Simple Holiday Decor Ideas for a Cozy Home
“Festive, Not Fussy” is how I approach the holidays. Not just my holiday outfits, but also my entertaining and holiday decor. I like to keep things simple and easy, so I can focus on enjoying the season and celebrations. Today I’m sharing how I decorate simply for the holidays in a small home, and joining up with five of my blogger friends from coast to coast. I’m looking forward to seeing and being inspired by what they’ve put together!
Cindy Hattersley Design | Classic Casual Home | Most Lovely Things |
Make Mine A Spritzer | Northern California Style
On my visit to Paris in September, I met up with Mary Ann (Classic Casual Home) and Annie (Most Lovely Things). We spent a couple of days sharing some of our favorite Parisian spots, and had a blast! You can read more about that visit here: Two Days in Paris: Style, Food, and Friendship
A fresh canvas
For the last few years, I haven’t done much in the way of holiday decorating. (We’re Jewish, so no tree.) When my son was younger, I used to put out a few Hanukah-themed knick-knacks, but not much else. And after he was grown and moved out, we were more focused on travel and work than on sprucing up the house or entertaining. And when my husband’s ALS began progressing, that took all of our attention.
To be honest, our space had become a bit shabby and cluttered over the years, and I just didn’t want to call more attention to it. Come December, I’d pull out our little menorah and maybe throw a few pine boughs on the mantle (I also like to acknowledge the Winter Solstice) but that was the extent of it.
A few months after my husband passed away last year, I decided to embark on a major de-cluttering and re-decorating project. It took some time, but I’m very happy with the end result! You can read all of the details here: The big reveal: before and after photos of my home refresh. Here are a few photos just to give you an idea:
(Before and after: use the slider to compare.)
Simple (and no-waste) holiday decor for a small home
Now that there’s more breathing room, I’ve been inspired again to do a little simple, festive decorating.
Our space is small, so I focus on the fireplace mantle. I started with a simple cedar garland, and added potted rosemary “trees” and votive candles.
I purchased a cedar garland at the grocery store, and took it apart to have smaller branches to work with. After the holidays, they’ll go in my green waste bin to be mulched. I usually find a pine cone or two while out walking the dog to add to the mix. And I’m saving a place in my garden to plant the potted rosemary to attract pollinators (and provide fresh herbs). The greenery makes the room smell lovely, but I’ll also give a boost with one of these Diptyque “Sapin” candles.
That French portrait ornament is one of a set that was included in the My French Country Home Box for November. They’re on pretty velvet ribbons, so could also be hung on a tree. And the glass votive holders are actually repurposed La Fermière yogurt containers. 😉
The small menorah we’d used for some 25+ years had been a gift, and I was never particularly fond of it. Every year I’d think about replacing it, and this year I finally did. This one was a splurge, but I really like it. And it fits in with my decor. When it’s time to light the Hanukah candles, I’ll move it to the center of the mantle in front of the mirror. (Hanukah comes late this year, beginning on December 25.)
Cozy for the holidays
Nothing says “cozy” like a pair of flannel pajamas!
In the evenings, I love to put on some comfy pajamas and hang out on the couch with Bella. She naps while I read or stream a favorite series on my laptop.
These cotton flannel pajamas are from PJ Salvage. They’re soft and warm, but not too warm. There are several patterns available, sizes X-Small to X-Large. I’m wearing size small.
More cotton flannel pajamas
How do you decorate for the holidays? Are you a minimalist, or do you go all out?
Please be sure to visit all of these wonderful blogs!
- CINDY HATTERSLEY DESIGN
- CLASSIC CASUAL HOME
- MOST LOVELY THINGS
- MAKE MINE A SPRITZER
- NORTHERN CALIFORNIA STYLE
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Over the years I have scaled down my Christmas decorating (from 3 trees to 1) and now don’t bother decorating the never used formal dining and sitting rooms. I have a big Christmas tree which sits in the family/kitchen area where we celebrate the day and have been collecting ornaments for 40 years, particularly when travelling overseas. My sister (who lives in American) sends me the White House Ornament every year – they are very pretty and quite unique. Everything (bar tinsel) gets plopped on the tree. Definitely not minimalistic, but more like a trip down a glittery memory lane. I hope you have a lovely holiday season, which can be a time of both joy and sadness for many of us, Your new Menorah is very stylish.
Hi Susan, that makes sense to decorate in the areas where you spend the most time. And thank you!
