Hello friends! Wow, I say this all the time, but it sure seems like this season is flying by. I’d love for time to slow down a bit so we can really savor every bit of this very joyous season. It’s never been about gifts for us, and certainly this year is a testament to that with out-of-sight inflation hitting most of us hard. Focusing on what really matters is more important than ever.
I do enjoy making my home feel festive and welcoming this season, and I’ve once again used things I had, could borrow from mother or forage from the property, to give my kitchen and dining area some Christmas spirit.
I actually simplified things a bit – well simple in the maximalist way I approach everything.
I used one of the gray plaid scarves from last year for the table runner, and instead of a complicated centerpiece, like I usually create, I opted for an antique box simply filled with greenery and berries. The two oil lamps from the old house are in their usual place on each end.
We always use the Christopher Radko Holiday Celebrations as our everyday dinnerware during Christmas. I’m a firm believer that it needs to be used, not stored away in a cabinet. I bought this china about 12 years ago, then mother added more plates.
I made the check napkins here, but for everyday we actually use two sets of plaid napkins I bought from amazon five or six years ago I’ll link here. They are wonderful for washing and just folding and really need no ironing.
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I always look forward to hanging my grandmother’s Christmas aprons, and one mother bought me years ago, on the screen door.
I remember her wearing fancy aprons on Christmas, as well as other special occasions when we were here for dinner.
I like to hang towels on the oven door specifically for color and pattern, so I used some of the Kaufmann Queensland fabric and a plaid kitchen towel I had.
A little cedar adds a festive touch to the Christmas plate. The little salt and pepper shakers were my grandmother’s, and they still have their original box.
My son looks forward to his hot chocolate station, so I keep it pretty simple with cups, hot chocolate mix and marshmallows. I borrowed the Johnson Brothers Friendly Village pieces from my mother.
These are the curtains and sink skirt I made from the scarves I bought last year, and I added a toile valance I made years ago.
Mother bought the Johnson Brothers Old Britain Castles pieces for me a few years back, and I’m loving how this pattern coordinates with the Friendly Village and my Brown Drip. I’ve had the 1971 ceramic tree for a while, but had not used it in years.
I love to add baskets of greenery and berries everywhere for a free and festive touch.
On the chandelier/pot rack, I layered a faux garland with fresh cedar, cypress and white pine branches then added some cinnamon ornaments my kids made and dried oranges from several years ago. This is definitely not the year to be wasting fresh oranges for decor!
One of my favorite things to decorate for Christmas is this inherited buffet.
I added some old silver pieces, including great grandmother’s cruet set then mixed in some glass pieces to keep it from looking too formal.
I used the window from the old house to display a few cards from my childhood, and a couple I found thrifting.
I bought the tinsel tree several years ago and thought it would really add to the vintage feel of this vignette.
On the other side of this room, I had red velvet curtains hanging, but really wanted to use the curtains my mother had in our dining room in the late 1970s as this print is so very happy. She made them from Cohama Karachi fabric, and what I’d give to find more of that fabric!
I also added a toile runner I made about 12 years ago to the piano because I loved how it coordinated with the curtains. An inherited quilt from great grandmother covers the bench I’m using at the piano.
Mother always buys a poinsettia for me, and my husband, from Puerto Rico, loves this reminder of Christmas there.
I bought this tree at Lowes in 2017, and I like to use it here beside the 1880s pump organ. I decorate it with popcorn garlands I made, paper snowflakes my children and husband made years ago, crocheted snowflakes my mother gave me, plaid stocking ornaments I made, (available in my shop) as well as ornaments I bought in Germany and Italy and a few other mismatched things I love.
I really have just used things I had to make this space feel festive, vintage, happy and have all the cottage flavor I feel a cozy, cottage kitchen needs. It’s a collected look that is unique to me, and I love that. My family loves it as well, and that is all the affirmation I need:-) My husband told me a few weeks ago how much he appreciates how I’ve made our home so cozy and full of Christmas spirit, and that meant the world to me. And that’s why I enjoy homemaking – and all the little things that go into that so much.
The thing is, it doesn’t have to be a lot – or every single space decorated, but just a few simple touches here and there can make all the difference. You have to do what works for you in your home – for your family. And that will be perfect friends:-)
Thanks so much for stopping by! I have a new video up on the channel with a super easy recipe for those potlucks and Christmas parties, so be sure to check that out.
If you missed the living room tour, you can check that out here.
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Breathtakingly beautiful. ….. And….. I absolutely adore the red curtains. So pretty
Author
Oh they’re my favorite mother, and I’m so glad to have them❤️
I enjoy watching your lovely videos. Thank you. I do have a question. I’ve been wanting some oil lamps. May I ask where you got yours.
Author
Most of mine have been here on the property for probably 100 years, but I do see them occasionally in antique shops and on eBay. I did however buy the hanging oil lamps by my mantel from antique lamp supply. I‘ll link them. Also Lehman’s Hardware is a good source. I’ve also seen them at Walmart here as well☺️
https://antiquelampsupply.com/
https://www.lehmans.com/
I love seeing your home. It is so cozy and welcoming.
Author
Thank you so much Beth☺️☺️
I love the decor so cheery and bright for Christmas. I just think it looks wonderful!
Author
Thank you Brenda☺️☺️
I truly enjoy all your posts, but your home is Christmas all year long and full of nostalgia and glorious collections. When are family items collections—always and it is fun to work them into everyday living. I always love unpacking a few holiday family items, and then they seem to linger somewhere until spring. Hugs and blessings for your holiday home and family, Sandi
Author
You so much for sharing that with me Sandi☺️☺️ Blessings and all the best to you this holiday season as well❤️
Hi Anita, everything is just beautiful! I love your use of bows and greenery in particular, they are a favorite of mine in my own decor during this season. And pine cones, can’t forget those, they are plentiful here. The borrowed floral curtains are just beautiful too, definitely cheerful and pretty!! Definitely my favorite Holiday home on IG!! Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Author
Thank you so much Carol, yes pinecones always. Funny when I lived in Georgia I used to pick up the pinecones at my brothers house and still have a bunch of those because they were so large. I appreciate you so much. Merry Christmas friend❤️❤️❤️
Your house is a dream and a beautiful reminder that we should cherish this life that God has given us. Thank you for sharing your home. Merry Christmas!
Author
Oh Kathy what beautifully kind words those are, thank you so very much☺️☺️☺️ Merry Christmas to you as well!!
Such beauty, love, and Christmas spirit, Anita🎄
Thank you for the joy and the peace you share with us🎄
I really love your Christmas dishes❣ And the stories…
Merry Christmas ❤💚❤💚❤
Author
I appreciate that so much Sue, thank you!!
Simply beautiful! Certain touches spoke to me…the “good” silver spoons in the cocoa mug…the balls piled up under the tinsel tree…2 trees close by one another. Dreamy!
Author
I’m so glad to hear that Nancy, thank you!!
Well you sure know how to nail the meaning of cozy!! Love the shelves and all mix of transferware with the Hull dishware. The plaid curtains are the best, the wood on the walls (you did a great job), adds that element of old world. Just so warm and colorful! Your recipe of mini cheese cakes looks so good too. Thanks for sharing, Happy Holidays and the best in 2023!
Author
Thank you so much Linda! That wood was so important to me and being able to have it here in this house is just very special, so thank you for noticing that☺️☺️ I appreciate so much your kind words and hope that you have a wonderful holiday season as well and a happy new year❤️❤️