Glass ornaments. Beautiful, vintage inspired (and of course, some TRUE vintage) glass ornaments. Does it get any better than that for Christmas?!
<To get caught up on where we are right now, you can READ THIS BLOG POST>
Over the past couple of years, I felt a bit of a shift coming in my Christmas decorating style (at least a little bit anyway), so I started collecting some vintage glass ornaments. I wasn’t sure exactly the direction I wanted to go with them, but I knew I wanted to incorporate more of them into my decorating.
After a couple of years of collecting and after Christmas shopping for deals…I had collected quite the collection! Lots of shiny brights, lots of mixed and matched ornaments from vintage shops, yard sales, etc… and my goodness are they BEAUTIFUL!
My space is small, and I don’t have the best pictures of the tree as a whole, because it is hard to get good pictures, but I am sharing the best I can! I hope you enjoy the pics!
ALL I did was just hang every single “vintagy” glass ornament all over the tree, even very deep into the branches to give a more layered look. They show up GORGEOUS!
I am OBSESSED with the colors…and with my new tree from King of Christmas!!! I wasn’t positive what this tree would look like with this style of ornament on it, but let me tell you, it is nothing short of perfection, in my opinion. The sparse look in a Christmas tree is very popular this year, and I am here for it. While a full tree is beautiful, I do love being able to see the ornaments so well! You can see every single ornament FULLY…even the small ones! They just show up and hang beautifully!
Don’t you love all of the colors?! I don’t even have a tree topper yet…I may not even do one. I haven’t decided. What would you do?
I also think I may add felt bows, but I am undecided on that too…what are your thoughts on that?! We shall see. If I do add them, I will be sure to update you! And one more thing…should I add tinsel?!
Be sure to PIN FOR LATER!
Last Updated on November 13, 2024
Tammy Johnson says
Brooke, I absolutely love this tree! I love shiny brights, I can just never find any. Vintage ornaments are so beautiful. No tinsel is needed in my opinion. You absolutely nailed it!
Sharon Duvall says
I think this tree is stunning as it is! The vintage ornaments and all the colors work together perfectly
Brooke Riley says
Thank you! 🩷
Candy sizemore says
I love the vintage ornaments! I lost my mother’s in a fire. I like the ones with the windows in them! Especially blue. You have one on your tree. Just beautiful 🩷🩷🩷
Tammy Yates says
Absolutely stunning! Guess I will be looking for vintage ornaments soon. 😂 Love all the colors! If you do bows, I would do the small velvet ones that look like a skinny bow. No clue what they are called. But it’s gorgeous just like it is! Merry Christmas! 🎄❤️
Kathy Jones says
Your tree is beautiful just the way it is. Reminds me of the trees we use to have when I was growing up. Glad you posted.
Colleen Groff says
Re-Fabbed by Brooke Riley
I am absolutely in love with the tree of yours ! I myself am doing a vintage tree with so many bright colors ( greens , pinks , blues , gold , silver etc like when I was a child . I want my grandchildren to experience such and it will be exciting for me and them . I am also going to add these type of bows to my tree I seen this reel and loved the idea . Kinda like the tree with just the ribbons lol . I made a garland out of the bows you would put in your little girls hair with the clips on them and absolutely am in love . I wouldn’t add a topper to your tree , I wouldn’t add tinsel . I love it exactly how it is
Wanda Haas Haas says
My answers to your questions: I LOVE the colors & definitely would add tinsel. Also I am old fashioned and would add an angel to the top of the tree. Love your ideas!!💗
Lori says
Brooke I think this is one of my favorite trees that you have ever done. I have a few vintage ornaments from my parents (now no longer here) and the memories of those Christmas’s are so attached to those and makes my heart so happy. I have my tree rotate so that I can enjoy ALL the things.
Some tinsel may add to the nostalgic feel of this tree, but I know you will do whatever (or nothing at all) to make it yours.
Enjoy the holidays!!!