Love your home, it’s so lovely!
I was wondering if you could possibly do a blog on how to feel your best while in the hospital. I think that many women ‘of a certain age’ could use some tips since as we get older, there is more chance that we have to spend a few days in hospital. I’ll be going in probably next month for a lung resection (anywhere from 2 to 8 days) & I’m trying to think of all the things that will make me feel the best I can in the situation. I don’t care much about how I look to others, just how I look & feel about myself.
Any tips you can give would be greatly appreciated.
I was just in hospital for a few days. I always take a nice sweater to put over my hospital gown. The gowns are always too loose on me and not very attractive, plus I get cold, so a sweater adds a nice layer. Dry shampoo is a must for me. A little of that and a fluff and I feel human again.Good luck on your surgery!
I have a cashmere poncho (& socks) I was thinking about taking as I get cold easily. Didn’t think about the shampoo. Thanks for the tips & good wishes! Merry Christmas!
Another vote for the poncho and nice woollen socks, and slip on slippers you can wear over them. I liked having a small framed pic of loved ones in better times, too.
Best wishes to you x
I thought of the picture as well, great advice! I wish I could take one of my cats with me!! LOL Thanks so much for the tip & good wishes! Merry Christmas!
@Eva. As a retired nurse, I would not take any restrictive sweaters etc, but something you can throw around your shoulders if feeling cold. I would pack face cream, tinted lip gloss and some pretty (but supportive) slippers and dressing gown. My mother had a beautiful pink Christian Dior dressing gown and when in hospital received so many compliments, even from medical staff. That always made her feel better (she was 90 odd). Good luck and a speedy post op recovery
Great tip Susan! I don’t think I’ve worn restrictive clothing in a decade, lol. I also have a thicker cashmere wrap I can take as well. Something pretty like that always makes you feel better!! Thank you for the support & Merry Christmas!
Hi Eva, first, I hope your procedure goes smoothly and that you have a speedy recovery. In addition to all of these great suggestions, here’s mine. I find hospitals are always cold and if you chill easily, you might consider a bed jacket in fleece like this one: https://bit.ly/4f0Tgv6 or even down: https://bit.ly/3BnTT4d
Bed jackets are so retro, but the most practical item there is – especially in hospital. I did not suggest a bed jacket, only because with a lung resection a chest tube post op will probably be in play and a bed jacket or anything with arms might be too difficult to manage. Also with an IV in the arm, it can be tricky getting things through the arm without dislodging the cannula. But, a bed jacket is certainly a lovely gift for Christmas on long, wintery nights if reading in bed
Thank you so much for the good wishes! Love the bed jackets! I think I’m going to try a combination of things. Happy Hanukkah!!
Just beautiful! Thank you for sharing your lovely home and style tips. PJ Salvage has great PJs. I have several pair.
Thank you, Susan! I love PJ Salvage designs too.
What a fun post! Love seeing the things in your home – you inspire me with wardrobing and your home. Thanks for sharing. Marilyn from North Dakota
Thanks, Marilyn!
Susan, your home is just lovely and so you! May I ask if it’s in an historic neighborhood or when it was built? I’m a huge fan of vintage homes. Ironically, we just moved this week into our new custom built dream home that’s the complete opposite of vintage. Nevertheless, thank you for all the beautiful, interesting and inspiring content you have given us this past year. Wishing you a peaceful holiday season!
Thanks very much, Marguerite! Our house and others in the neighborhood were built in 1941. The front of our house, including the living room here are still original construction. Congratulations on your new dream home!
I understand not having a tree if you are Jewish. My first husband was Jewish and he told me that as children (he had 3 sisters) they always had a “Chanukkah Bush” with decorations. (really a Christmas tree) lol. ) I thought that was a novel way to be part of the season on their own terms.
Hi Linda, my late husband also had a “Hanukah bush” for a few years when he and his brother were young. I love the smell of a tree, but not the mess, lol!
Susan, how fun that was to be in Paris with you and Annie. My son got that Parisian Chic coffee table book for his birthday and I want it, too…and your fun pajamas.
Your living room looks bright and fresh, like you.
How sweet you are to do this with us and you are Jewish! Your new menorah is so stylish and elegant.
Happy Hanukkah!
I love your AFTER look. I like to keep it very simple at Christmas too. This year I’ll put a garland on the mantle and a few candles around the room. A nod to the holidays without all the work of getting out and putting away lots of decorations. Happy Holidays, Susan!
