Greetings from my festive home in the Mitten! My wreaths are hung and the hot cocoa is warm! If your calendar looks anything like mine, you’ve just realized there are only three Fridays left until Christmas.
No need to panic! Instead, let’s get inspired. I’m thrilled to share my simple and traditional holiday home tour with you today. Think of it as a gentle nudge to slow down, soak in the season, and maybe steal a cozy idea or two for your own nest.
“Never worry about the size of your Christmas tree. In the eyes of children, they are all 30 feet tall.” – Larry Wilde
Let me ask you….are you all decorated for Christmas? If you said yes, I am right there with you! If you said not yet, my hope is that this post will help give you some Christmas inspiration, excitement for the season, and new decor ideas.
Come along and see how I decorated my home for the holiday season!
Affiliate links are used in this post. Read my full disclosure here.
Blogger’s Best Holiday Home Tour
I am so excited to share that this week, I am participating in the Blogger’s Best Holiday Home Tour with some of my very talented blogging buddies! My good friend, Kelly at The Tattered Pew, is our host. If you are joining me from Lynne at My Family Thyme, welcome! I am so glad you’re here. Wasn’t her Christmas home tour fabulous!?
In case my blog is new to you, my name is Kim. A wife, mom and Mimi who loves color. I make blankets for a cause and you can read all about that in The Journey. Home decor, sewing, a hot cup of tea, reading and painting furniture are a few of my favorite hobbies.
Oh…and I love a pretty table setting!
All About That Traditional Christmas Glow
If you ask anyone who knows me they will tell you that I love Christmas! In fact, not just a little. I’m a full fledged holiday gal! What’s not to love, right?
When it comes to Christmas decor, I am team traditional. I love the traditional red, green and gold that comes with the holiday. Call me old-fashioned, but the rich colors and timeless traditions of Christmases past make my sould sing!
Don’t get me wrong, I do love all the bright colors that are currently popular and also the neutral vibe. But for me, I always stick to a more traditional theme.
My Strategy for Effortless Holiday Cheer
With wrist surgery on the calendar for December and a long recovery ahead, my holiday mantra became: Keep it simple, keep it stunning.
Every piece had to earn its spot, prioritizing easy installation and even easier storage. Step one in my low-lift, high-impact plan? Adorning our front windows with wreaths.
I’ll admit, it was my first time attempting this look. I was thrilled to find beautiful wreaths at a great price and the perfect finishing ribbon at the dollar store.
Honestly, the effect made me smile. It was the easiest project on my list, yet it transformed our cottage’s curb appeal instantly. Proof that a thoughtful, yet budget-friendly, simple touch can speak volumes.
Decorating My Traditional Tree with Ribbon: A Cozy and Easy Hack
This year, my decorating was all about simplicity, especially for our traditional tree. Knowing I needed to minimize hassle, I turned to a brilliant, low-fuss material. Ribbon!
Here was my thought process. Ribbon takes up more visual space than individual ornaments, is much easier to put on the tree, and best of all, it’s a breeze to pack away. I simply cut long strands into manageable pieces and tucked and folded them deep into the branches. This technique filled out the tree with gorgeous volume in no time. The tree is festive and I love the look.
Nothing fancy.
No secret process. Just fold and tuck.
Finally, it was time to decorate the remainder of the tree!
A train usually graces the bottom of our tree, but this year I used my favorite big red velvet tree skirt instead. It’s so pretty! I think my reindeer likes it too!
Here’s a little secret. I literally have hundreds of ornaments. When I tell you that, I am not kidding. Back in the day, I would put up two nine foot trees and a small tree in our office. Hence, all the ornaments.
This year, like I said, I wanted to use the traditional red, green and gold, and that was no exception for my tree. As a result of those hundreds of ornaments, I was able to go through and pick out those colored ornaments without purchasing anything new.
I am so pleased with how it turned out AND by using the ribbon I used half the ornaments, I normally do.
In addition to using the red and green ornaments, I used the same color scheme for my wrapping paper. Tell me, do you coordinate paper or am I the only one? You can check out all my wrapping tips in my post Wrap It Up Like a Pro: Creative Christmas Gift Wrapping Ideas.
The Stockings Were Hung
You know the old Christmas saying, “The stockings were hung by the chimney with care”? Well, I do have a fireplace, but I have no mantle. So, I have to get creative with hanging our stockings.
I have a short bannister which leads to the second floor. I currently use that area and the stockings fit there great! That being said, I will have to rethink that for next year, as we have twin grandbabies on the way, in May!
Yes, that’s right, friends! Precious twins!
But for this year, I used my favorite garland, some pretty plaid ribbons and artificial berries to dress it up.
Touches of Christmas
Our home’s heart is one big window filled room! It’s an open concept. When I say open concept, I literally mean entry, living, eating, and kitchen are all in one open room. Not one wall or partial wall divides the areas. The room is surrounded by windows, so there is very little wall space. Therefore, I have to get decor creative with cabinets and my kitchen table.
For quite sometime, I dreamed of a large Santa picture to adorn the wall above one of my cabinets.
