Wednesday, December 16, 2015

A Cottage Style Christmas - 2015


Welcome to our Cottage Style Christmas home!  
I am super excited to have been invited by Judy of 20 North Ora blog and Cathy of my 1929 Cottage Charmer blog to be part of their Tidings Holiday Housewalk Christmas tour, which started yesterday and ends today.  I am the last stop but will list all of the ladies at the end of my post who participated in this years' tour.


Our little home is a Cape Cod style home located in the Central Valley of California.  Over the years our Christmas decor has taken on many looks, but this year I pulled out only a few boxes of decorations for a "less is more" feel.  



I will start off by sharing with you the guest bedroom.  Earlier this year this room was featured in American Farmhouse Style Magazine and, at the time, was decorated in a palette of creamy whites, white and browns.  For Christmas I added pops of red, layered the bed with cozy antique quilts and added a farmhouse bench at the end of the bed. Most everything used to decorate this room is vintage.  There is something magical about using the older stuff that has a worn patina - and maybe a little story to go with it.


A simple boxwood wreath was hung over the bed.  I bought the wreath at Lowe's and didn't realize at the time that it had a chalkboard in the center.  A nice little surprise!  

Instead of having a "Bat Phone" I have a red "Santa Phone" for those special orders on the family Christmas list.



On a side table cherished ornaments dangle from a Bethany Lowe music paper fringed feather tree.  Next to the tree a bottle brush tree is tucked inside an English marmalade jar...



...and a vintage marching band uniform collar is used as a tree skirt. (I know..you are probably thinking, "Last year at band camp.")




I love the old twisted fringe of the collar and the creamy white stars against the red and that the stars match those on the ornaments.



The base of the tree is covered with sheet music paper.  I didn't plan this out, but it ended up that the band collar was a perfect fit.



At the foot of the bed I wrapped a child's western belt around a pillow and tucked in vintage gasoline station sign numbers..of course "25" for Christmas.



One of my favorite things to collect are antique linens.  I bought the redwork pillowcases years back and decided to use them on the bed for a pop of Christmas red.  The pattern reminds me of red stars and snowflakes. A Santa burlap pillow and a grain sack pillow rest in front.






Across from the bed is a white dresser and primitive chair.  On the chair I draped French monogrammed towels over the back and added a French grain sack pillow in front.  MC..could be for "Mrs. Claus".  





On the dresser rests a primitive cabinet that is filled with antique English Cream Crocks.  On top is a small grouping of cows and next to it sits a Belsnickle Santa.  I like to add small mirrors here and there for a pop of light.  Santa sits on a sweet old shaving mirror.







Lets scoot back downstairs and here you will see our entry hall area.  A fresh wreath is hung over the mirror and a grouping of bottle brush trees & old trophies, white Belsnickle Santas and a desk calendar mingle together on a silver plate tray.  






Next stop is the dining room.  This year I added a white flocked Christmas tree and filled it with my collection of vintage ornaments.  The white glitter Santas are mixed in with the ironstone and brown transferware pieces in the old step-back hutch.







I like to group little things together on trays and below are some Santas and an antique trophy that sit inside a sweet old metal toleware tray that has the sweetest red flowers.  A delicate garland of pip berries finish off the grouping.  The smallest Santa is an antique cast metal bank.  Tucked inside the trophy is red velvet heart, vintage millinery and a primitive wax candle.  The candle is a flameless battery operated one and has a flickering light..so sweet.



Over in the other corner of the dining room is a chimney cabinet that holds favorite little bits and bobs.  On the top shelf is a collection of red Santa boots that are vintage candy containers.  



I draped a Sleigh Rides sign on the side of a horse weather because the horses look like each other.  I just need to find a Santa to sit on the back.


On top of the metal dining room table is a grouping of pine boughs and pine cones grouped with wooden dough bowls and wicker covered bottles.  On the wall behind them are cherished pastoral prints.  



Next stop is the family room, where we spend a lot of our evenings hunkered down with our Scotties, Duhgall and Katie.  It has an English cottage style feel to it with pops of red and floral prints hung on one wall, gallery style.  Over the sofa is a favorite shelf that has old books and cheerful vintage pixies and Santas. 

The mirror over the mantel has a fresh pine wreath layered on top of it and the mantel is draped with a simple garland, white lights and, of course, some more Belsnickle Santas.  If you haven't figured it out by now, I collect them and really like their old-world European charm.