Thanks, Michelle. I think simplifying our decor and other preparations really helps reduce holiday stress.
Susan! You dress your house with aplomb too! I love everything you have done. It looks like a sophisticated woman’s home now. That ornament from your “french box” is so charming. And…I love your pj’s!! Thank you so much for joining us. You have such great style!
Thanks so much, cindy! And thank you for including me, it was such fun.
Love your space, it’s cozy, soothing and très chic, and your decorations are perfect, thanks for sharing, Susan! (And the PJs are adorable! Now to happily peruse Nordstrom for a new set pour moi…)
Thank you, Rona!
Susan, I love seeing your beautiful new living room. I kept sliding the bar to see before/after. Such a cool tool to illustrate the dramatic change. Your new menorah is beautiful! It will look gorgeous with candles flickering in front of the mirror! Love you pajamas too!
xx
Hi Annie, thank you! Isn’t that slider fun??? 😉
Susan, You are so cute in those pjs! I think I am going to order a set too. I love your home. It looks very Parisian with the pretty mantle and mirror and I really like the table and inviting chairs. Lovely how you did the mantle with the garland and the little trees..and fun seeing the before and after slide pics too.
So nice doing this with you. xo Kim
Hi kim, thanks very much! I really enjoyed it.
So festive! (But not fussy…) I also believe that less is more when it comes to holiday decorating. A small tree, a few candles and some garland on the mantle piece and we’re happy. Love the simple, compostable garland and plantable rosemary. The menorah is a work of art! Happy holidays!
Thanks very much, Cat!
Great ideas Susan, your rosemary trees are so cute. Love your festive not fussy mantra. And your PJs! Here it’s hot, so it’s cotton nighties for me.
Your nifty sliders have got me thinking again…I’m happy with our 19yo wall colour but a lighter colour extended onto the ceiling would freshen things up here too.
Thx for the links to the other bloggers xx
Thanks, Julie! It’s amazing how much a little paint can do.
Gidday Susan Great work on the decor! We do a tree here. I use the ornaments collected on our travels. My favourite thing is a beautful outdoor Christmas banner i purchased in The Barnyard at Carmel. Americans certainly are great at holiday decoration.
Perhaps cross the Pacific one year and visit OZ for a warm december on a beach with warm water . I know that Californian water temp ! I lived in Monterey for 18 months. Could you do a swim wear/beach section. I am lucky enough to have a swimwear shop who custom makes around the corner from me and is making a tankini just my style, fabric and fit for US$100
But if you love textiles take a trip to India esp Jaipur.
happy holidays from the land down under.
Robyn C
Hi robyn, thanks! I’d love to visit Australia (and India) someday.
You have given me ideas for Christmas decorations. I wasn’t going to do anything but Ron suddenly decided to invite Georg and Marla for Christmas dinner. Now I want to at least, make the room a bit Christmassy. But I won’t put up the tree.
Love the PJ’s. Would very much like a pair myself.
Greetje
Hi Greetje, I’ll be interested to see what you come up with!
Love your renovated home, and love the new holiday decor and menorah!
Hi Brenda, thank you!
Susan! Festive, not fussy is the best motto I’ve heard yet for the holidays. I’m adopting it. I love your simple greenery, candles and your lovely new Menorah. But can we talk about those PJ’s and your cocktail?! Let the unfussy festivities begin. Cheers! xo
Thanks very much, Juliet!
Very pretty! I’m trying to downsize my Christmas decor. I got rid of a lot last year, but I still have so much. It’s kind of a love-hate thing. I am so tired of dragging it out and setting it up, but once it’s done I am glad I made the effort. One year I should experiment with not making the effort and see what I think!
Are those yogurt jars safe to have candles in them? I was at a friend’s house once when her candle jar exploded from the heat. It was very scary!
Thank you, Tracy. Yes, the jars are pretty thick glass. They’ve been through the dishwasher, so I don’t think the small amount of heat from the candles will be a problem.
Dear Susan,
I like to keep my decorations fairly simple also and do a more natural look-burlap, greenery and candles.
I love your new shorter hairstyle!!!
BB
Hi BB, thanks!
Love your new look, and the new paint color. It looks beautiful. The menorah is beautiful.
I am off to check out these cute pjs.
Have a happy Hanukah.
Thanks very much, Elizabeth!
Your home is lovely and your holiday touches are perfect. Love the rosemary trees!