragile. Special care must be given each year to preserve the collection of color and tradition. There are specially designed storage boxes for keeping the keepsakes safe during storage or transport. It would be wise to invest in some of these storage boxes if the collection is large.

As each year passes, the collection of them grows. There are new ones available all the time. There are times when someone will stumble upon a forgotten box in the attic. The contents can be amazing. The old time craftsmanship used to create some of the traditional globes has been forgotten. The care and precision of the painting is a true work of art. These are the globes which should be given a place of honor on the tree. These are the glass Christmas decorations which delighted the eyes of children in the family from generations ago. The beauty should never be forgotten.

Decorating With Glass Christmas Ornaments

Victorian Christmas Decorations

Lush and lavish are the key concepts in Victorian Christmas decorations. Rich colors, luxurious fabrics, and splendidly over-the-top embellishments make this style the epitome of sumptuous holiday elegance.

The Victorian period (1837-1901) was known for strict rules of behavior that regulated everything from etiquette to morality, but the styles, fashions, and tastes of the day were anything but Puritanical. In both Europe and the US a burgeoning middle class were enjoying the economic effects of the industrial revolution, and they reveled in displaying their newfound affluence.

In an era when even everyday items were often ornately decorated, the holiday season was an annual explosion of color, shine, and exuberant rococo profusion. Here are some tips for giving an Victorian air to your holiday decor.

Use color to set the mood

The Victorians loved color and used it everywhere, sometimes in combinations that we would find surprising today. But very bright shades (including the fire engine red and apple green that we associate with the season now) were seldom seen in the decorations of the era. Colors that are typical of the period include deep gem tones of red, blue, green, and purple, along with shades of gold and cream.

Suggestion: try decorating your tree with ornaments in deep gem tones, and replace bright tinsel garland with swaths of broad burgundy red ribbon. Add accents with cream-colored bows and shiny gold balls or figurines.

Suggestion: if you don't care for deep tones, try going with pastel theme. While not as historically accurate, light shades of dusty pink or blue mixed with cream and ecru and highlighted with plenty of gold can create a breathtaking period look. Strings of pearly beads make a dazzling accent to a pastel holiday theme.

Lots of greenery wherever you look

Boughs of pine and other greenery were a basic component of holiday decor during the period. Carefully arranged with fruit, flowers, candles, and ornaments or woven into garlands, greenery was everywhere.

Suggestion: hang pine garlands wherever you can - festooned on staircases, surrounding doorways, and draped over mirrors and mantlepieces. Weave broad ribbon, silky fabric, or thick gold decorative rope through the branches and decorate with bows, flowers, figurines, ornaments, and tiny wrapped packages.

Suggestion: strictly speaking, electric Christmas lights aren't really part of period holiday decor. But they're very much in keeping with the decorating spirit of the era, and using slightly gold-tinted mini lights creates a warm glow reminiscent of candlelight.

When in doubt, embellish!

The Victorians had a real "more is better" ethic about decorating, particularly when it came to decorative ornamentation. The question was rarely "which one should I use?" but rather, "How many can I fit into the space?" This is particularly true of the holiday decor of the period.

Suggestion: to capture the mood of the era, go lavish with everything and decorate everywhere. Don't stop with hanging the garlands and decorating the tree. Make arrangements with flowers, candles, ornaments, ribbon and greenery on tables, mantles, piano tops, shelves; every flat surface is eligible. And don't think in terms of "either or" - think "both and" instead. When you're creating an arrangement, use bows and ornaments and fruit. Or pearls, flowers, and lace. Or bows, ornaments, fruit, pearls, flowers, and - well, you get the picture.

Victorian Christmas not your style? No problem! Consider Christmas folk art decorations to bring simple elegance, natural beauty, and family-friendly warmth to your holiday decor. Find out more at Vintage Christmas Decorations.

Christmas decorating tips for the kitchen

When not being busy with main job I enjoy gardening and giving several Gardening Tips and Landscaping Tips on my blog.

Subscribe to my SquidCasts and get notified about major updates.

Halloumi Cheese,
LOTD November 16th, 2008

I am as well the Groupmaster of these Squidoo Groups:
Wedding Planer
Christmas Decorations

pmolinero's Pages

  • Common Types of Roses
  • Halloumi Cheese
  • Tahini Dip
  • Viral Tweet Generator
  • All About Watermelons
  • How to create A Landing Page
  • Tzatziki, A Yoghurt Dip
  • Algerian Love Knot
  • 5 most amazing Beaches of the Mediterranean Sea
  • Ways to Cook Salmon

See all of pmolinero's pages

Christmas decorating tips for the kitchen

 Page 41 of 41  « First  ... « 37  38  39  40  41