By BARBARA BEEM
AntiqueWeek Correspondent

I know I’m not alone on this one: I shop for Christmas year-round. When I see something I think someone might like, I pick it up and stash it in the front hall closet. It would seem that the same method works for the writing of monthly columns. For the past year, knowing that I wanted to consider vintage ways to decorate Christmas trees, I’ve kept a little list of suggestions. And so here are a year’s worth of ideas to make your holiday a little bit merrier, a little brighter.

First of all, decorating the tree is a seasonal highlight for me (just as the task of untrimming is about my least favorite activity). For myself, I prefer color-themed trees decorated with collectible Shiny Brite ornaments that I pick up throughout the year.

But this year, I’m thinking that it might be time to try something different, using old things not traditionally hung on a Christmas tree. Consider, for example, seed packets. I spent some time getting to know this subject for a story for AntiqueWeek earlier this year, and in the process, I learned to look at the little paper envelopes as an expression of art. And then I got to thinking; if you can frame and display them, maybe they could be hung on the tree. Hold the tinsel: let the colorful packets take the spotlight. I think it might be fun to secure them to the tree limbs using vintage wooden clothespins, in keeping with a homespun feel.

For that matter, some bows made out of red and white gingham ribbon might be all that’s missing to make a unique holiday decoration.

The idea of using seed packets opens up some other possibilities. Why not display a vintage postcard collection in the same way? Christmas-themed cards would be a natural, of course, but how about cards from favorite vacation spots, or maybe even scenes of your own hometown? I like the idea of a postcard tree so much that I think I might keep mine up a little past the holidays.

A stroll through the D.C. Big Flea last summer got the wheels a-turnin’ when I spied some chocolate candy molds. I think they would look really nice on the tree, not just because of their interesting shapes, but also because of their
attractive metal finishes. Once again, I’d keep the country feel. No sparkles. Visiting the Frizellburg Antique Store outside of Westminster, Md., I realized the advantage people who collect small dolls, bears, and toys have. What could be more appropriate, or more charming?

Closer to home (for me, anyway) is Objects Found in Catonsville, Md. I recently spoke with the shop’s Tony Brocato and told him what I was working on. I wasn’t surprised when he started spouting forth ideas. My favorite is the one involves hot-gluing a collection of demitasse cups and saucers together (he assures me they’ll come apart after the holiday, no harm done) and then hanging them on the tree. Not bad, and then I started thinking about the little creamers and pitchers my mother-in-law has collected for years. You could probably do the same thing with them with an equally appealing effect. And let’s not forget those salt-and-pepper shakers.

Turning our thoughts to ornaments that would be little less rustic, I remembered lace doilies. Starched and hanging like snowflakes, or tied up with fancy ribbon and used as little holders for potpourri, cinnamon sticks, or candy, doilies would look pretty on a tree, enhanced with a little bit of baby’s breath.

My chum Linda Sarubin of the Gatchellville Store in Pennsylvania uses buttons to make colorful garlands, and Reggie Sajauskas of the aforementioned Objects Found thinks Grandmom’s old pearl or beaded necklaces might be used in a similar manner. Aha, I thought! Finally, a use for all of those pairs of beautiful clip earrings – attach them to the ends of branches for instant tree glamour.

Well, that should get you going. If you have any ideas that I haven’t yet considered, I’d love to hear about them. You see, there’s always next year, and I’ve already started thinking ahead.