Holidays Archives - French Country Cottage https://www.frenchcountrycottage.net/tag/holidays/ Mon, 08 Jan 2024 21:20:32 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.0.3 https://www.frenchcountrycottage.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/french-country-cottage-favicon-150x150.jpg Holidays Archives - French Country Cottage https://www.frenchcountrycottage.net/tag/holidays/ 32 32 How to turn Holiday into Cozy Winter decor https://www.frenchcountrycottage.net/5-tips-to-turn-holiday-decor-into-winter-decor/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=5-tips-to-turn-holiday-decor-into-winter-decor https://www.frenchcountrycottage.net/5-tips-to-turn-holiday-decor-into-winter-decor/#comments Mon, 08 Jan 2024 05:09:00 +0000 https://www.frenchcountrycottage.net/?p=31795 It has been a bit of busy work and a bit of slow rolling over here after Christmas and New Years- and while packing up Christmas – that chill of winter brings all kinds of cozy winter decor ideas. Winter Decor In January I tend to share ways to warm up the house and decorate…

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It has been a bit of busy work and a bit of slow rolling over here after Christmas and New Years- and while packing up Christmas – that chill of winter brings all kinds of cozy winter decor ideas.

winter living room

Winter Decor

In January I tend to share ways to warm up the house and decorate it for winter using what you have on hand- rather than bringing home More and New– it is more about decluttering and removing decor and extras that make the house feel too busy. January is a bit of a reset – and while you may be inspired to start a fresh new way of living or redecorating- you can also simply repurpose what is on hand and make it feel fresh and new and that is exactly what we are talking about today. Taking holiday decor and enjoying it for winter decor.

Natural Decor

The first look is so simple- it is using natural elements for winter decor. 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 and clean 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

Cozy Fireplace Village Decor

I know I have shared this village several times already- but it is up in this same spot in my bedroom even now. I think of the village as a winter decor piece- it adds a warm cozy glow and ambiance but doesn’t feel Christmasy by itself. Add some candles and create a spot to sip coffee and enjoy. Even better- you can grab the fireplace village 50% off Clearance priced right nowShop HERE

Garlands

If you are feeling more green- you can leave your garlands up in the house for winter decor- especially if they are undecorated greens- without ornaments, etc. they are then just more like ‘greens’. I have this mantel garland in the bedroom up yet- it is a eucalyptus garland that I added fresh roses and other bits too so it doesn’t have the crisp factor that cedar or pine foliage has. I just removed the stockings and other ‘Christmasy’ bits.

Floral Christmas Mantel Garland

And I was also tempted to leave the doorway garland up for a bit- it was simple greens and looked so pretty framing the inside of the entry doorway. I think if you like the greens – why not enjoy them longer if you want to.

Candles

Leave out extra holiday candles for all kinds of cozy ambiance for winter decor. I have a large green mercury glass Christmas candle that is burned out now- but the simple vessel is perfect for tucking tea lights into and enjoying. You can keep your dinner party candles out, the tapers, etc. and don’t forget the faux candles for ambiance without the worry of real candles.

I hope this gives you some ideas for Christmas to winter decor. I will share some of my favorite winter decor items right now soon. Happy Winter Decorating all.

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Last minute treats and sweets ideas https://www.frenchcountrycottage.net/last-minute-treats-and-sweets-ideas/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=last-minute-treats-and-sweets-ideas https://www.frenchcountrycottage.net/last-minute-treats-and-sweets-ideas/#comments Mon, 23 Dec 2019 20:17:00 +0000 https://frenchcountrycottagenet.bigscoots-staging.com/2019/12/last-minute-treats-and-sweets-ideas.html Merry Christmas Eve eve all. I am baking away today over here – and figured you just might be doing the same.  So I thought I would share a few tried and true nibbles and sweets recipes  in case you are looking for something to make last minute before guests arrive. Some of my favorite…

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Merry Christmas Eve eve all.
I am baking away today over here – and figured you just might be doing the same. 
So I thought I would share a few tried and true nibbles and sweets recipes 
in case you are looking for something to make last minute before guests arrive.

