Crafting a Calm & Charming Christmas: The Green Plaid, Antlers, and Gold Decor Plan
Hello there, wonderful readers! As the crisp air of autumn gives way to the anticipation of the festive season, I’m absolutely brimming with excitement to share a sneak peek into my Christmas decorating vision. I’ve been so inspired by fellow bloggers, like my friend Ann of On Sutton Place, who recently shared her own inspiring plans. It’s always wonderful to see how others embrace the holidays, and I hope to spark some inspiration for your own seasonal preparations!
For our family, Thanksgiving holds a special place, and we cherish the tradition of not decorating for Christmas until the Thanksgiving weekend has passed. While I know many bloggers jump into holiday decor earlier, either out of personal preference or for content scheduling, our family’s rhythm is to savor one holiday at a time. This allows us to fully immerse ourselves in gratitude and family time before shifting gears. Of course, the nature of blogging means I do have to “stage” a few Christmas-related projects a bit earlier – for instance, this DIY ornament I shared with a blogging group, and a few other exciting crafts you’ll see in the coming weeks. These early preparations ensure I have fresh content ready for you, but the actual, full-scale decorating only begins once Thanksgiving is behind us.
Holding off allows me to fully enjoy the quiet, family-focused spirit of Thanksgiving, and I know many of you appreciate this approach too. For now, the intricate details of my Christmas transformation are all swirling in my head. But that mental planning is half the fun! I wanted to share these early thoughts and concepts with you. Perhaps they’ll inspire your own holiday projects, or at the very least, give you a glimpse into the kinds of budget-friendly, beautiful DIYs and decor ideas that will be gracing these pages as we count down to Christmas.
When you visit An Oregon Cottage, you can always count on finding inspiration for projects and decor that are not only achievable but also incredibly stylish and kind to your wallet. My philosophy revolves around making the most of what you already own, thoughtfully incorporating a few new pieces, and discovering treasures in nature or at second-hand stores. These are the hallmarks of my decorating style, rooted in my personal values. So, let’s dive into this year’s festive plan:
My 2015 Christmas Decorating Plan: A Blend of Rustic Charm & Elegant Sparkle
This year, my Christmas decorating strategy focuses on creating a harmonious blend of natural, rustic elements with touches of understated glamour. The aim is a serene, inviting atmosphere that feels both classic and fresh. Here’s how I plan to bring this vision to life:
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Declutter with Purpose: Embracing the KonMari Method for Holiday Decor
Before any new decorations come out or new projects begin, the first and most crucial step is to declutter. I’m applying the KonMari method to all my stored Christmas decor. This means meticulously going through every bin, box, and ornament, asking myself the fundamental question: “Does this spark joy?” It’s a transformative process, helping me decide to keep only what I truly love and find beautiful. For years, I’ve held onto items like the stockings I crafted two decades ago, yet haven’t used in ten. It’s time for them to go! I’m sure many of you can relate to holding onto sentimental items that no longer serve a purpose or fit your current style. I am so ready for this cleanup and clean-out. This step not only frees up storage space but also makes the actual decorating process much more enjoyable and less overwhelming, ensuring that every piece displayed is genuinely cherished.
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Introducing a New Star: The Versatility of Green Plaid
Every year, I like to introduce one new foundational decor item to refresh the look, and this year, it’s a beautiful green plaid. I was thrilled to find the perfect pattern (pictured in the image above) at JoAnn’s just last week – it’s a classic, warm, and inviting print that perfectly sets the tone for a cozy Christmas. The versatility of plaid makes it an ideal choice for numerous DIY projects. My plan for this gorgeous fabric includes crafting easy envelope pillow covers, similar to these I made for fall, to add a touch of seasonal comfort to our living room. Beyond pillows, I envision a festive table runner for holiday meals, a charming banner to adorn the mantelpiece, and even incorporating small plaid accents into ornaments and wreath bows. This single fabric choice will weave a cohesive, traditional, yet fresh thread throughout our entire holiday decor, providing a comforting and visually appealing backdrop.
