Alfies Antique Market in London is home to one of our favorite dealers—Horner Antiques. An expert in vintage glass ornaments from everywhere, Michael's collection is a dream world made up of glass lemons, oranges, walnuts, artichokes, clocks, owls, leaves, shells, pinecones, geometrics, etc. You name it, he has it. 

Michael shares how he got started, the one piece he'd never part with, advice for starting your own ornament collection, and where else we should shop antiques in London. 

Sister Parish once wrote, "My father used to bicycle all over New Jersey exploring antique shops, and whenever we tinkled the bell on a shop door, he would invariably buy me a Staffordshire figure. Thus collections are born." Tell us how you started collecting ornaments? Where did it all begin?

I started my personal collection the way most people do—a godparent used to buy an ornament each year. When I was old enough to travel independently, I'd always try to find something fun and eclectic. Over the years I've bought some real horrors that have no meaning for anyone else. I treasured a Betty Boop that I bought in the 1980's in Bloomingdale's on a weekend visit to New York. Unfortunately it was broken, along with many others, when a friend's dog got rather overexcited on a visit and brought the tree down.

What should we know about glass ornaments? How have they evolved over the years? 

The quality of the glass has changed dramatically over the years, as have the paints used. There are less toxic materials in the paint, which I know is safer for both us and the environment. But, the colors of the older baubles I still find more desirable. It probably evokes memories of childhood.   

We love all of the glass fruits and vegetables, oranges, lemons, artichokes and pine cones — tell us about these!

What's one piece in your collection you'd never part with and why?

A plastic figure of a skier which I found in my Christmas cracker when I was 6. It has no monetary value, but for me it is the one with the most memories.  

What advice would you give to someone just starting a vintage ornament collection?

Think about how you see your tree. Don't follow the dictates of fashion—find colors and shapes you like. If you want to do single color or theme that is your prerogative, just remember it is your tree and other people's opinions don't matter. You have to live it, you have to wake up to it and you have to enjoy it. Personally I like to mix and match, and I can't resist looking at a tacky decoration. Christmas should be about warmth and festivity, your tree should reflect your personality. I was once interviewed by Radio London and was asked how one should dress a tree. I responded with 'think like a drag queen on acid and go for it'.  

Can you give us 3 recommendations in London for us to shop antiques? Where do you recommend we go?