We’ve covered a lot of holiday looks this year, from Santa’s Workshop to Woodland Wonderland to Beautiful Blue Christmas. I want to round out our Nell Hill’s displays with a look that is full of classic Christmas colors and nostalgia. In a year such as this one, I find myself craving the comfort of the well-known and the traditional holiday atmosphere from my childhood. I’m talking punchy greens, shiny reds and all the ribbon, perfectly mis-matched ornaments and bubble lights that I can find! For me, there is a calmness to be found among the chaos of a fully festive tree; it reminds me of sitting in the midst of my jolly family just taking in the scenery and being thankful that we are all together to celebrate.

One of our most-asked-about corners of the shop is our “Shuttered Window” room where we have displayed our classic Shiny Brite™ ornaments and festive bubble lights. This look practically carols Christmas at you! The bubble lights in particular have a special meaning for me, as my dad’s dad likes to share a story from his childhood when he saved up his pennies to buy a set for his mom. He trudged through the Minnesota snow with his pocketbook to get them for her! I think of that story every time I see bubble lights and it makes me smile.

While Shiny Brite™ ornaments have not been around since the 40s and 50s, the line and its pieces are inspired by holiday décor from that time. These vintage-inspired ornaments look fantastic decked out on a tree from top to trunk or blended in with family ornaments and all the holiday odds and ends that have been accumulated through the years. The look overall reminds me of homes that have both a “display” tree, which many of our other designs trends towards, and the “actual tree” full of heirlooms, homemade ornaments, and milestone trinkets that make up the history of a family.
Few things warm my heart more than seeing a tree that is turned into a tapestry of family moments and memories. I must admit, I get a little teary-eyed pulling out all the bits and bobs from years past that decorate our tree. At the end of the day, Christmas is about more than ornaments and decorations and gifts under the (impeccably dressed) tree. It is about spending time with those we hold near and dear and the memories that we make together. Thank you for being part of our Nell Hill’s family and celebrating with us for yet another year!
While this is my last deep dive into Christmas décor at the shop for the year, be sure to follow along with us on Instagram and Facebook for more peeks into the shop and our holiday splendor! Until next time – happy decorating!
*like what you see? Give our customer service line a call at 816-979-3728 or email us at info@nellhills.com to order!
Franki Parde says
November 30, 2020 at 4:40 pmWHAT A SUPREME EFFORT & IT IS INCREDIBLE!!! Hopefully, you & your elves will soon be able to look around, take a deep breath and say. “WE DID IT!!” Thanx & enJOY!! franki
Laurie Ullrich says
November 30, 2020 at 9:20 pmI have been making trips to Nell Hills since way back in the Weston days to see Christmas decor. I still hang stockings I bought from a past visit almost 20 years ago. The store was just stunning! As always it gets me in the mood for the holidays and lifts my spirits. Thanks for the beauty year after year.
Sydney85 says
December 1, 2020 at 6:58 amThis was the year I had expected to travel to Nell Hill’s from Chicago. Unfortunately with Covid this did not happen. I moved to Dublin, Ohio a month ago so I am a little further away but Nell Hill’s is on my to do list for 2021. The hard choice will be what time of the year do I visit as I love all your holiday settings and home decor styles. Looking forward to happy travels in 2021.
Jill says
December 2, 2020 at 8:20 amShiny Brite ornaments are so fun, I love their cheerful candy colors! Last year I found some at an estate sale and now I’m on a quest for more. Our family has always had a hodgepodge tree full of colored lights and family heirlooms. It really does bring back happy memories of how my parents always tried to make Christmas a fun time even when they had no money for gifts.
Judy says
December 2, 2020 at 10:34 amLove it! I’ve heard these called “memory trees”. Although they may not match, every ornament holds a memory of a special person, place or time.