80’s Christmas Decoration Guide
1980's christmas decoration guide - image source
The 1980s brought us some of the most iconic and nostalgic holiday decor, combining bold colors, unique designs, and a healthy dose of glitz and glamour.
If you’re looking to bring a bit of retro flair to your Christmas celebrations this year, then the 80s Christmas decoration style is a fun, colorful, and instantly recognizable option.
From neon colors to over-the-top tinsel, this guide will show you how to recreate the best of ‘80s Christmas décor and make your home feel like a festive blast from the past.
1. Bright, Bold Colors
In the '80s, everything was bigger, bolder, and brighter, and Christmas decorations were no exception.
Forget about muted reds and greens; instead, focus on vibrant neon pinks, electric blues, and bright purples, paired with classic reds and greens for a dynamic holiday vibe.
Neon Lights: Use neon string lights or colored bulbs to make your Christmas tree shine. Go for unusual color combinations like bright pink with lime green, or electric blue with vibrant yellow.
These are the lights you want to be using (for the UK, choose these)
Bold Ornaments: Look for oversized, colorful ornaments to decorate your tree, or opt for shiny metallic baubles in hues like gold, silver, and bronze to add some glam.
For the tree, I’d go with these decorations (or these for the UK)
Wrapping Paper: Wrap your gifts in brightly patterned wrapping paper, mixing geometric shapes, stripes, and bold prints for that unmistakable '80s vibe.
Here’s a great choose for wrapping paper (this one in the UK)
2. Tinsel Everywhere
Tinsel was one of the hallmark decorations of the '80s, and it can still make your tree sparkle today. However, in the 1980s, it was more about volume than subtlety.
1980s tinsel aesthetic - image source
Tinsel Garlands: Drape shimmering silver tinsel garlands on your tree, around the banister, or even across the mantelpiece. It adds instant sparkle and a playful vibe.
Something like this is perfect. One for the banister, one for the fireplace, couple for around door frames and you’re sorted (for the UK, this is the one)
Tinsel Trees: For a true '80s look, consider a tinsel Christmas tree. Whether you go for a pre-lit tinsel tree or one you decorate yourself, these trees are designed to be eye-catching and vibrant.
If a full tinsel tree isn’t for you, go with these mini ones dotted around the house (here for the UK)
Tinsel Everywhere: For a more over-the-top feel, cover every surface with tinsel. The more reflective shimmer, the better! and this is a must for picture frames and the tree…
Tinsel Strands
3. Vintage Christmas Lights
There’s no denying the magic of a tree lit up with classic Christmas lights. But the '80s were known for their flashy, multi-colored bulb lights, which were anything but subtle.
Large Bulbs: Go for big, oversized Christmas lights in bold, solid colors. These lights add character and are instantly nostalgic. Such as these (or these for the UK)
Twinkling Lights: Make sure to include some twinkling or blinking lights on your tree or around your home to capture that '80s feel.
Icicle Lights: Hang icicle lights along your eaves or drape them over windows to mimic the glitzy, party-ready look of an '80s Christmas. Nothing beats these ones (or these for the UK).
4. Whimsical and Wacky Decorations
The 1980s were the era of kitsch, so don’t be afraid to go a little overboard with your decorations. Think about fun, quirky items that scream “festive fun!”
1980s christmas aesthetic - image source
Plastic Santa and Reindeer: Find large plastic figures of Santa Claus, reindeer, or snowmen to place in your front yard or around your home.
For me, nothing beats the classic Santa statue (here for the UK).
Inflatable Decorations: In true '80s fashion, inflatable Christmas decorations were a popular choice.
You can find retro-inspired inflatable Santas, snowmen, and even Christmas trees to set up both inside and outside.
Tacky Snow Globes: The '80s were all about novelty items, and snow globes fit the bill perfectly. Look for vintage-style snow globes with Santa, snowmen, or even winter scenes that twinkle and shine.
