Christmas In July – Christmas Past
Happy Christmas in July! Are you ready to start planning for your holiday decorating? We have been talking about the trend for sustainable holiday decorating, and that includes handcrafted decorations just like our ancestors made in days gone by. I love decorating with vintage charm and invoking a feeling from Christmas past. This is the time of year when we begin to long for cooler days, and the idea of Fall and Christmas begins to sound appealing. Summer seems to disappear in the stores about this time, and we can’t help but begin to plan our seasonal decor. This Christmas in July Christmas Past article will be a great guide to help you begin your holiday planning and create a charming vintage holiday feeling throughout your home. You will learn valuable money-saving tips and unique decor choices to make your home stand out from the crowd.
![Christmas In July - Christmas Past - Holiday Tips and Trick to get ready for Christmas Decorating.](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IMG_0027-768x1024.jpg)
Welcome to Christmas in July – Christmas Past. Being able to plan for the coming holidays requires that we take a look at the past. Unless you toss all your Christmas decor after the season, it’s important to remember what you have stored in all those boxes. Otherwise, you might be tempted to purchase items you don’t need or already have! You know that is exactly what happened to me! Yikes! I love using vintage or vintage-inspired decorations, so you will see plenty of thrifted decorations.
In addition to looking back, I’m including a few of my favorite tips for reusing your Christmas past decor, saving money, and other helpful hints. Let’s begin the tour.
![](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Primitive-Cabinet-on-porch-for-Christmas.jpg)
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I have linked some more great Christmas in July Posts at the end of my post. Be sure to stay until the end and check them out.
Table of contents
Christmas In July – Christmas Past
So come along as we tour my home, decorated for Christmas with a Christmas Past theme! You can help by noting all the items that don’t need to be purchased this coming holiday season. LOL! You can also note some of my tips and tricks for holiday decorating.
First, I love using vintage or vintage-inspired holiday decor. Here, you can see the substantial collection of Shiny Brite vintage ornaments, and you’ll see those scattered all around the house as we go through. If you are a vintage collector and want to use your collections each year, my best tip is to look for new and interesting ways to display your collections.
![Vintage Inspired Christmas Decor. Tips for re-purposing your holiday decor and saving money.](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IMG_9981-768x1024.jpg)
Adding Handmade Christmas Decor
The main Christmas Tree is filled with nothing but shiny ornaments. The garland is a handmade DIY project using Christmas Music Sheets, faux acorns, and tinsel.
![Vintage and handmade deccor for Christmas. Here are tips to make your holiday decorating easy and save money.](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IMG_9583-768x1024.jpg)
My favorite tip for holiday decorating is to use items in unexpected ways. Here is the hall table, which is located beside the Christmas tree! The table is filled with DIY wooden trees, a lantern, and a vintage-inspired garland. Instead of hanging the garland, use it to wrap around your vignette.
![Unique and handmade decor makes for an interesting Christmas vignette. See best holiday decorating tips.](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IMG_9903-768x1024.jpg)
Stools, Risers and Boxes
Another great tip is to vary the heights of your trees and accessories. Using a variety of stools, crates, boxes, and packages helps create interesting vignettes around the tree base, which in turn travels the eye around the entire display.
![See these amazing tips for decorating for Christmas using vintage and vintage inspired decor.](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IMG_9551-768x1024.jpg)
Home Office Christmas Past
The vintage ladder holds a strand of garland and a magnolia wreath, which is another example of using items unexpectedly.
Add little touches of holiday cheer to all spaces throughout your home. Although the desk is mostly used for business, you can still add some holiday touches like the flocked trees and Christmas Card collection.
![Home office decorated for Christmas. See tips and tricks for saving money when decorating for the holidays.](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IMG_0020-768x1024.jpg)
Christmas In The Kitchen
Here is a great space to add some handmade charm and warmth! The fruit garland is handmade and smells wonderful as it adorns the window above the sink. Even the pantry door chalkboard expresses the Christmas spirit with a handwritten Christmas message. In addition, Rudy waits for Santa to give him a treat.
![Handmade Christmas Decor and unique accessories make holiday decorating more interesting.](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IMG_0019-1024x1024.jpg)
Dining Room from Christmas Past
My favorite painting is Sophie, Silent Night Christmas Cow. She holds center stage over the dining table. I have Sophie’s prints and Christmas cards available in my store. The vintage-inspired bottle brush trees shine a little brighter under the glass cloche, and these have been used in various areas in Christmases past.
