Few decorations conjure instant nostalgia like wicker. Familiar, wintry, and effortlessly rustic, wicker decorations are classic, year-round crafts, but in the winter months, nothing beats their lived-in coziness – providing the comfort our homes crave the most. As we continue to show love for hand-crafted, folk styles, the way we decorate for Christmas is changing, too. These handwoven pieces encourage us to give thought to the craftsmanship behind our decorations and invest in a time-worn practice that radiates the charming country style we all know and love.
The beauty of this vintage Christmas decor trend is its timelessness; wicker decorations aren't a fleeting seasonal trend that feels dated come next year; their character only becomes better with age.
Sissi Pohle and Patrick Scherzer, founders of antique store, Out of Use Berlin, collect wicker baskets, decorative vessels, and ornaments year-round. Last year, they used pieces from their rattan collection to create a show-stopping, folk-inspired Christmas tree. 'Our aim is to be able to use items and objects throughout the year, not just during a specific season,' explain Sissi and Pat. 'Our large collection of rattan and wicker items is used constantly and everywhere. Last year, we even used them on the Christmas tree. From tiny dollhouse furnishings to large, imposing objects – every item has found its place on the real pine tree we bought from a farmer in a nearby village.'
'To be honest, we had no idea that it would become a trend for this year since we have been collecting wicker objects and baskets for a very long time,' Sissi and Pat continue. 'We pay close attention to the colors and condition of each object. Unusual designs, such as vases shaped with handles, are extremely rare. So it’s possible that, just like we did recently at a flea market in northern Italy, we’ll end up transporting a giant vase tucked under our arm on our old scooter. Wicker pieces are versatile and complement almost any interior design style.'
'Wicker baskets have always been, and continue to be, practical items for everyday use,' they add. 'They were traditionally used in agriculture, for example, to gather fruits and vegetables. You can recognize a high-quality basket by its materials – it should be made exclusively from natural materials and reinforced, for example, with pre-carved wood.'
Reminiscent of fallen branches, these collectible vintage holiday decorations bring a natural, organic feel to Christmas trees, mantels, and tabletops, blending perfectly with fresh foliage, dried orange garlands, and winter berries.
'I think they add that lovely natural texture and couple with Christmas glitz, it’s a match made in heaven!', says Jessica Daines. 'I think they lend themselves to so many different interior styles from contemporary to traditional. They are so easy to style and look good anywhere!'
In Jessica's living room (pictured above), a free-flowing rattan pendant brings gentle illumination to the room, whilst a wicker sleigh sits in the corner. Filled with vibrant ornaments, it transforms a plain wooden console into a considered, well-styled vignette that exudes festive charm.
Wicker decorations bring an effortlessly lived-in feel to interiors, no matter the season. However, come Christmas, their artisanal craftsmanship and wintry feel blend beautifully into homes, bringing with them the familiarity and comfort of past Christmases and those still to come.
Love beautiful design ideas, expert advice, and inspiring decor trends? Sign up for our newsletter and get the latest features delivered straight to your inbox.