The 19th-Century Christmas Tree Ornament That’s Going Viral on Instagram
You might often want to do the absolute most to ensure that your Christmas tree stands out. Sometimes, instead of adding twinkling lights, popcorn garland, or DIY ornaments, it’s best to go back to the basics. There’s something about vintage-inspired ornaments that makes a tree sing. Don’t believe me? Look at the old-school ornaments that are trending on Instagram. As soon as I saw them, I needed to find an affordable version stat to add even more magic to my tree.
“Found these vintage glass icicles ornaments at an antique shop last year just a week before Christmas!” Drew from Lone Fox Home wrote in a recent caption.
These dainty, delicate glass icicles look like the real thing and add a charming, antique feel to the tree. They vary in length and catch the sunlight beautifully during the day, and will definitely enhance the twinkliness of twinkle lights as soon as the sun goes down.
When Did Glass Icicle Ornaments Become Popular?
It’s hard to say precisely when glass icicle ornaments first appeared, but the National Museum of American History has one that dates back to the late 19th century. It’s believed to have been made in either Germany or the United States and is a bit more decorative than the ones Drew found. This one has been molded and twisted to give it a corkscrew-like appearance.
However, today you can still find a variety of glass icicle ornaments for sale. These icicles from Kurt Adler are similar to those in the National Museum of American History because they are spiral-shaped. They come ready to hang with gold twine and are made from transparent glass, which really boosts the sparkle factor.
This other set of icicles from Amazon has a bit more of a realistic, drippy look. You get 25 icicles in each $10 pack, and the set includes fishing line you can cut to your desired length for hanging. Reviewers say these melting icicle ornaments are both “gorgeous” and “very delicate.”
Icicle ornaments would make your tree look that much more glittery and beautiful this holiday season. They’re a nod to Christmases of yore yet still look perfectly modern, so they’ll fit with any decor aesthetic you’re going for. Timeless ornaments are always in style, and these have definitely stood the test of time!