How to Create an Old-World Victorian Christmas

Enchanted by an intoxicating sense of nostalgia and the colorful splendor that enveloped Christmases of yesteryear, Victoria magazine presents our favorite ideas for celebrating Yuletide in the manner of Victorian England. Surrounded by vintage finds, historic charm, and lush greenery peppered with ribbons and baubles galore, bestow Christmas cheer on all those who come to call this winter by decorating with inspiring old-world style.

In 1848 the Illustrated London News published a drawing depicting Queen Victoria, Prince Albert, and their family gathered ‘round a decorated tree in celebration of Christmas—introducing traditions likely reminiscent of the Prince’s childhood in Germany. Before long, the rest of Britain had Christmas trees of their own, each one decorated with candles, sweets, fruit, homemade decorations, and small gifts. Keep reading to find our favorite décor ideas inspired by this era of festive Yuletide tradition.

Trees Covered in Tinsel

Like this breathtaking rendition from the Hills & Dales mansion, Victorian Christmas trees were often covered in strands of tinsel to catch and scatter the light. Before the invention of the electric strand light to wrap about each bough, the glimmering of these icicle-like adornments—and the glow of real candles—brought sparkle to the evergreen.

Evergreen Garland and Colorful Ribbons

In addition to fir, pine, or spruce branches being brought indoors in the form of the Christmas tree, evergreen adornments throughout the house spread the spirit of old-world Yule to every room. Decorating these fresh garlands with vibrant ribbons and even strings of beads, such as the one above the hearth in this West Coast home, brings cheer to the spirit.

The Glow of Candlelight

When careful precautions are in place, the glow of a genuine candle is unmatched in its charm. Here, placed at the edge of a romantic spiraling staircase (left) or affixed to the branch of a Christmas tree (right), these faintly flickering emblems of life and prosperity invite sojourners to bask in the warmth and serenity of home at Yuletide.

Natural Wreaths Abound

While the traditional appeal of a wreath affixed to the front door will never lose its luster, affixing similarly shaped crowns of greenery elsewhere lends interest and nostalgia in a unique fashion. Here, magnolia branches and twigs of crimson berries placed atop the dining room chandelier create a feast-worthy atmosphere that exudes the spirit of an old-world Christmas.

Glass Baubles and Homemade Ornaments

The combination of finely crafted hand-blown glass ornaments with those fashioned by beloved little hands results in a Christmas tree for the ages. There is a sense of abundance with many a bauble placed upon the bough, and while the charm of children’s handcrafted treasures is unmatched, so too, in a very different way, is the pristine form and style of those designed by trained artisans.

Collect and Display Christmas Cards

Whether cherished for words, forms, or, most likely, love for the sender, annual Yuletide correspondence is one of the most welcome sights found within one’s mailbox. Tuck these sweet pages aside year after year, bringing them out again at Christmas for a charming display wherever you choose to hang them.

Fresh Fruit Adornments

Perhaps slices of dried orange or garlands of popcorn balls and cranberries hang upon your Christmas tree. Perhaps, like in our Little Women themed gathering pictured above, you arrange a series of pomanders kissed with cloves. Perhaps a simmer pot of fruit and cinnamon sticks can be found upon your stovetop all throughout December. Whatever the case, the fleeting beauty of these natural decorations, along with their unmistakable fragrance, brings out the best memories of Christmas.

Text Leslie Bennett Smith

For more Christmas ideas, and to discover the 1800s origins of the Christmas card, collect your copy of the November/December 2024 issue, available on newsstands and at victoriamag.com. Plus, find more of our favorite Victorian Christmas ideas on Pinterest.