There’s a kind of tree that shows up in old family photos: bulky colored bulbs, tinsel, a jumble of ornaments that don’t match because each came from a different year. “Nostalgic Christmas tree” and “classic Christmas tree” are both rising on Pinterest this fall, and this is the look people mean.

The good part is that it’s forgiving. It’s meant to look collected, not designed.

The lights make it

If you change only one thing, change the lights. C9-style bulbs (on Amazon), the big ones, in red, green, blue, orange and yellow. LED versions stay cool and use little power. Space them evenly, with the cord tucked toward the trunk.

Tiny warm white lights look modern however you decorate around them.

Ornaments that don’t match

The nostalgic tree is built from variety:

  • Vintage-style glass ornaments (on Amazon) in old shapes: teardrops, indented reflectors, striped balls.
  • A few that mean something: the one from your first apartment, kids’ handmade ones, the one from a trip.
  • Small things that aren’t ornaments: candy canes, a few cookie cutters on ribbon, paper chains.

Avoid buying everything in one set. The mismatch is the look.

Tinsel icicles

Silver tinsel icicles (on Amazon) hung a few strands at a time on the branch tips. They catch the colored bulbs. More on how to hang tinsel.

The ceramic tree

Lots of us remember a glowing ceramic tree with little plastic bulbs on someone’s sideboard. A light-up ceramic tree (on Amazon) on a shelf or side table next to the main tree brings back that feeling immediately.

Where to find real old ornaments

  • Thrift stores from October on. Look in the housewares section, not just seasonal.
  • Estate sales, especially in December.
  • Ask family. Lots of people have a box of their parents’ ornaments in a closet.

Check old glass ornaments for cracks, and keep fragile ones high on the tree, away from pets and kids.

The skirt and the rest

Under the tree, an old-fashioned felt or knit skirt (on Amazon), or a quilt. Wrap presents in paper with simple patterns and tie them with real ribbon. Put out a bowl of the candy you remember.