| Unleash your imagination when it comes to | | | | decorations. In addition to large, elaborately printed |
| selecting Victorian Christmas ornaments to go | | | | heavy paper figures, the the Victorians also used |
| with your holiday theme. In just about every | | | | Christmas cards and other printed scenes on the |
| aspect, from size and shape to color, texture, | | | | tree and in arrangements. |
| subject, materials and more, the sky's the limit. | | | | Delicate filigree shapes are classics of the era. |
| One of the most delightful things about holiday | | | | Look for stars, bells, and miniature gift boxes |
| decorating with an 1800's theme is the era's | | | | made of metal or gilded paper filigree. |
| over-the-top aesthetic; the lavish elegance of | | | | Elegantly economical: make your own decorations |
| period holiday decor uses rich colors for drama, | | | | Antique decorations can be pricey and hard to |
| multiple layers to make a big impact, and a "more | | | | find, but there are lots of excellent reproductions |
| is better" attitude toward embellishments. | | | | available both as individual items and in sets. But if |
| This carries through to all aspects of the holiday | | | | you're stretching your holiday decorating budget, |
| decor of the period, but nowhere is it more | | | | creating Victorian Christmas ornaments for your |
| gorgeously expressed than in the the profusion of | | | | tree can be easy, economical and fun. Here are |
| ornaments the decorators of the day used | | | | some examples to spark your creativity: |
| everywhere. Here are some tips on how to | | | | - Fold wrapping paper into fan shapes and |
| select, create, and use ornaments in your period | | | | embellish with lace, ribbon, artificial flowers, or |
| holiday decorating. | | | | strings of craft beads or pearls. |
| Think outside the modern decorating box | | | | - Shape by-the-pack paper doilies into cones and |
| Round glass balls may be the backbone of | | | | fill with brightly-wrapped candy |
| modern holiday ornaments, but in a Victorian | | | | - Use dried babies' breath and silk flowers to |
| theme the possibilities are endless. Flowers, fans, | | | | create mini bouquets that you can embellish with |
| angels, cherubs, large Santa figures, gift boxes, | | | | lace and ribbon and tuck among the boughs. |
| character figurines, dolls, and even fancy shoes | | | | - A glue gun and a few yards of assorted ribbons, |
| are among the classic decorations of the era. | | | | lace, braids, and craft pearls, beads, and chain can |
| Elaborate embellishment is one of the charms of | | | | turn a pack of inexpensive satin balls into period |
| the decorative items of the period, so look for | | | | masterpieces. |
| items with lots of detail, including beading, tassels | | | | - Make oversized tassels of decorative rope |
| and charms, pendants, paintings of people or | | | | combined with with craft chain, beads, pearls, and |
| scenes, and anything that gives additional sparkle. | | | | ribbon. |
| Paper was a popular material for authentic period | | | | |