The Story Behind L’CREST Ornament Trees: Inspired by the Shiny-Brite® Cluster Tree

Every Christmas Eve, we would head to my grandparents’ house, and I could barely contain my excitement. I knew exactly what awaited us: spaghetti and garlic bread for dinner, family photos that seemed to last an eternity, and presents opened in order from youngest to oldest. We’d play games with our cousins, snack on peanut brittle and late-night sweets, and be completely surrounded by love. These Christmas gatherings, marked by tradition and togetherness, are some of my happiest memories.

The decorations in my grandparents’ home were just as special. The Christmas tree was filled with a blend of real vintage ornaments and handmade ones from all the grandkids. Mistletoe hung between the kitchen and living room, and there, on the stereo cabinet, stood the Shiny-Brite® cluster ornament tree—a highlight of the holiday decor. My grandparents, second-generation German immigrants who had served in World War II, loved that little tree, and its vintage charm captured the spirit of our family’s history.

The history of Shiny-Brite® ornaments is as rich as the memories they’ve helped create. In 1939, German immigrant Max Eckardt, together with Bill Thompson of F.W. Woolworth, convinced the Corning Glass Company to mass-produce machine-blown glass ornaments in the U.S., launching the Shiny-Brite® brand. Although production slowed during World War II, Eckardt’s vision blossomed after the war, with Shiny-Brite® quickly becoming the world’s largest Christmas ornament producer (source: BrandlandUSA).

After my grandparents passed, the Shiny-Brite® ornament tree was the one item I asked for, because it held so many cherished memories. Year after year, I’ve admired it, and it’s become a precious connection to my childhood. But as my family grew, I began to think about preserving it. One year, my son almost broke it, and I found myself looking into replacements. While eBay had a few originals, no modern versions felt quite like the one I loved so much.

This journey led to the creation of L’CREST Ornament Trees. Inspired by my grandparents' Shiny-Brite® tree, my designs allow others to bring a touch of nostalgia and timeless elegance into their homes. Every L’CREST Ornament Tree is a tribute to the beauty, warmth, and joyful memories that Christmas brings, crafted to create new moments that will be cherished for years to come.