![Cow Painting and Vintage Inspired Bottle Brush Trees create a beautiful holiday table.](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IMG_9962-768x1024.jpg)
Another unexpected surprise is hanging a wreath inside a vintage picture frame and wrapping the handmade garland around the frame. However, this wreath from Floral Treasure is a work of art.
![Tips for decorating for Christmas and re-purposing your holiday decor from Christmases past.](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IMG_9930-768x1024.jpg)
What’s your favorite part of the Christmas Past so far?
![](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IMG_9965-768x1024.jpg)
Living Room from Christmas Past
Another great way to display small collections is to display them together on a tray, basket, or shelf. The Vintage Wine Barrel Bowl perfectly combines small items and creates a big impact with these whimsical holiday decor pieces.
![Best Tips for Christmas Decorating and re-purposing last years holiday decor.](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IMG_0126-2-768x1024.jpg)
Above the living room is our loft space. It’s where we hang out in the evenings, watching TV and relaxing. Let’s take a look at the loft view for the holidays.
Loft View
Another tip is to look for holiday decor in Thrift Stores. The whimsical vintage theme continues in the loft area, where you will see a vintage potato chip container and vintage children’s Christmas Books, all purchased from thrift stores. You will begin to see these types of items soon, and you can pick up some great deals. You can read more about shopping in thrift stores here.
![Vintage inspired flea market style decorating for Christmas.](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IMG_9957-1024x1024.jpg)
Next, let’s take a look at the screened porch decorated for Christmas
Screened Porch
Here is an evening view of the screened porch and an example of looking to nature for your holiday decor. The DIY Shiplap tree is styled with pinecones and grapevine. In addition, more grapevine gathered from the property forms a garland and holds twinkling lights to illuminate the area around the top of the screened porch. Don’t you just love FREE decor?
![Screened Porch Christmas Decor Tips](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IMG_9899-1024x768.jpg)
We are back on the porch, and it’s filled with items I’ve used in different areas over the years. I love having new items, but that’s even better when something old suddenly feels brand new. So, my final tip is to re-imagine your decor and find new and interesting places to display your items. In addition, shop your own decor just like you would at a thrift store. How can you change an item to make it work this year? Maybe a new coat of paint, reworking a wreath or floral arrangement, etc. See these tips for Repurposing Old Christmas Decor.
I hope you enjoyed Christmas in July—Christmas Past and that you picked up some tips to start planning your holiday decor. I’m looking forward to sharing what’s in store for Christmas Future!
![Make your front entry inviting with these helpful tips on holiday decorating - Christmas in July - Christmas Past](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IMG_9661-768x1024.jpg)
More Christmas in July Inspiration
Don’t miss these other great Christmas In July Posts
![](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Stacys-Dogs-and-tree.jpg)
![](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/image-7.png)
Stacy Ling – BricksnBlooms / Kim – ShiplapandShells
![](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Micheles-Christmas-in-JUy.jpg)
![](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IMG_9981-768x1024.jpg)
Michele – VintageHomeDesigns / Rachel – The PondsFarmhouse
![](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Rachel-Signature-2-1.png)
![Christmas In July Christmas Past](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Christmas-In-July-Christmas-Past-1-1-683x1024.jpg)
![](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/eat-better-683x1024.jpg)
Good Morning Rachel
I LOVE LOVE LOVE anything Christmas* Christmas in July**** yes I love it
Your Christmas decor is always a favorite of mine and I get so many good ideas and tips from you. I am enjoying this summer but I do look forward to fall and Christmas time also
enjoy your day Rachel
thanks for sharing a beautiful Christmas post
deezie
Deezie,
I am so glad you like it. Christmas is by far my favorite. I love sharing with you and appreciate your enthusiasm. Rachel
Rachel I love your vintage Christmas Decor! xoxo
Stacy,
Thank you so much.
Rachel
Love these photos. Love your vintage style. I am getting excited about Christmas this year, always my favorite. Hubby spends a week hanging outside lights, so pretty. I am getting older and we have a large house. The last few years I ran out of steam and did not do the lower level. It is a finished walk out basement. This year I have decided to decorate it in September! Why not, the decor makes me happy and it gives me lots of time to spread it out. I have started leaving it up longer as well. I love the little snowman roping…did you make this or was it purchased? Do you think it is still available? Thanks, I am new here but love your projects.
Hey Jillian,
Welcome!!! I’m so excited you decided join me. I’m happy you liked this post. The garland was from Marshall’s last year. I will see if I can find any current sources. Stay tuned.
