Holiday Housewalk Cottage Christmas Home Tour
Hello and welcome to Fox Hollow Cottage, stop #8 on the Holiday Housewalk! I’m so excited to be joining Jennifer Rizzo for Holiday Housewalk 2017. This series is a long running holiday tradition and I’m so thrilled to be included with such a wonderful group of fellow bloggers again this year! You’ll find new houses being added everyday this week so make sure to stop back in.
If you are visiting from stop #7 with Dear Lillie, hello! I’m sure you were thoroughly enchanted with her effortlessly elegant style.
Now, I’d like to walk you around our cottage for a Christmas Home Tour.
For me, this Christmas is much different from years past. I’m sure if you got a peek at our Christmas Living Room you noticed that I went very simple this year.
It’s calm & cozy.
Easy & relaxed.
And I continued with that theme through the rest of the cottage…
To keep things easy… and low-key, I just added black & white to my everyday neutral decor. It all started when I ordered those cute black & white buffalo check pillow covers late last Summer for the Fall season.
They sparked an idea, that it sure would be nice to have a simpler, easier holiday season this year. Instead of the frenzy that usually occurs, when I tear my house apart… and attempt to put it back together, with Candy Canes & Tinsel.
I gave myself an early Christmas present, and it’s the gift of no-guilt decorating.
I told myself I didn’t have to do anything particular thinking it was “expected”. I only had to decorate how ever it naturally happened. No guilt, no comparison… just JOY.
If you want simpler too, to slow down… and to savor more of the season, while decorating less, hopefully you see an idea or two that might work for you!
To decorate, I used a black & white theme as my base.
I was so lucky to happen across those B&W checked lampshades during a run into HomeGoods, it all just sort of started to fall into place after that.
To go along with my pillow covers and the lampshades, I searched online for some black & white buffalo check curtain panels. I got lucky again, and fond some for less than I could buy the fabric and make them myself! The thing I love about my new additions, is that they aren’t necessarily “holiday” and I can use them for years to come!
And of course, I piled on the pillows and throws, because… pillows are a must no matter the season. I read somewhere once, that pillows are considered the stuffed animals of grown woman. I can’t agree more!!
I don’t think I’ve ever done such a simple Christmas mantel, but it feels good. The mirror has a soft gold glow, and with the candles and the white lights… it’s super zen. I feel instantly relaxed when I look at it!
It’s very balanced with the decor in the rest of the house too, so that feels really good. I may tuck in some fresh Cedar closer to the holiday. I love to mix in fresh greenery with my faux for a more realistic look… and that natural smell is yummy too.
If you follow me on Facebook, thank you for all the wonderful message options to add to my typewriter. There were so many, I might need to print up more than one! I’ll add it soon though… but again. No pressure… just taking it slow.
After all, it’s not even December 1st yet.
The snow globe was a gift from HomeGoods last year, and they did good! I really love the one they sent me!
It has chunky gold glitter and I try to give it a shake whenever I walk by.
It’s the little things.
I have promised myself I will find the time to curl up and relax in that chair and read this holiday season, if it kills me. LOL.
Plus, it’s close to the kitchen. You know, for snacks.
Everything is just lightly dusted with Christmas this year. My vintage Frosty mug is a favorite and I made sure to find a spot for him.
I plan to replace my Gather sign with something holiday inspired, though this is a year round sentiment that always fits.
I was heavy handed with the mini trees this year, letting them set the holiday mood. With ease!
The ironstone was an estate sale find. I set it on a vintage enamel ware plater, added a tree… and called it done.
I absolutely love this message… and decided to keep this sign up through the holidays – it has such a deep meaning to me.
You might recognize the black candle sleeves in my lanterns. I used them during Fall down at The Little Cottage on the porch. I knew they were versatile when I selected them. It’s kind of my M.O. – I love things that can be used for more than one particular season.
My bar cart will probably get a holiday 2.0 update with some cocktail mixing makings at some point, so we can be ready to make-merry at a moments notice.
It’s kind of feast or famine around her with sunlight… so excuse the glare. The apothecary cabinet is holding lots of extra dishes at the ready, and a jolly snowman too.
To all my regular readers, thank for stopping by today! And to those here for the first time… I hope you enjoyed seeing a bit of our little home, and might consider stopping by again soon. To all, I wish you a Merry Christmas!!
