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If you want to change up your Christmas tree decorations this year, but aren’t sure where to start, this old-fashioned ornament might just be the answer you’re looking for.
Yes, I’m talking about tinsel. Love it or hate it, this delightful decoration is quietly making a comeback. But it’s not the same tinsel you remember.
This year’s version is all about fresh shapes, extra shine, and creative new uses. There’s definitely a nod to nostalgia, but it feels modern.
Is tinsel tacky?
Some people see those glittery strands and feel instantly festive, while others think tinsel is just plain tacky.
I’ll admit, I’ve gone back and forth myself, and this year the old-school decoration will probably be making an appearance on my tree, not just for the shimmer and shine but also because it makes your fairy lights shine brighter.
Why tinsel makes your lights shine brighter
Before fairy lights, silver tinsel was used to reflect candlelight around a room, making trees appear to glow. The same trick still works today: those metallic strands catch and scatter light, instantly giving your tree a fuller, more luminous look.
A history of tinsel
This technique originated in Germany in the 1600s, when tinsel was made from thin pieces of real silver and was called eis-lametta or “icicle tinsel”. People hung their hammered silver on Christmas trees to catch the candlelight and make the branches shine.
Not only was this decoration only available to the wealthy, but its silver would lose its shine. Over time, people tried using tin, copper, and even lead to hang from their trees (which was later banned for safety reasons).
By the 1950s, plastic made tinsel affordable enough for everyone, and the modern Christmas tree style began to emerge.
Why tinsel divides decorators
Whether you love tinsel or can’t stand the sight of it, there’s no denying that it gets people talking.
As we know, tinsel is a great way to reflect light, adding sparkle and filling gaps in sparse Christmas trees.
On the other hand, many feel it looks cheap or overwhelming if overused. It’s messy, tangles easily, sheds, and sticks to everything.
Environmentally, most modern tinsel is made from unrecyclable PVC, which can pollute waterways.
With that in mind, store your tinsel carefully by wrapping it around cardboard to prevent tangles, allowing you to reuse it again next year.
How to decorate with tinsel (and avoid the tacky look)
If you love sparkle but fear overload, try these tips:
- Drape tinsel lightly rather than wrapping entire branches.
- Stick to one colour palette — silver or gold always looks effortlessly stylish.
- Mix classic with modern ornaments for a balanced look.
- Pair with warm fairy lights to create a soft, glowing effect.
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