It has been a bit of a whirlwind of busy work after Christmas and New Years. The bathroom renovation in the little cottage has been eating up a lot of time every day- and my new nail polish kind of resembles Snow White tile grout.
Did I mention that the original design plan went from simple to complicated and a whole lot of ‘extra’ ? Yeah, I have a way of finding inspiration while in the middle of working on something. And the straight path becomes a bit more like a rambling path through the forest.
But the good news? It is ALMOST DONE. But all that time on that tiling meandering path combined with a face pounding sinus infection? I have been moving slower than usual and well, the house is looking like twinkling trees and holly jolly Christmas yet. I haven’t had time to get anything packed away yet. So that means- I am looking at Christmas as Winter Decor right now. I have repurposed holiday elements into winter many times- so it isn’t totally crazy over here.
In January I tend to share ways to warm up the house and decorate it for winter using what you have on hand- and that is exactly what I am talking about today.
Natural Decor
The first look is so simple- it is using natural elements. I love pinecones and clippings for the holidays- and you can use those same things for winter decor.
Leave that pinecone wreath up and take away the glittery baubles for a fresh winter feeling. If you don’t have a wreath- a basket of pinecones or even just a few pinecones scattered on the nightstand or mantel will add the same feeling.
Twinkle lights
Leftover from Christmas stylings- leave a few strands of twinkle lights to the firebox, mantel or even on a side table. A perfect way to cozy up and create a bit of winter ambiance.
Greens on the mantel
The mantel can be one spot that feels especially bare after the holidays. Something I have done before is to pack away the Christmas elements- like the stockings, baubles, etc. and leave just the greens up and bring in a few flowers for a fresh look.
Dried Wreath
A similar idea to above- this eucalyptus wreath was fresh- and dried over the holiday season. I always have a hard time tossing green wreaths that dry so beautifully- so I leave them up and enjoy them year round.
Add Flowers to Holiday Greens
Those bundles of sprigs of pine and eucalyptus? You can grab them for song at the grocery store after the holidays. And just because those greens are generally ‘Christmas’ doesn’t mean you can’t use them for Winter decor.
I created this 20 Minute floral arrangement last year – and it is such a simple way to take those holiday clippings and greens and turn them into a fresh winter bouquet to warm up the house. You can read the full how to create this bouquet post HERE
Happy Winter Decorating all.
I absolutely love the pine cone wreath! Is there a tutorial somewhere on how to make it?
Hi there,
I actually just bought this one a few years ago- but I will see if I can come up with a how-to on making one.
Hi Courtney! I love your way of warming up winter, great ideas! SPEAKING of renovating your little cottage….I am a bit behind catching up on your blogs. I absolutely love your English vibe in the cottage KITCHEN. Can you please provide your resource for the mustard color pot with THE mini olive tree? As well as the LOVELY dish towel with the mint color STRIPE? Love your copper too! 😊 Thank YOU for All your blogs, they are my happy place! 🤗
Hi there, The mustard pot is a local store find from probably about 10 years ago- and the mint towel from a thrift store- it is vintage. Thanks so much for stopping by!! 🙂
One more thing….my kitchen is very similar in color and design to your little COTTAGE and open to the living room and dining room. of all your 12 TREES of CHRISTMAs, which tree styling would you pick for me if I have the silverado slim? I am torn between a COUPLE.😀 I would value your opinion! Can’t wait to see your updates!
Hi Michelle!
Oh gosh- I don’t think you could go wrong with any of the stylings with the Silverado Slim. I would ask what your favorite color is and what type decor you love for the holidays- and go from there. My vote would be to go with what color makes you happiest- or what type of scheme makes you happiest. I have decorated the little cottage with bold reds, vintage pinks, glamorous golds, blues- they all work perfectly. And the Silverado is such a gorgeous color – it would go well with any of the colors.
A wonderful post
I am always inspired by your features. I,too, have turned my home to winter wonderland. I used white wooden birdcages and adorned them with silver snowflakes, white birds, white roses and such and don’t forget the white pine cones!
Hi Courtney! THANK you for your RESPONSES! My two picks are the vintage Modern capriz garland star tree and the Nostalgic Attic tree. so opposites and love both. my husband likes a wee touch of red. I normally don’t do red…..I love my winter wishes rose pink ornaments this year, but your way of using red and other the TONEs you did with your Attic tree made my heart flutter. So much detail. Just wonder if I will capture that on my Silverado vs. your frosted?? And, the little houses are sold out. Loved your DIY project too! 😊 Your thoughts between the two? Thank you for your time!! I LOVE your home and your style!
Hi there, I think the red and white in the attic tree styling works well with green trees also. I showed some of the same ornaments on one of the slim tree look- so that might give you an idea. The Silverado slim has such a lovely shade of green that I really think you could get away with any of the looks. The Capiz star garland ornaments would be beautiful as well- I had them on them on the mantel and also in the barn in a couple of stylings on green so that might help give you an idea. Hopefully they will bring the houses garland back next year also- they are so cute!
Hope that helps!
Very helpful, THANK you Courtney! 🧡 You make it all seem so easy. I will follow my heart. You are right, I also love the color of the Silverado Slim! Such a soft GREEN shade. Maybe I just NEED to ad another tree to our home to fuLLFILL both my LIKINGS of your stylings.😊
LOVE that pinecone wreath!!! Beautiful