Yesterday the photographer from American Farmhouse magazine was here to take pictures of my Christmas decorations. I have to admit, it feels a little odd having a stranger become so intimate with your home. Don’t get me wrong, he and his assistant were very nice and he even gave me some photography tips. But as the day came to a close I realized my Christmas decor would soon be taken down and put away, which always makes me a little melancholy. The house tends to look a little bare afterwards, but sometimes a little simplicity is good after all the glitter. So today I’m sharing winter decorating ideas with the help of some blogging friends, to help with the seasonal transition.
Winter Decorating
In my family room one year I created a DIY pom pom garland for winter decor.
Another year my family room displayed a “cozy” sign and touches of blue.
Someone who loves blue as much as me is Rachel at Shades of Blue Interiors. Her snow owl pillow is the perfect touch for winter decor. And don’t you just love her chandelier?
You’ll always find a touch of romance at French Country Cottage and her winter mantel is beautifully warm and inviting. Such pretty decor to replace the refinery of Christmas.
I was introduced to winter white when I worked at a clothing store many many years ago and immediately fell in love with it. Janet at Shabbyfufu shows how to infuse winter white throughout a room to create an elegant look.
If you prefer warm woods during the frosty season, you’ll enjoy this cozy room that feels like a rustic cabin (photo by Our Town Plans).
Plants and Flowers
Flowering bulbs like narcissus and amaryllis are popular plants during the winter months. They add a delicate freshness to short days. (Photo by Rafe Churchill Traditional Houses.)
I like to beat the winter blues with a little pink and this time of year you can always find pretty carnations at the store.
My friend Kristen at Ella Claire created a beautiful winter wreath for her front door. She shares the tutorial on her blog.
Lanterns and Candles
An easy way to add cozy warmth to your home during the winter months is to use candles and lanterns in your decor. Jamie at Anderson and Grant has a beautiful home and her winter decorating is inspiring.
In the past, I’ve used mason jars for votive holders in my winter decor. Flour can be used to resemble snow while LED tealights cast a cozy glow. Twine and raffia replace the sparkly ribbons of Christmas. Wine corks lend a bit of texture to the winter vignette.
I hope you’ll visit my blogging friends for more winter decorating ideas. Their homes are beautiful and I always gain inspiration from them.
What winter elements do you like to include in your decorating this time of year?
Love the rustic cabin dark wood n the candle in the lamp. I always decorate for winter on my part of the Cdn praries we have usually another 4 mths b4 the white stuff is gone. I decorate with snowflakes n snowman I don’t consider them Xmas at all. Over the yrs I have collected some gorgeous snowflakes n too cute colorful snowmen, it makes our long winter cheerful..and feeds my seasonal decorating addiction! ❄
I bet you had a fantastic time with the photographer, it’s always fun to learn something new from someone in the biz. I have all my Christmas decor down, I did it the day after Christmas. You’re right it all looks bare now, but I was ready for a clean slate for a while.
Thanks Jenn, I was looking for some ideas, it seems like my brain goes dead after Christmas.
I save my collection of “winter trees” to build vignettes around. Things like snowmen, snowflakes, ice skates, sleds, skis, etc. find their way into and outside the house too, as I keep them out of sight during Christmas. Faux amaryllis or paperwhites are a great choice for winter decorating, especially if you don’t want to invest in or have trouble growing them from real bulbs. That “transition” time between late winter and early, early spring is a great time to incorporate childhood books and toys, or things like a basket of yarn balls or a display of old linens, etc., or create a fun vignette of old sewing items.
Loved it all and sparkle, kinda made me wish I hadn’t put some of holiday decorations away today. Was always tradition when growing up to take down holiday decorations day after New years. Have to admit was ready to take decorations down sooner but always miss them when I do, could I make up my mind please? House always looks admittedly less cluttered, sparse but feels good also after weeks of decorations. I miss pretty lights and candles burning, all my little vignettes.
So now what do I do? Take suggestions and ideas you so graciously shared. Thank goodness I scrolled back to see what posts I had missed being off computer.
Wishing you a wonderful, healthful New Year.
Got inspired from your post. If you’d be interested in interior design and stylish furniture, check out Furnish for more inspirations.
Your home is beautiful and very inspiring! I was wondering if you could share where you got your family room slipcovers?
I read that you purchased your white sectional from Kris. Any idea where Kris got it?
Epsom salts most closely resembles snow in arrangements such as your Mason jars. It keeps for years.