Sunday, December 9, 2012

Farmhouse Christmas Style


   Happy Holidays, Everyone!

I have so enjoyed seeing many of your beautiful homes decorated for Christmas! A wealth of ideas and inspiration. . . .I'm flat out in awe of all the talent. . . .Makes me hesitate to show you our simple style. . . .It's fairly humble and plain. . . .but, it's much the way farmhouses were decorated here in the past--in the spirit of "make-do". . . . 

The style has also evolved from my experience at Colonial Williamsburg. . . .We worked in the historic area, mostly at the Greenhow Store, in costumes of the 18th century. I learned so much about early Christmas celebrations--we had to interpret it daily. . . .I grew to love the simplicity and reverence the season held. . . .Decorations did not include Christmas trees--that's more of a Victorian addition. . . .Wreaths on the doors were appropriate, as were sprigs of greenery tucked here and there inside the store, using items that were on hand for props. . . .There were no lights, other than the glow of candles--no Santas--no commercialism. . . .Unlike present day decorating, adding festive touches was an on-going process! We didn't put all in place  at one time--we added as the inspiration came to us. . . .Visiting family and friends, parties and gatherings, worship and reflection at church services were where the holiday emphasis was placed.

Between reaching back into my memories of farmhouse Christmases
and the experience at Colonial Williamsburg,  I've developed what I call a "make-do" style-----plain and simple. . . .




This Christmas, I've definitely embraced that style--gathering together items that are very un-traditional, adding them to a few recent vintage finds. . . .The plan was simple--mostly whites and neutrals with touches of red--greenery stuck here and there, as if it had just fallen from the tree. Thinking out of the box, nothing was excluded from my picks. . .

Vintage tins were perfect. . . .enamel ware. . . .a scale. . . .









a vintage reindeer. . . .ironstone from the kitchen. . . .a pickle crock. . . . farmhouse, make-do candlelight from vintage jars. . . .






a few pine cones and tiny lights that I call "fireflies". . . .

I love how the cupboard tops turned out! Not a lot of bling--but in the spirit of making-do with what one has. . . .

It might be plain and simple. . . .but, at night. . . .it's truly magical. . . .

Let's see if you agree. . . .


















from my farmhouse to yours. . . .

33 comments:

Julie Marie said...

Yes Dru... it is all truly magical!... I love your beautifully simple farmhouse Christmas... so relaxing and just says "welcome"... xoxo Julie Marie

Jeannie said...

Love, love, love all of it!

Granny said...

I love your decorations, especially with the collection of vintage shortening cans. I prefer the simple decorating style for Christmas instead of all the overdone lights.

Vicki @ lifeinmyemptynest said...

I am so drawn to this type of decoration. There could be a change coming in my style of decorating next year :-)

Unknown said...

I Love it, Dru.
Simple yet Gorgeous!
You sure have a talent for decorating!!
Hugs,
Tam

Ruby and Arthur said...

I agree, it's magical! I love all the white with little touches of red...just my style. Thanks for sharing your simple decorations, I love them. Jean

Maureen Wyatt said...

I do agree! The lights look more magical when they are not competing with sparkly things. Pinning again and I should just have a board that's named Things I Love from Dru!

Carlene @ Organized Clutter said...

I love the farmhouse style. You do it so well, all year round. You make me want to go white!

chateau chic said...

LOVE the warmth and simplicity of your seasonal decor!
Perfect in reflecting an easier, perhaps more family and community centered time. Very beautiful!
Mary Alice

Florida Farm Girl said...

Oh, yes. Magical is the right word for it. And a reminder that pine branches are free!!! Maybe I'll make a foray around the yard this year and see what I can find.

Grandma Barb's This and That said...

I love your style of decorating! It's just fabulous!

Old Time Cindy said...

It does look magical with the little lights. All so natural and pretty! Makes me want to redecorate!
Farmhouse hugs,
Cindy

Ann said...

I found your beautiful blog from Pinterest. I adore your farm and your decorations of white. Its simplistic but elegant. The tins really look dramatic in the christmas lights. I'd love to follow you.
Ann

Pamela Gordon said...

So beautiful and so simply done. It is truly magical lit at night. I love your country style. Have a wonderful week. Blessings, Pamela

Gail said...

OMGoodness, I love your touches of Christmas....it's beautiful!! Enjoy your evening, Gail

sweetvintageofmine said...

Simply, Beautiful......Roxie

Denise @ secondtimearoundfinds said...

Your Christmas decorating is lovely I always like greenry and white lights.
Denise

Unknown said...

Wow, your Christmas decor is amazing. I've said it before but I'll say it again, you really really make me want to come stay in your home. It's just gorgeous! thanks for sharing :)

Anonymous said...

I love your Christmas decorating! So pretty and love your vintage things and your night time snap is just beautiful.
be a sweetie,
Shelia :)

Heirloom treasures said...

I so love this it's just so perfectly simple. xx

Pendra said...

Truly lovely!

cynthia lee designs said...

Love it!! So simple and beautiful!! I used a lot of greenery and white lights this year too.
hugs,
Cindy

Diane said...

Love the soft glow from your christmas lights and your windowpane style glass jar. Pretty vintage farmhouse style. Thanks for the nice comment you sent and for following back!

Jeanette@Creating a Life Studio said...

So lovely!

Heide at ApronHistory said...

It's beautiful! I love the mix of greenery you use. If is real?

TracyMB @ Crows Feet Chic said...

Love every bit... such a warm country Christmas kitchen. Beautiful! :)

Anonymous said...

Simplicity is always so beautiful I think. Simple greens and candleight....perfect. Yours is so pretty.
We went to a 1600's reenactment at Henricus in South Richmond over the weekend. The only thing in the homes was just like you said....holly sprigs tucked here and there. I loved it. Henricus overlooks the river at Dutch Gap so afterwards there was a boat parade which we watched while standing on the bluff. Lots of fun! And later this month, for fun we plan to take the train on an overnight trip to Williamsburg to see all the beautiful natural decor. It's so cool that you used to work there ! Merry Christmas

Lalu Larra said...

Beautiful decorations! You're gifted. Merry Christmas to you and family.

SImple and Serene Living said...

I definitely agree. Love the simplicity of your decorations. It is so nice to meet you and see your beautiful home.
Laura

Sandy said...

The old farmhouse decorations are
just wonderful.. with the little
really add warmth...
Happy Holidays
Sandy

Mary Ann said...

I think it's gorgeous, with and without lights!

Kelly and Tiffany said...

Absolutely Beautiful! I love every single thing.

ScrappyMama said...

Oh, yes!! Yes, I do agree...it IS magical at night! Thanks for sharing your beautiful home & all its treasures with us!

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