Plaid bows on the wreath & tree topper coordinate with the plaid stockings.  Of course, Katie and Duhgall have their own Scottie stockings that Santa will add a little treat and toy to.



Each year I buy myself a Santa - and yes - a certain KIND of Santa - yes, you guessed it.
The red suited guy below is this years' find - a cast iron vintage bank.  He was missing a tree, so I found a little white bottle brush one to add to him.  And it's ok that his nose is skinned..perhaps Rudolph tripped him up on a toy run.



Years ago my mom was out junking on a Saturday morning and found the sweet German flask (below) with a Santa on it.  I get it out each year in memory of my momma.


The Christmas tree is filled with family ornaments - those handmade, my children's Hallmark ornaments and others given to me from friends over the years.  A tradition that I started when my boys were infants was to buy them an ornament each year that had a special meaning that pertained to each of them, something that had to do with what they did, liked, etc that year.  When my youngest son moved out and got his own home, I gave him his box of ornaments for his tree.  As a lot of you know, we lost our oldest son, Jordan, six years ago.  Each year his ornaments are hung on our tree and each year I cry as I am doing so.  (It just never gets easy.)  The tradition of buying an ornament for my boys continues.  I write a little note to go along with their ornament.  Being as Jordan was a Fireman, his ornaments are relative to his job - or Star Wars.







In our house, we must have a Christmas Scottie pillow!  This cute one was a find last year at Macy's.




A charming majolica pitcher with a cottage motif holds a bottle brush tree.  An impish gnome toothpick holder reminds me of Santa's Elves.  Little Belgium clogs from 1945 add a pop of red and the flowers match the fabric on the chair.  Below the Christmas tree has an antique red and white quilt wrapped around the base.  No presents yet..those come on Christmas Eve.







Another Majolica pitcher holds vintage Chenille Poinsettias, green mercury glass spikes and, as an unexpected element, a spun cotton bearded Santa peaks out.  Santa has his deer friend and a tin, with deer and little red birds, adds to the motif.



Last stop on the tour is our laundry room.  This year I added some pops of red by hanging a collection of vintage stockings, kind of like a little clothes line, if you will.  Bottle brush trees are tucked inside some enameled pitchers and a favorite Merry Christmas sign is propped on the shelf.  





A favorite little piece of mine is the 1930's Pure Milk toy truck.  I had bought it with all intentions to sell it at the shop, but once I got it home it just kind of stayed there.  Always fun to decorate around, on top and beside the truck.  This year a group of mischievous merry-makers found their way to the truck.  A bunch of party animals!  I am betting there was some Egg-Nog on board.





I have shared this little stitched piece before and will share it again only because it reminds me of winter.  A purchase from  years ago, it was stitched in the 1930's and has the sweetest little cottage scene.  





After an afternoon trek in the snow, Santa's suit is hung to dry.


I stitched the Woodland Santa many years ago and framed it in an antique walnut frame.

Thank you for the visit!  Where ever your path takes you this season, we hope it is filled with love, happiness and fun!  From my family to yours, A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS to all and to all a good night!

*************

Here are the links to the other ladies participating in the Tidings Holiday House Tour.  Please stop on by and visit them and see their lovely Christmas styled homes.  Thank you, Cathy and Judy, for being instrumental in putting the tour together!










and me..Sweet Cottage Dreams.

54 comments:

Susan Freeman said...

I love every inch of your cottage Becky! You have such a talent for putting things together and creating endless charm. I must say however, that I adore your laundry room. It is super, super charming!! Fly down to Texas and help me redo mine. Merry Christmas to you dear one. And Merry Christmas to the pups from Bentley too.

Big Texas Hugs,
Susan and Bentley

Kathleen Grace said...

Oh my gosh, I have been waiting all morning for your post and it doesn't disappoint! Your home is beautiful everywhere right down to the stockings hung in the laundry room! I love it allll. The band collar as a mini tree skirt is so creative and brilliant, (will you come to my house and see what you can do with odds and ends that NOBODY would think to use so prettily?), I am crushing on your red and white linens, (surprise), the cows, (be still my heart). I could go on and on, but I won't. You rock. Plain and simple. I sure wish you had more time to come back to blogging my friend.
Of course, my heart broke as I read about you hanging Jordan's ornaments. He is still in your heart and always will be. Sending you my love and a big hug, and taking a moment to remember your family to God. Happy Christmas dear friend.

