I'm attracted to the idea of a vintage Christmas this year - getting in early I know, but you have to plan these things! Its a bit like my attraction to Make Do and Mend in the past. I like to think that perhaps at some point we had a bit more of a handmade celebration, both in gifts and food.
So with that in mind I'm sharing a bit of a resource list I've put together as I've gone searching for ideas and inspiration.
Bake and Make: Vintage Christmas Craft and Recipes
Retro Christmas Stocking Pattern
http://www.simplynotable.com/2011/retro-style-christmas-stocking-sewing-pattern-tutorial/
Very simple and effective way to work some retro fabrics into Christmas. Comes with a lovely free pattern download and excellent step by step instructions.
Victorian Christmas Recipes, Craft and Games
http://www.bbc.co.uk/victorianchristmas/activities.shtml
This is a great link with recipes, craft and games provided by the BBC. There are recipes for authentic items like sugar plums, and instructions to decorate the tree Victorian style and gifts to make.
Christmas Recipes from 1550 to 1940
http://www.theoldfoodie.com/2006/12/vintage-christmas-recipes.html
This has an amazing collection of recipes from the 1550s to 1940s, including the very old favorites mince pies, Christmas Cake and pudding, as well as chestnuts, cranberry sauce and punch.
Make gilded walnuts, garlands and pomander balls
http://www.erasofelegance.com/hobbies/christmas.html
Simple instructions to make spiced pomander balls, paper fans, gilded walnut ornaments and a nut and raisin garland.
Source: Flickr - Gemma Garner
Photos to inspire a Vintage Christmas
http://pinterest.com/kashaw/vintage-christmas-crafts/
http://pinterest.com/bunnymasseuse/vintage-christmas-decorations-1930-1960/
http://pinterest.com/janetgriffin/christmas-antique-vintage-victorian/
http://pinterest.com/pin/143622675587050295/
http://pinterest.com/marilyncsor/christmas-vintage-cards/
Gift Tag from Sweet William
What was Christmas like?
This is a collection of stories and photographs taking a sneak peak at Christmas past.
1850s http://www.bbc.co.uk/victorianchristmas/history.shtml
1910s http://www.beamish.org.uk/edwardian-christmas/
1920s http://www.papatedsplace.com/Christmas1920s.html
1930s http://mymerrychristmas.com/2005/xmas30s.shtml
1940s http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/britain_wwtwo/christmas_underfire_01.shtml
1950s http://www.bbc.co.uk/coventry/features/local-history/christmas-in-the-1950s.shtml
1960s http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/1960s-christmas-retrospective-134450
The very top collage photo has a few things I'm collecting for Christmas - the white clay noel tags are from Marley and Lockyer, the vintage lace from L'uccello and the hand drawn gift tags from Sweet William.
The ABC also came and had a lovely talk with me the other day about Jane Austen and Crafty Girls Talk. The interview is over here if you'd like to hear the podcast.
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