Holiday Decorating 101
Easy & Amazing Holiday Decorating With Vintage Finds
Simple ideas. Big charm. Zero stress.
This time of year, decorating doesn’t have to be complicated (or expensive!) to feel magical. With a few well-placed vintage pieces and some fresh greens, you can transform your home into a warm, welcoming, and unique wonderland. Here are a few of our favorite no-fuss ideas using items you may already have- or can pick up at Dishfunctional.
🎀 1. Vintage Plates Hung With Ribbon
Turn any vintage plate- transferware, ironstone, or patterned china, into instant wall art.
How to do it:
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Loop a wide velvet or satin ribbon through a plate hanger.
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Hang it from a small hook, cabinet knob, mantel edge, or the top of a picture frame.
Why it works: Vintage plates have built-in beauty. A ribbon adds a soft holiday touch without overwhelming your décor.
🥧 2. Cake Domes as Magical Cloches
That cake stand you only use once a year? Bring it out now!
Try this:
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Flip a cake dome into a cloche by placing it over bottle brush trees, small figurines, greenery, ornaments, or fairy lights.
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Fill the base with faux snow or Epsom salt for a wintery effect.
It creates a tiny world-in-a-jar that brings out the kid in you.
🌲 3. Fresh Greens Everywhere
The easiest (and best-smelling!) decorating trick: fresh clippings from a Christmas tree or outdoor cedar, pine, or holly bushes.
Use them to:
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Fill vintage pitchers, teapots, and creamers
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Tuck into baskets or bowls
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Wrap around candle holders
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Create mini arrangements in pottery mugs
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Line your staircase or mantle
Fresh greens instantly make any space feel alive and festive.
🪴 4. Flower Pots Aren’t Just for Plants
Got an empty planter sitting around? Fill it with:
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Loose ornaments
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Pinecones
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Wrapped candies
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A small artificial tree
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Greenery + lights
Vintage pottery pieces look gorgeous filled with natural textures and color.
🕯️ 5. Candlelight + Vintage Glass = Pure Magic
Place tea lights or LED candles inside:
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Pressed glass bowls
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Crystal tumblers
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Depression glass
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Jelly jars
The reflections make the whole room glow- especially in the evening.
🧺 6. The “Gather Bowl” Trick
Take any vintage bowl or wooden dough trough and create a ready-made centerpiece.
Fill it with:
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Ornaments
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Greens
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Beads
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Dried oranges
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Cinnamon sticks
It takes minutes and looks curated and seasonal.
❤️ Why Vintage Works So Well~
History, charm, texture and an element modern décor can’t replicate. Which one is your favorite?