Some of my favorite things to put together for guests?
Cheese boards… so easy and so good. And so perfect for customizing how ever you would like.
And carmelized pecan and cranberry brie en croute. Because. Brie. And pecans = yum.
Or maybe you are more of a cheesecake kind of baker?  
Here is one for simple Oreo cheesecake

Here are a round up of 8 recipe ideas for some treats and sweets to serve – 
I am off to do a bit of baking. 
Merry Christmas Eve eve all.

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Shades of Winter White Christmas & Balsam Hill 12 bloggers https://www.frenchcountrycottage.net/shades-of-winter-whites-balsam-hill-12/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=shades-of-winter-whites-balsam-hill-12 https://www.frenchcountrycottage.net/shades-of-winter-whites-balsam-hill-12/#comments Mon, 18 Nov 2019 19:00:00 +0000 https://frenchcountrycottagenet.bigscoots-staging.com/2019/11/shades-of-winter-whites-balsam-hill-12.html A little sprinkle of Christmas magic on a tree touched with frosty snow. This frosted Christmas tree started out with a simple idea from a simple theme this year- Shades of Wintery White. Balsam Hill’s 12 Bloggers of Christmas is such a wonderful tour every year- and this year- they decided to mix it up…

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A little sprinkle of Christmas magic on a tree touched with frosty snow.

This frosted Christmas tree started out with a simple idea from a simple
theme this year- Shades of Wintery White.
Balsam Hill’s 12 Bloggers of Christmas is such a wonderful tour every year-
and this year- they decided to mix it up a bit and do something fun and
give each blogger a ‘theme’ or inspiration to base their tree decor off of-
and for this tree- it was Winter White.
Winter White brings to mind snow topped mountains, sugar sprinkled pines
and hot cocoa by the fire outside.
And it also makes me think of a quintessentially charming & elegant French style –
 where it is all about layers of patina and muted colors telling the story.
One that has shades of white, cream, palest of blues and grays and more all
 mingling together.
And since my living room Christmas tree is generally a
frosted golden glowing beauty
this was a perfect theme for me this year.
The Winter White decorating theme at Balsam Hill is full of
 icy whites, silvers and shimmery touches.
Think- snowflakes, baubles topped with icicles, frosted branches and
strands of rhinestone beads.
I started with a frosty tree-
 the brand new Frosted Yukon Spruce
This frosted tree has a slightly wonky and unique tree shape-
much like a tree you would find in nature.
It is a narrow profile- which means it doesn’t take up as much space as some of those chubby trees
and so it is perfect for adding nearly anywhere.
It is the imperfect profile that makes it such a cutie-with are deeper for hanging chunky ornaments
and filling them in- and then there is that sprinkle of snow…
 it is heavily flocked with that beautiful snow.
And when you turn it on- it absolutely glows and fills the room with warm light.
A secret… between you and me- I almost left it mostly bare.
Because that frosted Spruce looked absolutely incredible just as it was when I first it up.
But I had those gorgeous Winter White elements to add – and they are beyond so pretty.
I started with these Winter White Ornaments
With the Winter Whites- I decided to warm them up a bit with a few golds.
I used new French Country Gold ornaments- as well as the Beaded Gold ornaments
along with a few others from other sets.
For a touch of whimsy, I draped the branches
with layers of beaded &  rhinestone garlands.
Garlands are one of my favorite touches on a tree- they are so simple
and elegant and even a bare tree with just twinkle lights and beads has a huge amount of charm.
Another favorite tip is to use simple unadorned ornaments along with the
delicate, detailed exquisite ones.
Some of my favorites are the matte and glossy European Essentials in white.
mixed in with the delicious details- they add a sweet touch and balance.
Though this tree is a a tad more simple than ones I have done in the past-
I am finding myself yearning for that simplicity – and simple elegance.
Of course- on the opposite side of simplicity- this is just one of the trees that are twinkling away
already this season
Shop the Look here 
more of that Winter White decor in the living room
and a closer look at the mantel.
As well- Don’t miss following Balsam Hill on FB and Instagram
they are running  a 12 Days of Giveaways starting today you can find out more
Don’t miss what my friends are sharing today too
Happy holiday decorating everyone!

