A Christmas homeware edit for the eternally nostalgic
79 vintage-inspired decorations and accessories for people who miss the 20th century
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It’s the last Sunday before Christmas and as always, I’m stuck in my seasonal vortex of nostalgia.
In an ideal world, every December I would hop in a time machine and spend the month in 1993. I very rarely like new Christmas films or songs and I’m not really into contemporary decorations. Blue-white fairy lights were created by someone who hates being cosy and there’s no place on my tree for a bauble shaped like an eyeshadow palette.
I want Charlie Brown’s Christmas album, Home Alone, The Snowman, Little Women, ‘80s Ralph Lauren tartan, lametta, Christmas adverts that were on TV when I was eight, everything patchwork quilted, paper chains on the ceiling, garlands of popcorn on trees and The New Yorker’s vintage Christmas covers.
My decorations don’t have to feel like a cohesive collection and I never stick to a theme. I don’t really care what era something’s from, as long as it’s not from this one!
At this time of year, when I’m not on the verge of stress-induced burnout (aren’t we all – December is the best), I like to lean into escapism and comfort, and for me, that was childhood. I want to feel like I’m at my grandma’s house, about to rewind Prancer on VHS so I can give it another whirl while I pick at a glass bowl of Quality Street and almost faint from the excessive radiator use.
If you’re thinking I’m a bit late sending an edit of vintage-inspired (but not actually vintage) decorations and homeware, I hear you. Truth is I spent my whole Sunday on this last week and then had two major technical fails. At first several of the images disappeared, then all the captions and links vanished. I was SO annoyed that I almost scrapped it entirely, but since we had a six-hour drive from London to Wales today, I used the time to add everything back in again. Seemed a shame not to when it took me an age to do it in the first place!
On the plus side, some of the below bits and pieces might already be on sale when it’s this close to the big day. And timing doesn’t really matter – anything you don’t use right now can be something to look forward to. Christmas is for life, not just for Christmas.
I spend *a long time* on my themed shopping edits, so this type of post (and my most personal writing) would usually be behind a paywall. This is a little end-of-year bonus ball but please do consider a paid subscription if you’re able to – it means you’ll have access to everything in the future, including these time-consuming edits. Thank you!
Keep scrolling for a plethora of festive homeware that your grandma would approve of…
Thanks for reading if you got this far!
Last week, I decided to test publishing some photos from a visit to interior designer Beata Heuman’s new London studio without sending the post out by email, which was probably a bit of a fail as hardly anyone realised it was there. If you haven’t seen it yet, take a look.
I already said this at the beginning but my few paid subscribers are the sole reason I’m able to carve out time for Substack and create edits like these. Having said that, I appreciate that our budgets are being stretched at the moment, so if you liked this and want to spread some goodwill without spending a penny; a restack, Instagram share or recommendation is always much appreciated!
We’re pinballing around Wales and Yorkshire visiting family this week but I might have time to write something brief before Christmas, if not, it will be the week after!
Do you have a favourite festive era or films that you have in mind when you’re shopping for your home at Christmas? I’d love to hear from you in the comments if you fancy.
E x
So many delightful goodies! My favourite Christmas was 1996, so I’m just three years behind you with the nostalgic feels. Great round up, as always Eleanor! 🎄🥰 And happy Christmas to you! xx
Already looking forward to next christmas and decorating with all this stuff, such good recommendations!