It’s that magical time of year when everything in our home comes alive. The Christmas trees are trimmed and the twinkle lights are shining. My vintage-inspired cottage is ready for the holidays so let’s go for a Christmas home tour.
Welcome to the Bloggers’ Best Holiday Home Tour
Hi everyone! It’s day two of the Bloggers’ Best Holiday Home Tours, hosted by Kelly at The Tattered Pew. I’m joining 28 blogging friends who will be sharing their inspiring holiday homes throughout the entire week. You can find each of their links at the end of this post.
If you’re hopping over from Shawna at Willow Bloom Home Blog, welcome! Isn’t her Christmas decor simply beautiful?
Welcome to Shiplap and Shells
If this is your first time here, I am so happy to have you here.
Shiplap and Shells is all about my 102-year-old cottage overlooking Puget Sound, my cut flower garden and greenhouse, and our life in the Pacific Northwest. You can also CLICK HERE to find out more about me here.
Affiliate links are used for your convenience. Read my full disclosure here.
Welcome to Our Vintage Cottage Christmas Tour
When you enter our home, this is the view you’ll see.
We have no spacious entryway and our home is only 1600 square feet. I like to think of it as “cozy” rather than “small”.
My overall decorating style is more “collected vintage cottage” with a few industrial-style decor pieces here and there. Our home has always been more casual than “put together”.
Simple is Better For a Small House
I have learned over the last 9 years that “more” is not necessarily better when it comes to decorating our cottage for Christmas. Because our house is on the small side it can be very easy to have a room full of clutter. Every year I try to make my Christmas decor more simple and easier than the year before.
11 Simple Christmas Decorating Ideas and Inspiration for the Holiday Season.
Decorating in Phases
Jax, Ollie, and Lucy are here to welcome you to our Christmas cottage.
For those that have been following along with me for a bit, it will be no surprise that I tend to decorate my home in phases each season. I seem to tweak things after I’ve lived with them for a while.
Here are some of the things I’m already planning for the second phase of my Christmas decor…
- Adding dried oranges to the garland and trees.
- Making a couple of wreaths from my magnolia tree in the yard.
- Creating some Christmas DIY projects once I find some time.
Vintage Cottage Christmas Living Room Tour
Christmas Trees
The first thing you’ll notice about my home is that there are mini Christmas trees scattered throughout. That’s because a larger tree won’t fit in the house.
Each year I try to change the themes of each tree. Some years are better than others. I want to put up a flocked tree next year.
CLICK HERE to see Last Year’s Christmas Cottage Tour.
Rustic Inspiration
I found these snowshoe reproductions a couple of weeks ago. They actually inspired me to create a more rugged and rustic Christmas theme this year.
We’ve had this reindeer for years and have had him all over the house during the Christmas season. Doesn’t the scarf make him look warm and cozy?
Vintage Inspiration for Our Christmas Cottage
I love the nostalgic charm my vintage and repurposed finds bring to my 101-year-old-cottage.
The galvanized bucket I used as a container last year for this Christmas tree was replaced with a wicker picnic basket.
Vintage books are perfect Christmas decor and can be used to make a vignette in just 5 minutes for the holidays.
I have another taller Christmas tree, more on the skinny side, in the corner of the living room which fits nicely.
Christmas Ornaments
What’s a girl to do when she has too many Christmas ornaments?
I’ve taken my excess ornaments that didn’t fit on the trees and added them to containers around the house.
Here’s a dough bowl filled with ornaments, greenery, pinecones, and berries that I have on my coffee table.
I love this mercury glass bowl filled with more ornaments and greenery.
Christmas Vintage Cottage Kitchen Tour
Again, when it came to my cottage-style kitchen, “simple” seemed to be the right approach.
I added some bay leaf garland under the kitchen window and a bundle of faux mistletoe as you walk into the kitchen.