Melanie said...

Your home is absolute perfection! I kept lingering at each photo and taking in all the details. I love everything you have done. I can't even imagine how much work it took to get your house this beautifully decorated - and that you have the heart to do so after losing your son. I don't think I knew that you had lost your son 6 years ago...I lost my oldest son 6 years ago, too. Phil was 21. We haven't put up a big tree ever since he passed away, but we do have a tabletop one and I put some of Phil's childhood ornaments on it. Every day is hard after losing a child, but especially so at Christmas-time. God bless you and your family.

Stacey said...

Becky, everything you do is magical! I'm with Kathy, that band collar is amazing! I was a band nerd and wore a wool uniform back in the day. Why don't I ever find cool things like that? I know you are too busy but I still think you need an Etsy shop. :)

I hope you and your family have a wonderful Merry Christmas and I look forward to so much more from you.

Stacey :)

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

I have always loved your charming home, but decorated for Christmas it makes my heart sing! I love Everything!

Merry Christmas Becky!
xo
Penny

20 North Ora said...

Becky - Your home is just breathtaking - as usual. Thanks so much for taking part in the home tour.

Judy

Pat said...

Becky,
Your Cottage Home decorated for Christmas is absolutely charming, dear one!!!
I adore all your Santas!!! The vignettes are a d o r a b l e!!!
Gorgeous trees throughout!!! But the Bethany Lowe sheet music tree with the vintage band collar used as a tree skirt will be admired and remember for years to come!!!
Thank you for sharing your Sweet Cottage for our Tidings Holiday Housewalk!!!
Fondly,
Pat

Anonymous said...

Bless you Becky! Your home is just perfect. It has all the elements of Christmas. It is classy and classic. Love,love,love it! In the last three years I lost my mother, my father and my sister. It is difficult to decorate. This year I forced myself to pull out a few things and decorate a small four foot tree. I cried the whole time I was unwrapping the decorations. (Perhaps I had a "wet" Christmas instead of a "white" one.)Seeing your treasures inspires me to get mine out and enjoy them again. Merry Christmas!

craftyles said...

I love it all and can't wait to scroll through again. You are a master of vintage vignettes, Becky. Love the milk truck and your family tree. I could go on and on, but I won't. Hope you have a Merry Christmas and thanks for the great tour!

YankeeQuilter said...

Love everything about your Christmas decorations...but best of all the scotties!

Junkchiccottage said...

Hi Becky,
Your home is so charming. Love your beautiful tree. I am just finally taking some time this afternoon to see the tour of homes for today.
Yours does not disappoint and is so festive and pretty. Sorry about your firefighter son. How special you have ornaments on the tree for him. My hubby is a fire chief and I know how dedicated they are in their careers. Sorry you miss him so.
Kris

Sherry said...

absolutely delightful but i expected nothing else
if your touch is on anything. :) i'm coveting the
30s milk truck.

Vee said...

I have always loved your home and your creative decorating! Oh to have some Christmas in the laundry room as you do...makes me smile big. A Merry Christmas to you, Becky!

Art and Sand said...

I'm in LOVE LOVE LOVE.

wonderful Santas ... the vintage 2 5, the stocking garland ... the fabulous linens ... all of it ... FABULOUS!

Cathy @ My 1929 Charmer said...

Your home is beautiful and so is your decorating style! Everything, vignettes bedroom and swoon worth to look at! Thank you so much for being a part of Judy and I's Tiding Holiday Housewalk! Also loved your red and white linens!

Judy at GoldCountryCottage said...

I thoroughly enjoyed your Christmas Home Tour. So many things caught my eye like your collections of old Santas, pictures, signs and all the little touches that we associate with Christmas. Your tree is beautiful. Where in the central coast of CA do you live? I grew up in Soquel and Santa Cruz and have lived in Grass Valley for the last 30 years. My kids still live in Soquel in our old home. Thank you for sharing your creative and pretty things and hope you have a wonderful holiday..Merry Christmas..Judy

Vickie @ Ranger 911 said...

Becky, I have always looked forward to your Christmas posts when you share photos and stories of your charming home and wonderful old collections, and once again you've shown us how precious keepsakes and thrifted finds make for a cozy cottage Christmas. I could settle right in with a cup of cranberry tea!

I can't even pick a favorite thing, because I love it all! Thanks so much for sharing your holiday home and have a Merry Christmas!

DBR said...

