A Decade of Delight: Tracing Christmas Decor Trends & Timeless Traditions at An Oregon Cottage
Come tour An Oregon Cottage holidays through the years for Christmas decor ideas and new ways to reuse your favorites from year to year.
For many of us, the holiday season evokes a strong sense of tradition, especially when it comes to Christmas decor. Growing up, my family’s Christmas decorations were a yearly ritual, largely consisting of the same beloved items brought out season after season. I vaguely recall one adventurous year, too young for clear memories, when our traditional green tree was replaced by a shimmering silver one adorned with bold red balls. Yet, aside from that fleeting moment, our festive setup remained remarkably consistent. We might add a new ornament here or there, a small token of a year passed, but the core collection endured.
And truly, there’s an undeniable beauty in that steadfast tradition. There’s a deep comfort in unwrapping ornaments that have been part of countless Christmases, each one a tiny time capsule of past celebrations. I cherish my Grandma’s nativity set, for instance; it holds a profoundly special place in my heart. Every time I set it up, I’m transported back to moments when little hands, often my own children’s, eagerly helped arrange the figures. It’s a moment that reliably brings a tear to my eye, filled with warmth and precious memories.
However, if you, like me, find immense joy and inspiration from your surroundings, you might also appreciate the delight of subtly refreshing parts of your annual decorating scheme. This doesn’t mean discarding everything and buying a completely new collection each year. Far from it! My approach typically involves shifting color palettes – perhaps emphasizing gold one year, silver the next, or leaning into a more natural, organic feel. It often involves extensive rearranging, giving familiar pieces new life in different contexts. I simply follow whatever creative impulse strikes me for that particular year.
When it comes to holiday decorating, people generally fall into one of two camps: those who relish the idea of introducing a few fresh elements annually, and those who prefer consistency, perhaps even rolling their eyes at the thought of extra effort. Both approaches are perfectly valid, and there’s ample room for every style in the grand tapestry of Christmas decorating. Whether you’re a creature of habit or a seeker of seasonal novelty, the joy of the holidays remains paramount.
With that in mind, I thought it would be a fun and insightful exercise for both perspectives to embark on a little historical tour with me. We’ll journey through the Christmases celebrated and decorated here at An Oregon Cottage over the years. You’ll witness firsthand how my decorating style has evolved, mirroring changes in my overall home aesthetic. More importantly, you’ll see how I ingeniously reuse many of the same cherished items year after year, simply repositioning them or incorporating them in fresh, imaginative ways.
As you scroll through the photographs below, my hope is that you’ll feel inspired to explore new ways to enjoy your own holiday decorating. Perhaps you’ll consider how your personal style may – or may not – have transformed over time. Pay close attention to the details, and you might even notice how much my photography skills have progressed through the years – though capturing the essence of our home during the often gray Oregon winters remains a delightful challenge!
Cottage Christmas Decor Ideas Through the Years: A Journey of Style and Sentiment
Embark on a visual journey as we revisit the holiday decor styles that have graced An Oregon Cottage, year by year. Discover how themes, colors, and textures have changed, and how cherished items are thoughtfully integrated into new seasonal narratives.
2015 – Green Plaid, Metallic & Natural (bringing on the antlers!)
In 2015, our cottage embraced a rich and rustic holiday theme, blending classic green plaid with shimmering metallics and organic natural elements. This year saw the introduction of striking antlers, adding a touch of rustic charm and wilderness-inspired elegance. The decor felt both traditional and fresh, creating a cozy yet sophisticated atmosphere perfect for festive gatherings. We focused on warmth and texture, making the living spaces feel inviting and deeply seasonal.
Articles and How-Tos for 2015:
- Crafting Your Green Plaid, Natural, Gold & Silver Christmas Decor Plan
- Our 2015 Christmas Home Tour: Green Plaid, Metallic & Natural Theme
- Festive Outdoor Spaces: A Look at Our Christmas Porch Tour
- Setting the Scene: Our Green Plaid Rustic Christmas Table
- DIY Guide: How to Make an Easy, No-Sew Fringed Table Runner
- Creative Craft: Plaid Fabric Covered Paper Mache Letters
2014 – A Cottage Christmas (bringing in chalkboards)
The 2014 holiday season at An Oregon Cottage was defined by a classic, cozy “Cottage Christmas” aesthetic, with a notable new addition: chalkboards. These versatile elements brought a personalized, rustic, and whimsical touch to our decor, allowing for custom messages and festive drawings. The overall theme emphasized warmth, simplicity, and handmade charm, reflecting a comfortable and inviting holiday spirit that truly felt like home. Mercury glass and fresh greenery played a significant role in enhancing this look.
