Christmas Ornament Guide — Handcrafted Pewter Tree Ornaments
The Christmas tree is the centrepiece of every holiday decoration. What truly makes it special is not its size or the number of lights — but the ornaments hanging from its branches. Handcrafted pewter ornaments combine artisan skill with tradition and make every tree something unique.
Handcrafted, Not Mass-Produced
What sets handcrafted pewter Christmas ornaments apart from factory-made decorations? Each ornament is individually cast, deburred, polished and hand-painted at the Wilhelm Schweizer manufactory. No two pieces are identical. This individual touch gives each ornament a character that factory goods cannot offer. And the durability of pewter means these ornaments can hang on the tree for generations.
The Most Popular Motifs
The Christmas collection includes over 200 motifs. Particularly popular are angels in various depictions, the traditional Santa Claus, delicate stars and bells, loving nativity scenes, the festive Christmas train and wintery animal motifs. Baroque angels with their intricate detail are also favourites among collectors.
Step by Step: Hanging and Storing
- Thread a fine gold thread, thin satin ribbon or piece of nylon through the small loop at the top of the figurine. Pewter figurines are very light, so a simple thread is more than sufficient.
- Select a sturdy branch at eye level or at the outer edge of the tree, where candlelight or fairy lights beautifully highlight the delicate details of the figurine.
- Maintain at least 15 cm distance between pewter ornaments and burning candles, as pewter can soften at high temperatures. There are no restrictions with LED fairy lights.
- Many flat figurines are painted on both sides and make excellent year-round window decorations. Hang them from a curtain rod with a thread — the incoming light brings the colours beautifully to life.
- After the season, wrap each figurine individually in soft tissue paper and store in a dry box. Avoid damp cellars or attics with temperature fluctuations. Stored this way, your figurines will preserve their beauty for generations.
Collecting and Tradition
Pewter Christmas ornaments are perfect for collecting. Many families maintain the tradition of adding a new piece each year. Over the decades, this creates a collection full of stories — each ornament connected to a special Christmas. Popular classics like angels and Santa Claus remain permanently in the collection, while the manufactory regularly designs new motifs.
How heavy are pewter Christmas ornaments?
Pewter figurines are surprisingly light — most ornaments weigh just a few grams. Even finer branches support them easily. A simple thread or thin ribbon is all you need for hanging.
Can I combine pewter ornaments with other materials?
Absolutely. Pewter ornaments harmonise wonderfully with glass baubles, straw stars and wooden decorations. The contrast of different materials and styles gives the tree character and depth. The combination of shiny glass ornaments with the matte, hand-painted pewter figures is especially appealing.
Can the ornaments be used as window decorations?
Yes, this is actually very popular. Many flat figurines are painted on both sides and catch the daylight beautifully. Hung in a window, they are eye-catching all year round — not just at Christmas.
Are new Christmas motifs released annually?
Popular classics like angels, Santa Claus and nativity figures remain permanently in the collection. Additionally, Wilhelm Schweizer regularly designs new motifs, usually unveiled in autumn. This keeps the collection fresh with something new to discover each year.
How do I clean pewter Christmas ornaments?
Gently dust the figurines with a soft brush. Avoid water and cleaning agents on painted figurines, as these can damage the paintwork. The pewter cast itself is robust and durable — with proper care, the ornaments stay beautiful for generations.
Our Recommendations
- Christmas Collection — Over 200 hand-painted ornament motifs
- Angels — Timeless classics on the Christmas tree
- Santa Claus — Traditional Santa figurines and scenes
More Guides
- Guides & Instructions — All guides at a glance
- Guide: Unique Gift Ideas — Why handcrafted gifts are unforgettable
- Guide: Christmas Gifts — Handcrafted Christmas gifts with tradition
- Guide: Special Occasion Gifts — Gifts for weddings, births and anniversaries
- Guide: Christmas Decoration — Window ornaments, nativity scenes and decor ideas
- Guide: Pewter Material — Pewter as a material: properties and history
- Guide: Collecting Pewter Figurines — A guide for beginners and connoisseurs
- Guide: Care Instructions — How to preserve pewter figurines for generations
- Guide: Decoration Ideas — Pewter figurines in modern interiors