American Farmhouse Style November 2018

15 DIY IDEAS FOR
FESTIVE STYLE
Christmas
in
the Country
COZY RUSTIC HOMES
FULL OF BURLAP
AND PLAID
Amazing
Finds
Easy for Everyone
Ideas on Your List
for Holiday
Entertaining
Winter 2018 | Display until 1/8/2019
Engaged Entertainment Plus • $9.99 US
77
0 09281 01943 5
Engaged Media Inc.
KING OF CHRISTMAS WISHES
YOU HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
OFFERING A LARGE VARIETY OF
BEAUTIFUL CHRISTMAS TREES
Shop KingOfChristmas.com
Featuring King Flock -

Artificial Christmas Tree
CREDIT MY VINTAGE PORCH
CONTENTS
Workbench:
10 KITCHEN COZY
Create a charming Christmas tea towel to add
festivity to your home.
12 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN
DIY an Advent wreath that will help your family
serve others this season.
Made in America
14 HANDMADE FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Shop American made this year for your
Christmas stockings.
Farmhouse Favorites
16 CLUB CULTURE
Learn how the club chair went from a French
invention to an American staple.
Barn Finds
18 MAKE IT MERRY
Transform every corner of your home into a
holiday haven with these Christmas finds.
20 GIFT GUIDE
Cross names off your gift list this year with
these amazing finds.
Essentials
24 GORGEOUS GIFT WRAP
Take your gift wrap to a new level this year.
28 FESTIVE FARMHOUSE
Create your own holiday haven with these
seasonal decorating tips for every space in
the house.
Style
38 TENNESSEE CHRISTMAS
A dining room gets a cozy makeover in time
for the holidays.
42 WINTER LIGHT
Exposed beams and glass walls make
this New York home light and airy for a
country Christmas.
72
WINTER 2018 • 3
38 Do It Yourself
Projects
HOT CHOCOLATE THREE WAYS 8
TEA TOWEL 10
ADVENT WREATH 12
FARMHOUSE GIFT WRAP 24
HOT CHOCOLATE BAR 41
GIFT WRAPPING STATION 63
GINGERBREAD ORNAMENTS 71
CRAFTED SNOWBALLS 76
REUSABLE GINGERBREAD HOUSE 79
GINGERBREAD MEN WREATH 85
RUSTIC STOCKING HOLDER 99
STAMPED WRAPPING PAPER 109
LIVE GARLAND WREATH 116
NATURAL CHRISTMAS DÉCOR 119
FRESH WINTER GARLAND 123
20
48 BARN HOUSE CHRISTMAS

An 1856 grain mill in Wisconsin transforms into
a cozy holiday home.
64 GINGERBREAD FARMHOUSE
This Utah home is cozy at Christmastime with
natural décor and gingerbread accents.
72 NORTH POLE FESTIVITIES

This Utah farmhouse embraces all the magic of
Christmas with a rustic twist.
88 A MODERN WHITE CHRISTMAS

This Missouri home shows the beauty of a light
48
and bright Christmas palette.
100 COZY CABIN

Natural elements and plaid accents turn this
Extra
Southern California home into a warm haven
during the winter. 88 EDITOR’S LETTER 6
ALMANAC 8
COVER STORY 15
110 SEASON’S SIMPLICITY SOURCES 128
This New England farmhouse proves that ROUND UP 130
sometimes the simplest touches can make the
most beautiful Christmas décor.
On the Cover:
Farm to Table Photography by TI Media
Design by Justin Goode
120 PRETTY IN PLAID
Host a cozy, casual Christmas dinner with a few 15 DIYs for Festive Style…
simple treats and a handmade garland. see above
Cozy Rustic Homes Full of
Burlap and Plaid…14, 24, 48,
Bookshelf 64, 72, 88, 100
124 TIDINGS OF JOY Easy Ideas for Holiday
Learn about the traditions behind the story Entertaining…15, 38, 64, 120
of Christmas.
Amazing Finds for Everyone
on Your List…8, 16, 18, 20
4 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE

The Gift of Prayer
I am a believer in the power of prayer. Years ago, I was extremely sick. Family, friends, and even
strangers lifted me up to God in prayer as I went through many surgeries and treatments.
One day, a woman named Angie, whom I had never met before, told me that she had prayed daily
for me for a year. She went on to share that she kept a prayer bowl, and each day, she’d ask the
Lord’s blessing on the people who were in need at that time. I decided to create a distinctive
prayer bowl for myself and a few others, and with that, PrayerBowls were born.
To sponsor a child please visit

Compassion.com/PrayerBowls
Visit PrayerBowls.com
to purchase one of
these heartfelt gifts.
Christmas
WINTER 2018
EDITORIAL
Editor: Victoria Van Vlear
Managing Editor: Kristin Dowding
DESIGN
is here
Art Director: Justin Goode
Design Director: Gabby Oh
CONTRIBUTORS
Autumn Krause, Caitlin Ragan, Elizabeth Falkenberg, Emily
EDITOR’S LETTER Irby, Jessie Yount, Jillian Chapman, Lauren Hofer, Madison
Nauta, Rimal Haq, Stephanie Agnes-Crockett
ADVERTISING
Toby Childs - National Advertising Director (503) 387-5099
The first Christmas I was married, I was under the false impression that I needed Sherrie Norris - West Coast Account Executive (714) 421-1517
Julie Hale - East Coast Account Executive (770) 377-0072
to have a complete collection of Christmas décor for my home. My parents’ house was Nadia Koepke - Midwest Account Executive (507) 581-1712
filled to the brim with holiday décor, and decorating for Christmas had been one of my Eric Gomez - Advertising Traffic Coordinator
OPERATIONS
favorite traditions growing up. But when I moved out, I was starting from scratch, and my Manish Kumar Mishra: Operations Specialist
single garland and few handmade ornaments felt puny next to the volume I was used to. Surajpal Singh Bisht: Prepress Manager
Devendor Hasija: Newsstand and Circulation Analyst
I’m a few years into my marriage now, and our Christmas décor has grown—from Shailesh Khandelwal: Subscriptions Manager
Alex Mendoza: Administrative Assistant
handmade stockings and a collection of vintage ornaments to a Nativity set we picked
Victoria Van Vlear: Intern Program Manager
up in Europe. And I’ve realized that my parents’ home was full of Christmas décor for a EDITORIAL, PRODUCTION & SALES OFFICE
reason—they’d acquired it over the years, piece by piece. 17900 Sky Park Circle, Suite 210
Irvine, CA 92614
Any good collection takes time and effort to accumulate, and Christmas décor is no (714) 939-9991
Fax (800) 249-7761
different. The challenge is to collect the right kind of decorations—the ones that work www.engagedlifestyle.com
with your everyday décor, bring you joy and call to mind precious memories. www.americanfarmhousestyle.com
American Farmhouse Style © 2018 by

That’s the kind of Christmas décor we love here at American Farmhouse Style. We have Engaged Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction
inspiring homes ready to spark your imagination, from traditional red-and-green beauties of any material from this issue in whole or in part is
strictly prohibited.
(pages 72 and 100) to non-traditional colors such as neutrals (page 88) or blue and green
CUSTOMER SERVICE
(page 64). Add homemade touches to your Christmas home (pages 99 and 123) and 17900 Sky Park Circle, Suite 210
Irvine, CA 92614
prepare for all that holiday entertaining (page 120). Get started on your gift buying (pages
SINGLE COPY SALES
8 and 20) so you can wrap your presents early and use the packages themselves as décor (800) 764-6278
(239) 653-0225 Foreign Inquiries
(page 24). Then learn about the history of Christmas (page 124) and start a new tradition [email protected]
with your family (pages 8 and 12). Back Issues
www.engagedmediamags.com
Above all, try not to rush through the season. There’s so much shopping, entertaining
Books, Merchandise, Reprints
and gift giving to do, but Advent is also a time to prepare your heart, hold your loved ones (800) 764-6278
close and remind each other how much you care. Letters to the Editor, New Products or to
Contribute a Story or Photo
Victoria Van Vlear: [email protected]
Merry Christmas, SUBSCRIPTION RATES

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per 2 years payable in US funds.
Single copy price is $9.99.
Please allow 6 to 8 weeks for new subscription to begin.
Victoria Van Vlear —Editor
Pinaki Bhattacharya: CEO

Terry Rollman: Group President
Nathaniel Phillips: HR and Office Management
Philip Trinkle: Newsstand Sales Director
americanfarmhousestyle @americanfarmhousestyle americanfarmhousestyle Jickie Torres: Director of Content

ALMANAC
Get ready for Christmas with these seasonal tips and ideas.
BY V I C TO R I A VA N V L E A R
5 New Christmas 3 QUICK FARMHOUSE

Traditions to Start STOCKING STUFFERS
Hickory farms Cow head cookie

Christmas at the
peppermint snow cutter, $14.79. Visit
farm soy candle,
mints, $22.50. Etsy.com/shop/
starting at $10.99.
(800) 753-8558 or TheFussyPup.
(815) 264-3009 or
1803candles.com. hickoryfarms.com.
1. On December 1 each year, do a five-minute video interview
with each member of the family, reflecting on the year or why
they’re excited for Christmas.
2. Gift Christmas pajamas to the whole family on Christmas Eve.
3. Invite the neighbors over to watch
a classic Christmas film and serve
Hot Cocoa from Scratch
hot chocolate.
Don’t have hot cocoa mix on hand? Try making your
4. Make a special meal or treat
only during December, such as
own variations.
cream of mushroom soup, pot
pies, glazed-spritz cookies or
Danish butter cookies. BASIC RECIPE:
5. Take a family picture in front of • 12 oz. milk of choice
the Christmas tree each year in • 1 teaspoon
the same pose. cocoa powder
• 1⁄4t easpoon
vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons sugar
Did you know?

(depending on your
sweet tooth)
With the help of the postal service, you can ensure that TRY IT TRY IT SPICED: TRY IT SPIKED:
your children or grandchildren receive replies from their STRIPED: Add ½ teaspoon Add 1-2 teaspoons
letters to Santa Claus! This involves writing your own Add ½ teaspoon pumpkin spice and Kahlúa or Baileys
Santa response and including an extra envelope with peppermint simple use a cinnamon Irish Cream liqueur.
PHOTOS BY ISTOCK
syrup or 1-2 stick to stir.

postage i n a l arger p ackage. F or the f ull i nstructions, vi sit
drops peppermint
about.usps.com/holidaynews/letters-from-santa.htm. If
extract. Use a
you’re in Canada, visit bit.ly/2gBTLCf. candy cane to stir.
Important Dates: Thanksgiving: November 22 • First Sunday of Advent: December 2 • Hanukkah: December 2-10

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• WORKBENCH •
KITCHEN
COZY
Have you collected our DIY kitchen tea towel designs
this year? This Christmas design takes the cake.
For the full instructions and ready-to-print graphic,
visit AmericanFarmhouseStyle.com.

