Over the last two weeks I’ve posted about decorating in a vintage 1940’s and vintage 1950’s style for Christmas.  Now we’ll tackle the 1960’s — a bit trickier but it’ll work if you keep a whimsical outlook!

Although I grew up in the 1970’s, this style looks exactly like my childhood.  Clearly my mother hung on to the original decorations of her married life until they were either too shabby to let the company see them, or until the “country Christmas” theme of the late 1980’s captured her fancy.

My in-laws, on the other hand, kept this style decor for 40 years.  When I was first married my mother-in-law would regularly bring over holiday items from her attic stash for us to use in our new home, and I was regularly astounded at how she was certain I would LOVE to have more plastic greenery.  Back then, in the early 1990’s, all I wanted was jewel-toned velvet 🙂

Today, with some distance and wisdom of years, I can better appreciate the appeal of the mid-century modern approach.  When it was first introduced, plastic DID seem fresh and smart, clean and snazzy.

If you decide to decorate your home in a 1960’s style for the holidays, try to choose items that have aged well.  Dirty, faded plastics won’t give you the look you want!  Pair your “evergreen” decorations with as elegant mid-century serving pieces as you can find.  This kind of grouping (see photos 1 and 2 below) freshens both of the pieces, and telegraphs the message that you do appreciate the modern aesthetic of the 1960’s.

Also, try to find some nostalgic paper items (cards, books, napkins) that feature a really obvious mid-century graphic design (see the candles at the bottom left).  Frame them or hang them on a ribbon as a garland to put your guests in mind of Mad Men.  This little subconscious hint will have people thinking about Joan Holloway’s Christmas apartment, rather than a sad garage sale.  Then add some retro chips and dip and your mid-century party is ready to begin!