You know, the kind of Santa picture that my sweet grandbabies would love and always remember.
Believe it or not, I found it and you know what? It’s exactly what I dreamed it would be!
Swapping in classic red candles and a touch of fresh greenery transformed my everyday candle holders into instant holiday focal points.
The ladder is a year round staple in our home. I just switch out the blankets for the season.
Did you spy one of my cottage blankets on there?
I thought so!
I have one other cabinet near the front door that I seasonally change out too.
This seasons new purchase was this beautiful reindeer and neutral trees. They complement the gold and cream Santa, little house and pine cones I already had.
Mixing old with new is the best!
A Cozy and Traditional Holiday Table
The table. It holds so many memories, doesn’t it? Especially at the holidays. As a family, we eat there, laugh there, pray there, share life together. What an important place the table is! Therefore, it is only fitting that it be set beautifully.
First, I added my red and white table runner, then my red footed tray I made last Christmas. As far as decorating my footed tray, I added a few trees, a candle stick and a sweet picture of my daddy. Although, he is no longer here, I felt it important to include him at the table.
When decorating a tray, I say add what makes you happy! Creating a space that gives you, your family, and friends that warm feeling is what it’s all about.
I also used a string of red and cream garland to add a little element of fun to the table.
How I Use Dishes as Easy Holiday Decor
Typically, I mix and match my dishes. Trust me, I do have plenty of full sets of dishes, but I like the whimsy mixing gives the table.
This year, I added a set of cream colored dishes from The Pioneer Woman collection and some Christmas dishes I’ve had for years. Alternating the plates and adding some red napkins gave me the look I envisioned. I tied the napkins in a knot and they look just like a bow!
That’s right…I gift wrapped my dishes!
On a previous trip to the dollar store, I bought some red jingle bells. I wanted to incorporate them into my table setting so I ran to the field next door and trimmed some greenery. Using green twine, I wrapped the bell and greenery around the napkin. I topped the table off with some red tumblers.
A simple and festive table. Yes, so pretty!
“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” – Luke 2:11
Here’s to a Simple, Cozy, & Very Merry Season
I hope you enjoyed my traditional, yet simple holiday home tour. Don’t forget to pin your favorite image for inspiration!
However you celebrate, I hope you make wonderful new memories, find moments of peace and a little bit of sparkle this season! Don’t forget to pin your favorite image for inspiration
Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram and Pinterest and Facebook!
amazon
Shop My Storefront
If you enjoy the home decor, DIY projects, and cozy finds I share here on the blog, you can find many of my favorite items in my Amazon storefront. Shopping through my storefront is a wonderful way to support Cottage in the Mitten, and it means so much to me. Thank you so much for being here and following along!
Everything looks beautiful! I love the quilts and the little touches like the bulb on the napkins, etc. I am sure that you and everyone that walks in your door are enjoying your traditional christmas!
Thank you, Elizabeth! It is my hope that everyone feels welcome and enjoys!!
Your home looks beautiful decorated for Christmas. I so much enjoyed every picture that you shared.
Thank you, Paula!
I love everything thanks. May I ask were you got the santa picture if you want to share to the west side of the state. Also off Christmas where did you get your green leather chair. It is what I have been dreaming about. For my simplicity for our 2 person home. Thank you
Hi! I have the Santa picture linked in the blog post, right under the picture. Hope this helps! Merry Christmas!
So beautiful, my friend. Happy holidays!
Thanks so much, Renae!
Everything looks so beautiful!! I was thinking that you are going to need a bigger space for stockings before you even mentioned the twins!!
I love the table with the big Santa and grapevine trees…I would steal them if I lived closer!!!
I knew you would like those!! Come on by! I’ll let you borrow them for next year!
Such a pretty Christmas home. Love the jinle bells at each place setting. Love the table, so pretty.
Pinned!
thank you, Cindy!
Your holiday home looks so beautiful! I love how you’ve wrapped the presents and your tablescape is lovely and festive.
I just love making a pretty package! Thank you for your kindness, Shawna!
It is so festive and welcoming! Merry Christmas!
Thank you, Robyn!
Kim, your home is decorated so beautifully for the holidays. I’m a big fan of the traditional red, and I love you you tied the napkins on your table and added the cute bell detail. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!
Thank you so much, Jen! It’s the first time Ive tied my napkins that way. Merriest Christmas to you, friend!
Kim,
I’ve always decorated with red until this year. It was a hard choice but my hydrangeas inspired me. I still have lots of red on my porches and touches through out. I’ll never stop using traditional Christmas colors and yours are so perfect. I’m so glad we did this tour together.
Thank you so much for your kind words and I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Always an honor to tour with you! Merry Christmas, Rachel!
Hi Kim! You chose such cute fabrics for your holiday blankets–love the ladder decor! Your table is so pretty, too! Blessings, Cecilia @My Thrift Store Addiction
Thank you, Cecilia! I hope your Christmas is blessed!
Oh my goodness your home looks so festive for the holidays! I love the gold and cream Santa, the sweet tribute to your father, the striped table runner and those bows napkins are the best!
