I usually go pretty simple with Christmas decorations, so I wondered how it would go down this year. Would mine be the only one with modest simple decorations? Well the homes I have seen are magnificent! An then there is mine…. a little bit different. Simple and restrained is what I like to call it. Some people call it ‘lazy’ but that’s okay. I don’t mind. I have a lot going on and only have so much time to decorate. I figure you can relate.
My theme this year?
Tartans!
I added some Scottish touches to my Farmhouse French style. My father’s family is actually from the MacGregor clan, and I have French ancestors as well, so it works for me. I added little boxwood wreaths, little red and pink votive holders, bottle brush trees, gold scrolls, and the pink mercury glass ornaments to my cabinets.
I have several old items in here that either are antique or at least look it. The crockery is old. I added the Florentine tray with the green and gold for the holidays.
Now above the fireplace I added the tartan ribbon I ordered from the UK just for my Christmas decor this year. The tartan is ‘Flower of Scotland.’ The antlers although fake, have a bit of a Scottish stag hunting feel… sort of. The original oil painting I found at Round Top looks like it could be a painting of the Highlands. The angel sits on a gold vintage Italian Florentine box. I think it looks like it could be a part of Castle Leoch. I feel myself wanting to lift a glass and say “slàinte mhath” which is a drinking toast in Gaelic.
Although the candle on the left is not so old, the brass ones on the right are quite old and were altar candlesticks from an old European church. The fireplace screen is a French antique that I had recovered in antique grainsack fabric. I had it monogrammed also. The chair is a thrift store find. Can you hear the bagpipes yet? (Notice this was before I took my antlers down.)
The miniature greenhouse is filled with small green bottle brush trees. What’s that? It looks like the Scottish Highlands in there?
Look at the detail on these candlestick holders. I added a preserved boxwood ball with a tartan ribbon for fun.
I love this mercury glass garland I used on the iron staircase baluster. I hand-painted the detail on the stairs.
Here are the sheep out on the moors. Oh no wait, that’s just some fake sheep in a dough bowl on my table.
I found this old iron fence post in sad shape, but asked my builder to use it as the newel post. For Christmas, I hung this preserved boxwood wreath on the post. In the 1700’s in Scotland, people didn’t do too much to celebrate Christmas. Based on my little bit of research, typically during that time, there would have been some special church services, and special feasts. Also they brought greenery inside, like ivy, holly and mistletoe. So a boxwood wreath isn’t too far off.
Oops, my lamp shades are dated “1829” (although they are fairly new) so just ignore that.
And here’s the Christmas tree which would be completely out of place in the 1700’s. It’s covered with more of the mercury glass garland and lots of mini grainsack stockings.
And so I believe all that is left to say is
Nollaig Shona (Gaelic) Joyeux Noël (French) or just Merry Christmas.
I really enjoyed your decorating–gave me some great ideas! Thanks!
I too love boxwood wreaths and after enjoying this post, I need more – with ribbons too!
I love the way you incorporate greenery, ribbons and pops of color in what you already have. Your home is constantly evolving and the holiday decorations are never repeats. Thank you for the beautiful ideas.
Carol
Love the tartan Christmas.
Just adore the colors in that Tartan Ribbon. It makes the room pop. Very lovely indeed.
Your blogs always make me smile as I feel we are “sisters” in our decorating tastes. I especially fell in love with the old statue, bust or whatever you may call her that sits on your sofa table. Would love to hear the story of her.
Loving the mini wreaths over the antlers. I have a few around the house and will be doing that as well. The tartan ribbon looks fabulous.
A friend of mine recommended your blog and I’m so happy! The decor is gorgeous from beginning to end.
Crushing on your decor – makes my heart happy!
Oh my….the mercury glass garland has me swooning ????. And your tree topper is the same as mine ~ further confirmation of why I like you so much ? It’s beautiful as always, Anita!
Very nice
Every time I read your blog I see more and more ideas!! I have so far added; brush trees, beautiful burlap stockings which have some pretty decor cuffs, greenery added to my silver trays w different vignettes arranged around the house. Footed cake plates with large balls , greenery and candles for my tables!! Red little balls on a new wreath over fireplace to match the new mantle garland w little red lights!!! A new tree topper which is a gold filigree crown!!! All new!!!!!
I m so excited with all these ideas I implemented. I have more decorating I want to add.
Exciting time.
Best. Wishes, Deb
Lovely, Anita!
Love Outlander, and visited Scotland with my two daughters this past spring. I’m decorating with one of the red tartans, with lots of greenery, pine cones, deer, and antlers. Love it!
I visited Scotland and Ireland this fall. I too added plaid to my Christmas.
