When I became a parent, I could see all the wonder, enchantment, and beauty of Christmas through my children’s eyes—and it was even more than I remembered feeling as a child. The magic that fills the Christmas season is something that I enjoy indulging in for much longer than the usual season. With fresh wreaths on the doors, eucalyptus and cedar garlands on the mantels, and twinkling trees in almost every room, my love of Christmas brings holiday cheer throughout my home much as my love of flowers and chandeliers does.
The first year I decided to put up more than one full-size tree was when the kids were still little. I loved our family tree in the living room that twinkled from morning until bedtime—but the minute we left the family room, the rest of the house felt bare. So I started by adding a tree to our bedrooms—I wanted to enjoy those twinkling lights while relaxing or working from bed. And my daughter loved having one of her own. And then down the hall to add a bit of Christmas cheer in those in-between spaces. And I even set up trees outdoors, under the covered patio or by the orchard to add a bit of sparkle and magic.
Courtney Allison’s Christmas Decor
Click the arrows (or swipe if on a mobile device) to see more
In the little cottage, we have a large nine-foot tree in the living room and another in the bedroom to welcome the kids or guests who may come for a visit. The living room tree twinkles in the window at the top of a long driveway, which spreads a bit of cheer to passersby as well.
Though an abundance of Christmas is sprinkled throughout the house, I tend to like my trees decorated on the simple side and want them to fit in with my everyday color palette and look. My favorite trees are the ones that are frosted or sprinkled with a bit of faux snow. On the frosted trees, you will find muted colors and decorations that let the tree and twinkle lights do much of the talking. And to complement the faux trees and add a bit of fresh Christmas scent to the house, I bring in lots of fresh greens and garlands for mantels and stair railings as well.
Written and photographed by Courtney Allison
Excerpted from French Country Cottage by Courtney Allison (Gibbs Smith, 2018)
