Vintage Valentine’s with Contributing Editor Elizabeth Young

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and local stores have started filling their shelves with heart shaped candy boxes, stuffed animals and little trinkets of love.  While new decorations are plentiful, I prefer to decorate in true vintage style at our house.  There is something sweet and nostalgic about the valentine collectibles of the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s.  Wide eyed children with hearts hidden behind their backs, the comical play on words found on greeting cards and novelty children's valentines alike, vintage graphics in advertising and plastic candy containers featuring popular characters of the time add a charm that one can't find today.

Old valentines are plentiful and can be found everywhere from antique malls to auction lots.  They are easily displayed in groupings of valentine related collectibles.  A friend of mine hangs them from a pale pink tree bought especially for this purpose.  While I love the individual cards that were handed out among schoolmates, I also have a fondness for those that are still in their original packaging.  Whether it's a book of uncut cards or a box of never used valentines, I am drawn to them and display them with other old store stock in an antique case in our den.

Counter cards advertising candy and reminding one that the special day is approaching are not as prevalent.  Originally found in confectionaries, five & dimes and jewelry stores, they also reflect the images and graphic styles popular to the era.

Vintage chip clip racks are perfect for displaying a collection of novelty valentine cards or a mix of related collectibles.  Fish bowls or other large glass containers are also an option for your card collection.  Use your imagination this season and add a touch of nostalgia to your home decor.