* I am Balsam Hill’s Brand Ambassador but all opinions and my love of Balsam Hill are my own.

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8 ideas for unique tree stands https://www.frenchcountrycottage.net/8-ideas-for-unique-tree-stands/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=8-ideas-for-unique-tree-stands https://www.frenchcountrycottage.net/8-ideas-for-unique-tree-stands/#comments Mon, 11 Nov 2019 19:23:00 +0000 https://frenchcountrycottagenet.bigscoots-staging.com/2019/11/8-ideas-for-unique-tree-stands.html   When it comes to Christmas trees- the more the merrier in my opinion. And when it comes to setting them up- I am all about different and unique ways to display those twinkling beauties.  Today it is all about thinking outside the tree stand box with  a few ideas to try this year You…

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When it comes to Christmas trees- the more the merrier in my opinion.
And when it comes to setting them up- I am all about different and unique ways to display those twinkling beauties. 
Today it is all about thinking outside the tree stand box with 
a few ideas to try this year

You know those tree stands.
The ones that are made out of wood or metal that splay to the sides 
and have little pins to hold those twinkling trees up all season long.
They are fabulous. And all you need to do is place a tree skirt underneath 
and they are a beautiful addition to your room.
And I love a gorgeous tree skirt as much as the next person. 
I have been known to wrap blankets, yards of fabric and even faux fur underneath for a different look.
But that isn’t all you can do.
And today it is all about a few different ideas for different sized trees.

An iron urn
This is a blast from the waaaay back past.
 But I loved using this little spindly tree inside this iron urn.
A bonus- this tree was a short one- and placing it in the urn gave it that extra height it needed to really fill the space.
A French Inspired Stand

This is a gorgeous one- and one of my favorites. Unfortunately it isn’t available any longer
but you can find similar bases for a similar look.
Burlap 

This is great for a small tree in a pot- just wrap it with burlap and tie with twine.
The only caveat- make sure to remove the burlap when watering and then put it back when the tree is done draining or you will have a moldy burlap mess underneath.
Tree in a bucket

A faded vintage pail is a perfect container for a wee tree.
Simply set your tree inside and enjoy.

In a Basket

Or in a basket. 
This tree is a chunky big boy and chunky wicker basket was perfect. This is actually a tree stand- it has a piece that slips inside so all you have to do is plop your tree into it and voila!
Find similar wicker basket tree stands here.
In Vintage Silver

This is a small tree in a little silver champagne bucket- easy and elegant. 
And these little cuties are even smaller- just about 5″ tall- they were perfect tucked inside silver sugar and pitchers on the mantel.

 In a vintage blue bucket
Or yellow, red, pink, etc- I love this one. 
This is the Balsam Hill Baby Sanibel Spruce tucked inside a vintage bucket.
Beyond adorable- and I basically keep moving it around because I love it everywhere. 
In a wood crate
You will be seeing more of this styling soon- 
 but yes indeed- that is a 7′ Sanibel Spruce tree tucked inside a wood crate.
You can either brace it with wood or rocks inside the crate- or if your crate is large enough use a stand inside.
Stay tuned for another round of ideas in another post coming your way- 
and a quick note that Balsam Hill is having a 40% OFF sale for Veterans Day today
 and these trees I have shared are on a pretty good sale 
if one (or several!) are talking to you.
AND even better- 
Something fun this season- 
Take an EXTRA 10% off your order of $250 or more at Balsam Hill
with code:

FCC10OFF
Happy Monday all.

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French Country Fridays- White Christmas Mantel https://www.frenchcountrycottage.net/french-country-fridays-white-christmas/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=french-country-fridays-white-christmas https://www.frenchcountrycottage.net/french-country-fridays-white-christmas/#comments Fri, 08 Nov 2019 16:00:00 +0000 https://frenchcountrycottagenet.bigscoots-staging.com/2019/11/french-country-fridays-white-christmas.html It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas over here… and today it is all about vintage White Christmas on the mantel. White Christmas… with shades of creams and layers of creamy white goodness. Sprinkled with a bit of vintage charm and fresh flowers… of course. 🙂 You can read more in my post…

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It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas over here…
white Christmas mantel
and today it is all about vintage White Christmas on the mantel.