Articles and How-Tos for 2014:
- Discovering the Charm of Our Cottage Christmas Home Tour 2014
- Dollar Store Craft: Quick & Easy Christmas Wreath Chair Decorations
- Crafting Elegance: 3-D Vintage Sheet Music Ornaments Tutorial
- DIY Inspiration: White Wool Felt Wreath Pillow (Birch Lane Knock-off)
2013 – Green & White Christmas Decor (going natural)
In 2013, our holiday decor took a decidedly natural and serene turn with a focus on a crisp green and white palette. This year, the emphasis was on bringing the outdoors in, using an abundance of fresh greenery, pinecones, and simple white accents to create a tranquil yet festive atmosphere. It was a subtle shift towards a more organic, minimalist elegance, allowing the beauty of natural elements to truly shine and providing a calm backdrop to the season’s hustle and bustle.
Articles & How-Tos for 2013:
- Experience Our Fresh Green & White Christmas Decor Tour
- Creating a Festive Focal Point: Our Christmas Gallery Wall
2012 – White, Silver & Burlap
The year 2012 introduced a sophisticated yet rustic blend of white, silver, and burlap into our Christmas decor. This combination offered a refined sparkle from the silver, a clean crispness from the white, and an earthy, textured warmth from the burlap. It was an elegant yet approachable theme, perfectly balancing glamour with natural, country-inspired elements. This palette created a bright and inviting holiday atmosphere that felt both modern and timeless, allowing for a delightful interplay of textures.
Articles and How-Tos for 2012:
- Adorning Your Home: Our White, Silver, and Burlap Christmas Mantel
- Highlighting Our Most Cherished Christmas Decorations
- DIY Christmas Deer Makeover & Festive Sideboard Decor
- Anthropologie Knock-off: DIY Wool Pom-Pom Wreath & Garland Tutorial
- Sparkling Creations: Anthropologie Knock-off Glitter and Tinsel DIY Ornament
- Craft a Unique Piece: Easy Book Page Punch Ornament
- Handmade Holiday Charm: Vintage Sheet Music JOY Sign
- Protect Your Surfaces: Vintage Sheet Music Decoupaged Coasters
2011 – Vintage Book Pages & Sheet Music
The 2011 Christmas decor at An Oregon Cottage celebrated a unique and wonderfully nostalgic theme: vintage book pages and sheet music. This artistic approach transformed old paper into delicate and meaningful decorations, from intricate ornaments to charming banners. The muted, aged tones of the paper, combined with the poetic beauty of musical notes and classic literature, created an exceptionally sentimental and intellectual holiday display. This year’s theme truly highlighted the power of repurposing and storytelling in decor.
Articles and How-Tos for 2011:
- Embracing Nostalgia: Our Vintage Book Pages & Sheet Music Christmas Theme
- A Detailed Look at Our Christmas Tree 2011
- Christmas Mantel 2011: See the Before and After Transformation
- DIY Elegance: Crafting a Vintage Sheet Music Wreath
- Creative Decor: Book Page Rosette Ornament Tutorial
2010 – Metallics (with purple added midway!)
In 2010, the cottage initially glittered with a sophisticated metallic Christmas theme, featuring gleaming gold, silver, and bronze accents that created a luxurious and celebratory atmosphere. However, midway through the season, a vibrant twist emerged: the spontaneous addition of purple! This unexpected splash of color brought a fresh, regal, and somewhat whimsical energy to the metallic backdrop, proving that sometimes the best decor decisions are the most impulsive ones. This year showcased how a single color can transform an entire theme.
Articles and How-Tos for 2010:
- Exploring Our 2010 Holiday Decor Choices
- The Evolution of Our Christmas Tree: Adding Purple in 2010
2009 – A Simple Mantel (first year blogging)
Our Christmas decor journey at An Oregon Cottage officially began in 2009, marking my very first year of blogging. True to the spirit of a new endeavor, the decor was charmingly understated. The focus was on a simple yet elegant mantelpiece, which served as the heart of our holiday display. This year highlighted that beautiful holiday decor doesn’t require grand gestures or elaborate schemes; often, the most heartfelt and memorable displays are born from simplicity and personal touch. It was a humble yet perfect beginning, setting the stage for years of creative decorating.
The few articles I published that first year:
- A Glimpse at This Year’s Christmas Mantel (2009)
- Crafting Joy: Fun, Easy Glitter Christmas Ornaments
Whew, what an incredible walk down memory lane! It’s fascinating to see how style evolves, how cherished items find new places, and how each year brings its own unique festive spirit. From the rustic charm of antlers and plaid to the delicate beauty of vintage book pages and the unexpected pop of purple, every Christmas at An Oregon Cottage has told a story.
Stay tuned, because this year promises another exciting chapter in our holiday decorating saga. I’m absolutely loving the direction it’s taking, combining a farmhouse cottage aesthetic with a snowy-galvanized theme. It’s shaping up to be a beautiful blend of cozy warmth and industrial chic, and I can’t wait to share it with you!