Have Yourself a Very Vintage Christmas

If you grew up during the fifties, chances are your home was beautifully decorated with bubble lights during the holidays.  The heat generated from these lights actually makes the colorful liquid in the vials bubble. These vintage beauties are making a comeback with new bubble lights readily available.

Strand of 7 Bubble Lights

History of Bubble Lights

Although originally developed back in the late 20’s bubble lights weren’t introduced to the United States as Christmas decorations until the late 40’s. For the next 20 years families nationwide used these bright bulbs to decorate table centerpieces, trees and garlands. Vintage bubble lights were made of glass and filled with methylene chloride but those sold in stores today are of a much more durable acrylic and LED light.

How to Decorate with Bubble Lights

The main thing that you need to keep in mind when you are decorating with bubble lights is to keep them upright. Although this is not as necessary as it once was due to the new materials used, it is still necessary for appearance. Bubble lights sold today are typically sold in strands of 7 or more. Because you would have to purchase many sets to decorate a tree, it is a much more affordable option to use them to add a vintage flare to table centerpieces, garlands, and wreaths. Try running them up a banister, along a fireplace mantle, or along a horizontal wreath used as a table centerpiece.

How do you remember your parent’s using bubble lights in their homes?