Bev Nelson says
I love this so much! I love the colors & glass ornaments reflect the light so well! You could try the felt bows to see how it loiks, but I don’t think you need them. Adding tinsel would complete the vintage look. I grew up in the 60’s & 70’s & mom always put tinsel on the tree, along with shiny brite ornaments. I remember so well the silver colored reindeer she hung on the tree too. She also had a shinny brite tree topper. Gosh this brings back memories.
Peggy says
Love the tree just the way it is. Personally I would not add bows or tinsel.
ITS BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!
Vicky Sanderson says
I love vintage, your tree is gorgeous. I do think the felt bows would be a nice addition, but no tinsel is needed.
Cindy Miller says
I LOVE vintage ornaments they bring back so many memories from my childhood. My mom gave me a box of our old ornaments like this but my stepdad accidentally dropped them handing them to me 😢. I absolutely LOVE your tree as it is and would not change a thing. Absolutely Beautiful!!
Sheila bennett says
Your tree is beautiful
Billie says
No tinsel,love the look of it now. Reminds me of the tree my Dad would go in our woods and cut down .
Derema Davis says
I love it!! So pretty!!
Brandie Etsell says
I think your tree is beautiful but they always are. In my opinion i wouldn’t do a tree topper. However, I would most definitely add some tensile. Brook it’s absolutely stunning!
Derema Davis says
I don’t think it needs a topper! I love the idea of tinsel…so nostalgic. Felt bows would be pretty too, bbbut I think just some tinsel would finish it!
Jan Laney says
I think it’s perfect just as it is now 🎄❤️
Lisa says
I love , love, the tree ! Such a vintage look
And I would not add a topper ! It’s beautiful as it is
Delores Shaw says
I would use some red picks for the top (not too much)and small red Rope around the tree instead of
Tinsel.
Tonya says
Love it Brooke!!! It is beautiful.
Lisa Osmer says
Hey Brooke!
I am addicted to the colors! Something about this year screams to me that I need bright colors in my life! I am seeing it a lot in the cute shops in my historic square as well, so apparently I am not the only one locally here. Of course my tree (if the cats allow one..LOL) will never look like yours, I seriously intend to go away from the standard colors in most if my house this year.
As for tinsel, I say no. I think it would take away from the shimmer of the colors and almost clog it up, same as the bows. Sometimes, less is more. But, I am no decorator!!
I am undecided on a topper. If you see the right one, maybe!?!
As always, enjoying your posts, blogs, pics!
Thank you for letting us in! ♡
Diana DiPrimo says
Beautiful!
Ashley Spinks says
Brooke, this is so beautiful!!!! YES all the way on the tensile! I don’t think velvet bows…maybe a shinny material or even deco mesh pieces shoved in spaces 🥰 I think a ventage aluminum star with the colorful lights would be a dream on top!!! I absolutely love your style, I swear we are twinning in almost all decore choices and trends. I’d love to have a tree this large that I could decorate the same way. You did an amazing job being so patient and collecting the ornaments over time. It’s a priceless tree or treasure. I’m so proud of how it turned out for you!!
Tammy Miska says
Your tree is absolutely gorgeous!! I have shiny bright ornaments on my tree and they are my favorite!! Hope you and your family have a happy thanksgiving and a merry Christmas!!
Linda Cline says
I absolutely love this and would not add a thing!
Cynthia Nothhelfer says
I think a star that looks vintage would be so pretty. No tinsel and maybe multi colored bows to bring out all the colors in the ornaments.
Sandra McLemore says
No words for how beautiful your tree is, I am in love with the vintage ornaments. My Mom loved Christmas and her ornaments were just like yours.She also handmade felt ornaments and made scenes on them with beads. The governor used her ornaments one year on the tree at the governors mansion. You have such talent and I appreciate your sharing it with all of us. Best wishes and Merry Christmas. Christ our Savior was born, he died for us and more importantly He rose again that we might have eternal life.
