Eklectic ChristmasChristmas StandsSociety ChristmasMetal Christmas TreeVintage Christmas TreesAntique Vintage ChristmasChristmas PrettiesChristmas OrnamentsChristmas DecorationsForwardbeautiful antique cast iron or other poured metal Christmas tree stands that were made in Germany during the late 1800’s to early 1900’s. brought from the mountain and hillsides, were of all sizes, from two feet high to a majestic height that could graze the lofty ceilings in the decorated homes ofThe Christmas tree ranged in price from a few cents to more than halfMost families bought and carried home their tree many days before Christmas eve. trees were difficult to hold in a firm position, but if securely fastened were much more impressive after they were trimmed. Height, with branches compact to the trunk, was an important matter to be considered in the selection of a Christmas tree, because the weight of the articles ornamenting it always made the branches

A Christmas tree of moderate size could be conveniently placed in a small tub and filled in with stones, coal or anything to keep it secure and steady. colored paper was pasted over the tub, so as to hide unsightly crevices, and then some mossSometimes the tree was propped up in a freshly painted tub filled up with dirt in which were set pots of blooming plants and bright foliage. Holder: Advertised in 1894] smaller Christmas trees were generally fastened onto a flat board, surrounded with crude fence-rails and carpeted with mossGodey's Lady's Book and Magazine provided an engraving in 1876 for decorating the Christmas tree. The illustration showed a quantity of moss placed around the form a border for the apples, oranges, gilded nuts, and bags of muslin and tarlatan containing sweetmeats. The books and larger toys which could not be conveniently suspended from the branches of the tree were laid at the base of the tree.

set up with feather Christmas trees decorated with antique andA Putz was a Pennsylvania-Dutch miniature landscape, with varied figures, structures and animals that was traditionally displayed beneath the Christmas tree. courtesy of Dresden Star Ornaments A little garden or farm made out of paper at the foot of the Christmas tree furnished the children with hours of amusement. They used mosses, minerals, shells and toy animals to make a fine landscape -- with scraps of evergreen for trees and some looking-glass or silver paper for a lake or river. Putz horse, cow and farm girl made in Germany in the early 1900s. [Photo courtesy of Dresden Star Ornaments] A house on a mossy mound with a few dolls, or woolly sheep and chickens set on the hill, were regarded as aas well as a fence manufactured from tiny twigs, or a wall built out of small pieces of stone. In preparation, evenings before the tree arrived the diligent woman of the house was secretly gilding and silvering nuts and ornaments, making little balloons with fluted sides, and cutting fanciful shapes from colored papers to adorn the Christmas tree.

To increase the genuine fun for the fireside, the children were encouraged to manufacture as much of the trimmings as possible. The easiest to make were long paper chains that could be fastened at the top of the tree, and allowed to drop in irregular rows.cheap decorative bird cages uk silver glitter trimmed with gold paper.christmas decoration ideas john lewis The paper chains were made by taking a long stripcreative home decor malaysia of paper, two and a half inches in breadth, and doubling itoutdoor christmas decorations lighted packages

sharply down the middle; then cutting alternately from each side of the strip, always taking care not to cut quite to the furthest edge of the strip. home decor magazines dubaiWhen the strip was unfolded therechristmas decorations for balcony would be seen a delicate chain of fragile loops. this purpose was usually the same tint on both sides. FROM: "CHRISTMAS TREE DECORATIONS, Good to Eat & Good to Look Upon", 1901. variety of fruit was hung upon the branches -- translucent cherries, currants, and berries of each variety with green leaves. Scarlet berries threaded upon cotton, and looped from branch to branch, formed an effective decoration; of white and red also looked pretty. Hard candy tied in squares of colored tissue paper were also hung from the branches of the Christmas

cakes in fanciful and animal shapes were suspended from every narrow strip of the finest cotton-wool was spread along each branch and twig to the farthest needle-tips, to represent snow, and children were always excited with this addition. Shreds of glittering gilt and silver foil, which would not catch fire, was thrown over the entire tree for a charming At the top of the Christmas tree paper flowers were arranged as their bright colors contrasted favorably with the green branches. At times, roses were placed here and there, in and out. stars covered in glitter. In addition stars, hearts and other shapes were threaded on long strands and draped upon the Christmas tree. made of gay colored papers. The design was first cut out of pasteboard and then covered over with fire gilt paper, gold and silver paper, or spangles and tinsel. A pretty effect was produced by covering paper with a coating of gum tragacanth or mucilage, and then sprinkled

thickly with diamond dust; this was finely powdered glass. single star or a chain of stars frosted in this manner over silver paper were very effective for the top of the Christmas tree. diamonds would be represented by a drop of mucilage sprinkled thickly with diamond dust. Handmade Ornament: Antique scrap of girl in Victorian dress, antique paper lace edging (for skirt ruffle), German-made spun-glass skirt, antique Dresden paper trim, vintage Dresden paper wings, Dresden paper medallion, antique metallic ribbon (hanger), antique pink ribbons, early vintage French lace trim, tiny antique lily-of-the-valley flowers. signed by Gail Giaimo. Fairies add greatly to the beauty of the Christmas tree; half length figures were cut out of the colored fashion plates offered in magazines like Godey's and Peterson's. Feet needed to be cut out and added, attached to the back of theGreat ingenuity was exercised in dressing these;

in varied colors was used for dressing them, and then elaborately trimmed with gold, silver lace and spangles. Innumerable tiny ornaments and trimmings were added to theJewels were represented by the different shades of fireA red fire gilt heart pierced by a golden arrow studded with jewels was one design; so was a moon with a profile Cornucopias were always pretty, especially whenThey were easily made out of colored or gilt paper, lined with white paper and bordered with lace paper, or a moss trimming of tissue paper. walnut shells suspended from colored ribbons looked pretty. walnuts were covered with gilt paper, or dropped in liquid gold and placed on a board to dry. The two shells were glued together before they were gilded, with the ribbon glued on upon one end. Pine cones were also painted with gold or silver metallic paint (the type used on radiators) and hung from theAfter the cones were painted and dried, they were tied

with bright colored narrow ribbons and attached to the Christmas tree either in groups or separately. Chains of macaroni, painted with the same metallic paint and mixed with colored beads, were another decorative addition to the tree. were also an attractive decoration. came the tree candleholders -- the most worthy decoration -- whether they were the dozens of elegant polished sockets which supported the pure wax tapers in the Fifth Avenue mansion, or the half dozen twisted bits of tin which the poor woman who worked all day in the factory had carefullyOne magazine recommended that a "dignified tree" be decorated with candles only, except for a few gaily wrapped gifts among the branches. The more candles there were, the more beautiful the effect, especially if all the candles were red. Variations were all green candles or a tree of assorted colors. If white candles were used, the tree was sprinkled with Victorian Christmas tree, c1889