A Very Vintage Christmas

For our first Christmas in the country we’ve decided to trade the tabletop trees of years past for a towering conifer freshly cut from a local grower.


This grower doesn’t shape his trees, as most do today, making for a naturally shaped tree with more space between the boughs like those seen in old movies from the 40’s and 50’s. This gave us the idea to go for a full out vintage theme complete with loads of blown glass ornaments, icicle tinsel, and even a charming snow village spread out beneath.


To really get the look of a true retro Christmas tree we made sure to have the big old-fashioned multicolored lights that cast such a wonderfully warm glow, and of course yards of traditional popcorn and cranberry garlands to lend that final homey touch.


Nearby an elaborate Italian nativity finished with moss, straw, and greens is displayed below a three-tier wooden German Christmas pyramid surrounded by a squat pair of nutcrackers and a cheerful collection of Santa figures.


A bowl of clove-studded oranges is a simple and inexpensive project that not only makes an elegant display but also has a wonderful aroma that adds much to the holiday ambiance.


Outside greeting guests an old cast iron grotesque mask is transformed into the Ghost of Christmas Past with a sumptuous halo of holly and pine.


The old carriage house door gets into the spirit with a simple country display of a weathered copper barn star generously decked out with pine and holly.

Decor and photos by KS&D.

Our 100th Post!

Knickerbocker Style and Design is proud to celebrate our 100th post! We've loved sharing our treasures, ideas, and inspirations with you from our eclectic vignettes, to books and movies, design history, holiday decorating, even our move from city to country! We hope you've enjoyed the journey and continue to see what's new in the world of Knickerbocker as we start on our next 100 posts!

Eclectic Holiday Decor

Now that the Thanksgiving dishes are cleared it’s time once again to think about decorating the house the winter holidays. Why not begin with a unique antique or vintage find?


The kindly old gentleman in this charming vintage German oil portrait bears more than a passing resemblance to Santa Claus, especially with his red and green attire and pipe.


Where would Old Saint Nick be without this reindeer? This regal pair of brass deer figures, complete with dramatic antlers, certainly make for an elegant alternative.


Who better to watch over your holiday celebrations than this primitive carved folk art cherub corbel so beautiful you’ll want to keep her around all year long.


The snowy mountain landscape of Mount Fuji depicted on this hand painted antique Japanese porcelain plates makes them perfect for the winter holidays.


Here a cheerful set of tole cache pots features elegant scalloped rims and hand painted wreaths with gilded ribbons and white berries.


Trim the tree with a strand of antique blown glass beads that proudly display the softened patina of Christmas past, and for the most unique gifts for under the tree be sure to visit our shop Knickerbocker Antiques and Vintage!

Eclectic Holiday China

With Thanksgiving a week away it’s time once again to start thinking about setting the perfect holiday table.


Incorporating a unique piece or two of antique and vintage china with your existing pieces is a great way to add interest to your table setting. A special piece of porcelain such as a compote dish or gravy boat also makes a wonderful hostess gift that can be brought out and enjoyed year after year.


An elegant platter or unique serving tray always makes a beautiful and useful addition to any china collection, while more specialized pieces such as a sugar and creamer or a set of tiny butter pats are a charming way to add that little extra touch.


For a hint of whimsy why not add something purely decorative? Our pyramid of majolica fruits and vegetables or the colorful Italian ceramic pheasant figure are both perfect accompaniments for any harvest feast.

Photos and styling by KS&D.

An Uncommon Autumn Vignette

Orchids may be an uncommon source of inspiration for an autumn vignette, but the rich red and orange hues of these delicate petals are bold as any fall foliage.


A trio of hand carved wooden folk art figures sit surrounded by deer antlers and an elegant pair of French rococo style sconces, adding an unexpected touch of glamour that echoes the curving lines and points of the antlers. Even the humble pumpkin, a most traditional symbol of the season, takes on a twist displayed under a bell jar.


The whimsical figure of an elegant turbaned hunter stands with rifle at the ready and a charming Staffordshire style lion resting at his feet. The rustic folk art figures of a horse and rider are carved in a primitive style with movable hinged arms.


Looking over the scene is the regal figure of a brightly plumed folk art Indian maiden specially adorned for the occasion with delicate strands of vintage glass beads.

Photos and styling by KS&D.

The Greatest and Grandest

Browse the most eclectic mix of unique antique and vintage home accessories from the comfort and convenience of home! Enhance the design of any interior with Knickerbocker’s carefully curated collection of American, European, Asian, and African fine and decorative arts. Our ever-changing inventory features an array of objects and artifacts from Victorian to Mid-Century Modern including lamps, sconces, art pottery, fine china, porcelain, crystal, art glass, prints, oil paintings, sculpture, folk art, primitives, nautical décor, and much more!

Click HERE to shop our newest arrivals now!

Fins and Feathers

The 500 Years: Decorative Arts Europe sale to be held this week at Christie’s is packed with amazing treasures, but these whimsical pieces inspired by creatures of the sky and sea really caught our imagination.


This fantastical late 19th century Venetian turtle-form chair is designed with a hinged back that reveals a silk upholstered seat. The sculptural base is charmingly detailed with starfish and shells scattered among the rocks.


This spectacular set of 18th century Chinese wallpaper panels depict a variety of winged creatures including caged birds, peacocks, hawks, butterflies, and insects all among a background of flowering branches.


Lastly this wildly playful Victorian porcelain fish service by Bodley, with an almost Disney-like whimsy, is resplendent with seriously lavish gilt detailing.

All photos via Christie’s.