I love decking the halls for Christmas and filling the house with fresh greens, living Christmas trees in buckets and natural touches like pinecones. Living in a 1940s cottage with planked wood walls and lots of quirky original charm, I definitely take a cue from the age and details in our cottage to help inspire the holiday decorations each year.
In our main home, I tend to lean more French cottage and French country with some lighter, more romantic touches mixed in. You will find soft pinks mingling with golds, baskets of vintage glass ornaments and lots of fresh greenery and clippings.
Pieces of fruit mixed with fresh bay leaves as a centerpiece brings nature indoors and gives a natural cottage charm to the dining room. I also used the bay leaves for garlands on several of the mantels.
In the little cottage, which is a separate small house on our property, I definitely lean more traditional cottage — fresh greens and natural touches are a first choice there as well.
A pine wreath on a door that serves as decoration is simple and all that is needed in the dining area.
In the kitchen, a cedar garland accents the stairs, while fresh clippings are tucked among white ironstone atop the cupboard.
Simple touches like ice skates or a rocking horse are perfect for adding a bit of that country cottage charm.
My mantra for decorating all year long, and at Christmas, is that simple is best.
From making fresh wreaths and garland to bringing lots of nature inside, one of the things that I love about cottage inspired Christmas decor are those natural, simple and welcoming touches that help bring the magic of the season into your home.
To learn how to make your own fresh cedar wreath, see the DIY tutorial here!
Courtney writes the French Country Cottage blog, where she shares romantic-inspired lifestyle and design inspirations, and takes you along for the journey while renovating her 1940′s cottage. Connect with and read more about Courtney on her blog!