Beautiful and enchanting!! I always love your Christmas decorating.
Merry Christmas to you all.
Love,
Debbie & Michael

Elsie said...

Beautiful Becky! Your home is so warm and inviting, and I love you put Jordan's ornaments on the tree. It's like having him celebrate with the family. I know it was hard for you, but it sure doesn't seem like it's been 6 years ago. My goodness Spencer has his own home, gee time passes so fast. That's great he has his own ornaments for his tree, I wished I would've thought of that. I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas.

Happy@Home said...

I can't think of a nicer way to finish my day than an armchair tour of your beautiful home. I enjoyed every adorable nook and cranny. You have such a knack for arranging your treasures into interesting groupings. Everything looks so nice... warm, cozy and welcoming. I think Santa's suit hanging by the wee clothes pins to dry is the cutest thing, right in line with the party animals on the milk truck.
Thank you for sharing your home with us, Becky. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

Cindy Lou said...

Absolutly charming! Love it all! Great job! I want the milk truck!!!Ha! Ymerry ChristmasTo you!

Rose L said...

Definitely a country look! It is quite nice! I have a Santa collection as well, quite a few from Hallmark over the many years. Love those pillow covers!

vivian said...

You have a lovely home! I love how youve decorated it. everything is just perfect! Merry Christmas!
xoxo
vivian

Linda said...

Love..Love..Love your Christmas "tour"...Thank you for sharing!!

Rue said...

Becky, your home has always been like a warm blanket that you want to wrap yourself up in, especially at Christmas. I'm so glad you decided to join this tour. I've missed your posts, my friend.

hugs and love to you and Merry Christmas,
rue

AndeM1 said...

thank you for sharing your lovely home. It is my favorite! Merry Christmas!

Baa. xxx said...

Absolutely gorgeous!

Recycled Rita said...

I always love when you share your sweet cottage!!! It is so festive for Christmas but I love it year round! Merry Christmas and I hope you have a wonderful 2016! karen...

GranthamLynn said...

Great post. Thanks for the tour! Merry Christmas!

handmade by amalia said...

Who wouldn't want to come to your home for the holidays, Becky? Gorgeous decorations.
Thanks for inviting us in.
Amalia
xo

priscilla said...

I love what you've done with your home. My son is a new firefighter/medic & I'm beginning to collect anything I can find!!!! A happy holiday to you.

Unknown said...

HOW charming! This is my first visit to your blog, so I don't know how you "usually" do Christmas, but if this is your idea of "less is more," I am truly in awe (and I will be pinning to my winter home tours board in hopes that others will find their way here).

I love all the subtle touches - especially the little vignettes. As one who has generally done w-a-a-y too much BIG Christmas -- garlands and wreathes and [often full-sized] trees in every single room -- I think I'm going to take a page from your book next Christmas (and maybe even this one - there are a few rooms that still need decking, even though I celebrate on Twelfth Night so I have more time).

In years past I have out danced the energizer bunny, but I seem to be finally slowing down a bit as time goes by. For the first time this year, it began to feel more like work than fun. I doubt I will ever become a minimalist, but I have been searching for a model to help me figure out how to have Christmas in every single room without wearing myself out to put it up and take it down - and, thanks to you, I think I've finally found it.


Please accept my condolences for your son's passing - and no, it never gets easier. How much worse, I always say, if they passed from our thoughts as time went by. I hope your Christmas is warm and loving none-the-less - no doubt your son is looking down on his ornaments on your tree with a great big smile on his face.

I'll be back!

xx,
mgh
(Madelyn Griffith-Haynie - ADDandSoMuchMore dot com)
-ADD Coach Training Field founder; ADD Coaching co-founder-
"It takes a village to educate a world!"

Betsy@My Salvaged Treasures said...

I ALWAYS enjoy seeing pictures of your gorgeous home, but something about this post is so extra special. Your vintage touches are so inspiring! Thank you for sharing your special tradition about Jordan's ornaments. Beautiful!

Unknown said...

ONE LAST THING:

I LOVE seeing that you have included captions for most of your [stunningly beautiful] photography -- and that you have not gone over to the slide-show, chock-full-of-ads dark side ::lol::. As an avid reader, I have stopped visiting the "all visuals" and slide-show blogs in protest of a trend that makes me crazy as it obliterates my attempts at scheduling blog visit time.

