Need Help: Ideas for decorating for a late 40's Christmas

[Foofoogal]

Here is a start. I think alot of ones were handmade also like paper chains. I love the little clip on birds and have some but not sure if they are that early.
http://www.oldchristmaslights.com/timeline.htm#1930-1940:

http://www.oldchristmaslights.com/index.html

Neat site I think.

 

[flat-top]

Check this book out: http://www.amazon.com/Its-Wonderful...5068068?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1194315951&sr=1-1
It's pretty informative and will surely give you some great ideas!

 

[Weston]

That book looks great! Maybe I can get it special ordered at the book store. Hate to spend on shipping...may have to on this one. Keep those ideas and resources coming!

 

[Snookie]

Bubble lights! Not my favorite, but perfect for your late 40's theme.

Let's see...that oldchristmaslights site says they were introduced in 1946. Yes, perfect!

Also, find out what the gift paper of the era looked like and make sure your presents are wrapped accordingly. And what types of food should you put out for snacks? Yes, you need that book.

 

[Flivver]

Bubble lights! Not my favorite, but perfect for your late 40's theme.

Let's see...that oldchristmaslights site says they were introduced in 1946. Yes, perfect!

Also, find out what the gift paper of the era looked like and make sure your presents are wrapped accordingly. And what types of food should you put out for snacks? Yes, you need that book.

As a kid growing up in the 1950s, bubble lights were *the* best thing on the Christmas tree!

I convinced my Mom to get some for Christmas of 1956. Believe it or not, two of them still work!

Some other things we have left over from this era are icicles made of spiral twisted aluminum and painted translucent blue, and clear glass ornaments with stripes on them that have cardboard flanges to hang the hooks on. These were purchased in 1944 when metal was going to the war effort.

Interestingly, when I was a kid, we called these tree ornaments "toys".

 

[Ecuador Jim]

I love the way they decorated for Christmas in the late 40's, judging by the movies at least. Any sites, pictures etc. that I could draw inspiration from? What are the must-have items? Thus far I have some vintage silver garland I want to run along the ceiling or around mirrors etc.

Do be careful of vintage garland and "icicles" or tinsel; they frequently contain lead, and it easily leaches onto your hands.

 

[A.R. McVintage]

Isn't A Christmas Story set in the forties?