Retro Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas

While reusing last year's Christmas ornaments is a more economical choice, watching Mom stack the tree with homemade paper angels from your grade school years can get tiresome. Besides, half the pictures have likely fallen off the angel's head, the glitter's splotchy and the angels are bent. Want to update your Christmas tree decorations? Create a retro Christmas tree. Surprise your Mom, Dad or guests with a blast from the past. Since less was more back in the good old days, your decorations should be pretty economical. Then next year, you can select a new theme. Start a new Christmas tradition with your family with these retro Christmas tree decorating ideas.

Retro Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas: Start a New Tradition

Aluminum Tree

For an authentic retro tree, forget the real deal. Instead, opt for an aluminum tree. Popular in the 50s and 60s, they came in white and silver; with, out without bulbs. Take it one step further by purchasing a color wheel which rotates to illuminate the tree in a variety of colors. For decorating ideas for ornaments, stick to large round, classic bulbs in solid colors. Find authentic, retro aluminum Christmas trees and color wheels HERE. Or frequent thrift stores and eBay. If you don't mind faux retro, pick up a hot pink, white or purple metallic tree at Wal-Mart.

Decorations

Many of the retro tree decorations were fairly economical. Tinsel was a big one, but since it's still pretty popular today, it's won't necessarily convey your theme as well as cranberry or popcorn garland will, which were also popular tree decorating ideas. Look for traditional colored bulbs in red, green, white and gold. Other popular Christmas tree decorating ideas included bird ornaments made with real feathers, tear-shaped ornaments and large bulb lights.

A Modern Spin on Retro

If the authentic retro décor isn't quite what you're looking for, create your own décor using pop references from that period. Fun decorating ideas that you could make include popular items from the 50s through 70s such as vinyl records, tiny milkshakes, roller skates, vintage cola bottles, bowling bags, poodle skirts and saddle shoes. One decorating idea for under the tree is to use a poodle skirt.