Capture Retro Christmas Magic With These 1970s Decorating Tips

If you love nostalgia and want to celebrate Christmas in a sustainable way, why not embrace a 1970s theme? It’s a perfect way to create a unique holiday design, whether by crafting your own ’70s-inspired Christmas decorations or hunting for treasures at thrift stores and specialty shops.

“The ’70s were all about color, sparkle, and disco vibes, and Christmas décor was no exception,” says Christmas expert Hannah Bartlett. “With a ‘more is more’ approach, the festive decor was filled with maximalism and warmth.”

So, put on Elton John’s ’70s hit “Step Into Christmas” and check out our expert-approved tips. These will help you avoid any holiday decoration mishaps by blending nostalgic charm with your own personal style.

Characteristics of ’70s Christmas Decorations Whether you want to go all out with a maximalist approach or just add a hint of seventies style, this list of classic ’70s Christmas decoration ideas will inspire your holiday design.

Frosty, Flocked Trees

“A snowy, flocked Christmas tree brought instant winter wonderland vibes into ’70s homes,” Bartlett says. “They make the perfect backdrop for colorful lights and playful ornaments.”

In the ’70s, artificial Christmas trees were all the rage. While you might think it’s more eco-friendly to flock a real tree rather than an artificial one, keep in mind that a real tree can’t be recycled or composted once it’s been flocked. Instead, consider flocking an old artificial tree from your attic or finding a second-hand one to create that indoor winter wonderland.

Shiny Festoons of Foil

Tinsel dates back to the early 17th century when it was used to reflect candlelight on Christmas trees. For many, tinsel and other shiny foil accents are the epitome of flamboyant ’70s Christmas decorations. Bartlett suggests draping these shimmering foil strands on your tree, staircase, and mantel.

While tinsel is a go-to for an over-the-top retro holiday look, buying it new isn’t environmentally friendly. “Choose biodegradable options if you can, or make sure you clean up carefully to avoid contributing to landfills,” Bartlett recommends.

Oversized, Bright Bulbs

Big is beautiful when it comes to holiday lighting for your ’70s Christmas decor. “Larger bulb lights, reminiscent of classic incandescent styles, add instant retro charm. Colored lights, especially in bubble, bulb, or Pickwick-inspired floral shapes, were incredibly popular,” Bartlett says. She suggests using them generously on your tree, down the stairs, and on the front porch to add some ’70s flair.

Glitzy Glass Ornaments

“Shiny glass baubles were a staple of ’70s Christmas trees,” Bartlett says. She recommends decorating your tree with a mix of glittery styles, such as patterned onion, bulb, classic round, and inverted bauble shapes to catch the light. Perhaps your grandma has some unique hand-blown and hand-painted family heirlooms she’s willing to part with, or you can go thrifting to find nostalgic pieces or buy new retro-inspired designs that reflect your style and personality.

Handcrafted Classics

“The make-do-and-mend mentality of the 1970s meant handmade decorations were essential,” Bartlett says. She explains that there wasn’t the same pressure for picture-perfect Christmas displays as there can be with modern designs. “The homespun, relaxed style of the decade encouraged creativity and a playful approach to decorating,” she says.

Making your own ’70s-inspired Christmas decorations is not only fun and family-friendly but also allows you to personalize your theme. Macrame, paper chains, felted pieces, and honeycomb paper decorations are just a few materials that can add to that authentic vintage look.

Tips on How to Achieve ’70s Christmas Decorations in 2024

If you’re all set with tinsel, flocking spray, big bulbs, and glittering ornaments but unsure how to combine them into a cohesive design, follow these holiday decorating tips.

• More is More: Bartlett explains that the ’70s were all about maximalism, so don’t hold back. “When you think you’re done, add one more paper honeycomb decoration or another strand of tinsel. There’s no such thing as too much,” she says.
• Select Sparkly Things: “The disco era loved anything that shimmered and shone,” Bartlett says. You can’t go wrong with plenty of tinsel and long, glittering strands of lametta. Plus, the more glittery your ornaments, the better.
• Express Yourself: “From bold patterns to playful shapes, the ’70s embraced individuality, so don’t be afraid to show your personality through your decor,” Bartlett says. Create memories by spending a festive family day designing homemade glittery, groovy baubles.
• Be Confident with Color: Use the vibrant tones that dominated the decade to create a funky retro Christmas tableware design. “Warm earthy tones like orange, brown, mustard, and green were popular, as well as bright rainbow shades,” Bartlett says.

About the Expert

Hannah Bartlett is a Christmas expert and founder of the festive blog Jolly Festive, known for its top-ranked Christmas trend analysis. Her extensive knowledge of Christmas activities, entertainment, and travel makes Hannah a go-to source for all things merry and bright; email interview, Nov. 25, 2024.