1980s Christmas Tree Decor Trends

The 1980s - a time of big hair, big phones, and even bigger personalities. Christmas tree decorating trends of the decade were no exception, reflecting the era's love of excess, glamour, and playfulness. If you're feeling nostalgic for the neon-lit, synthesizer-filled holiday seasons of your youth, or simply want to get a glimpse into the festive fashions of the past, read on for a comprehensive guide to 1980s Christmas tree decor trends.

Introduction to 1980s Christmas Tree Decor Trends

The 1980s were a time of great creativity and experimentation in Christmas tree decorating. With the rise of consumer culture and mass production, people had access to a wider range of decorations than ever before. As a result, Christmas trees of the decade were often bold, colorful, and eclectic, reflecting the individual personalities and styles of their owners.

Key Elements of 1980s Christmas Tree Decor Trends

So, what made 1980s Christmas tree decor trends so distinctive? Some key elements include:

• Neon lights: Neon lights were a staple of 1980s Christmas tree decorating. Available in a range of colors, including pink, green, blue, and yellow, these lights added a fun and futuristic touch to any tree.
• Garish ornaments: Ornaments of the 1980s were often large, bold, and brightly colored. Popular shapes included balls, bells, and snowflakes, often made from materials like glass, plastic, or metal.
• Flocked trees: Flocking, or spraying trees with a white, cotton-like substance to create a snow-covered effect, was a popular trend in the 1980s. This technique added a fun and whimsical touch to any tree.
• Themed trees: With the rise of popular culture and consumerism, themed trees became increasingly popular in the 1980s. Trees might be decorated with ornaments and decorations inspired by popular movies, TV shows, or music artists.

Iconic 1980s Christmas Tree Decor Trends

Some iconic 1980s Christmas tree decor trends that still evoke a sense of nostalgia today include:

• Pastel-colored trees: Soft, pastel colors like pale pink, baby blue, and mint green were a hallmark of 1980s Christmas tree decorating.
• Glamorous trees: With the rise of luxury and excess in the 1980s, Christmas trees often reflected this glamorous aesthetic. Think gold and silver ornaments, velvet ribbons, and plenty of sparkle and shine.
• Retro-themed trees: Trees decorated with retro-themed ornaments and decorations, like vintage-style postcards, cameras, and phones, were a fun and quirky trend in the 1980s.

How to Create an 1980s-Inspired Christmas Tree

Want to create an 1980s-inspired Christmas tree that's sure to bring back memories of the decade? Here are some tips:

• Start with a bold, colorful tree: Choose a tree with a fun, bold color scheme, like a pink or blue tree.
• Add neon lights: Neon lights were a staple of 1980s Christmas tree decorating. Try adding a string of neon lights in a fun color like pink or green.
• Use large, bold ornaments: Ornaments of the 1980s were often large and bold. Look for ornaments in fun shapes like balls, bells, and snowflakes.
• Add a flocked tree effect: Flocking, or spraying trees with a white, cotton-like substance to create a snow-covered effect, was a popular trend in the 1980s. Try adding a flocked tree effect to your tree for a fun and whimsical touch.

1980s Christmas Tree Decor Trends in Pop Culture

1980s Christmas tree decor trends were reflected in popular culture of the decade, including in movies, TV shows, and music videos. Some iconic examples include:

• "A Christmas Story": The 1983 holiday classic features a iconic Christmas tree decorated with a bold, colorful scheme and plenty of neon lights.
• "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation": The 1989 comedy features a disastrous holiday season, complete with a Christmas tree that's a classic example of 1980s excess.
• Wham!'s "Last Christmas" music video: The 1984 music video features George Michael and Wham! performing in front of a fun, festive Christmas tree decorated with bold, colorful ornaments and neon lights.

Why 1980s Christmas Tree Decor Trends Remain Popular Today

So, why do 1980s Christmas tree decor trends remain popular today? Here are a few reasons:

• Nostalgia: For many people, 1980s Christmas tree decor trends evoke a sense of nostalgia and nostalgia. They remind us of happy holiday seasons past and the fun, carefree days of our youth.
• Retro charm: 1980s Christmas tree decor trends have a fun, retro charm that's hard to resist. They add a touch of whimsy and personality to any holiday decor.
• Influence of social media: Social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest have helped to fuel a resurgence of interest in 1980s Christmas tree decor trends. With the rise of hashtags and online communities, it's easier than ever to share and discover new ideas and inspiration.

Conclusion

1980s Christmas tree decor trends were a fun, festive, and often outrageous reflection of the decade's love of excess and glamour. From neon lights and garish ornaments to flocked trees and themed trees, these trends added a touch of personality and whimsy to any holiday decor. Whether you're a child of the 1980s or simply a fan of the decade's iconic style, there's no denying the enduring appeal of 1980s Christmas tree decor trends.

We hope you've enjoyed this trip down memory lane and are inspired to add a touch of 1980s flair to your holiday decor this year. Don't forget to share your favorite 1980s Christmas tree decor trends with us in the comments below!