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Heirlooms For Your Family
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• WORKBENCH •
Christmas
DIY an Advent wreath that
will help your family serve
others this season.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRE T GUM
COUNTDOWN
While live wreaths give off a lovely
scent, we chose a faux wreath from
King of Christmas for this project
because you’ll be touching the wreath
throughout the season as you read the
tags, and that will cause live wreaths
to lose their needles.
Advent calendars are a fun way

to anticipate Christmas. But instead of getting a
treat each day, celebrate the spirit of Christmas by
serving others with this fun DIY Advent wreath.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

� Wreath (we used the 24” King of
Christmas wreath)
� Thick plaid ribbon
� Thinner burlap ribbon
� Scissors
� Wire and wire cutters
� Hot glue gun and glue
� 25 brown craft tags
� Number stickers
� Pen
� Thin ribbon, in color of choice
� Miniature clothes pins
WHAT YOU’LL DO:

1. With the plaid ribbon, tie a large bow, making
sure to leave plenty of length for the tails. Tie
a smaller bow with the burlap ribbon. Hot
glue the two together.
2. Loop a length of wire around the back of the
bow, then tie it to the top of the wreath. Set
it aside.
3. Label each tag with the number stickers, 1-25.
4. On the back of each tag, write a service
10 SERVICE IDEAS
prompt. This may require some planning: 1. Go through the drive-through at a fast food or coffee shop and
Keep your calendar nearby so you can anonymously pay for the person in the car behind you.
plan lighter activities for week days or 2. Invite your next door neighbors into your home for hot cocoa.
busy da ys an d m ore s ubstantial s erving f or 3. Assemble a care package in a plastic zipper bag: bottle of water, socks,
the weekends. toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant and a gift card to the local grocery
5. Lay the wreath on a flat surface and space out store. Place it in your car to give to the next homeless person you see.
the tags evenly. You’ll need to fit six tags on 4. Find a local charity and volunteer for 2-3 hours.
each quarter of the wreath. 5. Deliver Christmas cookies to someone who lives alone.
6. Cut a 2-3” length of thin ribbon for each tag. 6. Do the chores of another family member (in addition to your own).
Loop it through the hole and use a miniature 7. Buy an extra bag of canned goods at the grocery store and deliver it to a
clothes pins to clip the tag onto the wreath. local food bank.
7. Hang in your home and enjoy! Bonus: As you 8. Sing Christmas carols in your local retirement home.
complete each day’s task, flip the tag around. 9. Write a thank you letter to a service man or woman in the military and
By Christmas morning, you’ll have a wreath deliver it to a service such as Operation We Are Here or Operation Gratitude.
full of reminders of how you’ve served others 10. Volunteer at your local hospital or public library.
this season.
WINTER 2018 • 13
HANDMADE
FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Shop American made this year
for your Christmas stockings.
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF T WENT Y EIGHT 12
For designers and moms Leia Liwag and Kim Marx, starting a small
business was an act of both faith and friendship. “We went back to
school for interior design and became really great friends,” Kim says.
“The economy was rough, and we wanted to do something on
our own, so we started the shop in 2012.” Taking the leap together
paid off. “In 2015, we both quit our jobs and went full time with our
business,” Kim says.
Their shop, Twenty Eight 12, produces handmade décor items,
from pillow covers and felt ball garlands to wedding accents and
Christmas stockings. “The Christmas items are the most popular for
us,” Leia says.
While they love what they do, running a small American-made
business can be a challenge. “Sometimes customers don’t realize
the time and cost that comes with doing everything here,” Leia
says. “Because there’s so much online ordering now, there’s a
conception that everything should come right away.” But for Leia,
Kim and their small team of makers, each item is an act of love, and
it takes time to get it right. “We don’t produce massive amounts of
items, so quality insurance is important to us,” Kim says. “We iron
"Knowing that you're supporting a every single piece ourselves before we mail it.”
So why should you shop American made when the pieces take
longer to arrive on your doorstep? “Knowing that you’re supporting
local business holds a lot of value.” a local business holds a lot of value,” Leia says. “We do have families,
– Leia Liwag and that’s who we’re doing it for.”
SEE SOURCES, PAGE 128.

COVER
HOLLY JOLLY
HOLIDAY
Keep your sanity
while you prep for
holiday entertaining
this year.
PHOTO BY TI MEDIA
Throwing any party is a lot of work, but

it can be especially hectic during the
Christmas season with so much else going
on. Here are five tips for staying sane as
you decorate, shop and clean.
MATCH YOUR PARTY DETAILS TO

YOUR CURRENT HOLIDAY HOME.
Don’t create a whole new dining room
experience for a single party. Whether
this includes your tablescape, kitchen
decorations or even sprucing up your
guest bathroom, use your usual holiday
decorations for your entertaining event.
This will save you extra work and help the
party décor flow seamlessly.
SET YOUR DINING TABLE EARLY.

Instead of setting up your tablescape the
day before the party, think of it as another
Christmas decoration, and set it up when
you initially decorate for Christmas. This
will save you extra time, though you may
want to wipe down the dishes just before
the party to remove any dust. You can also
wait to set out the cutlery and glassware
until a few days before the event.
IF IN DOUBT, LIGHT CANDLES. In this LET GUESTS SERVE THEIR OWN
ENLIST HELP. Many hands make light barn dining room, candles help light the DRINKS. Whether you have a rustic
work, so enlist all the help you can get. Your way to the table and Christmas tree. If your bar cart in the corner or a few bottles
kids can wipe down the sink and mirror table seems a little too empty or you’re of wine on the counter, let your guests
in the guest bathroom, and your spouse unhappy with the atmosphere of your serve themselves drinks so you can focus
can be the designated person to empty the dining room, add candles to help warm up on other aspects of hosting, including
trash throughout the party. If friends offer the vibe. Just be sure to place them inside enjoying the party yourself. This will also
to bring a dish or come early to help set up, containers so hot wax doesn’t drip on your ensure that each guest receives exactly the
let them. table or tablecloth. drink they want.
WINTER 2018 • 15
• FARMHOUSE FAVORITES •
CLUB Learn how the club

chair started as a French
invention and became
CULTURE an American staple.

BY R I M A L H AQ
When considering leather upholstery,

be wary of bonded leather, which is
faux leather and won’t last as long. Annelia tufted red
Real leather has a larger price tag, fabric club chair, $239.
but is more durable. Visit dotandbo.com.
CLUB CHAIRS ARE COMFORTABLE AND ROOMY ARMCHAIRS but gained the name “club chair” when an abundance of
that have extra deep seats, perfect for dozing off or curling up gentlemen’s clubs began to use them during the 20th century.
with your favorite book. These armchairs are reminiscent of Despite the original French design of a square back, scroll
French décor and have been a classic feature in the interior of arms and a thick cushion, contemporary construction of these
French homes since they were invented in the 19th century. chairs has broadened the look, and club chairs have invariably
They were originally referred to as “fauteuil confortable,” become an American classic.

Sven grass green tufted
velvet chair, $799. (888)
746-3455 or article.com.
UPHOLSTERY
FABRIC GUIDE
Learn the pros and cons of
your upholstery options.
COTTON. Soft and durable, cotton comes
in many forms used for upholstery, such
as denim and corduroy.
PROS CONS
• Variety of color • Highly flammable
and pattern • Fades when
options exposed to direct
• Easy to care for sunlight
WOOL. This natural fiber comes from

goats, sheep and alpaca, and it can be
mixed with other synthetic or natural
fibers to create a blend.
PROS CONS
• Durable and • Attracts moths
sturdy and other bugs
• Soft to the touch • Requires dry
• Wrinkle and fade cleaning
resistant
Safavieh Glen pale
blue club chair, $319.
(516) 945-8000 or VELVET. This soft, distinctive fabric
decormarket.com. is made from both natural and
synthetic fibers.
PROS CONS
• Heavy and • Requires dry
durable cleaning
• Aesthetically • Fades easily in
pleasing and sunlight
elegant
Charlize occasional
LEATHER: A common upholstery
chair in Emerald green,
material, you can get either faux “bonded”
$880. (469) 620-1420 leather or real leather.
or southfirsthome.com.
PROS: CONS
• Extremely durable • Requires
• Resistant to specific cleaning
fading and materials
ages well • Expensive
NYLON: Nylon is usually blended with

other fibers to strengthen their properties.
PROS CONS:
• Good stain • Tends to pill
and abrasion • Light sensitive
resistance
• Easy to clean
• Resilient and
doesn’t soil or
wrinkle easily
WINTER 2018 • 17
• BARN FINDS •
Make it
Merry
BY L AU R E N H O F E R
Transform every corner of

your home into a festive
holiday haven with these
Christmas finds.
1.
2.
3.
2
Jingle all the way tea towel,

$25. (866) 953-1762 or gloryhaus.com.
Christmas farmhouse reindeer feed sack pillow,
$32.85. (888) 892-9953 or zazzle.com.
DIY Putz farmhouse ornament craft kit,
$14. Visit etsy.com/shop/HolidaySpiritsDecor.
1
4. Rustic Christmas sign,
$39.72. Visit foresthilldesigns.ca.
5. Holiday berry arrangement,
$19.99. (877) 541-4855 or kirklands.com.
4 5

8
6. Farmhouse feed sack ornament, $8.
6 (631) 567-0828 or acottageinthecity.com.
7. Rae Dunn Christmas double dish,
$19.94. Visit fullmoonfarmhouse.com.
8. Plaid holiday stocking,
$36. (800) 457-7456 or touchofclass.com.
9. Rustic barn boards wrapping paper,
$14.95. (888) 892-9953 or zazzle.com.
10. Stretched fine art canvas of a cow,
$200. Visit etsy.com/shop/
lucysnowephotography.
10
WINTER 2018 • 19
• BARN
• BARN FINDS
FINDS• •
Gift
Guide
Cross names off your gift list this
year with these amazing finds.
BY R I M A L H AQ
1
3
k 2
4
Her 6
1. Amish market and everyday tote bag,
$48.95. (515) 344-4213 or amishbaskets.com.
2. Hampshire copper firewood holder,
$177.95. (866) 855-2284 or
signaturehardware.com.
5 3. Metal and wood hunter wall clock,
$129.99. (877) 541-4855 or kirklands.com.
4. Bath salts trio set,
$27. Visit etsy.com/shop/BEINGapothecary.
5. Farm sweet farmhouse rustic sign,
$56. (888) 682-4402 or marmalademercantile.com.
6. The Noah bowl,
20 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE $58. Visit prayerbowls.com.
1
Him
k
1. Jumpstart hygiene kit,
$34.95. Visit samsnatural.com.
2
2. Beer cap states,
$35. (888) 365-0056 or uncommongoods.com.
3. Personalized men’s waxed canvas apron,
$52.95. Visit beau-coup.com.
4. 2019 National parks calendar,
$34.95. (888) 727-3711 or papersource.com.
5. Ringtool emergency multi-tool,
starting at $26. Visit thegrommet.com.
6. Monogrammed forged steak brand,
$49.95. (800) 840-2843 or williams-sanoma.com. 6
WINTER 2018 • 21
• BARN FINDS •
2 1. Wooden brain teaser set,

$58. Visit etsy.com/shop/KubiyaGames.
2. In Bloom book collection,
$64. (407) 622-7679 or riflepaperco.com.
3. Personalized mug set,
4
starting at $17.73. Visit
etsy.com/shop/HENDOGDesignsGB.
4. Lake hammock,
$149.99. Visit hammockuniverse.com.
5. Snake Eyes yard dice,
$49.99. (952) 484-2776 or yarddice.com.
1
In oKitchen
1. Live edge cutting board,
$69. Visit woodwaves.com.
2. Mason jar measuring cups,
$12.99. (877) 967-5362 or worldmarket.com.
3. IMAX farmhouse lidded canisters,
set of 3, $116.25. (877) 723-5522 or bellacor.com.
4. Decorative antiqued farmhouse scale,
$26.98. (847) 444-3150 or lakeside.com.
3
5. Grade sample pack of Adirondack maple
syrup, starting at $15. Visit Etsy.com/shop/
HiddenHollowMaple.
WINTER 2018 • 23
• ESSENTIALS •
GIFT WRAP Gorgeous Take your gift wrapping to a

whole new level this year.
The packages you place under your Christmas tree

can elevate the look of the whole scene from ordinary to extraordinary. By
coordinating your wrapping, you’ll turn your presents into décor and can enjoy
the look throughout the season. Here are 5 tips to get started.
1. SAVE AND WRAP BOXES. Oddly-shaped gifts are hard to wrap. One easy
solution is to use gift bags, but gift bags often take away from the charm of your
Christmas tree (and they’re not as fun to unwrap). Instead, start saving boxes—
everything from shipping boxes to shoes boxes. Then you can place your
oddly-shaped gifts into the boxes for a coordinated look.
2. MIX AND MATCH WRAPPING PAPER. Be strategic when you choose your
wrapping paper. Pick a couple solid colors, then one or two patterns as a
complement. We used three papers here: solid blue, brown parcel paper and
blue checked paper. The checked paper helps balance the two solids.
(right) For large wired ribbon, tie a separate bow, then use a length of wire to attach it to the package.
This will help your bow look perfect and will also allow you to reuse it in the future.

WINTER 2018 • 25
To help your vintage cards fit your
package scheme, use only cards
with similar colors and add a bit
of glitter glue to the edges to help
coordinate the look.
For small packages, write the recipient’s name

on the bottom instead of adding a tag that will
obscure the package completely.

