Let’s talk farmhouse Christmas décor

To say I’m excited about decorating the house for Christmas is an understatement! I have been fortunate to be able to remodel my grandparents’ 1950s farmhouse where my family and I now enjoy embracing nostalgia as well as making new memories of our own. Last year I wrote about our “cozy farmhouse” holiday theme. This year our holiday theme is “rustic chic farmhouse.” But you don’t have to actually live in a farmhouse to have a farmhouse Christmas. You can infuse your home with a farmhouse essence rather simply with nostalgic fabrics, natural textures, and simple decorations.

Let’s talk farmhouse Christmas décor. French Country Stripes (also known as ticking stripes) is a timeless element. This simple but striking pattern was originally used on flour sacks but has now made its way onto everything from pillows and furniture, to ribbon! I found some ribbon with this pattern at my local craft store and am very excited to use it for decorating our tree and wreath. I’ve also noticed some stores selling table cloths and table runners with the French Country Stripe pattern which is a great place for additional accents.

Another suggestion is to keep your greenery and color palette simple. In the olden days, farmhouse interiors were quite sparse. To maintain this “less is more” tradition, I’m keeping my wreaths and tree bare this year with the exception of the striped bows. And for colors, I like to stick to a basic white canvas or neutral background.

Use heirlooms in your decor, don’t hide them away in a trunk! Matelasse coverlets and bedspreads always make me think of my grandma. I have one on the bed in our guest bedroom and also use them as slipcovers for chairs and loveseats. We even used one under the tree this year. You can find beautiful pieces for great prices at antique and thrift stores. Speaking of fabric, I try to use natural textured fabrics as often as I can. For the frugal decorator, flour sacks and drop cloths are affordable and durable.

Holiday paper houses create miniature winter village scenes to illuminate mantles and shelves with holiday wonder. They can be found everywhere from craft stores to chain stores as display-ready sets or separate pieces, or as a DIY craft kit, which can turn them into family keepsakes if you involve the kids.

Go natural! Natural elements and textures like wood, stone, and old brick are classic farmhouse style. I am blessed to have several of these elements already on hand thanks to my grandparents.

I hope you found at least one idea to inspire you here.  Wishing you the Merriest of Christmases and a wonderful holiday season.

Krista Cunningham
Columbian Advertising & Marketing Guru
Hobby Farmer & Countrygirl