21 Quick and Simple Cottage Christmas Decor Ideas to Try

Do you ever feel a little overwhelmed trying to figure out where to start with your cottage Christmas decor? Don’t worry—you’re definitely not alone. Every year, I tell myself I’ll start early, and somehow I still find myself unwrapping garland at the last minute.

But here’s the thing—decorating for Christmas doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful. A few simple, cozy touches are all it takes to create a warm and festive home that feels welcoming all season long.

In this post, I’m sharing 21 quick and simple cottage Christmas decorating ideas to help you fill your home with holiday charm—without the overwhelm. From mini trees and greenery to vintage treasures and twinkle lights, these ideas will help you create that cozy, cottage-style Christmas look you love.

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When Should You Decorate for Christmas?

I used to think you weren’t allowed to decorate for Christmas until the day after Thanksgiving. That’s just how it was in my family—no exceptions.

But then I entered the world of blogging and social media, and suddenly people were decorating their Christmas trees in October. At first, I was shocked. Now? I just go with the flow.

Some years, I start early; others, I wait until after Thanksgiving, when the leftovers are gone. The truth is, there’s no wrong time to decorate for Christmas.

Do what makes you happy, and never apologize for enjoying the sparkle a little longer!

What Makes Cottage Christmas Decor So Special

Cottage-style Christmas decorating is all about comfort, charm, and nostalgia. It’s cozy, a little imperfect, and full of heart.

I’m talking simple wreaths, greenery from the yard, vintage ornaments, and handmade touches. Add in a few warm throws, flickering candles, and natural materials like pinecones and wood—and you’ve captured that cozy cottage Christmas feeling perfectly.

21 Simple Cottage Christmas Decorating Ideas

Ready to deck the halls—cottage style? Let’s get started.

1. Decorate Your Open Shelves

Start with something simple: add greenery, pinecones, and jars of candy canes or cocoa mix to your open shelves. I love mixing in vintage Santa mugs, ironstone dishes, and a few festive pops of red.

And if you’re anything like me, you’ll probably change them up a few times throughout the season—it’s part of the fun!

2. Add Festive Mini Christmas Trees

Mini trees are my not-so-secret decorating weapon.

You’ll find them tucked just about everywhere in my home—on shelves, side tables, countertops, and even in the bathroom (yes, really!).

Place them in crocks, baskets, or galvanized buckets for that relaxed cottage Christmas look.

3. Light Holiday Scented Candles

Nothing sets the mood faster than a candle glowing on a chilly evening. I’m a big fan of Antique Candle Co. candles—especially their Christmas scents.

Light a few, turn on some soft holiday music, and suddenly your home feels like a Hallmark movie.

4. Hang Garlands for Instant Charm

Whether fresh or faux, garlands are cottage Christmas decor staples. Wrap them around stair railings, mantels, windows, or even a pot rack.

Eucalyptus, magnolia, and evergreen are my favorites, but you can never go wrong with a classic cedar garland.

5. Add Natural Greenery to Anything

One of my favorite parts of living in the Pacific Northwest is how easy it is to clip a few branches from the yard and instantly make the house smell amazing.

Add sprigs of greenery to shelves, mantels, chandeliers, or tucked behind picture frames. Faux greenery works beautifully too—especially if you want it to last all season long.

6. Use Holiday Pillows for a Cozy Touch

Swapping out pillows is one of the easiest ways to make your space feel festive. I like mixing neutral tones with subtle holiday prints for that relaxed cottage vibe.

Think cozy knits, ticking stripes, or just a pop of plaid.

7. Pick Up Some Pretty Plaids

Plaid adds instant warmth and nostalgia to a room. Layer it in with throw blankets, napkins, or ribbons.
If you prefer a softer palette, look for plaids in tans, creams, or grays—they feel perfectly understated yet still festive.

Whether you find your plaids from cloth napkins, ornaments, or throws, they are a truly traditional cottage Christmas decor favorite.

8. Hang a Cottagecore Christmas Wreath

A wreath can go anywhere—on doors, mirrors, range hoods, or over a bed. Try a simple evergreen or eucalyptus wreath, or get creative with magnolia leaves, dried oranges, or rustic bells for that handmade look.

You can even double up your wreaths in smaller spaces for extra cheer.

9. Fill a Wooden Dough Bowl

Wooden dough bowls are the cottage decorator’s secret weapon. Fill one with ornaments, pinecones, greenery, or dried fruit for a quick and beautiful centerpiece.

I keep one on my coffee table year-round and just switch out the contents for each season.

10. Display Rustic Reindeer

A touch of whimsy never hurts. My rustic reindeer head has been part of my holiday decor for years, and yes, she wears a scarf every season. It’s little touches like this that make your home feel personal and full of joy.

11. Dress Up a Vintage Sled

If you’ve got an old sled or pair of ice skates tucked away, bring them inside!

Add greenery, plaid ribbon, or a string of bells for a fun vintage cottage Christmas display.

12. Create Magic with Glass Cloches

Glass cloches are so versatile. Fill them with tiny ornaments, faux snow, or mini Christmas villages for instant charm.
Or, try placing a small wreath or candle inside for a cozy glow.

13. Show Off a Vintage Christmas Vignette

You know I’m a sucker for vintage treasures. Mix old books, brass candlesticks, a bit of greenery, and a few ornaments for a simple, beautiful display.

It’s the perfect way to use those thrifted finds and make them shine during the holidays.

14. Fill Creative Containers

Don’t overthink it—if it can hold greenery, it can be festive! Fill galvanized buckets, crocks, or baskets with greens and ornaments.

One of my favorite looks is a mini tree tucked inside a large basket hanging on the wall—it’s unexpected and so charming.

15. Add Silver and Mercury Glass

For a timeless touch, bring out your vintage silver trays, mercury glass candle holders, or trophy cups.

They reflect candlelight beautifully and add that touch of sparkle that makes a space feel special.

16. Style Bottle Brush Trees

These tiny trees pack a big punch.

Group them on shelves, line them down a mantel, or pop a few inside mugs or vases.
They’re inexpensive, nostalgic, and so easy to display.

17. Hang Your Stockings with Care

Stockings aren’t just for fireplaces anymore!

Hang them from hooks, cabinets, or stair rails.

Add ribbon, dried oranges, or small bells for a little extra cottage charm.

18. Bring the Outdoors In

A simple mason jar filled with fresh greenery, rosemary, or winter flowers is one of my favorite last-minute decorating tricks.
Not only does it look beautiful, but your kitchen will smell amazing, too.

19. Use Seasonal Fruit and Nuts

Display pomegranates, oranges, or walnuts in bowls and baskets for a natural, old-fashioned holiday touch.

Bonus points if you add a few dried orange slices for color and scent.

20. Decorate with Ornaments Beyond the Tree

Your ornaments deserve more than just tree duty!

Hang them from chandeliers, tuck them into bowls, or use them to decorate wrapped gifts. They instantly make any vignette feel festive.

21. Brighten Up Your Home with Twinkle Lights

And finally—twinkle lights. Because nothing says Christmas quite like that soft, magical glow.
Drape them across mantels, around windows, or even along headboards. The cozier, the better.

Final Thoughts on Cottage Christmas Decorating

Decorating your home for Christmas doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With a few thoughtful touches, you can create a space that feels warm, cozy, and full of holiday spirit.

Whether you start before Thanksgiving or wait until December, embrace what makes your home feel joyful. Mix in those vintage finds, light the candles, and enjoy every twinkly moment.

If you found these cottage Christmas decor ideas helpful, share this post with a friend who’s ready to deck the halls—cottage style!

Until next time,

Happy Decorating!