Don’t forget to get a tree skirt that will go with
your packages. This cute knitted tree skirt is
from the Etsy shop Colorways Gallery.
3. DON’T USE PLASTIC BOWS. Instead of the usual and gingerbread men (see page 71 for DIY gingerbread
plastic gift bows, use ribbon and twine. We’ve used ornaments). If you’re a vintage enthusiast, find a packet
three different types here: large sparkly silver ribbon, of vintage Christmas cards at your local flea market to
silky blue ribbon and, of course, farmhouse-friendly add to the fronts of the packages.
twine. Mix and match them so they maintain a
coordinated look while remaining varied as well. Then 5. KEEP THE TAGS SIMPLE. While you want to use
on Christmas morning, save the ribbon and twine to variety in your paper, tying materials and package
reuse next year. adornments, too much variety can become disjointed.
Tie the look together with one type of tag. Brown paper
4. DECORATE YOUR PACKAGES. Besides using ribbon, tags are perfect for farmhouse style. Add a stamped
decorations will add that special touch to the package. “Merry Christmas” greeting to the front to continue the
Go natural with a few sprigs of greenery and cinnamon coordinated look, then add the recipient’s name to the
sticks, or give into your sweet tooth with candy canes back where it will be hidden away.
WINTER 2018 • 27
• ESSENTIALS •
FARMHOUSE
Festive
Create your own holiday haven with
these seasonal decorating tips for
every space in the house.
BY J E S S I E YO U N T
W
hen revamping your home this Christmas, deck every
hallway, nook and cranny to celebrate the season
throughout your home. Stick with what you know about
farmhouse style; you can never go wrong when you aim for
warmth and simplicity. Consider balance and color above all
else, and seek to achieve an inviting environment to entertain and play.
Porch Statement
Decorate your front porch to make a lasting impression on your guests, neighbors and passersby. Dress up year-
round furniture with complementary accessories, such as seasonal pillows and throws and personal mementos,
like ice skates or a tray filled with candles and mugs. Surround your front steps with vibrant poinsettias and adorn
PHOTO BY BRET GUM
your trim with garlands to bring an al fresco touch to the entrance of your home. Finally, add a hint of farmhouse
style into the mix by using wood textures and plaid patterns to play off the colorful décor.
WINTER 2018 • 29
Christmas Corner
PHOTO BY BRET GUM
Balance is key to decorating every space in your house, and in smaller spaces,
a delicate touch does just the trick. In this reading nook, a wreath hung in
the center of the window honors the time of year and acts as the focal point.
Meanwhile, seasonal pillows blend in with patterned ones against a pastel
red-and-green palette. What’s the takeaway? Rather than overwhelm every
surface, simply sprinkle a few key pieces of décor in your less-used nooks
and crannies.

Superstar Staircase
The staircase is perhaps the easiest feature in
the house to decorate. Wrap a garland around
the banister and line the steps with dainty tea
candles that glisten and glow in the evening.
But why stop there? Liven up your blank walls
behind the staircase with a gallery wall. Use a
limited color palette to maintain continuity,
but don’t feel the need to go out and buy
holiday-related paintings. In this example, the
homeowners used primarily red and green
portraits and floral stills to achieve an eclectic,
yet cohesive holiday look.
PHOTO BY BRET GUM
WINTER 2018 • 31
Curb Appeal
During the winter season, houses are
strewn with Christmas lights, and lawns
are scattered with nativity scenes. Yet, a
quintessential farmhouse style calls for
rusticity and natural charm. This front gate
was decorated with two wreaths made of
twigs. They both bear sprigs of pine, and
they were hung with soft cream-colored
ribbon. The wreaths blend seamlessly with
PHOTO BY BRET GUM
the metal gate, but create an eye-catching

effect with small red flowers.

Cooking in the Kitchen
Tis’ the season for families to gather and
prepare turkey, stuffing and mashed potato
feasts, which makes counter space vital.
When it comes to decorating your kitchen,
keep your counters clean and clutter-free
and instead make use of small spaces. In
this kitchen, a pine garland and wreath—
above and in front of the window—add
wintery cheer without reducing functional
space. Small, slender candles perched on
the window sill carry the theme from top
PHOTO BY NICK MCGINN
to bottom. Together, these small touches of

décor create a simple, yet festive atmosphere.
WINTER 2018 • 33
Deck the Halls
On Christmas morning, thousands of kids race to open their stockings, hoping for candy canes, chocolate truffles,
tiny trinkets and toys. But up until that special moment, stockings hang above the fireplace or against the wall,
just waiting to be opened. Thoughtfully stuff your stockings to create a beautiful display in the meantime. In this
hallway, pine needles, wrapped gifts and even stuffed animals peek out from the top of each stocking. Notice that
labels and vintage photos appear above the stockings, adding a personal touch to finalize the look.
The mantel isn't the only

place you can hang stockings.
Try them in the mudroom,
hallway or hanging off a
cabinet or hutch.
PHOTO BY KEVIN AND LAYLA PALMER

Bedroom Basics
When it comes to styling your bedroom, redecorating with
Christmas colored blankets and pillows is a simple first step.
But soft and farmhouse-friendly patterns, like a checkered
bed skirt, can take your design a step further, ushering in a
casual and comforting tone. If you’re worried about creating
a setting that feels too feminine, simply use darker colors like
the navy blue and black tones in this bedroom to achieve a
gender-neutral, yet homey appeal.
WINTER 2018 • 35
Decadent Dining
Before setting your table, take stock of
your dining linens, dishware and utensils,
along with your seasonal tabletop décor.
Now, mix and mingle to your heart’s
desire. Neutral fabrics like burlap cloth

and white lace doilies serve as a base for
this tablescape, while ruby red goblets,
ribbons and Christmas trees add a hint
of holiday cheer. And don’t forget about
centerpieces. Here, tall pinecones are
surrounded by shorter candles, more
pinecones and ornaments of various
heights to work a little multi-level magic.

Mantel Magic
If there’s any spot in the home that deserves an extra dose of holiday décor, it’s the mantel. In the
living room, families come together to sing jingles by the fire, drink hot cocoa and take pictures.
Make your mantel picture-worthy with garlands and banners, which help to create a layered and
sophisticated look. If your kids have a favorite Christmas picture book, prop it up at the base of the
fireplace or set out a tray with holiday mugs and utensils, if you like to have coffee and cocoa while
opening presents. Think outside of the box, and consider what fits your family.
WINTER 2018 • 37
Katie Toomb’s dining room is
just off the entryway, so it’s
a focal point of the house as
guests come inside.

Tennessee
CHRISTMAS
A dining room gets a cozy makeover
in time for the holidays.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CLAIRE BAUM
W
hen it comes to Christmas decorating, the
dining room is a focal point in your home. It’s the
room where you’ll host your holiday parties and
Christmas dinner. When sisters Amy Mobley and
Katie Norrid of City Hill Design came on board
to help artist Katie Toombs design her dining room, they created a cozy
space, perfect for Christmas cheer.
DESIGN INSPIRATION
For farmhouse style, there’s nothing better than a little reclaimed wood.
Amy and Katie’s specialty is newer construction homes, so they often try
to find ways to add older elements and give the homes more character.
“This home is new construction from five years ago,” Katie says. Rather
than a wall siding, they decided to add a rustic element to the ceiling. “It’s
called Wall Concept,” Amy says. “It comes pre-finished, which was what sold
us, because we had a hard time hunting down reclaimed wood that was
consistent and affordable.” Once the ceiling was up, they could move on to
the rest of the details.
WINTER 2018 • 39
"Weher artwant e d t o f
in the space.”
e at u re
TO COLOR OR NOT TO COLOR
When Katie Toombs hired Amy and Katie, she told them
she wanted a blue dining room. “She’s an artist, so she loves
color,” Katie says. “But she has a neutral palette. In the end,
she decided to go with a lighter gray, but still wanted blue in
the room.” So the sisters decided to add color back into the
room through smaller accents. “We wanted to feature her
art in the space,” Katie says. “We had her paint something for
Christmas,” Amy says. “When her husband walked in after it
was decorated, he loved the painting and immediately told
her that she shouldn’t sell that one.”
From the painting, Amy and Katie added other blue
details on the Christmas tree, dining table and hot chocolate
bar. They also continued the farmhouse vibes by bringing
in metal accents. “We wanted to mix the warm wood tones
with black iron on the chairs and candlesticks for warmth
and a farmhouse feel,” Amy says. The combination is both
cozy country and winter wonderland.
(top) A hot chocolate bar is both fun and personal. “When a guest walks in,
they’ll spend a lot of time eating and drinking,” Amy says. “We wanted them
to remember the hot chocolate bar.”
(bottom) For the table’s centerpiece, Amy and Katie chose a garland. “We
wanted something that would be natural, but last over time once it dried,”
Amy says. “[Our florist] came up with eucalyptus and cypress and wove a big
garland down the middle of the table.”

DIY
HOT
CHOCOLATE
BAR
WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
THE BASICS:
� Hot water
� Hot chocolate mix (see page 8)
� Mugs
� Spoons
THE TOPPINGS:
� Candy canes or peppermint sticks
� Cinnamon sticks
� Whipped cream
� Chocolate sprinkles
� Mini marshmallows
THE TREATS:
� Chocolate cookies, such as Oreos
� Caramel melts
� Wafer cookies, such as Piroulines
THE ACCENTS:
� Trays
� Cake stands
� Glass jars
� Wood scoops
� Tags
TIPS:
� Use clear glass jars for your various accoutrements
so guests can easily see what’s inside.
� If you offer simple syrups or any other kind of
liquid, place the bottles on a tray or paper towel in
the back so drips don’t get on your table or fabric.
� Add a few sprigs of greenery around the table
for a full look.
� Don’t forget to leave space at the front of the table
where guests can put their mug as they mix their
hot chocolate.
WINTER 2018 • 41
"affInordingwintaerbetter
, the viewmatofurethemaples drop their leaves,
house, while the icy pond is
clearly visible from the great room windows.”
WINTER
Light
Architect Daniel Contelmo struck the balance
between farm cottage and traditional
architecture by using stones around the home’s
base and adding swooping and pointed roofs to
contrast the cottage look.
BY M A D I S O N N AU TA
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANIEL CONTELMO, JR.
L
Exposed beams and eaves have drifted off the trees, the chilled air is beginning to
blow and you’re patiently waiting for that first snowfall. You
glass walls make want a front row seat to the show, and a home built to enjoy
this New York home the surrounding scenery is the perfect place to watch those
flurries come down. Architect Daniel Contelmo of Daniel
light and airy for a Contelmo Architects let the changing weather of the Northeast guide the
country Christmas. design of this gothic New York farm cottage.
WINTER 2018 • 43
LET THERE BE LIGHT
Natural light for any home—especially a home with farmhouse
style—is critical. With its corner windows and glass wall in the great
room, this house is adept at capturing light. When designing homes,
Daniel considers “the approach to the house, possible views and sun
orientation.” Without the shade of trees and an icy reflection off the
pond, there are so many sources of natural light in the winter. “The
depth of the home is never more than two rooms deep, so light
either travels or is visible from any point,” he says.
(left) “Many of our staircases have

custom designed balustrades,
wrapping or flared treads and
incorporated benches,” says Daniel.
With its detailed wood design, this
staircase is the perfect place to wrap
fresh garland.
(right) The varied ceiling heights make

each room ready for a tree of any
size. With the built-in cupboards and
furniture, there is plenty of space for
small Christmas trinkets and décor.

This is the largest room in the house, and it uses the natural winter scenery as holiday décor. When Daniel is
designing a home, he imagines his clients living in it and spending time in each room.
SEASONED SCENERY
This home takes advantage of light just as much as it depends on
nature in its design. In the Northeast, seasons have distinct looks,
and the changes themselves are worth watching. “In the spring,
one can appreciate the new growth of the trees and wild flowers
in the meadow,” Daniel says. “In summer, you can sit on the covered
screen-in-porch, away from the bugs and sun. Fall is magnificent
due to the backdrop of deciduous trees and shrubs and their
multi-colored leaves. In winter, the mature maples drop their leaves,
affording a better view of the house, while the icy pond is clearly
visible from the great room windows.” When designing a home like
this, Daniel analyzes how these parts of nature create a backdrop
for the building. “I capture the ‘essence’ of the project,” he says.
“The architecture should reflect the essence, and the décor should
complement it.”
WINTER 2018 • 45
This is an award winning bathroom. “The character of the bathroom is continued from the rest of the house,
Daniel says. “Our main goal was to keep it open since it’s not large and to capture the view of the pond from the
corner windows.”
YOU’RE BEAMING
Designing a 2,600-square-foot home for Christmas is all about highlighting the
architecture and natural character. From shiplap to large beams, intricate wood details and,
of course, an open floor plan, this home is a farmhouse lover’s dream. “We manipulated
ceiling heights to create a sense of scale and comfort,” Daniel says. Areas where the family
spends more time have the most interesting ceiling details. The main goal of this farm
cottage was to allow the outdoors to shine through, and Daniel did just that.