We finally finished our corbel project the other day. I shared a little bit about it in my last Saltwater Sounds Wrap-Up blog post.
I actually skipped hanging the garland on the pan rack this year, but I may have enough fresh garland to add some once I’m finished decorating outdoors. So stay tuned.
My red and white transferware will most likely be added to the open shelving to play off the white Ironstone that is already styled there.
Fragrant candles such as this Antique Candle Co. Vanilla Bean candle will go a long way with the Christmas cozy ambiance you’re trying to achieve.
A bowl of walnuts or pomegranates works wonders for your Christmas kitchen vignettes.
Here’s another great space in our cottage to show off my vintage finds for the Christmas season.
Open Shelving
Open shelving can be a touchy subject.
Some believe that shelving isn’t practical and the dishes will get dirty.
I use the shelving as more of a place to display my seasonal decor, so it doesn’t matter if my vintage pieces and collections get a little dirty. It’s worth it to me to be able to show off my Christmas decor.
On the Hunt for Vintage Collections
Every year is one more reminder that I MUST make it a priority to find more Santa mugs and thermoses for next season’s decor.
Now here’s a budget-friendly way to spruce up your Christmas kitchen. Fill a glass mason jar with candy canes for color.
The Kitchen Eating Area
We don’t have a formal dining room. But we do have an amazing view from the kitchen so we won’t complain!
I can’t wait to create a Christmas tablescape with my red and white transferware this year, but until then you can CLICK HERE to see my tablescape from last year.
Until then, this vintage galvanized bucket of flowers and greenery from Trader Joe’s sits on our farm table.
To make the flowers stand up, I placed 3 mason jars filled with water inside the bucket for them.
You can also use greenery in your garden this month like rosemary, bay leaves, magnolia leaves, and evergreen branches and berries.
A dough bowl with greenery, pinecones, ornaments, dried oranges, and/or berries would also be a lovely touch.
I can never get enough of this water view of Puget Sound and my greenhouse.
You can even see a red sailboat anchored out in the bay if you look hard enough.
I hope you liked what you saw on my vintage-inspired Christmas cottage tour today. I will be sharing my bedroom, guest room, and greenhouse soon. Wait until you see the full-sized nutcracker I found at a local antique mall. I’m going to put him in front of the greenhouse this year.
But wait…there’s more!
Make sure to head over to Leen at Sand Dollar Lane for her holiday home tour. You’ll love her blue and gold Christmas decorations
Click the links for the Monday and Tuesday tours to see the other homes on the Christmas tour as well. And come back each day for the rest of this week to see all the new tours added via the links below.
Until next time,
Happy Touring!
Bloggers’ Best Holiday Home Tours
This week my friends and I are sharing our homes all dressed up for the holidays. We hope you will have fun visiting each of the tours below!
Monday’s Tours
The Tattered Pew | My Thrift Store Addiction | Bricks n’ Blooms
Midwest Life and Style | A Life Unfolding
Tuesday’s Tours
Simply2Moms | She Gave It A Go | Willow Bloom Home Blog
Shiplap and Shells | Sand Dollar Lane | Fiddle Leaf Blog
Wednesday’s Tours
Cottage On Bunker Hill | Open Doors Open Hearts | Thistle Key Lane
Cloches and Lavender | Pasha Is Home | A Blue Nest
Thursday’s Tours
Noting Grace | County Road 407 | County Road 407
StoneGable | Robyn’s French Nest | The Ponds Farmhouse
Friday’s Tours
Lora Bloomquist Create and Ponder | Follow The Yellow Brick Home | Dabbling and Decorating
My Family Thyme | Cottage In The Mitten | The Aspiring Home
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Kim, there is so much inspiration in each photo! Everything looks so beautiful! You have such a gift of incorporating vintage touches to make such a cozy, welcoming home. It was so much fun to be on this tour with you. Merry Christmas!
Thank you so much, Lynne. That is very sweet of you to say.