This is the ultimate tacky but not tacky Christmas snowglobe (or this one for the UK)
5. DIY Craft Decorations
If you really want to capture the '80s Christmas vibe, why not make your own decorations, just like in the good old days? In the '80s, crafting and DIY décor were incredibly popular.
Pom-Pom Ornaments: Create colorful pom-pom ornaments for your tree using bright yarns and glitter. These fuzzy creations will give your tree a fun, handmade feel.
Paper Chains: The simple paper chain was a favorite decoration in the '80s. Get creative with neon paper or metallic foils to make chains of all colors and hang them from your tree or around the room.
Macramé: This boho-chic trend was big in the '80s, and you can incorporate it into your holiday décor by making macramé Christmas tree hangings, garlands, or even a festive wall hanging.
Check out this guide for some inspo.
6. Retro Stockings and Tree Skirts
When it comes to adding festive touches to your fireplace or tree, look for vintage-inspired stockings and tree skirts that reflect the '80s aesthetic.
Knit Stockings: Go for knitted stockings with bright patterns like stripes, snowflakes, or stars. You can find them in every color of the rainbow.
Plush Tree Skirts: A lush, plush tree skirt in a bold color like red, green, or even gold will add to the glam factor and give the base of your tree an '80s-inspired pop.
Character Stockings: In true '80s style, look for stockings with fun, whimsical designs like cartoon Santa, reindeer, or snowmen.
Personally, when it comes to Christmas stockings, I love these ones (here for the UK).
7. Add a Little Glam with Glitter and Sequins
The 1980s were all about glitz and glam, and that should be reflected in your Christmas décor. Add a little sparkle wherever you can.
Sequin Ornaments: Look for ornaments that are decked out in sequins or glitter. These shiny decorations will reflect the lights of your tree and create a festive atmosphere.
Glittery Ribbons: Wrap glittery ribbons around your tree or along garlands for a bit of sparkle that screams holiday cheer.
Decorative Glitter: Don’t be afraid to use glitter on your homemade ornaments or DIY decorations. The more sparkle, the better!
1980s christmas outfit - image source
8. Themed Christmas Tree Ornaments
The '80s were all about theme-based decorations. Think novelty and fun when selecting your tree ornaments.
Food-Themed Ornaments: Look for fun food-themed ornaments like Christmas cookies, candy canes, or even donuts.
Animal and Character Ornaments: Popular in the '80s, ornaments shaped like animals, Santas, or even cartoon characters were all the rage. These quirky pieces still add fun to any tree.
Miniatures: Small, miniature objects like tiny toy trains, miniature presents, and miniature sleighs were often used to decorate Christmas trees.
9. A Pop of Metallics
metallic Christmas aesthetic - image source
Metallics were huge in the '80s, so don’t hesitate to add a touch of gold, silver, or bronze to your decorations for a bit of elegance and shine.
Gold and Silver Baubles: Mix in gold or silver ornaments to give your tree some shine and contrast against the bright neon colors.
Metallic Garlands: Use metallic garlands to wrap around the tree or drape along your mantelpiece for an extra dash of sparkle.
Tinsel in Gold or Silver: As mentioned before, tinsel was a go-to for '80s décor. Go for gold or silver tinsel to tie together your retro holiday look.
Your go to for a metallic 1980’s Christmas retro vibe should be tinsel, these snowflakes, baubles, and do not forget the fringe tinsel.
Dress in style
Don’t forget to check out my style guides for Christmas whilst you’re here.
Don’t forget the gift giving
Also as it is the season of giving I’ve put together a few specific gift guides to check out…
And don’t forget everything else
Finally do check out…
An '80s Christmas is all about embracing bold colors, flashy lights, and over-the-top decorations.
Whether you’re decking out your tree with neon colors, hanging giant tinsel garlands, or adding a bit of glam with glitter, the key is to have fun and go big. So, if you’re ready to throw a Christmas party that’s truly nostalgic, this ‘80s Christmas decoration guide will help you set the perfect scene.
Just remember: the more festive, the better!
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