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Harnessing Nature’s Beauty: Antlers and Wood Elements
Embracing natural elements is a cornerstone of my decorating philosophy, and this year, antlers and wood are taking center stage. I’m fortunate to have a box of antlers generously provided by my stepdad, which offer an immediate connection to the outdoors and a touch of rustic elegance. Some will be used in their natural, earthy state, adding an organic feel to displays. Others will receive a glamorous upgrade with a coat of gold paint, creating an intriguing juxtaposition of rustic and refined. I also plan to incorporate antlers into various crafts, perhaps as unique centerpieces or garland accents. From our own woodpile, we’ve created a collection of beautiful wood slices. I’ll reuse the ones from last year and craft a few new personalized tree ornaments, perhaps wood-burned or painted with initial monograms or festive messages. These natural textures – the rugged antlers and the warm wood – provide an authentic, grounding presence that balances the more polished elements of the decor, making our home feel genuinely cozy and welcoming.
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Adding Shimmer: Elegant Gold Touches
To infuse a sense of warmth and festive sparkle, I’ll be adding more gold touches throughout the decor. This metallic hue perfectly complements the deep greens of the plaid and the rich browns of the wood and antlers. Pinecones, collected from nature, will be transformed into elegant ornaments and vase fillers with a simple spray of gold paint. This is an incredibly budget-friendly way to introduce glamour. Additionally, I’ll be bringing out our existing collection of gold ornaments, ensuring they are prominently displayed on the tree and in various vignettes around the house. Gold’s radiant glow brings a celebratory feel to the home, reflecting light and creating a magical ambiance, especially in the soft glow of Christmas lights.
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Mixing in Vintage Charm: Our Seasonal Mercury Glass
To further enhance the elegant side of our “glam-country” theme, I’ll be bringing out our beloved seasonal mercury glass. The antique, reflective quality of mercury glass adds a vintage charm and a subtle, sophisticated shimmer that is simply enchanting. Its silvered, mottled appearance pairs beautifully with the gold accents, creating a dynamic interplay of metallics. Whether nestled among green plaid elements, complementing the natural wood and antlers, or reflecting the glow of twinkling lights, mercury glass pieces will be strategically placed to elevate the overall aesthetic. These heirlooms and thrifted finds contribute to the unique character of our holiday home, blending old-world charm with contemporary styling.
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Revisiting Cherished Favorites: Our Signature Handmade Decor
No Christmas decor plan would be complete without featuring some of my all-time favorite handmade decorations from previous years. These pieces hold sentimental value and truly embody the spirit of budget-friendly, classic decor. I’ll be proudly displaying the wool pom-pom wreath and garland, which add a soft, whimsical texture. The elegant vintage sheet music wreath, along with its coordinating ornaments and coasters, will bring a nostalgic, literary touch. And of course, our various book page decorations will be thoughtfully incorporated throughout the home. Reusing these cherished items not only demonstrates a commitment to sustainability but also reinforces the cozy, personal narrative of our holiday home. Each piece tells a story, contributing to a truly unique and heartfelt Christmas atmosphere.
As I mentally pieced together this year’s plan, I initially wondered if antlers and wood could truly harmonize with the delicate shimmer of mercury glass. Yet, seeing it all come together in the collage image above, I am absolutely delighted with the cohesive blend. It creates a wonderful mix that I’ve affectionately dubbed “glam-country” – a style often seen gracing the pages of home decor magazines. To me, this aesthetic feels incredibly calming and inviting, and that’s precisely my biggest goal this holiday season, and what I hope to inspire in you:
To cultivate a calm, simple holiday experience that celebrates the traditions and items you truly love, while gently releasing anything that adds unnecessary stress or weighs you down.
For me, the joy of the holidays often lies in the time spent decorating, baking festive treats, and crafting handmade gifts. However, this year, I am consciously scaling back on some of these activities, even though I adore them. My aim is to simplify the decor, streamline gift-giving, and pare down the endless array of goodies, all in an effort to truly savor and enjoy the precious weeks leading up to Christmas. It’s about finding that sweet spot of joyful engagement without succumbing to holiday overwhelm. What about you? Are you also looking for ways to simplify your holiday preparations, or have you already mastered the art of a stress-free festive season? I’d love to hear your insights! If you have a plan for a calm and simple Christmas, please share it with us in the comments below!