Way back in 2007, I found the book shown above at the glorious Goodwill outlet in Seattle, which means I paid about forty five cents for it! I just love old books - the illustrations and covers are true art.
I began flipping through the book right there in the store, and was captivated by the holiday decorating ideas that were popular back in 1953 when this book was published. Since I never know WHERE inspiration is going to take me, looking back at the past often jump-starts new interpretations of those ideas for my own creations.
Sadly, this book and many, many others left my possession back in 2011 when everything about my life changed in an instant. I sure wish I had a copy now!
Edited to add: OK... I am WEAK, people. Immediately after typing that paragraph, I got online to search for a used / secondhand copy of this book. I searched Half Price Books - no luck. A seller on Etsy HAD one, but Deb is cheap and is NOT paying $35! So I checked ThriftBooks, and they had it for just $15! I immediately ordered - and it arrived *just* before I left for Palm Springs!
I've now poured over the book to pull more fun inspiration for you! Ready for an inspiring time warp?!
Continue reading...
DWK
First off, I found THIS page in the book - and I wonder why I didn't snap a photo of it years ago, because it is absolutely my BEST seasonal decorating tip for any time of year:
Choose one theme, one color palette, one 'vibe' that you place in all of the main focal points in your home - this is always a great way to add accents, elements, and color to your existing decor without it being overwhelming. Maybe white snowflakes or snowmen are your theme, or gingerbread houses and candy canes.
Another tip is to decorate for the seasons in the colors of your existing home decor - Christmas decor doesn't have to be red and green! Mine now includes the rich browns and greens and bright orange that appear in our year-round tropical home decor. If your home is decorated in blues and greens and crisp whites, try using those hues for your Christmas tree and decor this year!
Check out this very mod tree:
Well, it was 'mod' for 1953! This unnatural specimen with a slightly bonsai vibe is actually the trunk of a century plant! Those aren't bunches of foliage at the branch ends, as I thought - but the dried seed pods of the flowers. (And wouldn't you know it, while I was out in Palm Springs I saw MANY century plants! Yes, I wanted to bring one home to try this idea out. No, I did not. Bugs. ick.)
Looking at it now, in 2025, it clearly embraces the aesthetic of Scandinavian design... but I can just imagine the reactions in the early 1950's! It was an idea that was ahead of its time, for sure.
Take a look at this nifty idea for a quick table cover:
Admittedly, the 'wrapped present' idea is not the grandest of decor, but it is perfect for a casual company party, the 'kids table' at your family dinner, or on a buffet table at a neighborhood gathering. This is a fun, budget-friendly, and simple setup that anyone can do. (And may I just comment on the oddity of a professional photograph of a tablescape with pre-burned, unlit taper candles??? No self-respecting Instagram influencer would EVER do that today! LOL)
This photo makes me remember that when I was a kid in the 1960's and 70's, all of the neighbors on our street wrapped their front doors like presents. They used loads of metallic foil papers with huge Santa faces and holly sprig prints, accented with giant ribbons and bows - and jingle bells to alert Moms to the entrance of kids, so she can quickly hide the gifts she's wrapping!
These pages show some simple ideas for wall and door decor elements:
The photo on the right with the snowflakes made from greens reflects something I have planned for this year's Holiday decor content - proving that good design lasts decades!
It's always fun to find little notes, tabs, and bookmarks tucked into the used books I buy - and this one had a few:
The woman who owned this book last certainly was a lot like me - I mark pages and write down ideas while reading books all the time! Looking at her handwriting on several of the notes makes me miss my Grandma Ward... her Spencerian script handwriting was flawless.
I particularly love this sweet red heart bookmark and tiny clipping that I also found in the book:
This book is an inspiring peek into the past, revealing what was new and exciting in holiday decorating in 1953. It's fun to see what the Martha's of a past decade recommended! (I wonder what people will think in 2050 when they look back at what's popular NOW?!)
If you want to find old decorating books like this, I highly recommend that you check your local library's used book store - your purchases help fund needed library programs! Huge selections of used books can be found online at Thriftbooks , Half Price Books, and individual etsy sellers.
For a few more mid-century modern holiday decor ideas, visit this post by House Beautiful Magazine
holiday,Christmas,Christmas Decor,Christmas tree,books,decorating,diy decorating,DIY,Blast from the Past,mid-century modern inspired,Christmas Idea Book.
The photo on the right with the snowflakes made from greens reflects something I have planned for this year's Holiday decor content - proving that good design lasts decades!
It's always fun to find little notes, tabs, and bookmarks tucked into the used books I buy - and this one had a few:
The woman who owned this book last certainly was a lot like me - I mark pages and write down ideas while reading books all the time! Looking at her handwriting on several of the notes makes me miss my Grandma Ward... her Spencerian script handwriting was flawless.
I particularly love this sweet red heart bookmark and tiny clipping that I also found in the book:
This book is an inspiring peek into the past, revealing what was new and exciting in holiday decorating in 1953. It's fun to see what the Martha's of a past decade recommended! (I wonder what people will think in 2050 when they look back at what's popular NOW?!)
If you want to find old decorating books like this, I highly recommend that you check your local library's used book store - your purchases help fund needed library programs! Huge selections of used books can be found online at Thriftbooks , Half Price Books, and individual etsy sellers.
For a few more mid-century modern holiday decor ideas, visit this post by House Beautiful Magazine
holiday,Christmas,Christmas Decor,Christmas tree,books,decorating,diy decorating,DIY,Blast from the Past,mid-century modern inspired,Christmas Idea Book.
No comments:
Post a Comment