Evelyn Champion says
I truly love the tree i think it’s beautiful and the colors show up so pretty!
Kristine Withrow says
I love this vintage look and the shine it has with all the colors.. I think it shines well without the tinsel bet it depends on what it looks like to you in person. I think I doesn’t need a topper but if I added one I would put a frosted clear star! I love your tree!
Deborah Pelham says
It’s beautiful, Brooke! I love the old style glass ornaments. I have some of my aunt’s old ones that I haven’t used yet but this inspires me to do just that. Thank you. In keeping with the old style I would try some tinsel and see how if you like it. I’m thinking maybe a bow at the top but not too many as you don’t want to take.away from all the beautiful colors. Have fun with it, experiment, see what you like and if you don’t, change it. Thanks so much for sharing your beautiful tree. I like your style.
Denise Dalton says
Brooke your tree is absolutely gorgeous. I would not put another thing on it. It doesn’t need a tree topper or bows. It is beautiful the way it is.
We are moving into our new house Thanksgiving weekend. I am beyond excited. I can’t wait to decorate. My tree won’t be that glammed out. You could come fix it for me!! 😁
Peggy DeTalente says
I would NOT change a thing! I’m in love. ❤️
Susan Mc says
Yes of course add tinsel! My tree is also 100% vintage ornaments. I have a spruce tree(unflocked) and I love it!!!🎄❤️
Becky says
Beautiful! It reminds me of the Christmas trees from my childhood!❤️
HEATHER WOLF says
I am in love!!!! I am a vintage whimsy gal!!! And I love color!!! A vintage topper like they used to do would be beautiful! Or thinner velvet ribbon like 1in.. and then use the velvet ribbons as simple shoestring bows here and there!!! Goodness the possibilities!! It is gorgeous the way it is!! Just as you are!!! Enjoy this most wonderful Holiday Season 🩷
Deanne says
I would skip the topper unless you teally want one. I would also skip the felt bows. I think they will take away from the beauty and colors of the vintage ornaments. I decorate my tree with vintage ornaments from my Grandma and vintage German ornaments from my Omi. I have vintage metal icicles I put on mine, but I also love the old-fashioned silver ones I used to help hang on our tree as a kid. Never as a clump but one by one!
Judy Kneeland-Ashley says
I absolutely love it! I love all the color! 💙💜
Amanda Johnson says
My favorite tree of yours thus far! The simplicity of it equals perfection!!! I also collect Shiny Bright ornaments and I add the tinsel to our tree to give it the true vintage look. I say add the tinsel! Having a vintage decorated tree brings back so many childhood memories and reminds me of a time when life was much simpler. Merry Christmas to you and yours!!!
Lillie Ann Walker says
The tree is beautiful as it is. I don’t think the bows would look good. It would lessen the classiness of the vintage tree with glass balls.
Teresa Webb says
For the top, I think a vintage star would be beautiful, maybe picked up from antique store or thrift store. Either way, it’s gorgeous!
Wendy Fincato says
Brooke, This tree is beautiful. And those old style ornaments I actually have a few those and they are my favorite due to all the colors on them . I think the tree is beautiful as is-if you do add tree topper try and maybe be some vintage or even vintage looking ribbon tree topper. Or could just do a few felt bows maybe. But it is beautiful as is really doesn’t need anything else .
Danielle Williams says
Honestly I think it looks beautiful the way it is without a topper, bows or tinsel!! I love the color of the tree becuase it makes the colors of the ornaments pop and stand out so much!! This is definitely a different tree for you but it still has Brooke in it ♥️♥️
Maebelle Shepherd says
Maybe a velvet bow at the top would be a good finishing touch. The kind that looks like a bouquet, not just a single bow. I have some vintage ornaments, but I am afraid to use them because they are from grandparents. But, maybe I will just display them in a bowl of some sort. Thanks for the inspiration.
Dawn Edwards-Smith says
I love it! And yes to tinsel!