During the holidays, you’ll find yourself spending
more time in the kitchen than any other part of
your home. A large island is perfect for creating
a buffet-style spread to give your feet a rest and
your gathering a more casual atmosphere.
4 WAYS
TO MAXIMIZE
YOUR FARMHOUSE
ARCHITECTURE
FOR CHRISTMAS
• ROOFING. Daniel suggests
using steep roof lines to make a
silhouette that will look charming
when you add lights during the
Christmas season.
• WINDOWS. If you have unique

window shapes, highlight them with
simple string lights or add wreaths
"Theshouldarchireflteectctuthere
on the windows to draw the eye to
the detailing.
• STAIRCASE. Take advantage of

the staircase shape and wrap the
railing with fresh garlands or simple
string lights to give the room a cozy
Christmas feel.
essence, and the décor • CEILINGS. Do you like to put a

tree in every room? Contrast your
should complement it.” varied ceiling heights with different

sized trees.
WINTER 2018 • 47
Hanging outside their 160-year-old barn
home is a Christmas wreath made by
homeowner Theresa Halverson’s husband,
Ross. The oversized red bow beckons
visitors into their holiday home.
BARN
HOUSE
Christmas
BY E L I Z A B E T H FA L K E N B E R G
S T Y L E D B Y T H E R E S A H A LV E R S O N
An 1856 grain mill in

Wisconsin transforms into
a cozy Christmas home.
A
cozy interior is the best welcoming
escape from the chilly outdoors.
Instagrammer Theresa Halverson of
@AtHomeWithTMarie and her husband
Ross renovated this Wisconsin grain mill
from 1856 and turned it into an open home perfect for the
holidays. The warm spaces beautifully contrast the snow-
covered yard just outside their windows.
PHOTO BY THERESA HALVERSON
WINTER 2018 • 49
Because the house is so open, the kitchen butts up against the
dining area, and the Christmas tree seems part of both spaces.
Butcher-block countertops add warmth in the kitchen, while white
cabinets balance the wood and provide a neutral background for
the kitchen garlands and tree .
"inThisomes Chribrighterstmas,popsI chose to throw

of color here
and there for a more cheerful setting
PHOTO BY DAVID BADER
during the holidays.”

WINTER 2018 • 51
(top) In the mudroom, Theresa adds simple Christmas touches with a plaid blanket
and a beach bag full of fresh pine boughs.

Theresa introduces pops of color to add elements of textual and visual interest. On
the dining room table, she uses fur placemats to add country flair to her mostly-
neutral home.
LIVING HISTORY
After moving onto their lot of land, the 160-year-old structure
underwent a full transformation from derelict barn to cozy home.
In addition to this renovation, Theresa and Ross have also taken
on other major renovation projects: turning an old railroad depot
into a vacation rental, and a dilapidated farmhouse into a bed
and breakfast. Seeing the potential in historic structures comes
naturally to these two.
With their new home, Theresa combined her personal history of
decorating with the potential of this historic grain mill. “As a little
girl, I would take sticks to the backyard and arrange them into a
floor plan to play house,” Theresa says.
WINTER 2018 • 53
Create a cozy atmosphere by
focusing on texture. Start
with vintage plaid throws, knit
(top) Theresa keeps her Christmas tree front and center to
wool stockings, fur placemats
announce the holiday season. For those who love decorating
and a fury pillow.
a tree, having two trees is a great way to add more seasonal
flavor to your home.
(right) Theresa adds a dusting of Christmas cheer to her

open shelves by incorporating a small string garland,
greenery and whimsical tin houses that uphold a consistent
connection to her home’s statement décor pieces.
"change
Neutrcolorals schemes
make iwitht easitheerdifferent
to decorate and
seasons.”

Even the staircase becomes cozy for Christmas with a beautiful gray runner and
several potted pine trees.
As Theresa grew older, she moved on to rearranging her

parents’ furniture for fun. “From there, it escalated to being
the most popular babysitter around,” she says. She made
consistent attempts to spruce up her neighbors’ homes—in
small ways of course—while she took care of their kids.
For their barn home, Theresa and Ross settled on an open
floor plan that would be the best use of space and showcase
the structure’s original architecture. While an open-concept
design was ideal for how they wanted to experience the
home year-round, for Christmas they saw the value in
creating a comfortable environment in which to stay warm
during the winter months.
WINTER 2018 • 55
Utilizing storage hooks around your home can be a skillful
way to introduce more holiday décor. Theresa hangs white

stockings on coat hooks below an antique “Merry Christmas”
sign. Above the wardrobe, she displays white reindeer and
a brass lantern to add another point of interest to the look
of this corner.

Don’t feel limited to your fireplace

mantel for hanging your stockings
with care. You can hang your
stockings in other places too, such
as a hutch, open shelves or even a
wall coat rack.
Theresa decorated her home with a color palette of whites

and creams. When she adds holiday décor pieces, she’s a
big believer in the magic power of threes. She’s hung three
white knit stockings and a handmade wool garland that
blend her everyday color palette with Christmas coziness.
WINTER 2018 • 57

Several tabletop Christmas trees add symmetry to
Theresa and Ross’ master bedroom, along with a short
garland on the open shelf and plaid pillows on the bed.
WHITE CHRISTMAS CANVAS

The foundation for the interior design is a neutral color warmth coming from the wood beams, ceiling and floors.
palette. “When dealing with an open floor plan, it’s important Theresa’s neutral-colored home is an ideal canvas for
to make sure the whole area flows together with the same seasonal décor, as her Christmas colors don’t clash with her
colors for balance,” Theresa says, so she settled on neutral everyday décor, ensuring they have a bigger impact. To dress
colors. “Neutrals make it easier to decorate and change up her home for the holidays, Theresa begins by introducing
color schemes with the different seasons.” One of her main the classic color combination of red, green and cream. She
decorating objectives was to keep the home “light, bright also sets the scene by adding plenty of greenery through
and airy.” She chose a soft white paint that would balance the decorative branches, small potted trees and wreaths.

The freestanding bathtub is the perfect place for a warm soak
on a cold, winter evening. The nearby potted tree incorporates a
classic Christmas shape and natural texture, which elevates this
bathroom to its Christmas status.
WINTER 2018 • 59

10 PLACES
TO ADD
FRESH
WINTER
GREENS
Don’t stop at the Christmas tree. Add
fresh pine boughs throughout your home
this season.
1. KITCHEN RANGE HOOD. Many range
hoods have a small lip at the edge, which
is perfect for a fresh garland. Hang a few
command hooks and add wire around the
garland to hold it in place.
2. STAIRCASE LANDING. If your staircase

has a landing with enough room, add a
tiny potted Christmas tree on a small table
or atop a stack of vintage books.
3. LIVING ROOM ART. If you want your

art to have a Christmas vibe, hang a small
fresh wreath in the middle of the painting
or mirror.
4. HALLWAY DOOR FRAME. Door frames

are another great place for small garlands—
bonus points if you hang a bit of mistletoe
from the garland, too.
5. BEDROOM NIGHTSTAND. Fill a small

vase with pine boughs and wake up to the
smell of the woods each morning.
In her hutch, Teresa keeps the ingredients to make her home cozy: knit blankets, pillows, a few vintage
6. OFFICE BOOKSHELVES. Tuck a few pine
ornaments and, of course, fresh greens.
branches in amongst the décor, books and
photographs on the shelves in your office.
7. BREAKFAST NOOK TABLE. Instead of

a jug full of flowers, fill a jug with pine LESS IS MORE
boughs to add a fresh smell to the table.
When it comes to the finer details of Christmas decorating, Theresa strongly
8. BATHROOM MIRROR. You don’t want
believes that “less is more.” When they were first furnishing their home, Theresa
to cover up your bathroom mirror with
a Christmas wreath, but instead hang and Ross faced the challenge of creating distinct areas within the open floor
a garland along the top, which can trail plan. “I made use of rugs to anchor a given area such as the dining room, and a
down the sides of the mirror. different rug to anchor the living room,” she says. In a similar mindset, she was
9. DINING ROOM CHANDELIER. If your conscious of how holiday pieces could successfully anchor her Christmas décor.
chandelier is large and sturdy, hang a small
Her use of colors, shapes and texture are soothing and function as essentials for
garland from it. If a garland is too large and
bulky, tuck a few small branches here and her holiday look. She adds pops of color and texture with pillows, berries, throw
there alongside a few miniature ornaments. blankets, ornaments and handmade items. The result is a home that maintains
10. MUDROOM COAT RACK. On one of its light and airy foundation, while creating a warm setting in which to spend
the hooks on your coat rack, hang a large the holidays.
beach bag and fill it with pine branches
for a fresh smell every time you walk in SEE SOURCES, PAGE 128.
the house.
WINTER 2018 • 61
Theresa turns wrapping gifts into a decorative area
with this setup. The classic colors and textures of the
wrapping paper function as décor all on their own.
Creating your own wrapping paper station facilitates
a quick turn-around when you bring gifts home
throughout the season.

“Without the luxury of having wall space in an open floor plan,”

Theresa had to get creative with how she defined space. She uses
free-standing French doors upstairs to partition off a work area.
In other places, she “makes use of cabinets and shelving” as the
canvas to add décor to her home.
GIFT WRAPPING
DIY
WORK AREA. Whether it’s a built-in
STATION
Set up a gift wrapping station with these helpful essentials to make your
present preparations simple and fun.
GIFT WRAP BASKET. Fill a basket with CONTAINERS FOR TRIMMINGS. You
counter in your craft room or a fold-up your rolls of Christmas gift wrap. This can use Mason jars for ribbons, brown
table in your garage, set aside a work has two benefits: it will contain your lunch bags for tape and scissors and larger
space for gift wrapping that you can leave rolls, keeping them from literally rolling jars for bows and tissue paper. Keeping
up for a few weeks as you and your family all over the place, and it will help create these items in separate containers will
wrap gifts for each other. a cohesive-looking tree, because other help with your organization and focus
members of your family will use these your gift wrapping style. (For more on
same rolls when they wrap their own gifts. cohesive gift wrapping, see page 24.)
WINTER 2018 • 63
Paired with white walls, the striking
plaid tablecloth is the focal point for
the dining space. A second, smaller
Christmas tree sits in the corner next
to a handmade Advent calendar
on the hanging chalkboard. The
scene looks darling set against the
background of the black-and-white
checkered ceiling detail.

Gingerbread
FARMHOUSE
This Utah home is cozy at Christmastime,
with interiors inspired by the simplicity of
nature and delicious charm of gingerbread.
BY J I L L I A N C H A PM A N
P H O T O G R A P H E D A N D S T Y L E D B Y S TA C Y R I S E N M AY
T
he holiday season is often full of hustle and bustle, last minute gifts,
decorations and rushing from one holiday soirée to the next. Located
in beautiful central Utah, the home of blogger Stacy Risenmay of
Not Just a Housewife is a great reminder to slow down and enjoy the
simple moments during the busy holiday season.
COZY BACKDROP
Stacy’s 1938 brick cottage is a picturesque home on a large plot of land. Inside, Stacy
matches the traditional farm cottage style of her home with tasteful Christmas décor
that maximizes the festive spirit in a small amount of space. “I like to keep things a little
traditional,” Stacy says. She keeps in mind the modesty of her brick cottage, as well as
her desire to revamp and reuse staple décor pieces while preparing her home for this
special time of year.
WINTER 2018 • 65
GINGERBREAD INTERIORS
Every year, Stacy and her family enjoy
making gingerbread men together.
This year, the Risenmay family put
a twist on their tradition by not just
making gingerbread to eat, but also for
decorations, using them as inspiration for
their entire home. “Every year we make
gingerbread men,” Stacy says. “When we
made them this year, I decided to poke
holes in them and use them as ornaments,
and I was shocked by how they made
my house smell good for the whole
holiday season.” The sweet-smelling treats
complement the natural elements of
the home, from rustic wooden benches
and a wood-lined chalkboard to a barrel
of firewood and generous amounts of
greenery in each room. The gingerbread
smell permeates the entire home, bringing
the Christmas spirit alive with every whiff.
(left) A peak into the living room shows a snapshot of a
"made
[The myginhouse
gerbread men ]
picturesque Christmas space, complete with stockings
by the fire and a stash of freshly chopped wood. Stacy
hung a fresh garland from the archway leading into the
room for an extra natural touch.
(above, right) This seasonal gallery wall changes four times smell good for
the whole holiday season.”
per year and adds to the décor with simple Christmas
images like snowflakes and trees. The wood frames and
greenery mix rustic and natural elements.
WINTER 2018 • 67
Wood slices serve as unique placemats
and match the rustic theme of the
Risenmay cottage. Each place has a special
gingerbread man with a family member’s
name. These personal touches make the
scene special for this holiday family dinner.
Turn gingerbread men into delicious

place holders by writing each
guest’s name on a cookie. These can
also double as party favors. simply
provide plastic gift bags for guests
to take home.
5 WAYS TO USE GINGERBREAD

IN YOUR DÉCOR
1. WREATH. Make a few extra ornaments and hang them 4. HOT CHOCOLATE BAR ACCESSORIES. Make miniature
from the wreath on your front door to give guests a first gingerbread houses with a door cut out on each end of
glimpse into your Christmas theme. the house. Then when you make a cup of hot chocolate,
2. MANTEL VILLAGE. Add village charm to your mantel prop up the house on the rim of your mug using the
with a few gingerbread houses. Decorate them simply with door openings.
white frosting to match your gingerbread men ornaments 5. WALL ART. Fill a shadow box with several gingerbread
or have your kids help you make a candy castle. men and hang it on the wall for homemade wall art.
3. PLACE CARDS. Set a gingerbread man at each place on Alternatively, hang a few extra gingerbread ornaments
your dining table and add the guest’s name with frosting. from a cork board for a festive wall hanging.

