Some ‘trends’ never go out of style because they are actually evergreen classics, which is why the British passion for all things Vintage, Retro and Nostalgic shines like a beacon every Christmas. Searches for “vintage Christmas” grew 21% year on year between 2023 and 2024, according to eCommerce site, Faire, which says: “We expect that it’ll grow even more, as consumers continue to yearn for nostalgia”.
Emerging as a key retro theme for the 2025 season is Plaid. Searches related to this traditional pattern were already up 28% year-on-year by July of this year on Faire and are expected to peak this month. Their report into seasonal trends states: “From plaid pyjamas and pillows to ribbons and table runners, this festive pattern pulls together all the season’s colours.”
Quintessential Christmas Décor
Nothing spells decorative Christmas tradition like poinsettias. The styling experts at Stars for Europe UK elegantly demonstrate show how you can incorporate poinsettias as plants or cut flowers into table settings or to beautify shelves and windowsills.
Porcelain is another retro staple, with teacups forming the mainstay of traditional life in Britain since the Victorian era. The pottery you choose – whether it’s from the seventies, mid-Century, or beyond, will help you define the essence of the era you’re trying to recreate. Plaid/tartan cushions and accents, with striped candy canes and quirky natural elements will also bring vintage character to interior arrangements. Heirloom decorations for the Christmas tree or cake can be used to style whimsical features and home crafted accents for that extra special personal touch.
Porcelain and Poinsettias by Stars for Europe UK.
Nutcrackers at Christmas have been popular in Europe for over a century, since Tchaikovsky produced his magical beloved ballet score. Fast forward to 2025 and the term “nutcracker” is 2.5x more popular than “snowman” on the Faire site. These searches peak in November so there’s still time to jump on this colourful festive train with a nutcracker as your conductor! Handmade and heirloom pieces; decorations with retro charm, are the way forward here.
A gluggle jug in powder blue serves as a quirky and original vase for poinsettias, bringing a contemporary twist to traditional elements for a uniquely personal Christmas table; Nutcracker with hand crafted copper star by Copper and Green.
With a bit of imagination poinsettias will turn table arrangements, shelves and mantelpieces into real showpieces. Available in a range of colours from classic red, cream and apricot to delicate rose and vibrant pink. Warm orange, yellow, salmon-pink tones and variegated leaves are the perfect choice for late autumn home décor. Large poinsettias make sensational focal points and centrepieces, whilst mini versions add charming pops of colour and are perfect for decorating trees and table settings. Cut poinsettias bring a touch of elegance to any display.
Images credits: Poinsettia lifestyle images – Stars for Europe; Nutcracker – Copper and Green; Tartan Fleece – British Craft Directory member, Jacwicks Designs.