Take a tour of my country cottage style Christmas decor. It's simple, serene and elegant.
Less is totally more.
Especially at Christmas.
I partnered with Oriental Trading for this post, all opinions are my own.It's December!
Let the decorating begin!
Well, in my case, let the relaxing begin. I'm done decorating.
This year, once again, I have decided to tone down the amount of Christmas accessories on display.
I'm embracing the rustic cottage style of my home and letting the glorious bones of the house take center stage.
In my book, less is still more.
Even at Christmas.
So when Oriental Trading offered to send me a few home decor pieces, I made sure that I chose items that would look fabulous during the holiday season, but that could be used the rest of the year, as well.
I peppered them around the living room, mixing them with some of my treasured favorites to create a serene country cottage Christmas room that I have been enjoying for about a week now.
Join me in front of fire, won't you?
I love the color of the stones.
They inspired me to choose the pretty burlap banner and embellish it with a few snowflake ornaments.
Quick tip: I pinned the snowflakes on so I can reuse the banner at another time of the year.
Thrifty yes?
I added a few faux sprigs of greenery and two battery operated candles on timers.
Just like the banner, these will be out all year long.
I actually contemplated leaving the ornaments off this year, but the kids would have none of it.
In the end, I'm glad I added them, well...they added them.
I was overruled.
As the kids get older, the balance of power in the house is beginning to shift.
I'm not sure I like it.
No. I'm sure. I don't like it.
They did however, approve of the chargers and pillow I received.
They definitely finish off the look of the room perfectly.
Of course, the pillow is strictly a Christmas item, but so worth it.
Rich and red.
Fabulous.
Simple.
Elegant.
Perfect.
Oh and if you're wondering where my painting ceiling fan blades ended up, well, right here in the kitchen hanging out with Santa.
The snowman was confiscated by one of my kids.
Maybe next year.
If the kids approve.
Have you decorated yet?
Looking for more Christmas decor?
Merry Christmas, Friends!
I am working on my decorating. Your cottage style Christmas is so cozy and warm especially with the fireplace, it really sets the tone in your family room! Love the fan blade decor too ☺
ReplyDeleteThanks Karen! Yes, that fireplace is a big draw in the cooler months. It really does add a cozy feel...good luck with your decorating!
DeleteKim, your home looks beautiful dressed up for the holidays! I love the pieces you chose because as you said they can be enjoyed year round!
ReplyDeleteThanks Cecilia! I am really enjoying the room this year with its simple decor.
DeleteVery cozy, indeed! And I am tending to love the look of less more and more nowadays. the other day, after we decorated the SECOND tree, I almost had a panic moment. I am already noting what I want to do differently next year. My word will be Simplify!
ReplyDeleteConfession time...our second tree has lights, no ornaments! It's very simple! I wish you luck on your simplifying quest! ;)
DeleteYour decorating is so pretty! I love the pieces you chose and how versatile they are!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Linda. There was so much to choose from, I had a hard time narrowing it down!
DeleteI seem to be doing one decorative thing per day. Spacing it all out. I forgot that Oriental Trading got with me and I forgot to pick out stuff and get back with them! Boy, was that stupid! Love your Christmas photos!
ReplyDeleteBrenda
Thank you so much!! I took it slow this year, too, Brenda. I usually whip through the whole house and get it all done in a day, but this year I went slow during the weekend after Thanksgiving. And yes, Oriental Trading was very generous and I am so pleased with the items I received.
DeleteKim you got this. Simple and pretty. Looks great and so cozy and inviting. Love your tree. I am embracing less is more too this year. Happy Friday.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Kris
Thanks Kris! It actually feels good to be surrounded by less. Very simple and yet very merry... :)
DeleteYour living room is the coziest one I've seen so far this season. I want to make tea, sit by your gorgeous stone fireplace, and read a cozy Christmas mystery!
ReplyDeleteBrilliant idea about the banner. You could cut out cute felt shapes for any season!
xo,
RJ
Why thank you so much, Ricki…what a totally kind thing to say! The invite is open, you bring the books and I’ll make the tea!
DeleteOh Kim it looks beautiful! Your fireplace does take center stage, it's lovely, & I love the banner you chose. And believe me, I know about being overruled by kids. One year I decorated our tree in beautiful glass ornaments only to hear, "where's my snowman ornament? and "how come I don't see the Mickey Mouse ornament?" etc. I got so aggravated, I took everything off the tree & redecorated it with our traditional ornaments. Lesson learned! lol
ReplyDeleteHaha...Gina, oh can I relate!! That is EXACTLY the conversation that took place last year (hence the tree in the family room now where all those ornaments are displayed) and again this year when I said, "Let's go for a rustic look...no ornaments." Overruled. This was a lot easier when they were toddlers. Hang the ornaments high up and all was well! And thank you... :)
DeleteBeautiful, simple, and cozy decorating, for sure! Your room looks so cozy and inviting.