Your home is so cozy. But that leather sofa! yes! I’m all in! The color and style are perfection! Why didn’t I notice this before? If we find our farm, you have to help find my dream sofa. In love! We are going to go see one this Sunday!
Thank you, Melba. I was pretty quiet about the couch. We just got it the first week of November. It’s quite different from my normal style so I didn’t know what people would say but I absolutely am in love with it.
Once again I stared at each photo for like forever! I see a new sofa! How did I miss that before? Looks fabulous there and the color is beautiful! Love each detail and what a great idea to do with the plethora of ornaments. LOL. I don’t have a lot of ornaments. A few years ago we had a real tree and it got knocked over. So many broke. Then it happened again the next year too! Anyway, most of my new ornaments are plastic or cloth and aren’t as pretty as yours. Hope you have a wonderful Christmas season. Loved hopping with you again.
Oh no, Cindy. That’s so sad that most of your ornaments broke. I usually break about a handful each year. The vintage balls are so fragile. I kept the new couch quiet because I wasn’t sure how it was going to be received. It’s definitely not my normal cottage style. But I really do love it. Always happy to be hoping with you, my friend.
Love your warm and inviting home. This looks like a place I would feel so warm and cozy sitting in with a cup of tea. My favorite photo is the one with the pooches on the window seat. Sweet.
Thank you, Jillian. That picture is my favorite too!
Kim, your home is so beautiful and cozy. I love everything about it and how your decorated it for the holidays.
You are so sweet Tammy. Thank you!
All of the vintage touches are just beautiful!
Thank you so much Ana,
Everything looks so, so good!! I love your little snow shoes!! I was just thinking about snow shows when I was doing my porch…and I didn’t want to run down to the antique store because I always leave with way more than I need!
Trader Joe’s is killing it with the greenery and berries right now. I just did a big pot filled with their magnolia and the white berries.
Thank you, Jennifer. Trader Joe’s always has the best flowers and greenery no matter what the season. Just wish they were closer to our home. You can find the snowshoes I got at Amazon. I believe I have a link in the blog post. Hugs my friend.
Just pinned so many beautiful things from this post, Kim! I love all the festive touches you’ve used throughout the house and all the ornaments you’ve collected over the years too. Your little dogs are so stinking cute! They always look so happy and well-behaved. I wish we lived closer I would cozy up on your couch pour us a cup of cocoa and hang out! Sending you lots of hugs, CoCo
Thank you for the sweet words and compliments CoCo. I would love to be neighbors that just hung out at each other’s houses and helped each other decorate. How fun that would be.
You cottage is so lovely, Kim! I am swooning over your mercury glass ornaments! They are so beautiful. Thanks for sharing such awesome Inspo!
Thank you, Jennifer. I do like mercury glass ornament or two. They are just so pretty.
Kim I just love how your living room is looking and everything is decorated so beautifully❤️❤️❤️
Thank you so much, Ann. I can’t wait to see your tour.
What a treat to see your adorable cozy cottage all gussied up for Christmas! Your kitchen shelves are always my favorite:) And that view…I’d just sit there at your table and look out at it all day! Thanks for the lovely tour; can’t wait to see the rest!
Thanks, Lora! Come on over and I’ll let you sit there all day. Can’t wait to see your tour on Friday.
My Friend, your cottage IS cozy and oh-so-charming! I always admire your dining room view and I find something new to love each time I visit. Your bucket centerpiece is fabulous–pinned! Blessings, Cecilia @My Thrift Store Addiction
Thank you so much, Cecilia. I was so happy with the bucket of flowers too. Trader Joe’s comes through again! Always so fun to be hopping with you sweet friend.
Kim, your home looks gorgeous and all ready for Christmas! I love the vintage vibe you used. So many pretty things it’s hard to pick just one. I do have to say, your reindeer adorned in the scarf was the perfect touch! Merry Christmas!!
