Have Yourself a Rustic Christmas
It’s hard to ignore the allure of the “old-fashioned” Christmas.
Many of us grew up with the fantasy of the good old days, when everyone
traipsed through the snow to get a tree, decorated the cabin with live
pine branches, hung simple yet classic homemade
ornaments and sipped hot chocolate while singing carols around the
fire. We’d love to re-create it, even if, as in my case, while growing
up you were more apt to traipse through low, thick fog for the tree at a
lot, pine branches were few and far between, and ornaments on the tree
were a homey (yet very happy) combination of family heirlooms, souvenirs
from vacations and clumsily crafted Christmas projects brought home
from school.
If you suffer from delusions of fantasy Christmases past, it’s not as far-fetched as it might seem to re-create the look, even if you live in a high-rise apartment in the middle of the city. You don’t even need to change your everyday decor. With some well-placed greenery and plenty of softly lit candles, burlap ribbon and decorative objects made of unfinished wood, plus a few pinecones and berries, you’ll have a look that just might have you heading back to reread Little House on the Prairie. All you’ll need to provide is the hot chocolate and singing voices.
Finally, remember that this is your home and your family, not a magazine photo spread. So even though it may seem out of place, go ahead and hang that Styrofoam ball studded with sequins and put out the “Merry Christmas” plate your 5-year-old made. After all, these are your memories. Who knows, you might just start some traditions that will one day be looked to as part of “the good old days.”
If you suffer from delusions of fantasy Christmases past, it’s not as far-fetched as it might seem to re-create the look, even if you live in a high-rise apartment in the middle of the city. You don’t even need to change your everyday decor. With some well-placed greenery and plenty of softly lit candles, burlap ribbon and decorative objects made of unfinished wood, plus a few pinecones and berries, you’ll have a look that just might have you heading back to reread Little House on the Prairie. All you’ll need to provide is the hot chocolate and singing voices.
Finally, remember that this is your home and your family, not a magazine photo spread. So even though it may seem out of place, go ahead and hang that Styrofoam ball studded with sequins and put out the “Merry Christmas” plate your 5-year-old made. After all, these are your memories. Who knows, you might just start some traditions that will one day be looked to as part of “the good old days.”
Start with the basics. Lots of
greenery is a must. To spread the feeling of Christmas past throughout
the house, tuck some greenery into odd spots in different rooms. Adding a
few bright, impromptu touches like small balls of yarn will keep the
scenario from feeling too static.
Of course, a cabin is the ideal location for a rustic look. Add some brightly colored red and green pillows and a wreath to give it some holiday pop; otherwise, you could have a year-round look.
Choose your wreath style and see how to make one
Of course, a cabin is the ideal location for a rustic look. Add some brightly colored red and green pillows and a wreath to give it some holiday pop; otherwise, you could have a year-round look.
Choose your wreath style and see how to make one
Even if your home’s style doesn’t
exactly scream “country cabin,” it doesn’t mean you have to forgo the
look. The key is simplicity. Here the garlands are toned down in size,
and the wreath was replaced by greenery over a mirror. Burlap flags
across the fireplace provide a rustic touch that, surprisingly, doesn’t
look out of place.
Get a contractor’s tips to hanging holiday decor
Get a contractor’s tips to hanging holiday decor
Even though it may be tempting to
go all-out to decorate a traditional mantel and fireplace with greens,
ornaments and holiday figures, this simple arrangement is equally
effective.
A miniature sled found a home on this dining room table, serving as a landing spot for holiday greenery and ornaments.
Instead of putting all your
ornaments on a tree, corral some of them in a wagon. The cutout stars
and “Ho Ho Ho"s add a contemporary touch.
Traditional canning jars shine
brightly when they hold holiday candles. From the wooden box to the tray
to the jars themselves, the elements are homey and low key, but the
result is surprisingly elegant.
Similarly, consider placing tea
lights in jars set on a round wooden plank. The look is bright and
cheerful, thanks to the bright table runner and contemporary plates.
If you have room for just minor touches, simply nestle some greens with red berries into a canister. Almost any style will do.
Better yet, create the look of
miniature trees in country-inspired planters with boughs from the garden
(or tree lot). The mix shown here has a little of everything, from
crock to watering can to simple pottery, and arrangements like these can
be used inside or set outside in a protected area.
Garlands of green, simple wreaths and maybe a tree are the perfect combination for a rustic entry.
For an additional seasonal touch, add some classic winter play
equipment. This old-fashioned sled seems right at home against the log
facing …
… and ice skates hanging by the
front door add a bright note to the porch. The good thing about these is
that they can remain as part of your outdoor winter decor long after
you’ve taken down the lights and garlands.