Stacy and her family love to read holiday books
in this comfortable nook. The gingerbread
men that adorn the Christmas tree add a lovely
Christmas aroma to this cozy space.
WINTER 2018 • 69
A classic cloche captures a
snowy gingerbread house,
adding a touch of timeless
elegance to this end table.
Sentimental pieces are instrumental to invoking the holiday spirit. This nativity scene was
a set Stacy fell in love with, and when her husband found it later, he purchased it for her as
a gift. Now it holds a special place in their hearts, and they display it in a prime location.
COLOR SAVVY
As a blogger, Stacy shares her home with many readers, and each not overwhelming the small space. They also pair well with her
year she comes up with new and affordable décor ideas. “I don’t existing rural décor.
want to spend a fortune on all new décor, so I’m always looking To optimize cost efficiency, Stacy turned to Amazon and
for budget-friendly ways to change it up,” she says. This Christmas purchased navy and green plaid blanket scarves. She used
season, Stacy decided to get creative with her non-traditional color them to create throw pillows, a table cloth and hangers for her
scheme of navy blue and green. Stacy chose these colors to make wreath. Using modest touches and thrifty finds, Stacy was able
the seasonal change simple, as they go with the preexisting color to successfully bring the Christmas spirit to life in her home. Her
scheme of her home. The blue and green arrangements strike simple and charming décor is a true fit for her quaint farm cottage
a nice balance between representing the Christmas season, yet and sets the tone for a slower and more meaningful holiday season.

DIY
GINGERBREAD
ORNAMENTS
WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
• 1 batch of fresh • Cookie cutters
gingerbread dough (your • Scewer or ice pick
choice of recipe) • Frosting of choice
• Rolling pin • Thin twine
WHAT YOU’LL DO:

1. Roll out the dough on a of time so they aren’t soft.
The gingerbread
generously floured surface. If you want to keep some
2. Working with one piece cookies to eat, you can
of dough at a time, use bake those for less time for
cookie cutters to cut out a softer texture.
your shapes, whether 5. Let the cookies cool, then
smell permeates the

gingerbread men, reindeer, decorate with frosting.
snowmen or angels. 6. Once the frosting has
3. Before you bake the dried, thread the twine
entire home, bringing cookies, use the skewer to

poke a hole at the top of
each cookie for hanging.
through the holes and
hang them on your tree.
These cookies will keep
the Christmas spirit alive Make sure the hole isn’t

too close to the edge of the
until next year if you want
to use them again—just
with every whiff. cookie or it might break.

4. Bake the cookies as the
recipe directs, making sure
store them in an air-tight
container or plastic bag so
critters don’t get to them in
to cook them the full length the meantime.
WINTER 2018 • 71
North Pole
FESTIVITIES
This Utah farmhouse
embraces all the magic of
Christmas with a rustic twist.
BY S T E P H A N I E AG N E S - C RO C K E T T
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JESSICA WHITE
ST YLING BY TONI ROBERTS

Homeowner Toni Roberts keeps the fireplace lit throughout the
month of December, creating a magical Christmas environment
between the falling snow, lights on the tree and glow of the
embers. She also positions a charming Valentine’s Day heart
above the mantel. “The heart says farmhouse to me,” she says,
adding that she decided to pull it out for the holiday season.
WINTER 2018 • 73
W
hen you hear the phrase, “Santa’s workshop,” a
Utah farmhouse probably isn’t the first image
that comes to mind. But tour this festive Utah
abode, and you may begin to re-envision
Saint Nick’s headquarters. Thanks to abundant
snowballs, a “North Pole” welcome sign and even a couple Mrs. Claus
cookbooks, the home overflows with the warmth and magic of the season.
Blogger Toni Roberts of Design Dazzle has always loved decorating, and
Christmas décor holds a special place in her heart. “I got this passion from
my mom,” Toni says. “She loves decorating for Christmas, too.”
(above) For the front porch, Toni decided on a less effusive color
palette. In contrast with the interior, the exterior features
“a classic black-and-white Christmas look with no red.” Toni
also styled the area with chic black ice skates, a “large metal
galvanized snow plate” and a robust Christmas tree.

"You don't have to have a lot of money
to embrace the magic of Christmas.”
WINTER 2018 • 75
Craft your own snowballs with
Toni names each of her Christmas
Styrofoam spheres. Wrap a layer of
trees, and dubbed this one her
batting around each one, hot glue it
Farmhouse Christmas Tree. “I start
in place and cover the batting with
with a color scheme,” she says. “My
artificial buffalo snow.
color scheme for this tree was red
and white, perfect for a farmhouse
look.” In addition to topping the
tree with a delightful assortment of
bows and hearts, she also created
a quaint forefront scene, complete
with ice skates and a sleigh.

Toni brings seasonal spirit to her rustic entryway bench with
a gingham-print cushion and a festive pillow. For the wall
hanging, she used “cheap plywood and built the mirrors
around the doors,” replicating the look of a more expensive
antique design. The space combines the coziness of Christmas
with the warm comfort of farmhouse style.
SOFT BACKDROPS
In accordance with the farmhouse aesthetic, Toni opted for
muted tones on the walls and floors throughout her home.
“I have a very neutral palette,” Toni says. “The walls are a soft
gray, and the floors are a warm gray-brown, which is kind
of a farmhouse look to begin with.” These shades, which are
perfect for the American farmhouse, also prove wonderfully
versatile. “I change certain areas of the home up throughout
the year,” she says. For this reason, she purposefully designed
her home to accommodate different accessories for the
changing seasons. “I probably decorate the kitchen three
times a year,” she says. Typically, Toni displays autumn
accents between October and November, then ushers in the
Christmas spirit the weekend after Thanksgiving.
(left) Toni owns a one-of-a-kind nativity set. “I wanted an off-white color and
couldn't find any,” she says. So she and her husband purchased the set “at a
ceramic shop as green ware,” during their first Christmas as a married couple.
“We had to paint it and get it fired,” Toni says. “This year will be our 29th
Christmas together.”
WINTER 2018 • 77
St. Nick’s wife was here, and her recipes are here to stay.
Toni’s kitchen boasts an adorable “Mrs. Claus’ Bake Shop”
sign, as well as cookbooks that may very well have come
straight from the North Pole. She also keeps a fresh tray
full of Santa’s favorite snacks on a cake plate, lovingly
preserved beneath a cloche lid.

Make a gingerbread house you can
use year after year by decorating
a wood bird house from the craft
store. Add some paint, glitter and a
few bottlebrush trees for a charming
gingerbread scene. (top) Toni creates a countdown calendar every year. “It's a simple
way to make Christmas that much more special for a single person,
couple or family,” she says. She writes down the name of a fun holiday
activity to complete each day of the month. And if one day ends up
being too busy, Toni says “you can always switch them up.”
DAZZLING DIYS
Toni’s setup wouldn’t be complete without her cheerful
printable signs and homemade snowballs, designs which
she sells on her website. The homemade pieces infuse
the atmosphere with rich Christmas warmth. For the
snowballs, Toni takes simple Styrofoam balls and wraps
batting and iridescent Buffalo Snow around them.
Toni also creates her garlands by hand.
WINTER 2018 • 79
To infuse style into her Christmas table setting, Toni
selected a white matellase (embossed textile). “It's
lightweight, perfect to use on my table,” she says. For the
backs of the chairs, she “found these cute little gingerbread
men in little stockings,” then pinned them to the slipcovers
with “very thick quilting pins.”

Toni purposef u lly
designed her home to
accommodate different
accessories for the
changing seasons.
She starts with a simple green strand, then added berries, ribbons
and miniature pitchers. “I always spend a lot of time in the floral
section,” she says. “I add whatever I want.”
Amidst her blogging and craft sales, Toni partners with Michaels
Crafts as a “Michael’s Maker.” Every month, she crafts a new project
using supplies from the store. Every year, in anticipation of the
holiday season, Michael’s sends her an unadorned tree, and Toni
dresses it up, styling her home décor to match. That means that
every Christmas is a little different than the one before.
WINTER 2018 • 81
Toni's Michael's Maker tree
this year is festive for her
farmhouse, with plenty of
plaid and rustic burlap.
(right, opposite) Letters to Santa, anyone? Toni took advantage of

this kitchen nook and created a charming typewriter station. The
“Merry Christmas” sign is hand-painted, and if you look closely,
you can see that the typewriter paper reads “Dear Santa.”
SHOP YOUR HOME

Although Toni changes her Christmas décor every year, she
creates the same enchanting environment season after season.
“You don’t have to have a lot of money to embrace the magic
of Christmas,” Toni says. “Everyone has a different idea of what
magical is to them.” That doesn’t have to include a huge Christmas
tree. Instead, try sifting through items you already have in your
home. Toni calls this “shopping your home.” In fact, she keeps
a small storage room stocked with miscellaneous items for
around the house. Those items don’t have to serve conventional
purposes. Toni adorns Christmas trees with plates and galvanized
hearts, bringing a Valentine’s Day flair to the holiday season. “I
look for things that you wouldn’t necessarily put on a tree,” she
says. That’s the spirit of a farmhouse Christmas—creating magic
yourself and enjoying what you have.

WINTER 2018 • 83
(above) On her mantel, Toni adds lots to look at, from the variety of green garland
pieces to flocked branches, a gingham ribbon and tall, skinny pine tree.
(right) Toni introduced a crib mattress spring as a backdrop for her large clock,
crafting a “vignette look.” The geometric lines create visual interest, contrasting
with the roundness of the time piece. “I love how that came together,” Toni says.
Adding a dish of cranberries, several Christmas trees and a cheerful gingham bow,
she infuses the scene with Christmas cheer.

DIY
GINGERBREAD
WREATH
Bring a little extra sweetness to your wreath game with
delightful gingerbread decorations.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
• Printer or graph paper • Permanent markers in
• Pencil white, silver, black, red
• Scissors • Thin ribbon in several colors
• Brown craft felt • Hot glue gun
• Wreath form • Thick ribbon
WHAT YOU’LL DO:

1. Design a basic gingerbread markers to draw their faces
man template or and emulate frosting. Add a
download an outline from small bow by tying a length
the Internet. Cut your of thin ribbon and hot
template to size. gluing it as a bow tie.
2. Use your template to cut 4. Position your gingerbread
out 15-20 gingerbread men men along the wreath and
from the craft felt. Make glue them in place.
sure you have enough to 5. Tie the larger ribbon into a
cover your wreath form. bow, then glue it to the top
3. Decorate your gingerbread of your wreath.
men. Use permanent 6. Display and enjoy!
WINTER 2018 • 85
"thatI lookyou fwouldn't
or things
necessarily put
on a tree."
SANTA SACK
Want to create your own
Santa sack? Check out Toni’s EXTRAVAGANZA
tutorial on her website at
designdazzle.com. The gingham bag under Toni’s Christmas tree
represents more than just a gift. It’s a symbol
of a multi-generational tradition—a Santa
sack. You can add this tradition to your seasonal
celebrations, too.
HISTORY
For Toni and her family, the Santa sack traces back to
Australia, where Toni’s mother grew up. Because the
family couldn’t afford a Christmas tree, Toni’s mother
and her siblings would position pillow cases, “Santa
sacks,” at the foot of their beds on December 24th. In
the morning, each child would awaken to a present in
the pillowcase. This is a tradition that continues in parts
of Europe and Australia.
BRINGING THE TRADITION HOME

Even though the sacks originated in the absence of a
Christmas tree, you don’t have to forego your foliage.
Instead, position your sacks under the Christmas tree.
“When I had kids,” Toni says, “we as a family would
camp out under the Christmas tree.” They would all
nestle down with their Santa sacks in sleeping bags,
and Toni’s children would wake up to a wonderful
surprise on Christmas morning.
TIME AND SPACE SAVERS

In addition to being absolutely adorable, Santa sacks
bring increased ease to the holiday. “You don’t have
to wrap any extra Santa presents,” Toni says. “The kids
pull out toys one at a time. It saves on gift wrap and
wrapping time.” Plus, it’s the perfect solution for oddly-
shaped presents.