ReplyDeleteWhy thank you, Melanie! I am happy it and all my new decor toys! :)
DeleteFirst things first...those beams on your ceiling!!! LOVE THEM!!! You've done a great job of decorating for Christmas. I'm enjoying little touches here and there too. Less is definitely more. :)
ReplyDeleteI know, the beams. Aren’t they wonderful? I can take no credit for them. They came with the house. We got soo lucky. Thank you for your sweet words, Lisa.
DeleteI love the simplicity and and the Less is still more concept is perfection. This space looks like a great place to curl up with a good book. Have to ask is that a dried flower wreath on the wall? I love dried flowers.
ReplyDeleteCarole @ Garden Up Green
Thank you, Carole! It is a great place to read. I love dried flowers, as well and usually avoid silk at all costs, but this one is silk. It's so pretty I just couldn't resist...
Deletelove the mellow glow of the rooms.
ReplyDeleteit says sit. be comfortable. you are home!
so beautiful. xo
Thank you, Tammy...I do enjoy the glow...xo
DeleteSo cozy! It's full of holiday cheer!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Amy...cozy is the ultimate compliment! :) Happy weekend!
DeleteOh my, Kim. So beautiful and so cozy dressed for the holidays and...hello?...that fireplace is fabulous!. If I had a room like yours, I would never want to leave it. I'm sure your family will enjoy it this holiday season.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kristi!! We are all cozied up in the room right now…firelight, tree light and carols. Of course, I haven’t purchased one present yet, but like Scarlett O’Hara always said, I’ll think about that tomorrow! ;)
DeleteAs beautiful as always, Kim! Your home looks gorgeous for the holidays. Enjoy your weekend. Maria
ReplyDeleteThank you, Maria Elena. I hope that you are able to enjoy the weekend, too.
DeleteKim, what a treat! To see your beautiful cottage shining and bright. You are so right, the beams, paneled walls and braided rugs, along with red, is about all you need to get a warm and wonderful Christmas feeling. I admire what you have done and just can't figure out why I can't do that too, when I just love it!! But, I will keep on trying!!..Happy Holidays, xxoJudy
ReplyDeleteI have always felt that this is a winter room, Judy. In the summertime, I have to admit, I have to work to keep it feeling like a ski lodge! ;) Works well at Christmas time though...and yes, "lessing" is hard. We went thrifting today and I wanted to buy, buy, buy...but I had restraint! Not easy. At all!! :)
DeleteGorgeous!!! I adore your sweet cottage, Kim!
ReplyDeleteWhy thank you, Debbie…and I yours! :)
DeleteI broke my decorating rule this year & started decorating on Thanksgiving day. My schedule is packed from Thanksgiving to middle of December. I just could not find another time to do it. So, with my son & daughter-in-law spending Thanksgiving at her grandparents, I took advantage of an empty house & my husband's muscles & got it done!
ReplyDeleteWhen the kids came for Thanksgiving the next day we were very thankful to have almost all finished.
I've noticed I use less seasonal decorations & more things that can be kept out year round, just changing a few key accessories. It really does make it so much easier to decorate. Things still look fresh for each season with so much less work than before.
Dirty little secret, Jenny…we did the same thing. Sort of. My husband was working the Friday after Thanksgiving when we usually put up the tree and so he decided to do it on Wednesday evening. Like you, I wanted to take advantage of the muscles and did not argue! We did not break out the other bins or the ornaments, but on Thanksgiving day, our guests were greeted by the sight of a lit tree. I have to say everyone was thrilled, especially the littles!
DeleteHi Kim, your home is just so cottage charming and I love it all. Every area is picture perfect. Great tip on the banner idea. I'm all done here and enjoying the views but still wanted to add a quick mantel banner. Your idea would be perfect. I took a less is more approach this year too. We are installing windows after the holiday and it will be less to put away. Thank you for inspiring with your beautiful Cottage Christmas home! Have a nice weekend. xo
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your lovely comments, Celestina Marie. I am sure that the window renovation will not be easy to deal with, but it does give you a great reason to put out less decor…and in the process, actually enjoy more of the holidays!
