Embrace the season with a Mid-Century Modern Christmas! Discover tips on aluminum trees, color wheels, vintage ornaments, Pinup fashion, and more. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through creating a fabulous Mid-Century Modern Christmas atmosphere with an aluminum tree, color wheel, vintage Shiny Brite ornaments, Mid-Century pinup fashion, and a Philco Predicta TV for retro entertainment.
I can’t believe the weeks have flown by; I tell my hubby Gary that ever since Thanksgiving it has all been a blur to me and it’s gone by so fast. So I really can’t believe that this is post five in our six-part Vintage Christmas Collecting Series and, I think one of my favorite posts because not only are we talking about the key elements of a mid-century modern Christmas but also sharing holiday fashions from the 1950s-1960s with me as your festive model.
Retro Aluminum Christmas Trees:
Aluminum Tree: A Retro Centerpiece
An authentic Mid-Century Modern Christmas simply wouldn’t be complete without a dazzling aluminum tree. These artificial trees, which flourished from the late 1950s to the mid-1960s, featured aluminum branches and needles in various sizes, with some even boasting charming pom-poms at the tips. As shown in these delightful photos, vintage aluminum trees from the ’50s and ’60s have become highly sought-after collectibles, with prices steadily increasing each year.
You may find these treasures ranging from $175 to over a thousand dollars, particularly for those boasting unique hues like teal or green. However, if an original vintage tree proves elusive or costly, consider opting for a modern reproduction. Several companies offer multicolored and kitschy pink aluminum trees at more affordable prices, ensuring everyone can indulge in this retro holiday centerpiece.
Color Wheel: A Kaleidoscope of Lights:
Add a touch of whimsy to your aluminum tree with a vintage color wheel. A color wheel is a rotating disc with colored panels that cast different hues onto the tree. As the wheel turns, the tree transforms into a mesmerizing display of festive colors.
Track down an authentic color wheel at antique stores, or opt for a modern version available online. Place the color wheel a few feet from the tree, and let the magic unfold.
Vintage Shiny Brite Ornaments:
No Mid-Century Modern Christmas tree would be complete without vintage Shiny Brite ornaments. These glass baubles, first produced in the 1940s, feature an array of colors and designs that perfectly complement the aluminum tree and color wheel.
Look for Shiny Brite ornaments at antique shops, thrift stores, or online. Mix and match various shapes, colors, and designs to create an eclectic, nostalgic look.
Shiny Brite ornaments were made in a variety of sizes and box designs. Today, many vintage enthusiasts collect the boxes as the shapes and graphics make for wonderful additions to holiday decor and displays and add a sense of nostalgia.
You can find vintage Shiny Brite ornaments in antique shops and online, an original box full ornaments in great condition can cost approx. $100 but you can find these ornaments regularly, especially during the holidays and right after (antique shops tend to have amazing bargain sales right after Christmas) and it is a great time to buy them. Single ornaments can cost $10-$25 depending on the decoration. Store your Shiny Brites with care as they are still made of glass and not shatter proof.
Mid-Century Pinup Fashion: Dress the Part:
To fully immerse yourself in the Mid-Century Modern theme, embrace the vintage fashion of the era. Channel your inner pinup with high-waisted skirts, form-fitting sweaters, and kitten heels. For men, opt for classic button-down shirts, slim-fit trousers, and loafers.
Don’t forget to accessorize with pearl necklaces, cat-eye glasses, hair flowers, and headscarves. Whether you’re attending a holiday party or simply enjoying the festivities at home, dressing the part will elevate the overall experience.
Also, the fun holiday prints on these dresses features in this post are so colorful and I just love getting dolled up in them.
This novelty print ornament skirt is one of absolute favorites!! I adore the bright emerald green color and how all the ornaments are done in jeweled tones. My top is a very bombshell style from the 1950s and pairs perfectly with this skirt for one fabulous holiday outfit.
Here’s a fun party dress that is very on point with the Pinup look. It is my denim blue dress with metallic flourishes, three quarter sleeves and a skirt that makes me want to twirl and twirl. I love the feminine details of the dress with the dainty and slim neckline and nipped wait.
As I mentioned, there are a few companies making these reproduction outfits in a wide range of sizes along with shoes and accessories so let me know if you’d be interested in a post and, you can pop over to my Instagram @crazy4me and see many more outfits of mine and how I style them.
Mid-Century Modern Philco Predicta TV: Retro Entertainment
As we wrap up our post, we need a Christmas movie to watch on our Philco Predicta Television set.
Complete your Mid-Century Modern Christmas atmosphere with a vintage Philco Predicta TV. This iconic television set, first introduced in the late 1950s, features a futuristic design with a pedestal base and swiveling screen. You can find authentic Philco Predicta TVs at antique shops, online marketplaces, or even refurbished from specialty retailers.
Screen classic holiday films like “White Christmas” or “Miracle on 34th Street” to transport yourself and your guests to a bygone era.There are a few folks around the country that actually do restoration work on these tvs and can get them back up and running for you so do an internet search to locate them. Restored working models can run $1,200+.
Vintage Christmas Series
- Collecting vintage NOEL Christmas candleholders, figurines, and bells – November 27, 2020
- Vintage Holt-Howard Christmas collectibles
- Pretty Ladies – Vintage Christmas Head Vases and Planters
- Collecting vintage Christmas angels
- Have yourself a Mid-Mod Christmas
- Collecting vintage Christmas year-round
Join our Vintage Kitschy Christmas Facebook Group and show off your favorite vintage Christmas collections, displays, thrifting and junking scores.
Merry Christmas everyone!!
