Christmas Decoration Guide — Window Ornaments, Nativity Scenes & Traditional Decor Ideas
Christmas decoration that tells stories — that is something quite different from plastic baubles and discount store fairy lights. Handcrafted decoration from a Bavarian manufactory brings soul and tradition into your home. Each piece is a unique original that makes the Christmas season more special year after year.
Pewter Window Ornaments
Double-sided painted flat figurines are among the most popular forms of decoration. Hung in a window, they catch the daylight and create a very special effect. The beauty of it: pewter window ornaments are not just eye-catching at Christmas — winter motifs work from November through February, and many customers leave their favourite pieces up all year round.
Pewter Nativity Scenes
The traditional pewter nativity scene is a particularly beautiful way to depict the Christmas story. Unlike large wooden cribs, pewter nativity sets are compact and detailed — perfect for a windowsill, a shelf or as a table centrepiece. The hand-painted figures can be collected individually and expanded with new motifs each year.
Table and Shelf Decoration
The festive Christmas train on the mantelpiece, an angel scene on the bookshelf or thematic arrangements on the dining table — pewter figurines offer diverse possibilities for Christmas decoration. Combine different motifs into small scenes and vary the arrangements to suit your mood and the occasion.
Step by Step: Creating Window Decoration
- Select a window with good light — east or west-facing windows create especially beautiful effects with morning or evening light. Choose 3-5 figurines that work together thematically.
- Thread a fine string or thin ribbon through each figurine. Attach the strings to the curtain rod or fix small hooks to the window frame. Vary the lengths for a dynamic arrangement.
- Hang the figurines at varying heights — this creates depth and movement. The largest figurine can hang centrally, with smaller motifs grouped around it.
- A subtle LED fairy light along the window frame brings the pewter figurines beautifully to life in the evening. The warm light reflects gently on the hand-painted surfaces.
- After the Christmas season, swap winter motifs for spring or summer figurines. This keeps your window decoration fresh and surprising throughout the year.
Combining with Modern Interiors
Handcrafted pewter figurines fit surprisingly well into modern interiors. The contrast between traditional craftsmanship and minimalist design creates character. Less is more: a single nativity scene on a simple shelf or three ornaments in a window make a stronger statement than an abundance of decoration.
Sustainable Decorating
Pewter figurines are the most sustainable form of Christmas decoration. Instead of buying new decorations each year and discarding old ones, pewter figurines last a lifetime. They don't become brittle, don't lose their colour with proper care, and can simply be packed away after the season and brought out again the next year. Passed down through generations, each piece tells its own story.
Which pewter figurines work best as window decorations?
Double-sided painted flat figurines are especially suitable, as they can be viewed from both sides. Angels, winter scenes and nature motifs look particularly beautiful in windows. The figurines can be easily hung with a thread through their loop.
Can I combine pewter figurines with candles?
With LED candles and fairy lights, there are no restrictions whatsoever — the combination actually creates a particularly atmospheric effect. With real candles, please maintain at least 15 cm distance, as pewter can soften at high temperatures.
How large are the pewter nativity figures?
Wilhelm Schweizer's nativity figures are compact and richly detailed flat figurines. They are perfect for windowsills, shelves or as table decoration. Exact dimensions can be found with each product in the shop.
What Christmas decoration works in small flats?
Pewter figurines are ideal for small spaces because they take up very little room. Window ornaments use vertical space, while small scenes on a windowsill or shelf create Christmas atmosphere without needing much surface area. A few carefully chosen pieces often have more impact than many decorative items.
How should I store pewter Christmas decorations?
Wrap each figurine individually in soft tissue paper and keep them in a dry box. Avoid damp storage locations and strong temperature fluctuations. Stored this way, your Christmas decorations will remain in perfect condition for decades.
Our Recommendations
- Christmas Collection — Tree ornaments, nativity scenes, angels and more
- Nativity Scenes — Hand-painted pewter nativity figures
- Winter Mood — Winter motifs and seasonal decoration
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 Ornaments — Handcrafted pewter tree ornaments
- 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