Rachel
Loved each room but your porch has to be my fave. I could rock the day away there and be super happy. Got some great ideas for this Christmas too. Thanks for sharing them.
Cindy,
I really appreciate you for your comments.
Rachel
Hi Rachel,
First time ever leaving a note on Pinterest!! I loved your vintage pieces. I decorate with all my vintage treasures year round and last year really pulled them into my Christmas decorating. I noticed a half circle wood piece under the table by the Christmas trees. I have one of those too, but don’t know what it is or what to do with it!
Jan
Janet,
Thank you so much for these sweet compliments. I moved all my pieces around to different places all the time. I had this piece on the wall at one point. I look forward to sharing more ideas with you.
rachel
Hi, I would like to know where the Merry Christmas sign is from. I LOVE it! I have searched the internet and cannot find it. The link to wayfair doesn’t bring up that particular sign. Thank you for sharing all of your wonderful treasures>
Ina,
I purchased online from The Family Roost approx. 3 years ago. I don’t see this item on their site now but you can check and they may get more in.
Thanks for stopping by.
Rachel
I bow down to the Queen of Christmas decorating!!! Everything you’ve done is beyond amazing!!! Pinterest is going to think I’m a bot because I just pinned so many pictures from here!!!!
Jennifer,
Thanks for making my day. I really appreciate your encouragement.
RAchel
Love all of this. What kind of large metal container is holding the large Christmas tree? Been searching but can’t come up with anything close to it.
Kathryn,
It’s a European Grape Gathering Barrel. I found it at a barn sale a few years ago but haven’t seen any since. Thank you for stopping by.
Rachel
This is absolutely beautiful. Where is the tree in the bucket from?
Christina,
It’s a vintage European Grape Gathering Barrel that I found at a barn sale a few years ago.
Thanks so much for stopping by.
Rachel
What about the tree![✨](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.0.3/svg/2728.svg)
![☺️](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.0.3/svg/263a.svg)
Hey Christina,
Thanks for stopping by. Is this a questions?
Rachel
Christina,
Sorry, I went back to your original comment. The tree is from Balsam Hill.
Rachel
Love your beautiful home and Christmas decorations! Thanks for sharing them.
Linda,
Thanks so much. I appreciate your comments.
Thanks for the much needed inspiration! I’m having a hard time finding the excitement this year, as we will not be hosting parties and get togethers. Seeing your beautiful pictures was just what I needed! Are you going all out this year?
Jill,
I’m probably doing exactly like I always do. At least I get to share the excitement with you. It’s going to be sad to not have our annual christmas party.
Thanks for stopping by.
Rachel
Love your style and have subscribed & pinned! We are in the process of building a house so we are in a rental until March or April. All of my stuff is packed away in storage and living with the bare minimum until then, so it is so much fun to see what others are doing for Christmas this year. I have antique Christmas balls that I have collected over the years and can’t wait to put them out next Christmas.
What type of lights do you have on the large tree in the foyer with vintage Christmas decorations? Just your regular mini lights you can buy at Hobby Lobby or what I call “fairy” lights, basically LED thin strand lights?
June,
The tree is pre lit with LED light. Enjoy your building. You’ll have so much fun decorating once you are in the house.
Rachel
I am wondering where you got the orangish bronze and turquoise Christmas ornament balls!
Your decorating is beautiful!!!
Angela,
Thanks for stopping by. Most of my ornament balls are vintage shiny brites. I have a few reproduction vintage inspired pieces but my tree is full of vintage.
My first visit….I’m so happy to have found you. I think we could be friends but I would be afraid to go shopping with you because we might fight over the same items!!! Love your style it is so similiar to mine!
Michelle,
Thanks for making my day and welcome. So glad you stopped by.
Rachel
I do not see it but maybe you’ve mentioned the “Thirty five Hundred” sign! I LOVE everything here! This really caught my eye! Can you tell me where you found it?
Melissa,
We made the sign ourselves. I wish I had a source but I don’t. Sorry. Thanks for stopping by.
Rachel
Love the decorations. Can you tell me about the large metal container that your Christmas tree is in, I believe it is at your front door area. I have been looking for these for awhile. Thanks for sharing all your pictures Susan
Susan,
It’s a European Grape Gathering Barrel I’m told. I purchased from a Barn Sale 3 years ago and they no longer have them. I wish I knew where to find them because everyone wants to know.
Susan,
I appreciate your comments and thanks for stopping by also!
Rachel
Absolutely stunning! This may be a silly question, but where did you get your porch lights?
Janae,
They were a special order from Lowes Home Improvement. Thanks so much for stopping by today.