Sometimes, Toni styles her entire Christmas
tree around a single object. “They had a North
Pole post office box,” Toni says. “As soon as I saw
that, I thought, ‘This is what I'm decorating my
entire Christmas tree around.’” Have a favorite
ornament? That may just be the perfect basis
for your holiday theme.
WINTER 2018 • 87
Homeowner Jo Shetley uses signs throughout her
home—the sweet sentiments capture the beauty
of life. This Timber and Gray sign calls to mind old
carols, while its delicate script interplays against
the symmetrical shiplap wall treatment.

A MODERN
White Christmas
This Missouri home shows the beauty of a
light and bright Christmas palette.
BY AU T U M N K R AU S E
P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y K A R E N PA L M E R
STYLING BY JO SHETLEY
T
he iconic phrase ‘White Christmas’ gets a modern farmhouse redo in
this Missouri home, where hair dresser-turned-interior designer Jo
Shetley eschews the usual red-and-green holiday color scheme in
favor of a neutral palette. Jo, who styles and posts about her home
on her Instagram account @the_simple_farmhouse, is known for
embracing a serene colorscape year-round. “You’ll find out pretty quickly that I love
shades of black and white wood,” she says. “They make a clean starting point that can
be enhanced with texture, and I carry this through right into my Christmas décor.”
During the Yuletide season, Jo turns her interiors into winter-themed wonderlands
that enchant her Instagram followers and, more importantly, her three children. Jo
says, “It’s so wondrous to see everything through our kiddos’ eyes.”
WINTER 2018 • 89
(top) It’s only fitting that the paint for Jo’s front door is called “Extra
White” by Sherwin Williams. It sets the tone for the neutrals that
await guests inside. The entire area is dressed for the holidays
with greenery, including two carriage lights, which Jo adorns with
wreaths. “Fresh evergreen embodies Christmas,” she says.
(right) “This little desk area is where I wrap Christmas presents,” Jo

says. She gives it a festive touch with two tiny tabletop trees.

"pretty
You'llquicklyfindthatoutI love
shades of black and
white wood. They make a
clean starting point that
can be enhanced with
texture, and I carry this
through right into my
Christmas décor.”
A WINTER WELCOME
At the Shetley home, holiday styling begins at the
entryway, where even passersby can enjoy a taste of the
Christmas spirit and carry it with them into their day. “I
like to keep it simple and inviting,” Jo says. She drapes the
front door in an evergreen garland that smells as fragrant
and fresh as it looks. She even puts extra branches to
good use. “I used some of the leftover garland to create
a wreath,” she says. The wreath hangs on the front door,
creating an iconic image that’s full of handmade heart.
Fireplace logs double as décor and lean up against the
door, immediately invoking images of cuddling up by a
fire during the cold night.
WINTER 2018 • 91
"WeEvenienjoyngshotarecupsmagi c al around here.
of cocoa by the crackling fire.”

As with any neutral palette,
it’s important to add texture
and layers to keep the interiors
looking interesting and give your
neutrals an extra pop.
To complement her neutral palette, Jo wrapped her

presents with brown parcel paper, using plaid ribbon in
green and white for a bit of texture.
FESTIVE FOREST
With walls covered in shiplap and a pine mantel to add
dimension, the living room embodies Jo’s principles of
clean farmhouse design, and she enlivens it with texture.
“It’s such a great space to style,” she says. She transforms
it into an enchanting forest during the winter months
by bringing in several small flocked trees and layering in
fur throws and pillows. By leaving the trees unadorned
and wrapping them in simple white lights, she captures
the wondrous nature of a Christmas forest lit by starlight.
“Evenings are magical around here,” Jo says. “We enjoy
hot cups of cocoa by the crackling fire.”
(left) Hickory wood floors and a rug are the foundation for Jo’s styling,
which includes elevating some of her small trees so they have varying
heights and give the natural appearance of a snowy wood.
WINTER 2018 • 93
If you want multiple trees in your
home, use a mixture of real and faux
trees to keep the number of pine
needles down, but still enjoy the
fresh fragrance of pine in the house.
MIDNIGHT’S EVE BEDROOM

The master bedroom also has Jo’s signature design lighthearted: a sign that says ‘Stay Awhile,’ and a bit of
elements: shiplap walls and a neutral color scheme, mistletoe. "Those explain themselves,” she says.
highlighted by the black bed frame and décor pieces. The holidays may suggest a vibrant color palette, but Jo
She continues the forest theme into the bedroom with shows how to imbue interiors with Yuletide wonderment—
flocked trees, white strings of lights and fur pillows, giving one that’s as soft and fantastical as newly fallen snow.
a sense of continuity to her interiors. “I consider the master “There’s nothing better than cuddling up with the ones
bedroom to be a smaller version of the living room,” Jo you love on a chilly Christmas night,” Jo says. With her cozy,
says. She added sweet details that are both romantic and magical interiors, she encourages just that.

4 TIPS FOR
A NEUTRAL
CHRISTMAS
1. START SIMPLE. Your Christmas décor doesn’t have to
completely take over your house, or even come together
in just one year. “Think and plan out your overall design
to avoid buying random décor,” Jo says. Build up your
Christmas collection over time to make it look cohesive.
2. ADD TEXTURE AND LAYERS. As with any neutral palette,
it’s important to add texture and layers to keep the interiors
looking interesting and give your neutrals an extra pop.
Christmas is a great time to add cozy texture with soft
blankets, fluffy pillows and warm drinks on the sideboard.
3. USE FRESH EVERGREENS. “I use a lot of evergreen during
the holidays,” Jo says. “It adds such a wonderful fragrance
(top) As evening descends, the master bedroom takes on a to our home.” And you don’t have to stop at the Christmas
starry-night romance with twinkle lights on the snowy trees. tree—add a garland to your staircase, a fresh wreath to the
“Who says bedrooms can’t be magical?” Jo asks. The holiday hall closet door and even place a few branches in a vase
details shine against the simplicity of the bed. instead of flowers for your dining room table.
4. LIGHT UP YOUR ROOMS. From candles to twinkling
Christmas tree lights and fires in the hearth, light is
(top right) This little area of the living room lends a rustic
essential to the cozy holiday feel of your home. Light an
note with a black and white “King of the Hill” print and a
Advent candle with your family to celebrate the season and
distressed dresser. Mini trees sit atop the white dresser to
incorporate strings of lights into your Christmas trees and
look like a grove of pines amid the snow. garlands in your various rooms.
WINTER 2018 • 95
Stenciled tiles give the laundry room a stylish twist.
“Stenciling my floors felt like doing 10,000 squats,” Jo says.
She used primer, Valspar Boot Black paint and Rustoleum
Chalked Linen paint, along with a stencil from Etsy, to
create this textured floor.

Looking for a fun family activity
during the Christmas season? Bundle
up and cut down a Christmas tree
yourself. “It’s fun and memories in the
making,” Jo says.
During Christmas vacation, Jo loves

lounging in PJs with her children,
turning on the twinkle lights in the
living room and sitting by a roaring fire.
“Experiencing the holidays with my kids
is the best,” she says.
WINTER 2018 • 97
Black eucalyptus wood rocking chairs add a
homespun touch to Jo’s porch and provide a place to
enjoy the holiday décor surrounding the door.

Natural elements such as branches and greenery have
great textures to layer atop neutrals, so Jo implements
them frequently. Here, she uses a birch branch against
her pine mantel to hang stockings. “It adds a natural boho
DIY
farmhouse element,” she says.
RUSTIC
STOCKING
HOLDER
Hang your stockings from any surface
with this stocking holder.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
• Birch branch, at least 1” in diameter

• Heavy duty pruning shears
• Sand paper
• Thin rope or jute twine
• Nails and hammer or command hooks
• Stockings
WHAT YOU’LL DO:
1. When you’re choosing a branch, look for

one as straight as possible, and at least 18”
long. Cut off any smaller branches with the
pruning shears.
2. Sand down any rough patches, as well as

the cuts on the end, being careful not to
sand away the bark.
3. Cut a length of rope or jute twine, at least

twice as long as you want the branch to
hang. Tie each end of the rope around
each end of the branch in a cow hitch knot.
4. To tie a cow hitch knot: Wrap the end

of the rope around the branch from
behind. Cross it behind the long end, then
back around the branch in the opposite
direction (from front to back this time).
Feed the end through opening you’ve just
created (it should be next to the long end)
and tighten the knot.
5. Hang the branch from your wall, dresser or

mantel with the nails or command hooks.
6. To hang the stockings, you can either

add a length of ribbon to the stocking and
attach it to the middle of the branch or slip
the stocking onto the end, outside the rope.
WINTER 2018 • 99
Plaid stockings hang from the fireplace mantel,
adding texture to the room. A small village
is safely tucked under a side table, while
Christmas trees, reindeer forms and a garland
proudly sit on the mantel.

CABIN
Natural elements and plaid accents turn
this Southern California home into a
warm winter haven.
BY K R I S T I N D OW D I N G
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRE T GUM
S T Y L I N G B Y V I C TO R I A VA N V L E A R
I
f you have a small home, it can seem clausterphobic
to add Christmas décor during the holidays. But
homeowner and blogger Rachel Bousquet of
Hygge Home brings Christmas cheer to her home
with small touches and an organized theme. “You
don’t need much to get a cozy Christmas feel,” she says.
“Simple things go a long way.”
MOUNTAIN RETREAT
Rachel’s 1,100-square-foot home transforms into a winter
retreat during the holidays. Despite sunny skies and
warmer temperatures, she manages to make her home
feel like it’s located on top of a snowy mountain. “This year,
I went with a cozy cottage cabin vibe,” she says. “I used
pops of red and lots of plaid to achieve this look.”
(left) The living room Christmas tree has a cottage cabin vibe with natural
accents and pops of gold ornaments and ribbon. Rachel used a fresh
garland on the curtains for its fragrance and texture.
WINTER 2018 • 101

Rather than swap her everyday décor for Christmas splendor, Rachel Along with touches of greenery and comfy pillows, Rachel
built upon the pieces she already has, with cozy elements such loves to incorporate wooden holiday signs to reinforce the
as pillows and blankets and natural elements like garlands and cozy cabin feel. Signs that say “Merry Christmas” and “Farm
pinecones. This way, her holiday décor doesn’t make her rooms look Fresh Christmas Trees” bring a rustic vibe to her spaces and
cluttered, and she doesn’t have to worry about storing heaps of décor refer to the holidays in a subtle manner that complements her
during the off seasons. “In the dining room, I kept it simple and fresh,” theme. “A lot of my wooden signs are made from Instagram
she says. “I added a Christmas garland to the items I already had.” shop makers,” she says.

(left) Pops of plaid and red accents bring a cozy cabin
feel to the living room. “This is our only living room
space,” Rachel says. “It’s small, but perfect for our
family.” She uses soft blankets and pillows to make it
snug, and greenery to keep it festive.
(below) Rachel’s budget-friendly front door wreath is

a Home Depot find she spruced up with a handmade
metal sign from Vintage Metal Co.
To give your wreath a unique

spin, purchase a base you like and
add elements such as pinecones,
leaves, flowers, ornaments or
even a sign.
"plaid
I usedto achieve
pops ofaredcozyandcabinlotsvibe.
of
”
WINTER 2018 • 103
The dining room cabinet is filled with Rachel’s Rae Dunn pottery
collection, which she’s been building for the past five years. The white
pieces complement the neutral color scheme in the room.
"toYgetou adon'cozyt need much

Christmas
feel. Simple things go a
long way.”
NEUTRAL NOEL
To support her cabin theme, Rachel kept her Christmas
décor mostly neutral, using textures and patterns to
create interest in the home. Her Christmas tree in the
living room exemplifies the palette through gold ribbon,
wood textures and black, white and gold ornaments. “I
To keep holiday décor out of the way in her kitchen, Rachel placed a couple faux trees and
stuck with the cottage cabin vibe for my tree this year, a wreath print on a shelf above the stove. Switching out everyday functional items for
too,” Rachel says. “I went with natural accents and pops of seasonal ones, such as her Peace towel and snowflake spatula, are also simple options to
gold, and I love ribbon in a tree.” bring festive charm to the space.