Gerianne Wolfs says
No tinsel It will detract from those gorgeous ornaments! Such a beautiful tree
Irene Smith says
The tree is beautiful. I might add a very few strands of tinsel to add to the sparkle but not much. Please no felt bows because they won’t add to the beauty at all. As far as the topper goes that’s totally your call but it doesn’t need one. This tree is gorgeous.
Betty Wells says
Your tree is absolutely G🌟RGEOUS!! I wouldn’t add another thing!! No topper or tinsel!! Allows each ornament to show off !! Would love to have that tree in my home for sure!!!🎄
Tameron Hewitt says
It is absolutely gorgeous & I love the 🌲!!!❤️
We are adopting 2 foster brothers ages 2 & 4 & I have breakable ornaments from throughout the years, so I’ve decided we are not putting those on the tree & nothing breakable because they can’t keep their little hands off the tree so I’m in search of ornaments that look like shiny brights but plastic! I’m not sure if the tree or ornaments will survive this Christmas season! LOL
Tanya Manley says
Your tree is absolutely gorgeous!!! I love the vintage ornaments. I remember those as a child. I sure do wish I had those ornaments now!!!
Kathleen Whearley says
I love it! I like a tree that is all colors and this one with the shiny balls already looks like it has tinsel. I like it just the way it is. If I put something on the top a really silver bow that flows down maybe. But really it is beautiful!! I had vintage bulbs and I have been so careful with them because they are so delicate! Just handling mine I have lost most of them! 🥲But I absolutely love them!
Renae says
It’s pretty but I love the old way you decorated!
Brenda Sanders says
I absolutely love your tree! It is gorgeous! I love all of the ornaments! It is just lovely!🥰
Melissa says
I’d say no to bows and yes to tinsel since it’s another nod to the vintage look. As far as a topper goes, it’s a gorgeous tree without it. I think it depends on if you can find one to match the asthetic. Otherwise, I’d forgo it.
Kim Cathey says
Beautiful!! I love my King of Christmas tree.
Cindy Pickett says
I love it! I love vintage ornaments anyway, but you did a beautiful job putting it all together…and all the colors! It makes me think of a candy shop! If you did do a topper, I’d def do a vintage one, but no enough to take away from the ornaments. Not sure about felt bows..you could Try a few to get a visual and decide from there. If you do tinsel I would do very little…just enough to be able to see some on the tree to get the effect. It’s just beautiful! 😍❤️
Denise Barnes says
I love the tree just as you have it now! The tree and ornaments compliment each other allowing you to see the beauty of both. I decorate one of my trees very similar to this. I use glass ornaments, kids Hallmark ornaments (collected for 10 plus years over 15 years ago) and other special ornaments from travel and such. It’s my favorite tree to decorate and I think the best looking! You do you which you always do in a truly bright, joyful way! ❤️🎄
Brooke Riley says
Thank you!! ❤️
Paula Hatfield says
Gorgeous, non tinsel. Vintage topper if you have one.
Jane Dawson says
Your tree is beautiful! I also collect vintage Christmas and am decorating our airbnb for a Christmas Tour of homes.
I don’t think you need tinsel with the frosted tree. I’m not sure you would see it.
It’s gorgeous the way it is.
Marcia Bidwell says
I love your tree!! Bows would be a nice addition and you can never go wrong with tinsel!! I feel it’s a must have on my tree. I stocked up with several boxes a few years ago when I couldn’t find any in the stores and I haven’t been able to decorate for Christmas the past 4 years because of joint and back surgery as well as suffering with chronic pain and fibromyalgia so I still have plenty! I’m so excited to win the tree from you! Hopefully we can put it up and add a few of the ornaments that I’ve painted from kits that I’ve ordered that I haven’t had a chance to pack away yet. Thanks so much again for the chance to win! Hope all is well with you and your family!!
Brooke Riley says
So excited for you! ❤️