Creating that Christmas Feeling
There’s a particular kind of magic that settles over a home in December—a gentle shift in light, scent, and texture that turns the everyday into something quietly enchanting. Each year I try to honour that feeling not through excess (though my husband would disagree with this), but through simple, natural beauty. This season has been no different, yet somehow more thoughtful, more intentional.
Our Christmas tree, chosen annually from a tree farm, stands at the heart of it all. Its branches are dressed with over a hundred real pine cones gathered throughout the year, their warm, woodsy tones blending seamlessly with the deep green needles. I added just a handful of antique-looking brass ornaments—softly aged balls and delicate little birds—so the tree still feels natural, almost nostalgic, but with a subtle shimmer that catches the light in all the right ways. Our tree strands tall in a large old french urn, that I simply adore.
This year I also brought in texture through ribbon, ordering strands in different shades of green—from deep forest tones to muted olive—made in velvet and linen. Only one ribbon hangs from the tree, trailing gently downward. It’s barely visible, almost like a secret detail, which makes it all the more elegant.
Natural materials shape the rest of the house as well. I’ve been making wreaths and arranging seasonal greenery, letting branches, berries, and winter foliage bring in that unmistakable Christmas scent. I tuck them into my old urns, whose patina and shape add presence and history on their own. Together they create a feeling that’s earthy, timeless, and wonderfully grounding. I cover hyacinths and ivy with moss and this creates a simple but beautiful arrangement.
For wrapping gifts, I ordered a vintage blue rose–printed paper that instantly reminded me of Dior’s toile de Jouy. Its soft patterns and classic charm elevate each package into a little work of art, transforming even the simplest present into something special. But perhaps the truest joy comes from the light: the subtle flicker of candles placed throughout the rooms, and the gentle, rhythmic glow of the tree. Together they create that warm, quiet atmosphere that makes winter evenings feel like a season unto themselves.
In the end, Christmas at home isn’t just about decorations—it’s about creating a feeling. Natural materials, thoughtful details, and soft, glowing light come together to make a space that feels comforting, beautiful, and full of wonder. And every year, the magic feels new again.
love the uncut edges of the ribbons
winter magic with a dramatic tablescape- lots of off white chiffon with pine and hypericum berries on top
This year, I also spent time experimenting with tablescapes, letting the dining table become its own expression of the season. I dressed it first in long, dramatic green tablecloths—deep, saturated tones that instantly grounded the room and made everything above them feel richer. Then I tried a more whimsical arrangement: a sweeping chiffon garland running down the center, airy and soft, with real pine branches and clusters of green berries layered on top. The garland extends all the way to the floor at one end, cascading like fabric in a winter tableau. It’s bold, a little theatrical, and it delivers exactly the kind of understated drama that makes a table feel truly special.
Eating breakfast around the Christmas tree on the sofa makes everything more special
Making gingerbread cookies