Natural elements such as greenery and pinecones
bring a seasonal vibe to the dining room. A
Christmas tree pillow and a couple “Merry Christmas”
signs bring holiday cheer to the space without
overpowering the pre-existing pieces.
WINTER 2018 • 105

The kitchen nook takes on subtle holiday charm
through touches of greenery and a scroll with lyrics
from a popular Christmas carol. “The bench is a
thrifted item I painted gray, and I added cozy layers
of pillows to it,” says Rachel.

(clockwise from top left) Rachel enjoys shopping for homemade signs on Etsy to add to
her seasonal décor. • Not every space needs to scream Christmas. The star shape
hints at seasonal spirit without taking over the small table. • To separate the living
room from the bedroom hallway, Rachel and her husband built their own barn
door. It provides privacy and adds a touch of farmhouse charm.
Not only do the tree trimmings matter, but what’s under the
tree makes a statement as well. “For wrapping gifts, I went with
the same feel. Most of our gifts are for the kids, so I kept it simple
and playful,” Rachel says. Stamped parcel paper with red labels
pop under the tree to showcase the presents.
While some of her greenery is faux, Rachel likes to include
fresh greenery to bring the scent of Christmas indoors. The
garland on the curtains next to the tree, for example, brings
a magical smell to the space, allowing her to decorate a faux
tree without the sacrifice. “I use lots of real and faux garlands
throughout my home. The real garland smells amazing,” she says.
Even if the temperature doesn’t drop below 50 degrees,
the Bousquet family will be nice and snug in their winter
farmhouse cabin.
WINTER 2018 • 107

Don’t leave your bedroom out of the Christmas fun. Mini trees and festive
garlands make great additions to this room, and cozy pillows are a must. “I
kept it simple and added some plaid elements and a cute twinkle reindeer light
above the headboard,” Rachel says.

DIY
WRAPPING
PAPER
If you can’t find the right paper to match
your style, create your own with this
simple method.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
• White or brown • Ink
parcel paper • Ruler
• Stamps • Pencil
WHAT YOU’LL DO:

1. Roll out a sizeable piece of parcel paper onto
a clean, flat surface. White is a great option
for a colorful Christmas, while brown will
complement a neutral palette.
2. Choose a stamp that complements the
theme of your Christmas décor and pick
an ink color that will stand out against
your paper.
3. Taking the size of the stamp into account,
use a ruler to mark parallel lines on the
parcel paper for a uniform look. Make sure to
stagger them at every new line.
4. Following your marks, press the inked stamp
on top each mark to create your pattern.
5. Make sure the ink is fully dried before you
attempt to wrap your gifts.
WINTER 2018 • 109

SIMPLICITY Season’s
This New England farmhouse proves that
sometimes the simplest touches can make the
most beautiful Christmas décor.
B Y E M I LY I R B Y
PHOTOGRAPHY AND ST YLING BY JAMIE DRUKE
W
ith all the hustle and bustle that NATURALLY FESTIVE
accompanies the Christmas The key to Jamie’s earthy holiday decorations is simple: step
season, decorating your home outside. “My favorite Christmas décor is free,” Jamie says. “I search
can seem like a daunting task. the woods for clippings, birch branches and tiny little evergreen
But Instagrammer Jamie Druke trees.” Taking your home from autumn to winter doesn’t have to
of @BluestoneHill proves that sometimes the simplest be a dramatic change. Jamie drapes garlands over her mantel,
of details can make the biggest impact in your home. wraps them around her porch beams and uses them to frame
Her farmhouse style manages to blend the elegance of her paintings. This is an affordable alternative to going out and
a carefully curated design with the cozy comfort of a spending money on new décor each year. “I think less is more,”
dream holiday home. Jamie says. “You don’t want to overwhelm guests with Christmas
clutter the minute they enter your house.”

Homeowner Jamie Druke highlights her exposed
ceiling beams by playing up the symmetry in her
living room. Two cozy couches face each other with a
fireplace mere inches away, and stockings
usher in the Christmas spirit.
WINTER 2018 • 111

(top) New England winters may be harsh, but they certainly are
beautiful. A simple solitary bench blanketed in snow is enough to
complete the enchanting view of Jamie’s home during the coldest
months of the year.
(right, bottom) This understated hallway detail is a prime example of

how to stack your décor. A simple wooden chair transforms when a
present and plant are layered on top of it. Plus, you can’t go wrong with
displaying a pair of your favorite rain boots.
POPS OF PATTERN
Nothing says elegant and chic like clean neutrals.
However, the holidays are a great time to experiment
with color and pattern. Jamie does this by displaying
plaid throws blankets, a wicker basket full of festive
wrapping paper and touches of the ever classic
Christmas red. But she never strays too far from her
home’s country roots and incorporates a few rustic
pieces. “I use a simple ruffled burlap tree skirt, neutral
plaids and antler pillows to add subtle farmhouse
touches in the living room,” she says.
In fact, many of Jamie’s decorations aren’t Christmas-
specific, and she can keep them up for the rest of
winter, even after Christmas is technically over. Her
mounted snow shoes and red rain boots are two such
examples. “I don’t go overly cutesy with holiday décor,
because I like to buy things that will last a long time,”
she says.

The Christmas tree is in the perfect spot
for neighbors to catch a glimpse of it
glowing through the windows during dark
evenings. Jamie decorates it with “strands
of button garlands and rolled up sheet
music” for a classic look.
WINTER 2018 • 113

Don’t hold back the greenery
in your home. if it's the main
feature, let it cascade over the
sides of the manel, door frame
or shelf for a full effect.
Stockings don’t have to be limited

to the mantel. Hanging them on
doors is a fun alternative to the
typical door wreath.

Jamie pulls off an impressive feat in her daughters’ bedroom: she manages to make it feel feminine and fun while using hardly any pink. Wicker trunks hide the girls’
toys, and light up stars bring in the Christmas spirit in a subtle way.
For subtle
TRIMMING THE TREE
One item that screams Christmas in Jamie’s home is her tree. The house is a
neutral heaven, and her tree is no exception. She keeps it simple with plenty of
glowing warm lights, antique mercury glass ornaments and ribbon. However,
hints of
with two young daughters who have design ideas of their own, she makes
sure they have their very own miniature tree they can decorate with all the
bright, glittery ornaments their hearts desire.
SIMPLE AND SWEET

Her daughters’ bedroom showcases just the right amount of sparkly Christmas holiday cheer,
décor. The star pendants were such a favorite addition that they decided to
leave them up until spring. Jamie places
For subtle hints of holiday cheer, Jamie places wrapped presents around
her home. Get inspired to do all your wrapping (and shopping) early so you
wrapped presents
can use presents as a part of your décor, or do what Jamie does and wrap
empty boxes so you can reuse them year after year. Jamie’s piece of advice
around her home.
when setting out real presents as décor is to be wary of curious little hands.
“I wouldn’t recommend putting your kids’ gifts out,” she says. Nothing says
“holidays” like trying to sneak a peek at your presents early.

WINTER 2018 • 115
(left, top) A workspace is best uncluttered. Vintage books,
Mason jars filled with pencils and three perfectly balanced
wreaths are the only additions to a desk and chairs. The end
result is striking in its tasteful simplicity.
(left, bottom) This cozy corner in Jamie’s house is the perfect

place to cuddle up and read a novel. By bringing traditional
outdoor items indoors, like the snow shoes and a glowing
lantern, Jamie adds a fun twist to traditional Christmas décor.
DIY
MINIMALIST
RINGING
WREATH
Create your own simple and lightweight wreath
with just a few items.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
• Large embroidery hoop
• Artificial garland
• Wire cutters
• Floral wire
• Hot glue gun and glue
• Two large bells
• Red velvet ribbon
WHAT YOU’LL DO:

1. Measure the circumference of the hoop, then cut two
lengths of garland, each 1⁄3 of the circumference.
2. Place the garlands along the bottom of the hoop with
the needles pointing upward. You don’t want to cover
the whole hoop, so leave the top 1⁄3 uncovered. Place
a thin line of hot glue along the bottom of the hoop
and attach each garland so they meet at the bottom.
Secure the garlands with a few pieces of floral wire for
extra support.
3. Take a thin ribbon and loop it through the tops of the
bells. Tie it in a bow to secure the two bells together.
4. Drape the bells over the bottom of the wreath, and add
hot glue for extra support.

Since Jamie opts for a bright plaid tablecloth, she
keeps the rest of her table simple. Matching white
dinnerware and vases balance the pattern, and
the metal chairs add an industrial touch.
WINTER 2018 • 117

There are several ways to decorate a bar cart
without alcohol. The pops of metallic gold,
strands of garland and a few wrapped presents
represent Jamie’s simple décor at its finest.
These little touches are just a few
examples of how she keeps her home
in its original chic condition, even
during December.

Jamie’s glowing gazebo amidst a frosty winter scene is the definition
of picturesque. “Outdoor spaces have a natural backdrop, so they’re
easy to decorate,” she says. “A strand or two of lights goes a long way.”
4 WOODSY DECORATIONS
Take a lesson from Jamie and add these earthy (and free) pieces to your holiday décor.
• Pinecones. These are a classic country favorite. Strategically intersperse them throughout your home, such as on your coffee table,
mantel or a bookcase. You can also decorate them with a metallic silver spray paint and dash of glitter for an extra pop of glamour.
• Greenery. Sprigs are a great tool to use if you want to frame a decoration. In fact, a few pinecones on a bed of spruce sprigs is an
easy centerpiece to create for your dining room table.
• Winterberries. These will add a festive pop of color. Keep them on the branch and twine them through a wreath or put them in a
vase for a twist on the usual choice of poinsettias.
• Mistletoe. Cliché though it may be, mistletoe adds an undeniably charming element to Christmas décor. Hang a sprig of it in your
doorway as a classic and cheeky way to invite your guests into your home. Plus, it gives you an excuse to spread the love, which is
what the holidays are all about.
WINTER 2018 • 119

• FARM TO TABLE •
PRETTY
IN PLAID
Host a cozy, casual Christmas dinner with a few
simple treats and a handmade garland.
BY M A D I S O N N AU TA
PHOTOGRAPHY BY TORREY FOX
STYLING BY CHRISSY MCDONALD
The holidays are about sharing love and spending time with family and friends, but they’re
also the best excuse to throw a party and whip out your favorite Christmas décor. For farmhouse fanatics, that means plaid patterns and
greenery galore. Chrissy McDonald, designer and lifestyle blogger at Harlowe James, shares some of her tips and tricks to host the season’s
best cozy, yet casual Christmas dinner.
DÉCOR DRINKS
Use your dinning table as a centerpiece for your décor and the “Pretty glasses go a really long way,” Chrissy says. Look for vintage
theme for your gathering. “I approach any empty table with flowers glasses with gold trim, or even add a few charms to your wine
first,” Chrissy says. From this focal point, she layers linens and, of glasses to elevate your cocktail hour and give your guests a
course, the place settings. Seasonal plates can be fun, but often conversation starter. While champagne, eggnog and cider are
expensive and space consuming. Chrissy suggests buying neutral necessary holiday drinks, Chrissy loves to start with a simple Saint
dinner plates and accenting the setting with themed salad plates. Germaine. You can even top off your cocktails with a few juniper
These can be inexpensive and easy to store. berries or a fresh rosemary sprig.
Use your dining table as a centerpiece for your décor.

An entire set
of themed dinner
plates is fun, but not
necessary. If you’re limited
on space or on a budget, a few
holiday salad plates will give your
table a thoughtful touch without taking
over your storage or your wallet.
WINTER 2018 • 121

Keep your table full, but not too cluttered.
Chrissy allows her flowers and her fresh
garland to stand on their own. Indulging in
knick knacks can become cluttered quickly.

