A Cozy Cottage Cabin Christmas

Hello Foxes! Oh I have been bursting to share our new set-up with you since we shimmied things around to take better advantage of our fireplace. We cozied our two button tufted chairs up in front of the fire, and I loved it so much that we decided to make it permanent! At least through the Winter.

Jim and I found this little round table when he took me on a mini break right before my surgery. It was a surprise, and it was just what I needed to calm down and let the worry wash away. We made a quick jaunt over the the valley, then down through the Redwoods, and back over to the California coast, then traveled up and back home. On the way, we managed to find some fun garage sales (our favorite) and I picked this cutie up at a church rummage sale. I absolutely didn’t need it… but for $5, I wasn’t going to leave it behind. So glad I went with my hoarder gut. I mean… look at those tiny wheels!

Now if I was a really good blogger, I’d have a fire lit. But I’m a mediocre blogger, so we will settle for the candles being lit and call it good, right? hehe

In all seriousness though… I’ve been working harder than ever to find a balance, and a happy medium since my surgery. Giving myself the grace I’d show others, as I’m always telling you all to do. We all need and deserve it.

And the grace I’m giving myself this holiday season is to remember that less is okay. So I decided on a very simple, relaxed, natural Christmas look for our home. It’s a completely different look from last year, and it’s just what I needed. I hope you enjoy it!

New here? Hello there, I’m Shannon, and I each month I partner with Better Homes & Gardens at Walmart sharing my personal selections, and spotlighting the vast line of furnishings and home decor available in-store and online with all of you! It’s always a favorite post, and we all appreciate the great quality and the affordable prices!

Without further ado, here is the farm tables new home…

As I mentioned earlier, creating a cozy fireplace sitting spot left the farm table a bit displaced.

I decided to split the difference in my long, narrow living area by centering the dining table smack dab in the middle of my archway – between the new fireplace seating area, and the now newly shrunken living room area.

I grounded it by continuing to use my super versatile, goes-with-everything sisal just rug.

After finally getting a chandelier over the farm table, I wasn’t ready to have my table sort of floating off on its own again… and Jimmy whipped me up a rustic chandelier out of reclaimed wood. I draped it with some garland, adding both some woodsy charm, and a sense of belonging for the tables new location. In the spirit of simple, it’s currently without ornaments or lights hanging from it. That could change… we shall see.

Since the Christmas tree is tucked in where my shelf was, I shifted that over next to the brick wall.

Whew! So lucky it just fits there. (I kind of knew it would, because of this.)

The few little trees and the handful of ornaments where all that made it back onto the shelf after the move.

It may change a bit before the big day. I have been know to fiddle… though I may save my energy, because I’d love to make it down to The Little Cottage and get some festiveness going on down there for Austin. Maybe we’ll decorate the tree together?

As far as the actual table setting goes, I knew I was going to go simple for several months prior to Christmas. I felt this pull for a sort or rustic, woodsy cabin feel. Simple. Not so much a decorated style, but more un-decorated. 

I shared many of the things I ordered on a Facebook live with you all. I did that early so you could grab things you liked before they were gone, or colors were limited.

Several aren’t necessarily “Christmas” at all. Like the black dishes, flatware, and the reversible place mats. You know I love me some versatility. I’ll get so much extra use out of everything this way!

Don’t the deep bowls just call out for a hearty soup or a rich chili? The pattern is reminiscent of a speckled old enamel percolator like the cowboys would have out on the trail. Some things just have a “feel” that helps tell the story you need to hear. I needed to hear warm and homey.

My whole holiday theme was basically dictated by a candle, a roll of wrapping paper, and my desire for a calm, cozy… and very relaxed holiday season.

Greenery was one of my top desires for our home this season. I want to drape the house in garlands. It was my first must-have for my holiday plan. Since my greenery will be faux, up until closer to the 25th of December, for now I can pretend with this Cut Frasier candle. It’s the green I’m craving and the smell is fresh and so authentic, with a hint of sweet warmth.

