Starting With the Shelf…
We updated our kitchen this year and the spaces changed a bit so it was time for some new holiday decor. With a French Country theme, a blue and white color palette seemed perfect. I also want to keep things fresh and simple so I mixed in greenery and a touch of pink. On the shelf above the range, I placed a couple of my favorite blue and white teacups on either end and then added some tiny, handmade fabric star ornaments with shell button centers (check my boutique for them).
Since I use a wreath on the shelf year-round, I decided to change it up with holiday greenery and added wide blue chambray and skinny blue and white gingham ribbons for the bow. I also tucked in some blue and white berries.
Then the Countertop…
I then moved on to the new quartz countertop. I kept the French country pitcher with white peonies in it and added sprigs of greenery and a little twine. I added a blue candle and a small stone that says “Joy” — a little reminder to live in the moment. Then, I went outside to our deck to get my favorite rabbit garden sculpture. It lives on the deck most of the year, but I bring it in during the winter to enjoy.
It needed a little dressing up so I added more of the ribbon to look like a scarf and made a wreath for its head. Perfect!
Next the Kitchen Table…
The rabbit fit nicely next to my tablescape with other woodland animals. I used a green and white ticking striped runner along with blue and white ceramic pieces — two cake stands and a blue and white plate. I also added touches of pink with my bottlebrush trees and ballet keepsake ornaments from roles my daughter danced in The Nutcracker. I like to use what I have, add a small thing or two, and change the vignettes each year.
This table is long and big enough for our large family. A perfect casual gathering space for meals, but also a great game space to share snacks (on this cute charcuterie board) and for working on puzzles or enjoying games together.
And Finally, the Beverage Bar…
The last thing I decorated was our new beverage bar. The house was originally designed with a desk here in the kitchen but it was usually just a place for clutter. Do you have such a space? We added floating shelves above (recycled from an Amish barn – see the nail holes?) and turned it into a place for coffee and drinks — with tea and coffee stored in the drawers, and now it is one of the most useful spots in our kitchen. I think we will put a drink fridge underneath.
I spruced the shelves with a few holiday decorations and added hot chocolate packets, mini marshmallows, and candy canes for a hot chocolate bar.
Right above the counter is a frame I change out the picture in seasonally. One year, after decorating a boatload of gingerbread men, I was inspired to do little gingerbread cookie opposites. I found the picture I took of them and popped it into the frame with a small note (see below). They bring a smile and a good start to the day!
When decorating for holidays, I try to complement the decor we have. I hope this inspires you with a few new ideas. I like to keep things pretty streamlined (hey – it minimizes the clean-up later!). I also bring a little unexpected too! Wishing you peace and joy…Happy Holidays!