Not only is it is so lovely to have context for what I am seeing here, it is especially nice to know that I don't have to wait for scripts to load and the screen to refresh to see the entire "article" amid all the [frequently misbehaving] sidebar ad scripts. Even some of my formerly favorite shelter publication sites have adopted the trend - and it breaks my heart that it has become a toleration to visit them (so I no longer do).

Your site is SO lovely, I'm glad it is delivered in a format I can simply enjoy - because I love-love-love what you do. Thank you - and again, Merry Christmas!

xx,
mgh

Imagery by Kimberly said...

Merry Christmas My Beckers!! How perfectly ADORABLE and BEAUTIFUL and all things LOVE your home is at Christmastime. I so enjoyed the tour and just want to stay here all day. How I wish I could! I love you SO MUCH. I think of you every day.... in my heart you will always stay.

Me

Unknown said...

Merry Christmas Miss Becky! Your home is my favorite.
I hope you are enjoying your holiday season! :)
~Liz

Bohemian said...

Your Home is so Welcoming for the Holidays and Decorated with your Collections so Beautifully! I especially Loved your Loving Cup Collection with the Bottlebrush Trees Displayed in them, I did that this year with my Loving Cup Collection too and see many things within your Collections that I also Adore! Merry Christmas from the Arizona Desert... Dawn... The Bohemian

Tins and Treasures said...

Good evening, Becky,
I hope this finds you well and enjoying the holiday season. I sooo enjoyed visiting your home and seeing your Christmas decor. I wish we were neighbors and I could visit you in person!

Take care, ~Natalie

Tins and Treasures said...

Good evening, Becky,
I hope this finds you well and enjoying the holiday season. I sooo enjoyed visiting your home and seeing your Christmas decor. I wish we were neighbors and I could visit you in person!

Take care, ~Natalie

Maryjane-The Beehive Cottage said...

Oh, how I love your home Becky! It is so sweet. Its all so warm, cozy and inviting! What an adorable guest room too! Hope you had a wonderful Christmas and wishing you a very Happy New Year! Lots of loves and hugs to you Becky! xox

Jean Tuthill said...

Your home looks very festive for Christmas! It is so warm and inviting. Happy New Year to you and yours. May 2016 bring you good health, peace and joy!

June said...

I am so glad I decided to come and see you tonight Becky! Your house is magical at Christmas!!!
The bedroom you shared is full of so many wonderful touches that I had to go over it twice to see it all. I love the little leather child's belt wrapped around the pillow. It's those kinds of things that get me excited about how others decorate and it gives a home so much more charm.
I loved every single photo of your holiday house.
Sending you wishes for the happiest New Year ever!
hugs...

Kris said...

What a lovely home tour! I just want to plop myself down into one of those oomfy easy chairs, and sit across from you and catch up! I have missed blogging, and all of my lovely friends. It was fun to visit today. I shall be back now on a much more regular basis!!!!
Hugs,
Kris

Daniela said...

I've just found you and your charming blog via Amalia and I'm following you with so much joy !
Thank you for all the beauty you share, you live in such a cozy, fabulous and warm house, enjoy it and this lovely season made for staying in our 'nests'{{smiles}} !
Fondly
Daniela

Simply Shelley said...

Oh, I love your Christmas home Becky. Everything was just so charming. I hope your new year has been wonderful thus far. I think of you often. May God bless you sweet friend

Pondside said...

That was a real treat, Becky. I am gradually getting caught up with my favourite blogs, and visiting yours has been like a visit to you on Christmas Eve. Just lovely! I hope that 2016 will be good to you!

lilalee at fou fou lulu's said...

Dear Becky, as usual your decor is so warm and welcoming. I had hoped to visit your space at "The Antique Wharehouse"to peruse your treasures, but alas the season came and went too fast. Hope to bump into sometime soon.

Attic Clutter said...

so- so beautiful..love it all.(:)
patty

GranthamLynn said...

Miss you. Still love this post. You inspire. Just came by to say 'hi'

Luxury Apartments Girl said...

This is all so gorgeous, rustic and cosy!

Jocelyn said...

Dear Becky, been missing you since this last post went up in December. I pray everything is all right. Take care my friend.

Jocelyn

GranthamLynn said...

Thinking of you. Stopped over to say 'Hi' XXOO.

sandy said...

Miss your posts.

Simply Shelley said...

I can hardly believe Christmas will be back around in just a few months. Your home is always a joy to see. I hope you and yours are well Becky. God's blessings be upon you, hugs Shelley