DeleteMy favorite colors all year round and especially during this season. And that stone fireplace would have sold me too!
ReplyDeleteI know…Christmas is a great time to be a red addict, isn’t it? ;)
DeleteNope, no decorating yet but I plan to start tonight. I have bought some presents and baked some cookies so not a total scrooge. We have predicted two more warmish days so I will do outside stuff during the daylight and inside stuff in the evening to take advantage of what is probably the last of our mild weather. Your house looks amazing. Very pretty and festive.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your kind comment, Lorri. I have the trees up and decor out, but not one present has been purchased, the advent calendar is basically empty. I get where you are! This is going to be a one day at a time holiday season.
DeleteI love your colors, and I'm so right there with you about the decorating "less is more" so that I can enjoy this month leading up to the big celebration! Kim, you home is so welcoming, and warm. I can see you and your family really enjoying a Cottage Christmas together here. Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteLidy, thank you so much for your very kind words. We are all actually enjoying the room right now, by the light of the tree and the fire. Happy Holidays!
DeleteBeautiful photography of your sweet cottage! Looks so warm and inviting! Have a very Merry Christmas.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the sweet words, Lynn! :) Merry Christmas.
DeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI love the pillow. :-) What a fun and perfect pillow for you.
I loved the tour of Christmas at your house. Beautiful.
I love that fireplace!!
Merry Christmas,
Carla
Thanks Carla…and I know…that pillow!! I am in completely smitten…
DeleteYou have the perfect style for the new items from Oriental Trading. It all looks so pretty and festive. I did not know they had such nice things! Went over to check out the pillow and it's sold out! It's probably for the best since I don't need anything else new and don't have enough spots for all that I've got. I am about half way done decorating but the tree is still standing naked!
ReplyDeleteOh no...sold out? Well, I'm not surprised. It's a very pretty piece. I have been purchasing from them for years, but I didn't know that they sold home decor pieces either. I was very pleasantly surprised. Enjoy your decorating!!
DeleteKim,
ReplyDeleteIt all looks lovely. We have decorated. I love this time of year, but over the years I've done less as well. I am happy with what we have done.
Thanks so much, Deanna!! Less is always more in my book and I have enjoyed looking at the cleaner space this year. Merry Christmas and thank you for all the kind comments this year. I am truly grateful for the feedback and the conversation! :)
DeleteLove all your Christmas touches Kim. My decorating has definitely simplified too. I love the cheery Noel pillow and the lanterns.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Florence. I only put out what I really love now... :)
DeleteLove your cottage style Christmas . . .
ReplyDeleteI am finished "warming up our home" as well . .
Off I go to take pictures . . .
LOVE that fireplace . . .
Thanks so much, Lynne! Can't wait to see your cozy home...xo
DeleteGood Evening Kim,
ReplyDeleteLove your Christmas that is styled beautifully in your cottage style home. Inviting, charming, warm, welcoming and so you! Love the lanterns so much.
Jemma
Thank you so much, Jemma. I appreciate the super kind words. I am a big fan of those lanterns, too!!
DeletePerfect, Kim. I'm doing less, too. I think my family and guests will be able to better focus on the Christmas touches.
ReplyDeleteI love the charger under the greenery and pomegranates. Good idea. Your tree is beautiful! Did you really say a cup of hot water? Thought it was a typo but maybe I'm missing something really good for my health or diet!! ;-D
Jane
Nope...you didn't misread Jane! I drink hot water! It's weird I know, but I like the taste!! :)
DeleteYour home looks so pretty, Kim. Simplicity does have a lot of charm and I would take simple over busy any time.
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
Thanks Amalia...it is very calming. :)
DeleteYour living room looks beautiful, Kim. So warm and cozy.
ReplyDeleteI'm almost done with the decorating too - I still need a few odds and ends. Here I come, Home Goods!
We aren't getting the tree until next weekend and putting it up some time next week.
Love this time of year! xo
I love this time of year, too, Susan! Have fun at Home Goods...oh boy, so pretty at Christmas!
DeleteI think everything looks beautiful....warm, cozy and very inviting, Kim! I must say that Oriental Trading Company has upped their game. I've gotten scrapbook supplies from them in the past, but haven't paid much attention to the barrage of emails I get from them...guess I'd better pay more attention. Chargers, lanterns, pillows...oh, my! I well remember that power shift with kids, and now I can sit back and watch it happen to them with their kids. It's so entertaining!
ReplyDeleteHope you have a great week!
