This was the first year of Christmas decorating at Arrow Hill Cottage! It was an exciting moment in time, that I wanted to be sure to share with all of you!

Although we were living in our new home last year at this time, it was still very much a construction zone. We had only one working bathroom, exposed subfloors, and a house covered in tyvek. With the mess of the building process, we made the decision that the Christmas tree would be our only decoration.

Christmas Decorating this year

This year, we were determined to make our space festive and cozy. There is definitely a more settled feeling overall here at the cottage, which we are thankful for.

You may remember from a couple of years ago, I did a massive Konmari Christmas decoration declutter. This process really helped us determine the decor items that were most important to us. These few remaining pieces, which fill two vintage suitcases, are what we used for our Christmas decorating this year.

 

Setting up the living room

The first step in the Christmas decorating process, for me, is determining where the tree should go. Last year, we had it set up in the basement. This year I wanted it moved up to the main level, where the lights could be enjoyed from inside and also seen from outside.

I had a few locations in mind. Of course, each option involved moving the living room furniture around. My older boys helped out, but were a bit frustrated with my indecision. In the end we opted to position the tree in the corner of the room, next to the fireplace. The couch was moved away from the wall, and anchored in the room by our antique sewing machine. This setup defines the living room, within our open concept main floor.

Sitting on the couch, you get a fantastic view outdoors, toward the woods and pond. When the snow is gently falling, and the fireplace and tree are both lit, it is definitely a cozy and relaxing spot.

 

 

Overall Christmas Decorating theme

If I were to characterize the ‘vibe’ we went for this year with our decorations, I would say it is a casual and comfortable. I really wanted to make this first Christmas in our new home cheerful and vibrant for the kids, especially after the year we have had! The classic red and green motif is highlighted by natural elements such as pinecones and twine.

Our Christmas tree

One fun fact about our Christmas tree is that it is the same one that my parents used in our house when I was a little girl! The tinsel found on its branches were placed by myself and my sisters many, many years ago.  I am strangely sentimental about things like that. And, although it isn’t pre-lit and sheds little pine needle pieces during setup, we love it. We have no plans to trade it in for a newer model.

Next to the tree, on the fireplace hearth, I set a small basket and filled it with family favorite Christmas books. This is the season when we most enjoy sitting together and reading through stories together.

 

Red table

The furniture in our living room is a hodgepodge of items collected throughout the years. We are taking our time finding the perfect items for our home, and for now are happy to use what we have. The little red writing table is a perfect example. I spotted it at an antique store a few years ago for a great price. Although I wasn’t sure where it would go, and didn’t have a specific purpose for it, I brought it home.

The color and character of the table makes me so happy. In fact, I had my husband cover it with a clear sealer to preserve all of the chippy paint and scratches. For now the table functions as a place I can set up my laptop or write Christmas letters. I can also envision it being used for family game or puzzle night.

 

 

Cozy Textiles

The holiday themed pillow covers were custom made out of vintage flour sack material. Again, I found the flour sacks at an antique store in our town and knew that the interesting and vibrant pattern would be perfect for Christmas.

The great thing about using pillow covers to change things up for the season is that they don’t take up much space in storage. I have a set of three plain square pillows that I change the coverings for depending on the holiday or occasion.

This red and black buffalo check blanket is so snuggly and soft. Perfect to curl up in when reading a book.

Next to the chair I keep a basket full of additional warm blankets. During a Minnesota winter, you can never have too many!

 

Mantle Decor

Of all the spaces I was most excited to decorate in our new home, the fireplace was my number one. There is something special that a fireplace brings to an interior, especially this time of year.

I used an antique window pane, and a framed piece of fabric as the backdrop to my Willow Tree Nativity Set. This is a set that I absolutely cherish. Each piece is finely detailed, yet the set has a serene simplicity about it.

As Christians, this symbolizes what our family holds most important during the Christmas holiday. Joy to the World!

 

 

Christmas Decorating Details

Though the living room was where we focused much of our decorating efforts, I did make a point to add a little Christmas spirit to a few other spaces on the main level.

Dining Room

I made some changes to my wooden crate centerpiece, by adding leftover branches from our tree. Battery powered candles and pinecones help to pull it together.

 

Kitchen

Our farmhouse sink got a seasonal update with a garland made of leftover fabric bits, a lantern, a small Christmas tree, and a few other accessories.

Of course, the vintage scale had to make an appearance as well!

 

I love this view looking into the kitchen, peeking around the restored built in cabinets. Certainly, these cabinets add a level of vintage charm to our newly built home.

This burnt orange/red pitcher sits atop the other built in. In addition to visual interest, it also adds a pop of color to our mostly neutral kitchen decor.

 

Mudroom/Back Entry

A set of french doors leads to the back entryway/mudroom space. A simple garland frames the opening and highlights the decorated piano.

Next year, I will probably try to do a new chalkboard art design. Something with a bit more of a seasonal message. I didn’t quite have the courage to erase this sign just yet.

This little brass bell was part of my husband’s grandma’s collection. She passed away last year, and we cherish the memory of the impact she had on our family. She is greatly missed.

 

 

I hope you enjoyed taking a peek inside the cottage and seeing it all decorated for Christmas. It was fun trying new things, and I look forward to many more years decorating this home.

 

Christmas Decorating Video

Want to see the entire process of us decorating our home? Check out this video!

 

Pin these decorations

Keep these ideas handy for next year, by pinning them to your favorite holiday board.