Have Yourself a Rustic Christmas
Conjure a Yuletide on the prairie with plentiful greenery and other country-style holiday decorations
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.”
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.
A garland around the door and a welcoming wreath say Christmas no matter what your decorating style. Simple round balls on the garland brighten the entry to this wonderful Texas ranch home. The whitened skull is a bit more unusual, but you can’t say it isn’t country and natural.
See more of this creative ranch home in Texas
Tell us: How do your holiday decorations celebrate your own style?
See more of this creative ranch home in Texas
Tell us: How do your holiday decorations celebrate your own style?
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