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!
LoriLyn says
The little trees are my favorite! I love the simplicity and calm. Your home is beautiful,
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
And so easy… sprinkle some trees and candles about, and next thing you know, you are done.
This was the fastest I’ve ever decorated, and it was incredibly freeing.
Pamela says
I really enjoyed your holiday home. The black and white works so well.
I want to thank you for the permission to decorate without the guilt.
This is going to be a ‘different’ Christmas this year, and I just can’t get into the decor. Which is my usual forte. But the little I have done can be ‘just enough’.
*Smiles*
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
We all know the season is about so much more than our decor, so no reason to stress ourselves out.
If we want to go all-out, that is fantastic, but it needs to be okay if we don’t 🙂
I’m so glad if it made you feel like whatever you’ve done is enough!!
Enjoy the holiday, hugs.
michele says
beautiful!!! just love the black and white (especially checks )in your docor.
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
I’ve always loved a good classic black and white. My whole wardrobe used to be full of it.
Now my house can have a mini B&W wardrobe too 😉
Happy Christmas!!
Sharon says
I adore the simplicity of your decorating. It’s perfect!!!!! Just the right amount of Christmas touches!!!!
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
Thank you so very much Sharon. Merry Christmas to you!
Lisa Mothersead says
Love your black and white simple Christmas cottage! Very, very nice. ?
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
Thank you Lisa ~ Happy Christmastime!
Jeanne Rhodes says
Love it!! Peaceful for sure. Relaxing and easy does it. Love your site. Jeanne
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
Many thanks, and happy holidays to you!
Margaret says
I love the simple decorating you did this year. It is very calming and inviting.
Love all the little trees.
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
Thank you! I love how easily the trees convey a Wintery holiday feel. I was all about simple this season.
kristin salazar says
Everything is just beautiful Shannon! I love the black and white mixed with the green, so elegant yet so cozy!
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
Hi Kristin! Thank you so very much.
Wishing you and your family a wonderful holiday season!!!! xo
Kelly Elko says
Here Here to no guilt decorating! Your home is cozy as usual and I love the string lights in the fireplace! Merry Christmas Shannon!
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
More time for cocktails. LOL 😉
Me too… I don’t light a fire up here, so this gives me that glow.
Merry Christmastime Kelly! xo
laura janning says
always love your red but gotta admit that I am smitten with this years simple approach to your holiday decorating. your christmas sprinkled around the cottage is so pretty . there is something about the no fuss and frill and the simplicity of it all. happy holidays sweet shannon.
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
I thought after a few years, with such a little house, people might be tired of it… so I’m using it all down at The Little Cottage. lol
Perfect excuse to go simple here, and I’m really okay with it 😉
Debra says
Love it all. I have always loved your dining area with all windows and built in counter. I am sure your rooms are gorgeous at night with candle light. I assume you used the can flock for some of your mini trees through out? Now that I have that $30 flock tree I will try flocking some greens I have. Wish me luck.
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
Hello Debra, thank you so much! Yes, I did re-fresh some of my mini trees with a light coat. Good luck doing the same 🙂
Vanessa says
Everything is just so beautiful Shannon! I tried to take the same no-guilt/no-comparison approach this year too and doesn’t it just make everything better? Love that we get to share this tour day with each other my friend! xoxo
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
YES! Trying to emulate giant houses, with giant budgets would get me nowhere anyhow.
I like my little house, it’s really just right for us. So I celebrate that, and go with however I’m feeling. Which was simpler this year.
Cheers to embracing your own way, and your own life. xo Shan
Katrina says
I love all the black and white! Simply stunning!!!
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
Hey cutie!! Thanks so much. Looking forward to seeing what you do this season. I so love your style!!!!
Martha says
Love your holiday decorations. Also love the flooring. Where did you get the flooring? Is it real wood or vinyl, laminate?
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
Hi Martha, the flooring is real hardwood. It’s from Lumber Liquidators. I’d suggest something lighter, more mid-tone in shade if you go with wood flooring. Just a suggestion 😉 The dark is a bit hard to keep up.
cassie bustamante says
your home is so lovely and cozy, shannon! i love the black and white throughout.
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
thanks so much little mama!! xo