Warm hugs,
Carol
Carol, I don't know how I missed your sweet comment, but thank you...and yes, agreed, Oriental Trading is not the same kids' crafts site I remember from my teaching days. Wow, they have beautiful home decor.
DeleteKim, your home is beautiful! And I agree, less is more...I am learning that more and more lately...it took downsizing for me to finally get a handle on my 'excessive' Christmas décor! ;)
ReplyDeleteI hope that you are having a wonderful week! Hugs, Kimberley
Thank you, Kimberley! Yes, downsizing is one way to cull a collection, that is for sure. Less to clean, too!! ;)
DeleteKim it looks beautiful and cozy :) I went for less is more this year and sent some things to my son and DIL.
ReplyDeleteI bet they appreciate that, Deb...we're all at different stages, aren't we?
DeleteThe perfect Christmas cottage, Kim! Warm, welcoming, filled with the spirit of Christmas. Love it all, my friend! xo
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Nancy. You always say the kindest things. xo
DeleteYour home is beautiful and I love your Christmas tree. I have the same star on my tree too. It's beautiful.
ReplyDeleteGreat minds, Vanessa...and thanks!! :)
DeleteEverything here is beautiful Kim. You are in your element now with all of the red that is in season!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mary...I certainly am!! ;)
DeleteYour home is the perfect cozy! Love the simple decor that you chose from Oriental, great job! And yes, I do understand the shift of things when the kids get older, lol! The fireplace is so cozy and full of ambience, love the wooden sign you made on the mantel, just beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much…and yes, the balance of power thing is real!! ;) Now, if they could just start paying the bills, I would be fine with being bossed around! Ha!! ;)
Deleteoh, I LOVE your home. It's a perfectly lovely English Cottage Christmas!
ReplyDeleteDebra, thank you so much!! That is the ultimate compliment in my book!! :)
DeleteI really enjoyed this, and I wouldn't have found it if it weren't for the Home for Christmas Link-up! I love your style. I have quite a bit of red in my home, too, especially the dining/kitchen, so it lends itself well to Christmas decorating. I love the simple things you do that can carry through after Christmas. I'm a less is more kind of decorator, too!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you found me, Michelle!! I am alway happy to meet another red lover!! I wish you a lovely Christmas and hope you visit again soon! :)
DeleteCozy and Inviting... LOVE your Fireplace too, that would have Sold us as well on the Cottage! Mine is a New Build fake Gas Fireplace, Gak, that's not even a REAL Fireplace IMO. *winks* They have No Burn days in the Desert tho' on Wood Burning so most New Builds don't put them in anymore... pollution issue in the Big City, I get it, but still miss my Wood Burning ones previous Homes had and still adjusting to the burbs after having lived in an Older Neighborhood in a Historic Home I LOVED. The Tuscan McManse is very nice tho' so getting used to the Burbs is a Process I'm moving thru slowly, this is just out 2nd Christmas here and NO, the G-Kid Force's rooms will NEVER be Editorial for any Photo Shoots, Good Lord, I don't even like to venture upstairs unless I have to... I'm getting too old for the shock of it all! *Smiles* Merry Christmas and Blessings from the Arizona Desert... Dawn... The Bohemian
ReplyDeleteWhy thank you, Dawn!! I have to confess, our fireplace is a fake, too...gas!! We converted it several years ago. The smoke was always a problem and the wood was wet and then we would worry that we didn't put it all the way out. Now we just click it on and click it off...we use it so much more and no smoke...I have heard about the no burn days. Yikes. I bet your new place is lovely, but I get it...I am an old home fan too! Thanks so much for the visit!! :)
DeleteEverything looks so cozy. I love the idea of pinning the snowflakes onto the banner. So easy then to reuse!
ReplyDeleteKaree
Thanks Karee!! I am all about easy...festive...but easy! ;)
DeleteEverything is absolutely beautiful Ms. Kim!! I used to get aggravated with my kiddos for hauling out EVERY LITTLE THING...but now I miss it all. I still do plenty of decorating, but once they get here this weekend, there will be a bazillion "Mom, what did you do with????? Mom, how come you didn't put out ??????? Mom, REally...you didn't put out the ????? :^) gotta' love them!! Some of the great-grands arrived last evening, so the fun is on!!
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you, enjoy your beautiful home and your younglets,
J
Haha!! I can hear it all now, J!! AND…I am guilty of it myself. I keep wondering what happened to this or that from my own childhood??!! Ah well, the best decorations are the kids anyway! Having them home adds the real festivity to the season. Enjoy your full house…Merry Christmas my friend and blessings for a wonderful new year! xoxo
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