White Christmas… with shades of creams and layers of creamy white goodness.
Sprinkled with a bit of vintage charm and fresh flowers… of course. 🙂
You can read more in my post HERE
French Country Fridays logo
Using a Pink Christmas Tree for Romantic Holiday Style
SimpleChristmasVignette
white Christmas mantel
MaisondeCinqxmasDiningRoom
FCF 92 holiday planner shabbyfufu

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Christmas Kitchen Peek https://www.frenchcountrycottage.net/christmas-kitchen-peek/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=christmas-kitchen-peek https://www.frenchcountrycottage.net/christmas-kitchen-peek/#comments Wed, 06 Nov 2019 16:00:00 +0000 https://frenchcountrycottagenet.bigscoots-staging.com/2019/11/christmas-kitchen-peek.html It is that time of year… When everything is sprinkled with a bit of Christmas magic. Including the kitchen. Though I have to be honest… I am running behind on a few things over here with Christmas. Mainly waiting on fresh greens for the kitchen – it didn’t arrive in time to get this post…

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It is that time of year…
When everything is sprinkled with a bit of Christmas magic.
Including the kitchen.

Though I have to be honest… I am running behind on a few things over here with Christmas. Mainly waiting on fresh greens for the kitchen – it didn’t arrive in time to get this post done. 
Which means- a peek is it today & a look at Christmas past.
Thanks so much to my friend Kristen for hosting our  Holiday blog series- one of my favorites every year! 
One of my favorite things about Christmas? 
The twinkles.

Whether on a tree, a mantel or on a little tree in a little pot in the kitchen. 
This is a wee  (3′ tall) Sanibel Spruce from Balsam Hill. 
You might remember seeing this tree in a full tree size before- it is such a gorgeous sage green color that absolutely glows when lit.
I love the simple look and charm it has.  Currently it is just wearing a bit of citrus for decor-so easy to decorate with and you can add a few or a cover the tree and it is beautiful.
Seriously in love with the citrus touches this year- and you will be seeing more
 of them popping up soon.

A vintage copper mold filled with persimmons echo’s the warmth of the citrus. 
It is a simple, yet sweet and very little sprinkle of holiday cheer in here for now- and this cute tree is already on the move somewhere else  so stay tuned for how the kitchen
 looks when it is wrapped up soon.

Something fun this season- 
Take an EXTRA 10% off your order of $250 or more at Balsam Hill
with code:

FCC10OFF

Don’t miss any of these gorgeous posts that my friends are sharing this week- always in awe of their beautiful posts! 

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New Year Reflections & Possibilities https://www.frenchcountrycottage.net/new-year-reflections-possibilities/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=new-year-reflections-possibilities https://www.frenchcountrycottage.net/new-year-reflections-possibilities/#comments Mon, 07 Jan 2019 22:38:00 +0000 https://frenchcountrycottagenet.bigscoots-staging.com/2019/01/new-year-reflections-possibilities.html Can you believe it is already the 7th of January in the new year? Where did the year go? Not just days… more like weeks.  2018  absolutely zoomed by. And today, I am looking back and sharing my thoughts and reflections on the year that was and dreaming about new possibilities. I have been on…

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Can you believe it is already the 7th of January in the new year?
Where did the year go? Not just days… more like weeks. 
2018  absolutely zoomed by.
And today, I am looking back and sharing my thoughts and reflections on the year that was and dreaming about new possibilities.

I have been on a bit of a break here on the blog.
And it has been wonderful.
Starting the year with a rested and rejuvenated mindset and a grateful heart.
And here we are- back to work this first full week of 2019 and I am SO excited to share so much with you this year. 
And first- one of my favorite posts of the year every year-
reflecting and being thankful for the year that was and dreaming about possibilities in the new one. 
New experiences, new people and friends old and new-
 and big dreams coming to life.

