Caroline Decorates Her Farmhouse For The Holidays

Since we’re staying put for the holidays this year, I’m taking this opportunity to be intentional about what I do with decorations. There have been so many years where the tree has gone up two days before Christmas, and we’re still decorating on Christmas Eve, running around the grocery store and generally stressing. By the time we have a day off on Christmas Day, we’re too exhausted to enjoy it. This year has definitely given us all pause for what really matters. I have such fond childhood memories of all the Christmas family traditions that are very British. So last weekend I went all out and put up two trees… one in the dining room and one in the living room. Not only are trees so beautiful au naturel, I also want to slowly decorate them with a few ornaments as the season progresses. But before I get there, the lights. Light really sets the mood, whether it’s twinkle tree lights or candlelight, so that is a big focus for my decorating this year. I'm keeping it simple with a few decorating elements but doing those things en masse.

Even though the holidays are upon us, work is as busy as ever, jumping from Zoom buying appointments to team member calls and the ongoing day to day to-do lists. And, while I work from home, my spirits are always lifted when I elevate how I dress. I want to feel comfortable but still embrace my love of style. My new curated collection of knitwear from Mr Mittens couldn’t have come at a better time... cozy statement sweaters that scream of the holidays at home like this cozy cashmere blend sweater (see the whole collection here) paired with one of my favorite jeans from Citizens of Humanity.

When it comes to holiday greenery, I'm a big fan of bringing a little of the outdoors in. While out on walks with Nala, I'm always on the hunt for foliage that I can use to decorate. Lately I've been seeing dried leaves and plants in silvery sage muted tones. And we have a ton of pine cones in our garden that are perfect for festive decorating. I traded out the pumpkins and loaded them up on the dining table. My assortment of vintage brass candlesticks is ever growing and I have the "more is more" strategy when it comes to candlelight. So I don’t personally think you can go wrong with a lot of candlesticks on your table (just vary the heights). I also like mixing up tapered beeswax candles. The two I currently have at home are these and these.

With all that's been going on this year, I decided that two trees were in order... one in the dining room, and one in the living room. And, while I’m just starting to collect ornaments, twinkle lights go a long way. So far I’ve added a few of these beautiful wooden snowflakes and my new favorite angel puff ornament. For the top of the tree, we have this star that Jeffrey bought at the Sinterklaas Festival in town during a visit to see the farm before we purchased it, exactly five years ago. It will always be a reminder that you never know what magic awaits you.

These old windows are perfect for displaying flowers, candles or holiday decorations. I took some dried leafy stems and displayed them in these tiered glass bud vases, alongside these whimsical ceramic Santas. I love how just a few simple holiday touches can go a long way and bring a smile to your face.

I'm following a similar decorating theme outside... keeping it simple, but adding more of the chosen element. I hung an evergreen wreath on each of the three exterior doors. My friend is the local florist and owner of Athabold and she and her husband picked pine, cedar, juniper, and cypress bundles from our garden to make the wreaths, so they’re extra fresh and extra special. And, I’ll be adding lights to them because, ya know, lights are my big theme this year.

Despite this unique holiday season, there’s still so much to cherish and hold on to. Simple traditions, festive settings, finding the perfect gifts, good food and lots of holiday music! I’m really enjoying this longer window of being in the holiday spirit, and maybe a new tradition for us will be the tree going up at the beginning of December every year! Would love to hear anything new that you’re doing this season that could be your new annual tradition.

Sending lots of love,