I hope you have a very Merry Christmas!
Thanks so much, Amber! It was my first time using the bow napkins and I was so pleased how they turned out! Merry Christmas!
Kim your tour was so fun. I enjoyed it so much and happy to be touring with you. Happiest of holidays to you🎄🎄
Thank you, Ann!
Hello, my Mitten friend!
Your home looks so lovely! I love the coziness you’ve added while keeping things simple. I am feeling the need for simplicity this year myself. Happy hopping! 🙂
Thank you, Libbie! Merry Christmas to you and yours!!
I just love the traditional red and green! So beautiful!
Thank you, Ana! Merry Christmas!
I absolutely love your house Kim! Although I just about cried when I realized how MUCH you have done and how LITTLE I have done. I’ll be on a mission to find my own Santa picture now too! xoxo
No tears, friend! I’m just ahead of the game because of my surgery! You’ll be there in no time! xoxo
Nothing says Christmas more to me than the traditional green and red, and boy, you styled it so beautifully! I am doing the traditional colors upstairs in my home and this have given me such inspiration! Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Thank you so much, Jennifer! I’m so glad you liked it!
Oh Kim, your home looks so beautiful. How I wish we lived close to each other. I am in love with your Santa and Snowman artwork. Love it!
Me too, friend! Think of the wonderful visits we could have! Thank you so much for your kind words on my home! ❤
Beautiful! Love all of your colors, ribbons and details. And all my favorite bloggers sharing! Amazing tour. I’ll try to follow you all.
Thank you so much, Leslie!
I just love all your traditional red and green decorations, Kim! I’ve tried being neutral, but always feel more Christmassy when I pull out the red accents. I hope all goes well with your surgery! Merry Christmas to you and your family!
I appreciate that! I agree, red just seems to remind me of all things Christmas. Merry Christmas to you both!
Everything looks amazing as usual. I can’t believe you found that ribbon at the dollar store. I just spent a boat load of money buying ribbon Michael’s the other day. I too love the traditional colors. So excited about the twins.
Thank you, friend!! I found great wire ribbon at Dollar General this year! I usually buy all my ribbon after Christmas. It’s so much cheaper then. Have a great day!
KIM!!! Your home is absolutely stunning! How you pulled this gorgeous home together for Christmas before your surgery is mind blowing ❣️ As for a favorite, don’t have one, love it all. YOU and simple for the holidays do not go together, yet you did it!! Well done my friend ❤️ Merry Christmas 🎄🎁
Awe, thank you, Jules! You are so kund to me! It’s amazing what you can do when you are under a deadline! Merriest Christmas!!
Tour home tour is beautiful! I never thought of wrapping my place settings! What a clever idea. Can’t wait to work on my home this week with on the inspiration from tour home tour.
Thank you, Kay! Folding the napkins was the easiet! Have fun decorating!! xo
Thank you for the lovely tour! I love that quilt with the Christmas fabrics, and you made it? Congrats on the future grand twins; that will be a fun ride! Merry Christmas!
Thank you, Lora! I did make the blanket and we are beyond excited for our new gbabies! Merry Christmas!!
Kim your home looks so beautiful and cozy for the holidays! Love it all! xo
Thank you so much, Stacy! Good luck with your move! Merry Christmas!
I can see that Christmas makes your soul sing. Everything looks so festive and fun. Loved all of your details – the bells on the napkins, the Santa photo, quilts, all the bows, etc. It was all beautiful. Enjoyed hopping with you this week. Merry Christmas!
It truly does! Thank you for the very kind words! Merry Christmas!!
Your home is decorated so beautifully for the holidays Kim. I love the traditional red and the sweet bell detail. Merry Christmas my friend!
Thank you, Kim!
This is very beautiful! Merry Christmas!
Thank you, Rachel!
Kim your home looks beautiful and I love the traditional colors! So exciting with more grand babies on the way! You sure will need more room for stockings! Happy Holidays!
Thank you, Mary Anne! I am already planning the stocking hanging for next year. lol Merry Christmas!
I enjoyed the nostalgic feel of your post. So warming!
Thank you!!
Your home is beautiful. Love all the pretty details. Thanks for sharing all then tips. The links are great!
Keep posting I will be checking in, sorry so late.
Thank you, Tina! You are always so kind! xo
Kim, I love your beautiful Christmas home! The traditional pops of red and green are so fun and festive. Congratulations on your growing family! That is so exciting! It was wonderful to be on this tour with you. Merry Christmas!
Thank you, Lynne! Same to you and yours!
What a gorgeous holiday home tour! Yes, I’m a little late to the party … but I finally have time this week to take all the tours and oh, what fun! I adore your tree topper idea … and love the traditional red and green scheme. Hope you’re wrist is healing and you were able to fully enjoy the holiday season. Twins on the way … wow. We have twin grand-nieces and it so much fun. They’re old enough to start playing parent-trap games with us. Fools us every time. Wishing you the happiest New Year, Kim in the Mitten! xo
Thanks so much, Juliet! We are so looking forward to having twins in the family! Happiest New Year to you!