FOOD
The best way to get that cozy, Christmas ambience is to cook
your favorite holiday comfort food. Your kitchen will be filled with
natural spice scents and will get your guests excited about the
dishes you’ve prepared. Chrissy’s critical advice is to not make
anything you haven’t made before, and arrange a meal you can
cook in the oven. Your party is for you to enjoy as well, so don’t
spend your night watching the stovetop.
One of Chrissy’s favorite dishes to make is an apple cranberry
tenderloin. Mix seasonal flavors with a year-round fan favorite, like
mashed potatoes or roasted brussels sprouts.
Another way to keep your gathering casual is to go with buffet-
style food and simple appetizers, like a charcuterie spread. Even
add a bar cart and allow your guests to serve themselves so you
can take a hostess break. Add a finishing touch by preparing a few
individual apple crumble desserts. Take advantage of hollowing
your apples ahead of time, so when it’s time for something sweet
all you have to do is toss a few stuffed apples in the oven. And of
course, this will make your home smell wonderful for the rest of
the evening.
MAKE YOUR OWN
Fresh Garland
WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
• Measuring tape • Heavy-duty scissors or
• 3-4 types of evergreen pruning shears
branches (eucalyptus, pine, • Floral wire
olive, cedar, etc.) • Wired or floral twine
Having a party is about enjoying
yourself with your guests. The WHAT YOU’LL DO:
more you can prepare ahead of 1. Measure your surface area. Whether you want your garland
time, the more relaxed you'll be to cascade over the ends of your table or have a smaller swag
during the event. in the table’s center, you’ll want to figure out exactly how
much greenery you need.
2. With this measurement, make a vine using several lengths of
the wired twine as your base.
3. On a large work surface, assemble bunches of greenery.
Gather several small pieces of each greenery and wrap the
floral wire around it to create a bunch. Set these aside as
you work.
4. Once you’ve made a pile of bunches, start attaching them
to your vine with more of the floral wire. Continue to gather
your greens and attach the bundles to the vine until you’ve
reached your desired length.
WINTER 2018 • 123

• Bookshelf •
TIDINGS
OF JOY
Learn about the Each year, we pull out dusty boxes of

Christmas décor. Waves of nostalgia from holidays
traditionsb ehind past wash over us as carefully packed figurines tell the story
the story of Christmas. of Christmas and its origins. In The Little Book of the Nativity,
author Dominique Foufelle shares the history of the beloved
BY L AU R E N H O F E R holiday and the spiritual traditions that continue to influence
IMAGES COURTESY OF CHRONICLE BOOKS
celebrations around the world.

Pg. 97 | This vintage illustration shows a family enjoying their nativity creche on Christmas night.
THE ORIGIN OF THE NATIVITY
"Songs and dances

The word “nativity” means “relating to birth.” The Christmas nativity is
that of Jesus, born in a miraculous manner to a virgin named Mary.
Jesus’ birth wasn’t celebrated until about three centuries later. “In 354,
Pope Liberius set the date as December twenty-fourth to the twenty-
accompanied Christmas
fifth,” Foufelle writes.
The nativity scene became a popular image. The scene takes place
ceremonies since the

in a stable, because Mary and her fiancé Joseph had traveled to
the town of Bethlehem to register for Caesar’s census and couldn’t
beginning.”
find room at a local inn. The baby Jesus lies in a feeding trough
surrounded by Mary, Joseph, the resident farm animals and the local
shepherds who came to worship the newborn savior. “Later, the
Nativity became a preferred theme in art,” Foufelle writes.
WINTER 2018 • 125

Today, nativity scenes are made around the
world in different sizes and styles. Some are
life-like and intricate, while others are small
and simple, perfect to set on a shelf or mantel
through the season.
ADVENT: COMING
Advent is the four weeks leading up to
Christmas, a season for preparing the heart
and mind to celebrate the coming of Jesus.
Often, four candles are lit on each of the four
Sundays with a fifth on Christmas morning.
“Children enjoyed making the wreath with fir
boughs, decorating it with four candles and
lighting a candle on each Sunday,” Foufelle
writes. The weeks of Advent are also a time to
prepare and display the nativity. Historically,
families kept baby Jesus hidden until midnight
on Christmas Eve.
During the season of Advent, families and
communities also enjoy traditional music.
“Songs and dances accompanied Christmas
ceremonies since the beginning,” writes
Foufelle. “The songs are joyful and full of hope
to celebrate a happy event.”
The Little Book

of the Nativity by
Dominique Foufelle,
published by Chronicle
Books LLC, ©2018;
Pg. 23 | This vintage postcard shows a classic nativity scene: Joseph and Mary delight over their newborn chroniclebooks.com.
son, while the farm animals look on.

Today, nativity
scenes are made around
the world in different
sizes and styles.
ADVENT
TRADITIONS
Tap into the traditions of
Christmas around the world with
these fun activities.
� ADVENT CANDLE. Similar to an
Advent calendar, an Advent candle
helps mark down the days until the
25th, and is popular in the UK. You
can buy an Advent candle, which
is a taper candle with descending
dates—each day, you burn the
candle to the next date.
� PAPER LANTERNS. In China,

Christmas isn’t celebrated by
everyone, but those who do
celebrate often fill their homes with
paper lanterns, chains and flowers.
Creating a paper chain or lantern
is an easy craft to do with your kids
or grandkids.
� TAMALES. In Mexico, and now in

the US, making and eating tamales
has become a tradition in itself.
Join in the fun by helping make the
tamales with a neighbor or friend
who already participates in the
tradition, or buy homemade tamales
to include in your December cuisine.
Pg. 109 | The Magi, or wise men, are often part of the traditional creche scene, though historians
think they would have arrived several years later when Jesus was a toddler.
WINTER 2018 • 127

• SOURCES •
HANDMADE FOR THE HOLIDAYS PAGE 14
For more on Leia and Kim, visit twentyeight12.com. 72
Red woods burlap Christmas stockings, set of 5, $195.
Felt ball garland, 2cm in red, white and gold, $19.
GORGEOUS GIFT WRAP PAGE 24

Knit tree skirt: Colorways Gallery. Visit
Etsy.com/shop/ColorwaysGallery.
Plaid wrapping paper: Zazzle. Visit zazzle.com.
TENNESSEE CHRISTMAS PAGE 38

For more on Amy and Katie, visit cityhilldesign.com.
Candle holders: Hobby Lobby. (800) 888-0321 or
hobbylobby.com.
Ceiling: Wall Concept. Visit wallconceptusa.com.
Chandelier: Terra Cotta Designs.
(888) 580-9862 or terracottalighting.com.
Deer head: Park Hill Collection.
(888) 603-3334 or parkhillcollection.com.
Table garland: Freshly Floral by Haley.
Visit freshlyfloral.com.
Wall art: Katie Toombs. Visit katietoombs.net.
BARN HOUSE CHRISTMAS PAGE 48

For more on Theresa, visit athomewithtmarie.com.
Ornaments, plaid pillows, silver and glass trees,
fur placemats, mini tin houses: Pottery Barn.
(888) 779-5176 or potterybarn.com.
Ornaments: Home Goods.
(800) 888-0776 or homegoods.com.
GINGERBREAD FARMHOUSE PAGE 64

For more on Stacy, visit notjustahousewife.net.
Alyssa dining chairs: Birch Lane.
(844) 890-1945 or birchlane.com.
Navy throw pillows, wood slices: Walmart.
(800) 925-6278 or walmart.com.
Threshold wicker baskets: Target. Visit target.com.
Tufted blue bench: Wayfair. (866) 263-8325 or wayfair.com.
Willow tree nativity: Amazon.
(888) 280-4331 or amazon.com.
PHOTO BY JESSICA WHITE

NORTH POLE FESTIVITIES PAGE 72
For more on Toni, visit designdazzle.com or on
Instagram @DesignDazzle.
Décor: Michaels. (800) 642-4235 or michaels.com.
A MODERN WHITE CHRISTMAS PAGE 88

For more on Jo, visit Instagram.com/
the_simple_farmhouse. COZY CABIN PAGE 100 Chaise lounge, table: Ballard Designs.
Door paint: Extra White by Sherwin Williams. For more on Rachel, visit hyggehomeblog.com. (800) 536-7551 or ballarddesigns.com.
(800) 474-3794 or sherwin-williams.com. Kitchen shelves: Décor Steals. Visit decorsteals.com. Headboards: Pottery Barn Kids.
Exterior carriage lights: Lowe’s. Laundry sign: Mickle Mountain Décor. (800) 993-4923 or potterbarnkids.com.
(800) 445-6937 or lowes.com. Visit etsy/shop/MickleMountainDecor.com. Lanterns: Bellacor. (877) 723- 5522 or bellacor.com.
Living room rug: Joss & Main. Metal wreath sign: Vintage Metal Co. Metal chairs, ottoman: Joss & Main.
(844) 836-0217 or jossandmain.com. Visit etsy/shop/VintageMetalCo.com. (800) 632-8158 or jossandmain.com.
Living room sign: Harper Grayce Signs. Stockings: Target. (800) 440-0680 or target.com. Panel Rug: Rugs USA. (609) 447-4515 or
Visit harpergraycesigns.com. Wreath: Home Depot. rugsusa.com.
Master bedframe: Target. (800) 466-3337 or homedepot.com. Pillows, stockings, throw, fireplace basket, clover
(800) 440-0680 or target.com. mirror, tray: Target. (800) 440-0680 or target.com.
Master bedroom sign: August + April. SEASON’S SIMPLICITY PAGE 110 Striped runner, plaid blanket, wreath pillow:
Visit etsy.com/shop/TheAugustAndApril. For more on Jamie, visit Instagram.com/bluestonehill. Lexington Company.
Sofa: Ikea. (888) 888-4532 or ikea.com. Antlers: Pier 1. (800) 245-4595 or pier1.com. Visit lexingtoncompany.com.

AD INDEX
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• ROUND UP •
Wonderful
WINTER
What started as a small apartment

above a woodworking workshop evolved into the perfect winter
farmhouse, complete with geothermal heating and insulation,
warm wooden accents and clever design features. Built by Silver
Maple Construction and designed by architect Gregor Masefield
of Studio III Architecture, this hybrid home fits into all seasons with
This innovative Vermont
farmhouse is at home in
the snow this season.
BY C A I T L I N R AG A N
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SUSAN TEARE
farmhouse, giving a glimpse of the stretching sky for the wandering

eye. Silver Maple Construction’s carpentry branch, Woodworks, is also
responsible for the home’s unique cabinetry and hand-laid flooring.
The old woodshop below turned into a cozy study, accessible
by reinforced sliding doors that stay securely fastened during the
colder months, yet let in natural light and the atmosphere of snowy
its classic silhouette and board and batten siding, suitable for both landscapes beyond. The outdoor patio is the perfect place to
winter’s chill and summer’s heat. bundle up with a mug of cocoa for a breath of winter.
The farmhouse envelops the winter experience: an unforgettable From winter to spring, summer to fall, this farmhouse stands
home nestled quietly amongst the snowdrifts. Metal roofs keep the tall through it all. Thanks to its traditional shape, sturdy yet refined
weather at bay, as rain, sleet or snow can easily slide off the gabled craftsmanship and reinforced elements, this home is sure to shine
roof, while insulated double-paned windows line all sides of the in all seasons.

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15 DIY IDEAS FOR

Featuring King Flock -

48 BARN HOUSE CHRISTMAS

72 NORTH POLE FESTIVITIES

88 A MODERN WHITE CHRISTMAS

100 COZY CABIN

4 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE

To sponsor a child please visit

American Farmhouse Style © 2018 by

Merry Christmas, SUBSCRIPTION RATES

Victoria Van Vlear —Editor

Pinaki Bhattacharya: CEO

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5 New Christmas 3 QUICK FARMHOUSE

Hickory farms Cow head cookie

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syrup or 1-2 stick to stir.

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Payment Method Check Enclosed Credit Card Money Order Bill Me

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Y��� H��� D�������

Exceptional “Welcome Home” moments start here!

Advent calendars are a fun way

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

– Leia Liwag and that’s who we’re doing it for.”

SEE SOURCES, PAGE 128.

14 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE

Throwing any party is a lot of work, but

MATCH YOUR PARTY DETAILS TO

SET YOUR DINING TABLE EARLY.

CLUB Learn how the club

CULTURE an American staple.

When considering leather upholstery,

16 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE

WOOL. This natural fiber comes from

NYLON: Nylon is usually blended with

Transform every corner of

Jingle all the way tea towel,

18 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE

2 1. Wooden brain teaser set,

GIFT WRAP Gorgeous Take your gift wrapping to a

The packages you place under your Christmas tree

24 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE

For small packages, write the recipient’s name

26 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE

SEE SOURCES, PAGE 128.

30 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE

the metal gate, but create an eye-catching

32 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE

to bottom. Together, these small touches of

The mantel isn't the only

34 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE

desire. Neutral fabrics like burlap cloth

36 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE

38 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE

SEE SOURCES, PAGE 128.

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