HOME SCAVENGER HUNT- Christmas Decor Edition

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Christmas Ornaments & Decorations

Kugel is King (of Christmas Ornaments)

These heavy glass ornaments called “kugels,” made in Germany from as early as 1840 and into the 1900s, are prized for their beautiful form and vibrant colors. Though the word literally means “sphere,” the blown-glass ornaments also came in shapes of berry clusters, apples, pears, and pine cones.

The earliest kugels were too heavy to hang on Christmas trees, so they were suspended from the ceiling and displayed all year round. After 1900, thinner versions were made that could be used as tree ornaments. They were not painted but lined with silver and treated with just a hint of another metal to yield red, blue, purple, silver, gold, and the rarest, purple. All are topped with detailed bronze caps.

Rarest Kugel examples can fetch up to $1000.

Dresden Ornaments

These embossed paper pieces derive their name from the German city in which they were crafted. Fabricated from the 1880s to the 1910s; production ceased when the town was bombed during World War I. Due to their scarcity and extremely delicate materials, they are the most expensive ornaments on the market. With their elaborate detailing, these Dresden ornaments are prime examples. Value: $2,750.

Fanciful Figurals

Blown glass ornaments were individually hand-painted and fancifully decorated.

This example of “Mr Peanut” has chenille limbs and brought $2500 at auction.

Many of the other popular figurals collectors seek are shaped like famed personalities or characters of yesteryear. There were even Eddie Cantor ornaments! Proving that animals are always popular, this rare 1920s Puss ‘n Boots glass ornament with chenille limbs is worth around $1,000.

Bubble Lights

The National Outfit Manufacturers Association began selling branded holiday light sets in 1926. The company was responsible for a number of innovations in its field, and in 1946, introduced the popular bubble light variation.

Around $75, in original box and in safe working condition

Size Matters: Ceramic Lit Christmas Trees

While originally produced in the 1940s, most ceramic trees sold today date from the 1970s and 1980s. Their popularity has recently surged, increasing their value.

Based on height and condition, this vintage décor ranges from $35-$250. By the way, the colorful plastic accessories are still available!

Everything Old is New Again: Aluminum Tinsel Christmas Trees

Popular from 1958 until the mid-1960s, they were made of aluminum, with gleaming foil needles usually lit from below by a rotating color wheel. The trees were the rage, ranging from tabletop to eight feet tall; silver was popular, but they came in a variety of colors. Then, in 1965, they became a symbol of the commercialization of Christmas thanks to “A Charlie Brown Christmas” TV special. Discredited as Christmas decor, they were relegated to the curb. But nostalgia has saved them and has fueled an aluminum tree renaissance among modernist design enthusiasts. The one pictured below brought $275.

Contemporary Collectables

They're not old, but they're hot! Hallmark Keepsake 2010 "A Gift For Dobby" Limited Edition Harry Potter Ornament, Hallmark Keepsake 2009 Cousin Eddie's RV National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" Ornament, G.I.Joe Action Pilot and Friendship 7 Capsule are all collectors items!

Value $150-200 each.