My Turquoise Bag

For as long as I can remember, decorating has been a creative expression that puts me in a happy flow.

As each season transitions into the other, I feel naturally compelled to make subtle adjustments at home – I swap flowers, books, textiles, art and candles to match the outside natural world and tell it, “I am meeting you where you are”.

When Christmas time rolls around, it’s an extra notch more delightful to decorate, especially in the new space that is now our lakeside home.

Our Christmas style can be described as vintage simplicity – a marriage of Victorian charm and Scandinavian minimalism.

Think paper snowflakes.

Knitted wool.

Red velvet ribbons.

Wooden ornaments.

Dried orange wheels and cedar branches.

Vintage porcelain.

And a surplus of twinkle lights to warm our December windows.

Below are the simple touches I like to do to create nostalgic elegance and whimsical comfort in our new home this Christmas season.

Fresh flowers

Handpicked crimson red carnations, a branch of winter berries, aromatic eucalyptus and fluffy white snapdragons bring to life a vignette of Wintery florals.

Thrifted treasures

Inspired by tales of sugar plum fairies and my most recent visits to antique shops, a print of a dancing ballerina and brass candlesticks add vintage charm. Antique teacups are cupped warmly in my hand, with a Louisa May Alcott novel in the other.

Blue & white porcelain

The feeling of Victorian charm is felt the most in my blue and white porcelain, especially because each item has been handpicked over the years from a variety of antique shops. Cookies, winter fruit and warm soups pop brightly against an intricate surface of blue picnic scenes and blue florals.

Whimsical ornaments

Charming little additions to our Christmas tree this year represent our trip to France. A bag of French market goods, a Mediterranean seahorse and a basket of lavender dangle gently on our branches this Christmas to commemorate our unforgettable trip.

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To me, decorating is creating a scene. Setting a mood. Beautifying the very space you live, eat, sleep, gather, love, celebrate and rest.

Wishing you a Christmas season filled with all the magic, beauty and charm your mind, body and heart desires.

Happy Holidays, friends and readers. ❤️