The Christmas season is coming up, and you want to decorate your house, but you don’t want modern decorations. No! You want the decorations you saw in your childhood. You want the wreaths, the garland, and most importantly, the ceramic Christmas tree placed on the mantel or dining room table.
Did you think you were the only one who remembered? Of course not! This might surprise you, but there are thousands of people asking, “what was that glass Christmas tree thingy that grandma had on her dining room table?”
You don’t have to wade through the internet. We’ve found the answers for you! Here’s everything you need to know about vintage ceramic Christmas trees.
Where to Buy a Vintage Ceramic Christmas Tree
You can test your luck at a flea market, resell store, vintage boutique, or antique shop. In those places, you may be able to find an intact ceramic Christmas tree sold at an affordable price. Fortunately, it takes NO luck to buy it on a website like eBay, which has many respectable sellers offering various vintage Christmas trees.
If you’re interested in purchasing a vintage ceramic Christmas tree for the holidays, click this link: https://www.ebay.com/b/Vintage-Ceramic-Christmas-Tree/33849/bn_55193739
What is a Vintage Ceramic Christmas Tree?
A glass or porcelain tree, usually a foot and half tall, painted green with little ornaments all over it. Some of them featured small holes and plastic “lights” that allowed you to place a tea candle inside of the ceramic tree, giving it a Christmas light-esque glow. Using a candle is not a recommended practice anymore, and it was replaced with the lightbulb. This was because of fire safety, and also because those vintage ceramic Christmas trees are worth something.
History of the Ceramic Christmas Tree?
Ceramic Christmas trees were a trend that began in the 1960s, but it didn’t truly pick up until the seventies. The rise in interest came with the push for women to pick up more creative hobbies. Access to ceramic supplies and classes caused an increase in homemade ceramic trees. In the eighties, the trees began to be produced by machines instead of hands. By the nineties, it became customary to see a Christmas tree come out during the holidays.
Now, these trees might be seen as a little tacky or old fashioned, but they’re steadily making a comeback. They’re becoming a new trend in the US! When it comes to price, some of these Christmas trees are worth a lot, and they’re only going to increase in value.
Is Buying a Vintage Ceramic Christmas Tree better than Buying New Decorations?
The vintage ceramic Christmas tree is a better purchase for a collector who may intend to resell it someday. The older it is (and the better it’s cared for), the more that it’ll increase in value. Of course, with the vintage tag comes a vintage price. Older models can range from $80 to $300.
If you want the nostalgic effect without paying for a vintage price, buy a newer one! Just keep in mind that it might not be as valuable as a vintage tree. It’s also possible to purchase handmade items on websites such as Etsy and eBay, but those often come with a hefty price tag.
If you’re feeling artsy, you can also pick up ceramics and make your own Christmas tree.
What to look for when Shopping for a Vintage Ceramic Christmas Tree
Since these trees are made of such fragile material, there are many broken ones out there. Look for any chips or cracks in the ceramic surface. It’s also ideal if the tree comes with additional screw-in lights and a lightbulb. Information on the bulb size is a great plus. If you’re buying the vintage Christmas tree online, make sure to check all the reviews and examine any photos that are posted. Keep an eye out for any complaints about broken or cracked products or problems with shipping. A positive score of 90% is ideal for purchase. If a seller has a high negative score, you should not buy from them.
When you’re looking for cute little ways to spruce up your house on Christmas, take a quick look at vintage ceramic Christmas trees. They’re a fun little blast-from-the-past that will lighten up your holiday season.