My center piece is simple, and far from elaborate.

In fact, beside the new Cut Frasier candle, I had everything on hand. The lantern, bottle brush trees & gold Deer. Simple. (sticking with the theme.) Plus, it’s easy to see over, and thru – so conversations and connecting can happen!

Both the lantern and Deer are from previous years from Better Homes & Gardens. I love that I can re-work & re-use my decor again and again. It’s why I love basics so much! If you love the Deer, I saw them in-store again this season, in both the gold and now black as well!

I know on camera the living area may appear squished, but in reality, there is loads of clearance – in fact, I could add a captains chair and still have plenty of room to get around.

I loved that plaid scarf I used at The Little Cottage [here] and on the coffee table for Fall [here] so much, that I grabbed this Blackwatch Plaid version for Christmas. I’d love to add more of this pattern, but I’m having trouble finding little bits that are in my price range. Which is cheap. Just to be clear.

That completely fabulous, shimmery glass tree is NEW this year and the only reason I’ve got it is because my mom ran over to Walmart and grabbed it for me. Okay two, she got me two. Coincidentally the same amount of days I got a surprise visit from her for. What a BLESSING that was!!

They’ve got a super-smart little notch in the base so you can add lights.

SOMEONE was being extra brainy that day! I’ve got a string of battery operated lights stuffed up in mine and it’s so stinking cute. I might die. It’s glass, it’s clear, it’s simple… but it sparkles. Can’t wait to turn it on it at night!

Along with craving lots of greenery, and a simple theme and color palette. You know I need my pillows and throws. Better Homes & Gardens did not disappoint with the holiday pillow collection. Big, fat 20 x 20 beauties and feather filled. The faux fur are super luxe. They rival some much pricier versions in my opinion. They just keep getting better!

Okay, I totally indulged in the cable knit pillows too. But they are solid colors. I kind of stayed away from the sayings and super holiday-centric stuff this year.

Let me stop to add – I love all that stuff too, I promise I’m not knocking anything, or a colorful Christmas at all! I adore it all. My holiday decor is just what spoke to me this year.

Had to make sure I wasn’t hurting any feelings! Back to pillows… Once the deep, beautiful green came and I saw how pretty they were, I ordered the grey too – for only $12 each.

So we’ve got lots of greens, candles, twinkle lights and a fire… and that’s it. I’m a happy girl. We’ll do some charitable donations, which is so much more enjoyable than opening anything myself! I’m just not gifty. I’d rather give. Jimmy makes me all the things and that is all my heart ever truly wants.

For many of you, I know it’s a tad early, but I hope you find a little inspiration from my home for your holiday decorating, when you are ready. I thank you for joining me today and always! xo Shannon

As always, I’m including clickable affiliate shopping links below to all my Better Homes & Gardens items, so if you can’t get to a Walmart, or find what you are looking for at your local store, you can shop online! See disclosure [here]

• Better Homes & Gardens Glass Tree [click here]

• Better Homes & Gardens Cable Knit Pillows [click here]

• Better Homes & Gardens Faux Fur Pillow [click here]

• Better Homes & Gardens Wildlife Deer Throw [click here]

• Better Homes & Gardens Rivercrest Shelf in Light Oak [click here]

• Better Homes & Gardens Black Dishes [click here]

• Better Homes & Gardens Matte Black Flatware [click here]

• Better Homes & Gardens Reversible Place Mats [click here]

• Better Homes & Gardens Galvanized House Lantern [click here]

• Better Homes & Gardens Hurricane Candle Holder [click here]

• Better Homes & Gardens Matte Black House Lantern [click here]

• Better Homes & Gardens Seeded Glass Hurricane – in store only

If you see something I didn’t list above, just leave a comment or email me at foxhollowcottage.com and I’ll answer as quickly as possible.

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