Like most years, there were ups and there were downs. 
There were some things close to my heart personally that took a bit of a toll- 
and there were things I learned from trusting too much in others.

And I know that it was a hard year for so many and I hope that 2019 brings good your way
and many more smiles than tears.

 2018 

Grateful.
A year of long held dreams and lots of hard work for many years 

coming to fruition. 
The Year of the Book 
2018 brought a huge dream to life. 
A dream that started long ago as a little tiny spark in childhood
and grew again the the day we bought this house and again when I started this blog.
And that was a dream that I kept working towards and felt like was just beyond reach until I held that contract in my hands in 2017. 
It was the year of my First Book being published.
(can I write that again?!) 

The book brought 224 pages of this house to print.
It told the story of why I love flowers, playing house and what shaped my vision.
How this house taught me about who I am without even realizing it. 
And the book brought much more along with it. 
Wonderful celebrations with my friends, design idols  and colleagues
and it brought meeting and hugging so many of you in real life.
I feel like I have known you for years and to finally meet you was such a treat for me.
And it brought some lessons that helped me grow.
Being in front of people. Speaking. Signing books. Media appearances.
It sounds simple- but for someone behind the computer most times?
A little out of the comfort zone. 
With the book, I had to be comfortable with sharing more of ‘me’ 
 and not being able to edit it if/when someone critiqued me for being too emotional.
Once it is in print- it is in print- it isn’t a blog you can edit whenever you like.
So a big lesson in 2018 was becoming okay with sharing more of my emotional side
& getting used to feeling a bit out there.

Opening Doors

The year also brought some of the other dreams that had been in the works for awhile to fruition. 
My first licensed collection for French Country Cottage  launched in March- 
And 2018 strengthened relationships with other brands I work with
 and brought some new ones to the mix
and some changes with some of the others.

I made a conscious decision to cut back in 2018.
Not necessarily an easy decision since this blog is my job
and contributes to our family income.  
But there were goals and dreams that needed my attention and my book
was almost ready to be born and it was just a baby and needed to be raised.
 And the funny thing,  as I focused on things more in line with my goals-
it was as if the universe approved-
new doors with better fit wonderful opportunities opened up.

It really was a year full of growing, learning, trusting and becoming.

New Year- New Possibilities 

365 days in a book full of blank pages and possibilities.  
Dreams. Goals. And taking baby steps towards them every day.
My oldest son is a personal trainer.
And he gives a bit of motivational speeches almost daily on his page (mixed in with his colorful language) and huge amount of energy- and his focus and words remind and encourage me.
Much like getting  those ‘abs’ or losing that 10 lbs doesn’t happen just by thinking about
them.
Dreams take more than dreaming about them. 
And steps on the right path add up to big things.
Even baby steps.
I guess when I look back at where it started to now…
I think I might have said it best last year…
Dreams and this blog
that began one day on a whim are proof 
that sometimes you start walking in a direction
not knowing where that path might take you.
And one day, you find yourself somewhere that is exactly
where you needed to be.



So if you have big dreams that you feel like are so far off – 
just start walking. 
Take that first step. Then the second. And third. 
Plant those dream seedlings and nurture them. 
Focus on them, eat, sleep, breathe them.
Some of the smallest of baby steps that I have taken
have led to the biggest of dreams starting to be nurtured.

I am Grateful


2018  brought so much to be so grateful for.
And that absolutely includes each of you. 
You are all a huge part of the French Country Cottage family and community
 and I am so thankful to you for your kind words and friendship 
and for your  support of my blog and of me this year.
Your comments, emails and words of encouragement and thoughts are huge to me.
Without you- French Country Cottage as it is- wouldn’t be.

Welcome 2019

I am excited for you.

A new year with blank pages that are full of  Possibilities.

Dreams, magic filled moments & beautiful memories 
just waiting to be written.

I hope you are excited too and are looking at the new year as
one full of goodness just waiting to be discovered.


Here is to a healthy happy new year sprinkled with a 
whole lot of magic and dreams come true
 for all of us.