Vanessa’s home is the next stop on the tour At The Picket Fence and you are in for a real treat, her story is as beautiful as her home! Keep this holiday housewalk moving along, and go give her a peek and say hello!
SOURCES:
Some courtesy shopping links may be affiliate. You’ll never pay a penny more, but I may make a small commission if you decide to make a purchase. Some items have been supplied in collaboration on prior sponsored projects.
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For Living Room Decor & Sources [CLICK HERE]
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My Natural Fiber Rugs: [here] in off-white color
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My Dining Room Chairs: [here]
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Both Gather & Inner World Signs are from Lolly Letters [here]
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Metal Wall Mount Drying Rack: [here]
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Black & White Check Curtains: Panels [here] Tie-Up Style [here]
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Wood Curtain Rods: [here]
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Blinds.com Norman Woodlore Plantation Shutters
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HomeGoods Finds Over The Years: Black & White Buffalo Check Fur Throw, B&W Checked Lamp Shades, B&W Mini Trees, Flocked Tress, Pine Cone Tree, Metal & Wood Cake Plate, Snow Globe, White Candles, White Fur Throw, Sequin Pillow, Woven/Rattan Captain Dining Chairs.
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My Front Door Color Details: [here]
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No Nails Shiplap Open Cabinet Project: [tutorial here]
If you like a little more color in your holiday decorating, you might enjoy past tours where I used lots of Christmas Red!
Simply click the photo to visit!
Bliss says
Looks beautiful, but I have come to expect that from ‘ya. I did think that pillow said “Santa, I’m tired” and I was thinking I need that!
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
Yeah well… there is that too. ZZZzzzz….. lol
Lolly Jane says
So beautiful, friend! Our signs look lovely in your gorgeous home! Stunning!
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
They both are!!
And they are even linked now too. hehe
Love them and you to pieces!!
SimpleDecoratingTips.com says
It’s looking so pretty Shannon! 🙂 Liz
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
Liz, thank you – happy holidays to you!
Jennifer @ Town and Country Living says
Shannon, I think the black and white looks great in your home. And simple is good! I love your phrase – “guilt-free decorating.” I didn’t know pillows were called a grown woman’s stuffed animals. I’m gonna have to remember that next time hubby complains about all our pillows. Your home is beautiful! Every corner is perfection.
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
Mine gave up fighting, he knows I just enjoy them so much! lol
Thank you so much, and happy happy Christmastime to you Jennifer!!
Debbie Manno says
Oh Shannon you really outdid yourself this year. I love every little touch. The black and white gingham throughout really are a great touch in your cottage home.
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
Thank you so much Debbie, and it was SO good catching up the other day. XO Shannon
Jennifer Rizzo says
Shannon, thank you so much for being a part of the house walk and sharing your beautiful home!
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
I’m so glad I could make it!! Happy Holidays Jen. xo
Elizabeth Gerringer says
OMG = I love this cottage and everything in it. I am most curious about your black rack in the kitchen where you can hang anything! That looks so handy. Can I buy one? Is it an antique? If so, what was its original use? It looks a little like a bottle-drying rack.
When can I move in?
Just kidding, we recently bought a 5-bedroom, 5-bath, 2-kitchen home with all the amenities on 14 acres in the country about 1 1/2 hours from Houston. But I secretly kind of yearn for a cozier cabin or cottage like yours.
Thank you for sharing. Merry Christmas!
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
Hi Elizabeth – First, thank you 🙂 About the rack, you can find it here http://amzn.to/2zRiw8L affiliate link. It’s not vintage and it is a bottle drying rack 😉
Enjoy your big, beautiful new home for the holiday!! Best, Shannon
Barbara says
Where is your fringed rug from?
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
Hi Barbra, you can find it here with my affiliate link: http://amzn.to/2jz7ee4 (I have a mix of natural and bleached in this house and at The Little Cottage.)
Becca says
Girl, you are soooooooo good! I love your holiday tour! Your home looks amazing … love the black and white … love the calm feel … so inviting … all of your trees … your mantel is incredible! Makes me want to redo my home! xoxo
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
Isn’t that so funny, because I feel the same when I look at yours, and other tours, all the time! Like, I want 5-6 houses for all the different looks and styles. It’s so fun to get to peek inside though. Happy Christmas Becca!! xoxo
Angela Coulopoulos says
Merry Christmas, Shannon! I’m completely obsessed with all of your little trees this year! You home is so inviting!
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
Aw, thanks Angela -They sure are fun.
Merry Christmas!!