Jackie O's Christmas Decorations Are Giving Us All the Vintage Holiday Inspiration

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We remember Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis as a polished, classic and stylish icon whom we all aspire to emulate. In everything from her exquisite Chanel suits and pillbox hats to her thoughtful restoration of the White House, Onassis had a way of making everything picture-perfect.

Her impeccable taste translates to the holidays as well. White House Christmases were changed forever when in 1961, Onassis started the tradition of choosing a theme for the White House Christmas tree. But Onassis spent most of her Christmases surrounded by family in her treasured Palm Beach house in a more relaxed fashion. We’ve pulled together some of our favorite Jackie O holiday looks that you’ll want to copy for Christmases to come.

The First White House Tree

While the Kennedys were not the first to put up a Christmas tree in the White House, they started many traditions during their short stay on Pennsylvania Ave. The primary one that is still practiced today is choosing a theme for the tree. In 161, inspired by Pyotr Tchaikovsky's ballet, Onassis selected the Nutcracker to be the theme.

Miniature trumpets, snowflakes, candy canes and toy figurines covered the large tree. There was no specific order to the decorations, which makes it feel like a tree someone might have in their own home, which was Onassis's goal. Whimsical and fun, Onassis created a playful display that all ages and backgrounds could appreciate with elements that could easily be recreated.

Classic Christmas elements like miniature candles were included on the grand tree, but something that has garnered a lot of attention over the years is the blue ribbon that is draped on the tree. It's hard to tell exactly what material the ribbon is made from, but some suggest that it's actually made from crape paper. Regardless, the bold blue ribbon feels just right for a space as elegant as the iconic Blue Room.

The Children's Tree

In 1962, Onassis had started the exciting renovation of the White House, but she still made time to ensure the tree looked just right. Focusing on younger generations, the "Children's Tree" consisted of many toy-like favorites, but instead of buying an entire new set of ornaments, Onassis reused some of the decorations from the previous year for this truly special tree.

The addition of small wrapped gifts in shiny paper and big bows add an extra fun detail for little ones awaiting the day they could open their presents.

While they didn't know it, 1962 was the last year the Kennedy's would spend as residents of the White House. The tragic, untimely death of JFK put holiday celebrations to a halt, but the time that the Kennedy's spent at the White House truly did transform the holidays of the first family for forever.

Palm Beach Christmas

While the White House was decorated under Onassis's watchful eye, she spent Christmases in her favorite place: Palm Beach. In 1962, the Kennedy's decided to open up their lives to the pubic and had a photographer capture many special moments to be shared with the public. White House Christmas expert, Coleen Christian Burke, loves theses pictures because they show what a true family Christmas.

Note the mercury glass blown ornaments hung alongside haphazardly thrown tinsel. A mantel overflowing with stockings and red taper candles that are slightly askew make this tree a representation of true Americana.

The relaxed, easygoing life that the Kennedys got to have away from the pressures of the White Hose allows for us to see a softer side to Onassis's style. Her favorite tradition was to go jet skiing on Christmas day and soak up the sun and the holiday spirit.

So while you are struggling to find the perfect holiday decorations, just remember that sometimes perfection isn't everything. Follow Onassis's footsteps and reuse decorations, consider the childlike wonder of the holiday season and don't be afraid of a little adventure.

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