I Thought a Snow-Flocked Christmas Tree Was So Tacky, but Elvis's Holiday Postcard Makes a Case for This Retro Decorating Quirk
Fake snow-covered decor was on my Christmas ban list, but a 1957 photograph of the rock and roll legend may have just changed my opinion
I'll be the first to admit that any Christmas decor involving fake snow was on my banned list. While I appreciate that it's festive, retro quirk can work in some homes, I never felt I could make it feel tasteful in my living room. Then I came across a 1957 photo of Elvis, and his snow-covered tree made me realise just how tasteful this can be.
The rock and roll legend is pictured in his Memphis home in front of a Christmas tree that's covered in faux white snow and dark, round ornaments. I've never understood the appeal of snow-flocked branches, but in his case, it feels vintage, tasteful, and surprisingly understated – something I never thought possible with a snow-flocked tree.
In the twentieth century, asbestos was commonly used as fake snow, particularly from the 1930s to the 1950s, shortly before Elvis's famous photos were taken.
This harmful substance was chosen because it looked fluffy, was inexpensive, and fire-resistant, though its dangerous health effects were not yet known. Today, of course, safer alternatives are readily available, such as artificial fluffy snow sold at Amazon.
Shop the look
This fluffy snow fiber is crafted from high-quality polyester. It is pure white, incredibly soft, and feels smooth to the touch, closely mimicking the look and feel of real snow. It's extremely resilient, allowing you to easily adjust its volume and size for convenient and versatile decorating.
Transform your living room into a cozy winter wonderland with this stunning artificial Christmas tree. Each branch is beautifully frosted to perfectly mimic a fresh layer of real snow, just like Elvis's. This tree comes pre-lit, meaning installation is as simple as plugging it in to instantly create an inviting, warm ambiance in your home.
Add a touch of wintry, Elvis-inspired charm to your holiday decor with this yarn-wrapped snowflake Christmas ornament. Crafted in a cozy snowflake shape and finished with a shiny silver hanging loop, it’s easy to display wherever you choose.
This pre-lit Alpine tree is a highly favored 'decorator's tree,' ideal for display on a tabletop or mantel. Its design is modeled after nature, lending it a remarkably realistic appearance. With a generous dusting of faux snow, it evokes a fresh, just-cut-from-the-forest feel.
Nothing exudes chic Christmas whimsy like a faux fur tree skirt. This bubbled model from Amazon is ultra-soft for a cozy, snow-like look.
Crafted from a blend of high-quality silk and plastic, these Christmas flowers are beautifully accented with a shimmering dusting of glitter. As with most glittered décor, a little shedding may occur, but it'll only add to the charm.
I admit, Elvis’s snow-flocked tree proves that fake snow can actually work when done right. The white branches give a clean, wintery look, and the dark, round ornaments stand out perfectly against them – it's simple, balanced, and surprisingly stylish, even though I never thought I would say that about such a design.
It’s a reminder that even trends that seem gimmicky can feel tasteful with the right design choices.
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Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens, where she leads the celebrity/ news team. She has a history in interior design, travel, and news journalism, having lived and worked in New York, Paris, and, currently, London. Megan has bylines in Livingetc, The Telegraph, and IRK Magazine, and has interviewed the likes of Drew Barrymore, Ayesha Curry, Michelle Keegan, and Tan France, among others. She lives in a London apartment with her antique typewriter and an eclectic espresso cup collection, and dreams of a Kelly Wearstler-designed home.
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