Hi Kim! He just looked so naked without the scarf. Happy holidays my friend.
Kim you have the most enchanting home. It’s always so warm and welcoming with all your little vintage treasures, and wonderful style of decorating. Love the gorgeous arrangement on the dinning table! It’s always nice to see the puppy dogs too! Pinning!
Thank you, Michelle. I never realize just how many vintage pieces I really have until I do these tours. Thank you for the sweet words.
Kim just beautiful again this year. I had a hard time choosing a Pin. Beautiful!
Thank you so much, Cindy. Happy holidays.
Kim your home looks so pretty for the holidays! I love all of your cute trees and meant to tell you I love the lighter leather sofa! Your living room looks great!!! xoxo
Thanks, Stacy! I’m really loving the new couch too. But miss my turquoise coffee table.
Kim I loved your tour! So much vintage eye candy. I love the basket you used to hold your tree and your red and white transfer ware…I want to see more! Everything is beautiful! I too like to tweak things a lot. Pinned and wishing you a very Merry Christmas!
Thank you so much for coordinating this tour, Kelly. I always love participating in them. Merry Christmas to you too sweet friend.
It’s always so fun to tour your home and see all of your special finds and the unique ways you have incorporated vintage treasures! Everything looks beautiful and festive!
Merry Christmas!
Thank you, Amber! I really appreciate the sweet compliments. Wishing you the happiest of holidays.
I love all the nature-inspired and vintage pieces! So pretty!
Thank you, Robyn. I’m so excited to tour your beautiful home all decked out for the holidays.
Kim,
I love your cozy cottage decked out for the holidays, it’s just so pretty! Love that your pups get in on the action too. 🙂
Happy holidays! xx, Libbie
Thank you, Libbie. My pups will do anything for a treat or two. Happy holidays my friend.
Kim,
There is so much to love here. That little tree in the basket was a favorite. Love your style and so glad we are doing these tours together.
Thank you so much, Rachel. It’s always fun to tour together.
I always love taking a peek inside your cozy cottage Kim. And at Christmas it’s even more magical! Love all the pretty details you’ve added for the holidays. Pinned! Merry Christmas Kim!
Thank you so much for the kind words, Ann Marie. I’m heading over to take a tour of your holiday decor now.
You inspire me so much Kim, your home is so full of charm and coziness. You really have a special touch and know how to create a warm and inviting home.
You are so sweet Wendy. Thank you my friend.
Everything is so charming and lovely! You have such a knack for perfectly incorporating vintage items into your decor.
Thank you, Shawna. I appreciate it. I can’t wait to go see your tour! Happy Holidays!
Kim, your home is absolutely gorgeous all decked out for Christmas. You know I love unique vintage pieces, and I couldn’t get over all of your gorgeous finds. You gave me so many ideas for next year. Pinned so I can remember when it’s time to plan for 2022. 😘 Happy holidays!
Thank you, Jen! You gave me some great ideas too my friend. I’m all about the green and blue plaid next year.
Kim, your home always looks so warm and cozy, especially at Christmas time. I love all the little touches and the scarf on the reindeer made me smile!
I am going to borrow your tip about greenery in a bucket. I need a table centerpiece and have plenty of greenery and mason jars. Love this idea!
I’m so glad the greenery in a bucket tip will work for you, Leen. Thank you for the kind words my friend.
What a gorgeous, cozy Christmas home tour friend!
Thank you so much for sharing so much lovely inspiration.
It’s a joy to be on this tour with you.
xoxo,
Brendt
Thank you Brendt. I am so excited to see your beautiful tour.
Your home looks spectacular decked out for Christmas, Kim! I slowly scrolled through your post, taking in all of the details in every single picture that you shared.
Thank you, Paula. I hope you didn’t look too closely. You never know what I might have missed. I’ve been known to have dog toys in my pics. Happy holidays! I can’t wait to see your beautiful holiday tour.