I love this post!!! Because I love Cedar Hill Farmhouse and I love Outlander!!! I started reading it about 10 years ago and even got to meet Diana Gabaldon here in Dallas for her book signing and lecture. I love the blue plaid ribbon…..Ahhhh Jamie!
I love all these pics of Christmas. My favorite time of year.
Anita you have an eye for achieving a mix of styles. Just beautiful. I have never seen Outlander, but will now !!
Hey Anita, love the Tartan look. I added some tartan details this year to my music room. I read your side bar on speaking at the Church to some ladies and let just say
“So glad you didn’t listen to those who said you’re not creative”. Love your Blog.
Happy Sunday.
I truly enjoy your style of design and decorating.
Beautiful, thank you for sharing.
I love the sheep in the bowl! Where did you get your custom Cedar Hill Farmhouse ribbon? I would love to get some for my Blur Heron Farm in Madison, Georgia. Merry Christmas!
I love the blue tartan ribbon, great choice!
Love love love the tartan ribbon! Beautiful!
I love your Christmas theme this year! I am a huge Outlander fan, so I really enjoyed this!
I am glad you reposted this. Everything is beautiful. Love that newel post! And I also love the sheep! Merry Christmas!!!
Love the plaids…but really, I love everything you do!
I love everything you do!!!
love it all! thanks for showing us how lovely and refreshing less can be…
Love your blog and decorating style. I would have loved to have heard your talk to the moms about your personal journey. I was a stay-at-home mom and often had to defend my position.
because of you, i’m going to give outlander another chance… i must have averted my eyes a little too much, ha!
Love the Outlander theme and love the tree! No limit to your imagination. Nollaig Shona
Love this post, I have a dough bowl and have collected lots of sheep over the years, along with the moss I’m ready to create my own shepherds scene. Thank you for sharing from 2015!
I was expecting to see a lot of red plaid…but the blue plaid is lovely! Goes so well in your home.
I’ve been reading your blog for a few years and have learned a great deal about decorating with what you have. Thank you so much.
I am so happy to hear that Beverly!!
from the title I expected more than a few plaid bows….disappointed because I have a passion for tartan.
Dear Anita,
Your decorating style is so peaceful and serene! I, too love Outlander. My husband has read all seven books the series is based upon. He is of the McIntosh clan. We travelled to Scotland on a genealogy search and found distant Fraser relations. We have also done research in Georgia, Florida, Ohio. It is quite fun to give a vacation an added purpose. I love the tartan style and have decorated our Wee Highland Home in Colorado to feature many different features, including red plaid mixed with blue and white toile in our bedroom! By the way, my husband and Imwere raised in the Heights!
Love Tartans! My heritage is Scot and I have several old ties in the ancient Anderson plaid…teal, red, yellow…I use them to handle wreaths, to knot around glass cylinders…hoot mon!
I love the colors you have used for your Christmas decorations. I also love the decorations on the sofa table. Your home is beautiful.
Yes. I love the simplicity of your Christmas decorations. Bling can be fun at times, but too often Christmas gets over-done. Your decor leaves room to breath and focus on the meaning of the holiday! Beautiful.
I think you did see Claire running from Black Jack, hopefully she has her dirk on her and can take care of him for good. I love how you have combined French and Scottish, it works very well together. I have French and Scottish on my mother’s side. I’m so happy that you are a fellow Outlander.
I so remember this…loved it then and now…so classic!!!! Have a great week Anita!
Adore the tartan ribbon!
Top of the bagpipes to ya!
This is wonderful Anita. I love plaid and I often buy ribbon in many color combinations, so it was fun seeing your blue plaids in addition to the regular red plaids. Love that little green house too, all in all a very awesome Christmas decor scheme over here…not that simple or lazy to me!!!
I’ve been a huge fan of Outlander since the day I took my 2 little boys, now 34 and 37, on a trip to our local library.. Looking for something to read during the long winter days “Outlander” seemed interesting and I was hooked! I use a combination of tartan, plaid and gingham, all in red, green and white. Love your style!
The subtle plaids add a crisp classic touch in a traditional way to the whimsical and vintage decor, a and is a pleasure to see. Thanks for sharing!
Great, inspiring ideas for inspiration. Some I will defi Italy be trying this year.
I love it all! The simplicity, the colors, the vintage, homey feel…may I please come spend Christmas with you? ?
One of my favorite quilts i have made is done in all kinds of plaids…. love homey……. love blues, reds…. nuetrals……. Still wishing i had time this year to do what i want for decorating. Never enough time.
So wish I had the gift of creativity. Everything looks beautiful!
I’m going to have to try Outlander. I love your decorating style, so maybe I can extrapolate that I would like your TV choices as well!! I hope you have a Merry Christmas and a lovely 2017!
I also love paid…I made some candlesticks from vintage sewing spools and added tartan ribbon…