Colonial Christmas design is truly the classic, picture perfect way to decorate for the holidays. Steeped in tradition, the Colonial home exudes warmth and history.
Now, if your idea of the holiday season is spending days on end watching TV on the old sectional, this look may not be for you. However, it never hurts taking a look back to see how our forebears designed and lived in their homes.
Country Living magazine was the natural place to look for pictures of authentic Colonial Christmas decor.
The heart of the Colonial home is the kitchen and hearth. Richly painted woodwork compliments the warm fire and earthy brick while rough hewn wooden furniture and floors glow through years of use and polish.
I love the way candles or soft light from traditional lighting captures that burnished quality and glow of wooden furniture.
Colonial style mantles are ideal for holiday greens, small evergreens and other organic Christmas decoration.
The Colonial Christmas is not about glitter and bling, so keep things organic and low-key in color. Living rooms and bedrooms look great when you play up the locally sourced nature that surrounds the house. In a nutshell, no pun intended, think pine cones and cranberries.
You can always infuse the colors of Christmas through red flowers, throws and pillows.
I also happen to love the idea of having a deep rich red earthenware table lamp besides a timeless wing back arm chair.
Maybe it’s the chair set aside for Santa to rest his weary bones?
1. The British are coming! Can’t you see this black iron lantern-shaped candle holder in any Colonial setting?
2. These mango-wood trays with jute handles have a handcrafted feel and would be perfect for bringing in the annual egg nog.
3. If you like the look of a flea market find, the Burnham Baltik Red Table Lamp from Currey & Co. has the vintage feel of a found object.
4. This outdoor wall light with a bronze finish is a timeless look for Colonial front doors.
5. Holiday arrangements will look rustic and charming in this coal scuttle vase.
6. A spindle back chair is a Colonial classic. This aesthetic has graced American homes for generations.
7. Place a traditional American area rug besides the fireplace for a classic design combination.
Photos: Country Living Magazine.