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. . . .