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A merry little greenhouse Christmas tree https://www.frenchcountrycottage.net/a-merry-little-greenhouse-christmas-tree/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=a-merry-little-greenhouse-christmas-tree https://www.frenchcountrycottage.net/a-merry-little-greenhouse-christmas-tree/#comments Mon, 10 Dec 2018 18:41:00 +0000 https://frenchcountrycottagenet.bigscoots-staging.com/2018/12/a-merry-little-greenhouse-christmas-tree.html All things merry and bright… even in the greenhouse. And can you believe that it is the 10th. of. December? The 10th.  I have not even decorated the cottage bedroom yet.  That is on the to-do list this week. But other than that and a couple other things- all things are merry and bright over…

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All things merry and bright… even in the greenhouse.

And can you believe that it is the 10th. of. December?
The 10th. 
I have not even decorated the cottage bedroom yet. 
That is on the to-do list this week.
But other than that and a couple other things- all things are merry and bright over here
and today, I am sharing a peek at the greenhouse decorated for Christmas this year.
The greenhouse is set just beyond our outdoor areas in the backyard. 
Follow the path underneath the apple tree and next to the cottage flower garden and there it is.
And this year, I was feeling simple out here.
Just a few fresh garlands, a wreath, twinkle lights
 and a sweet little tree.

Along with some pretty.

The greenhouse is one of those magical little spots in the yard.
With a pea gravel floor and an abundance of little windows
the greenhouse has a ton of charm within those walls.

Add a chandelier and a twinkling tree and it is kind of like a sweet little wonder room.
This year, instead of a full tree-
 I brought one of the Frosted Alpine Balsam Fir trees
 from Balsam Hill out here.

They are one of my favorites with their dainty sparse Charlie Brown-esque look.
And out here, I decorated it with just delicate glass garlands

A hat box full of baubles just waiting to be hung on the tree 

and a few candles for a bit of a warm glow while working 
I am all about simple this year and this was perfect for the mood I was trying to achieve.
For an extra bit of dazzle, 
I strung a few lighted star garlands on the back windows for an added touch of charm
and then called it good. 

Simple and sweet- with just a sprinkle of Merry & Bright inside the greenhouse.
And am working on a photos today that are all about outdoor twinkle for Christmas 
and will be sharing the charming look that the outside of the greenhouse has very soon.
Shop the look:
Happy Monday everyone.

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Merry & Bright- Cottage Living Room Christmas Tree https://www.frenchcountrycottage.net/merry-bright-cottage-living-roo/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=merry-bright-cottage-living-roo https://www.frenchcountrycottage.net/merry-bright-cottage-living-roo/#comments Fri, 30 Nov 2018 18:45:00 +0000 https://frenchcountrycottagenet.bigscoots-staging.com/2018/11/merry-bright-cottage-living-roo.html All things Merry & Bright in the little cottage… Today I am sharing a peek at the living room in the little cottage dressed for the holidays and joining several friends sharing their homes too. I am so excited to be sharing a first peek at the little cottage dressed for Christmas today. And I…

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All things Merry & Bright in the little cottage…
Today I am sharing a peek at the living room in the little cottage dressed for the holidays
and joining several friends sharing their homes too.

I am so excited to be sharing a first peek at the little cottage dressed for Christmas
today. And I am joining my Balsam Hill Family as well as several amazing bloggers 
sharing their trees too. 
Little Cottage Living Room Tree
For me with Christmas – inspiration always comes from one of my favorite Christmas movies…
Home Alone.
The grand architecture and elegant yet homey feeling the house had always spoke to me.
I am one of those people who craves classic touches with a twist. 
Something that speaks original and yet feels fresh.
In the little cottage- which is a smaller home on our property…
 it is a bit more rustic
a tad more masculine and it just feels a little more ‘cottage’ than French…
well, it did… until recently.
A new antique addition out in the living room has inspired a whole new look and feeling.
One with book cases filled with antique books in perfect symmetry flanking the sides of the fireplace.
And that marble mantel and front- the one with the curved details and carved pediment? 
It is regal and elegant  in feeling- much like one that might have been in a grand dining room.
(More on this new antique addition here soon)
And that mantel became a perfect backdrop for garlands and also
for a most merry of Christmas trees.
One that feels a little bit New Orleans to me.
A tree draped in crystal and pearl garlands 
and then topped with a lovely ornament garland for a simple touch.
The tree overall dotted with just a few golden baubles.
I wanted something simple in this room.
Not Christmas overload… 
but also no less festive or merry and bright.
I started with a 9′ Frosted Alpine Fir from Balsam Hill.
This is the same spindly little tree that you will see on repeat in our home
it is one of my favorites.
It also made an appearance in my book (here) 
And I am showing photos in daylight, evening light and with no lights on to 
give you a better idea of how it looks.
With dainty branches and lots of space in between them
this is a tree that can be overloaded with chunky ornaments 
or dressed more simply and elegantly.
So I stuck with mostly the garlands for an elegant yet simple look.

