Jingle in July: Vintage Christmas Celebration

Posted on July 19, 2024 by admin

Greetings, fellow vintage lovers and Christmas aficionados! The sun may be shining, and the beach might be calling, but here on our cozy corner of the internet, we’re channeling a winter wonderland with a kitschy twist. Yes, it’s that magical time when we blend the nostalgic charm of yesteryear with the sun-soaked joy of summer—welcome to Christmas in July!

Vintage Vibes: A Trip Down Memory Lane

Imagine stepping into a time capsule where tinsel shimmers, Santa sports a Hawaiian shirt, and the scent of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the sweetness of candy canes. That’s right, we’re taking a trip back to the 1950s and 60s, when Christmas was all about big, bold decorations, and the spirit of the season was captured in the most delightfully kitschy ways.

Mid-Century Modern Merriment

Nothing says mid-century modern like a sleek aluminum Christmas tree adorned with vibrant, colorful ornaments. Picture your living room bathed in the warm glow of vintage fairy lights, casting a festive hue over your cherished collection of retro baubles. Add a few classic mid-century furniture pieces, and your space is ready for the ultimate Christmas in July celebration.

Pinup Perfection: Fashion to Flaunt

Let’s not forget the fashion! Channel your inner pinup girl with playful, flirty novelty print swing skirt, and cherry red lipstick. Imagine greeting your guests in a darling vintage-inspired apron, serving up frosty eggnog and festive treats with a smile that rivals the twinkle of your Christmas lights.

For the gents, think dapper with a twist: Hawaiian shirts in holiday prints, bow ties, and perhaps a jaunty Santa hat. After all, Christmas in July is all about embracing the unexpected and having a little fun with tradition.

Collectibles and Curios: Deck Your Halls

This is the perfect time to showcase your collection of vintage Christmas decorations. From ceramic Santa figurines to glittering tree toppers, each piece tells a story of holidays past. Create a whimsical display on your mantel or a festive centerpiece for your July soiree. And don’t forget the stockings—hang them with care, and maybe even fill them with summer-themed goodies for a unique twist.

Spread the Cheer: Kindness and Compassion Year-Round

Christmas in July is more than just festive decorations and joyful gatherings—it’s a reminder to spread the spirit of kindness and compassion every day. Just as we go the extra mile to make others feel loved and cherished during the holiday season, let’s carry that warmth into our everyday lives. Small acts of kindness, like a thoughtful note, a warm smile, or helping a neighbor, can brighten someone’s day. Volunteer your time at local charities, donate to those in need, or simply lend an ear to a friend. By embracing the essence of Christmas—generosity, empathy, and love—we can make every day a little brighter for everyone around us. Remember, it’s the little things that create the biggest impact, and there’s no better time to start than now.

Closing Thoughts

Christmas in July is the perfect excuse to blend your love for all things vintage, kitsch, and mid-century modern with the sunny spirit of summer. So, deck the halls, don your pinup finest, and raise a glass to the most whimsical, wonderful time of the year—no matter the season!

Remember, it’s not about the date on the calendar but the joy in your heart and the sparkle in your eye. Here’s to celebrating Christmas in July with all the charm and cheer of a true vintage holiday. Cheers, darlings!

Craving even MORE vintage Christmas magic?

Dive into a treasure trove of Vintage Christmas Ceramics history, discover forgotten manufacturers, and feast your eyes on stunning photos of vintage decorations, all in one fabulous book! Unwrap the magic of Christmas past and add this gem to your collection.

Uncover even more festive history, rare collectibles, and the stories behind those treasured decorations. My Vintage Christmas Collecting Series is your one-stop shop for everything vintage Christmas. Don’t miss out!

Get your twinkle on with the Starry Eyed Santa top, and other vintage kitschy designs available in a wide range of styles to suit everyone:

Sizes: Small through 4XL, ensuring a perfect fit for all body types.
Colors: Choose from winter white, sleek black, and more.
Women’s, Men’s, Unisex Styles:

Find your perfect looks and spread the cheer in style at Crazy4Me Style Shop!

Why I Love Norcrest Mermaids (And You Will Too!)

Posted on February 24, 2024 by Fan

The Story Behind the Mermaids

There’s something special about Norcrest mermaids that sets them apart in the world of collectibles. I adore them for their craftsmanship, their adorable charm, and that vintage allure that’s simply irresistible. These ceramic treasures from the 1950s are more than just decorations; they’re tiny masterpieces capturing the whimsical beauty of mermaids. Let’s dive into why I’m obsessed with Norcrest mermaids, and why I think you’ll fall in love with them as well!

The history of Norcrest mermaids is just as fascinating as the figures themselves. It all began with Hide Naito, a Japanese immigrant who founded a gift shop in Portland, Oregon, way back in 1921. Over time, that little shop grew into a huge wholesale operation. After World War II, Hide and his son Sam made a bold move: they shifted their focus to “Made in Japan” gifts, and that’s when Norcrest China Company was born (in 1958).

Norcrest quickly became a hit, known for its high-quality ceramics. Their mermaids, with their iconic designs, were stars of the collection, gracing bathrooms and powder rooms across America. Alongside these charming mermaids, Norcrest’s whimsical bluebird series and head vases were also beloved. I love that Norcrest became a household name – there’s something so special about owning a piece of that nostalgic history.

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1950s Lefton & Norcrest Bluebird Collectibles

Posted on October 25, 2011 by Fan

I just love the adorable Lefton Bluebirds and the Norcrest Bluebirds. These 1950s Bluebird collectibles were all hand painted in Japan and still retain their original charm with their adorable faces, pink cheeks and flowers in their hair. These little fellows are sure to brighten any home and any kitchen!! While out and about this past weekend I came across these fantastic Lefton Bluebird and Norcrest Bluebirds. I hope when I leave next week for my Pacific Northwest vacation that I will come across some of these goodies!! The Bluebirds here can be found HERE.

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Sonoma Wine Country Flea Market & Antiques

Posted on May 17, 2011 by Fan

It was a whirlwind of a weekend! Circumstances brought us to beautiful Sebastopol in Sonoma County with lush vineyards and gorgeous landscapes in Northern California. Once “business” was handled, we were able to drive around a little and enjoy the quaint town of Sebastopol. There must have been 5-7 Antique shops in this little town!! The locals are so friendly and you see many signs that say “natural”, “organic”, and “farm fresh”. We ate more whole wheat, grains, and organic veggies in one weekend then we have the entire time we have been in Texas! Texas is full of steak, Tex-Mex , and fried foods and you need to go and search for organic and healthy foods as they are not readily served in restaurants.

It was rather early in the morning as we were heading out and saw a “Flea Market” sign so I had my husband turn a sharp right into the parking lot. The flea market was just getting setup so there were not many vendors ready for business yet. We did see lots of fresh herbs and plants being sold as well as the usual flea market items of socks, shirts, and toys. It appeared the flea market was year-round and it looked like there was room for a lot of vendor booths/tables so it probably gets busy later in the morning.

As we were leaving Sebastopol to head into San Francisco we noticed one of the antique shops was just opening so we pulled into Windmill Antiques. The owner was such a friendly lady from Louisiana and had been living in Sebastopol for 16 years. Her shop was cute; she had lots of collectibles, teacups, kitchen goodies, Pyrex, and miniature dollhouse furniture. She was so nice and let us go inside and shop early as her shop was not open for another hour. I bought a super cute vintage 1950s Norcrest poodle dog cotton ball holder that will look fabulous as part of a vintage vanity set.