MCM Holiday Decor That's Totally Stellar

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how retro

If you’re from California, then chances are you’ve spent at least one Christmas in a totally mid century home. Possibly your grandparents and definitely featuring all original hardware. The charm there certainly has its limits (why, oh why, would an entire generation put carpet over their hardwoods?), which is when the modern in mid century modern comes into play. Curating the best of the old, mixed with the innovation of today (and hell, even decades past), makes for a fabulously authentic California holiday season. So dust off grandma’s boxes of decorations, and see what you can put up on full display this year.

“Curating the best of the old, mixed with the innovation of today (and hell, even decades past), makes for a fabulously authentic California holiday season.”

jingle bell rock

If you want to strike the mood, no better way to do it than by plopping down a vintage record with some good holiday tunes and cheers-ing to the season with a manly, stiff bourbon cocktail. Now that you’ve got the right mindset, let’s move on to decor!

Unlike traditional holiday decorations that lean into neutral tones, MCM is all about big, bold colors and geometric silhouettes. Mix earthy hues like burnt orange and olive with metallics like gold and silver. If you want to go with brighter colors, try an all white tree and accents to make those hues really pop. Play around with contrasting colors - go big or go home. Well, you’re already home, but you get the picture.

✴ you may also want to read: cinnamon spice & everything nice ✴

Make sure to invest in plenty of tinsel, bottle brush trees, and orb shaped ornaments. Throw in some multicolor vintage string lights and some astro-themed shapes (think tree toppers, baubles, present garnish) and you’ve got yourself a real swinging holiday setup. If you’re feeling extra festive (or just extra), throw in a shiny reindeer with a lovely tinsel boa.

sentimental feeling

Keep the look authentic by insuring you maintain a celebratory feel. Happy hues make for happy MCM holidays. All that glitters absolutely applies in this situation. Don’t forget to update your stockings, as well. If searching for something vintage leaves you empty handed, then look for new stockings with a lovely old school print in colors that compliment your existing palette.

And what about entertaining? Don’t forget you tablescapes! This era was either infamous for or fabulous with its dinner parties, depending on how you look at it (or who you ask). Make sure your table is set for guests and on theme - place a giant bowl filled with retro ornaments, a fabulously chic set of bold candle holders, and bright, cheery napkins. You and your guests can toast to your utter chicness! There’s no right or wrong way to do it, as long as you’re having fun.

Get the look

Have you decorated for a MCM holiday season before or are you trying it for the first time? Let us know by posting about it on Instagram using the hashtag #saltpoppyliving and chatting with us in the comments below! 

Need help with a few more ideas to top off your look? Check out these goodies below to help you find inspiration this holiday season.

Amazon

Glittered Geometric Starburst - $8

Wayfair

Retro Bubble String Lights - $42

Target

Bottle Brush Christmas Tree - $8

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