I love the way the garlands can be layered for a lux feeling
without taking away from the dainty feeling of the tree and looking  too heavy.
And it kind of feels like they were just tossed and landed on those branches creating a 
lovely and charming decoration.
And look at the golden glow that fills the room.

On the mantel- 
A wee house village glows like a charming little Christmas town.
I started with that adorable little Christmas village tree collar I shared in the attic last week
It is intended to go around the base of a tree- but I knew it would work perfectly on the mantel too 
and provides and extra layer of warmth and ambiance.

I also showed the mantel with just the candlesticks for a more simple approach
I love it both ways.
Simple. Sweet. Charming. And a little different for me- but such a fun styling 
to work on this season. 
Shop the look here:
I am joining these sweet friends sharing their Balsam Hill trees today as well.

Happy Friday everyone.
Disclosure
I work with Balsam Hill as their Ambassador but all opinions and love of all things Christmas and their products are my own. 

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Elegant Christmas- Gold tree in the bedroom https://www.frenchcountrycottage.net/elegant-christmas-gold-tree-in-bedroo/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=elegant-christmas-gold-tree-in-bedroo https://www.frenchcountrycottage.net/elegant-christmas-gold-tree-in-bedroo/#comments Fri, 23 Nov 2018 15:00:00 +0000 https://frenchcountrycottagenet.bigscoots-staging.com/2018/11/elegant-christmas-gold-tree-in-bedroo.html It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…. and today I am sharing all about an incredible gilded tree in the bedroom. Sometimes you find a tree that speaks your language. And sometimes you find several. The Frosted Fraser Fir is one of them. I cannot get enough of their snow sprinkled branches.  And the…

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It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas….
and today I am sharing all about an incredible gilded tree in the bedroom.

Sometimes you find a tree that speaks your language.
And sometimes you find several.
The Frosted Fraser Fir is one of them.
I cannot get enough of their snow sprinkled branches. 
And the Alpine Balsam with that dainty Charlie Brown style charm makes me smile.
And I was pretty sure I wasn’t going to order another large tree this year…
and then I saw something sprinkled with a Midas Touch.
Something that glistened.
And glimmered.
And glowed like no other.
A Champagne tree sprinkled with a bit of pixie dust.
Truth be told… I have wanted a gold tree for years. 
But not a tinsel gold… one that was regal. Vintage inspired. And oh so elegant.
And so when I saw that Balsam Hill had a champagne tree in this years line up-
well, I knew it would be spectacular.
I anxiously awaited for it to arrive.
And when it did- it did not disappoint.
I almost left it bare- just twinkling away.
But I had a vision.
I added simple white ornaments in glossy and matte finishes
just a few blush baubles
 a few opaque whites
and 
gilded wire ornaments.
Not too much- but just enough.

And called it good.

Lots of questions about those charming paper boxes too- they are actually the boxes that the white ornaments came in. They are a corrugated brown paper and so sweet 
that I used them as gift boxes as well.
And stay tuned for the rest of the bedroom dressed for Christmas coming your way
and don’t miss any of the other bloggers sharing their trees today for 

Balsam Hill’s 12 Bloggers of Christmas

November 24th
November 25th
Shop the look here:

Disclosure-
I am Balsam Hill’s Brand Ambassador
but all opinions and love of Balsam Hill and their products are my own.

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