Photo by Fabienne Delafraye
In the French countryside, the holiday season is a time for gathering, savoring good food โ and better company โ and creating memories steeped in tradition. With their aged stone walls, wooden beams and roaring fireplaces, French country cottages, seem to embody the spirit of Noรซl, placing warmth, simplicity and a certain rustic elegance at the forefront of their design.
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Preparing your home for Christmas in this style is about honoring the beauty of nature, the comfort of well-loved surroundings and the joy of small, thoughtful details.ย This approach focuses on creating a space that feels inviting, elegant and uplifting.
This year, Sharonโs holiday home โ featured in our Nov/Dec 24 magazine โ offers timeless inspiration for the season. Whether youโre hosting a festive family gathering, sharing mulled wine by the fire with friends, or enjoying a quiet evening for two, these tips will help you infuse your home with the enchanting charm of a French country cottage Christmas.
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1. Table Textiles
In France, the holiday table is as much about ambiance as it is about the meal itself. There are many different ways to style a Christmas table. For a traditional or rustic feel, begin with a neutral linen or cotton tablecloth โ a fabric with a slight crumple is ideal for that relaxed yet elegant country look. For a more dramatic effect, opt for deeper hues but be sure to balance your color palette with neutrals elsewhere for a cohesive and welcoming atmosphere.
Next, add quilted or woven placemats, for an authentic French touch. The layers provide texture and an inviting softness to the table. Lastly, finish the look with cloth napkins, preferably in muted festive tones or subtle patterns, folded simply.
2. High Quality Crockery
French country cottage Christmas’ often feature heirloom crockery, like porcelain plates with delicate patterns or gold-edged designs. Brought out at special occasions, these dishes set the tone for the evening, coming in a range of materials and styles from delicate 19th century china to retro tinted glass. If you donโt have family pieces, vintage crockery from every era can be easily found at brocantes (flea markets) in France as well as online. Combine these with etched glassware and classic French cutlery for a setting that feels elevated yet comfortable.
Pro Tip: The French love to include a personal touch to their place settings โ considering topping your plates with handwritten place cards or place a sprig of winter foliage tied with twine atop the napkin for a dash of thoughtfulness.
3. Silver Serveware
Few items epitomize a festive tablescape like silver serveware. Vintage gravy boats, ornate salt and pepper shakers and delicately engraved spoons โ hallmarks of refinement โ are polished and proudly displayed during the holiday season. These timeless pieces not only add a touch of opulence but also evoke the nostalgia of cherished family gatherings.
When selecting silver pieces, look for those with intricate detailing or patina, as these imperfections tell a story and enhance the charm of the table. Incorporating mismatched sets can lend a collected-over-time feel, while a polished silver service set brings a sense of grandeur to even the simplest of settings.
To style them, consider their placement as part of the table’s overall composition. A silver gravy boat nestled among greenery or candlelight creates a captivating focal point. Small silver salt shakers or spoons placed at each setting add an individual touch, elevating the whole dining experience.
4. Decorate with Nature
French country cottages blur the lines between inside and out, especially during Noรซl. Foraged greenery like ivy, juniper, or pine branches makes for effortless dรฉcor. These can be wound into garlands for the staircase or laid across a table runner for an organic touch.
In Provence, itโs common to include sprigs of lavender in holiday arrangements, adding a soothing scent to your dรฉcor. Elsewhere, wreaths adorned with pinecones, dried oranges, or ribbons in muted tones reflect the seasonโs rustic elegance. Yellow Mimosa flowers โ which bloom winter long in France โ also add a bright touch to any holiday arrangement.
Pro Tip: To keep greenery fresh longer, mist it lightly every couple of days or use floral foam hidden beneath the arrangement.
5. Finishing Details
In French homes, the art of holiday decorating lies in the details. French holiday dรฉcor rarely feels โthemedโ or overdone. Instead, small but meaningful touches come together to create a festive ambiance. Stick to a restrained palette and natural textures, allowing the roomโs architecture and dรฉcor to shine. For example, try tying ribbons onto anything and everything โ napkin rings, gift boxes, candle bases or the handles of a serving tray. Alternatively, extend your silverware theme to other areas, such as small silver trays for displaying candles or an antique silver teapot repurposed as a vase for greenery.
French Christmas trees, or sapins de Noรซl, also follow a less-is-more philosophy. Instead of overwhelming the tree with color, the French opt for a refined palette of glass baubles, wooden ornaments and ribbons. Soft whites, silvers and pale greens complement the natural beauty of the tree itself. Handmade decorations, like paper pompoms, are particularly cherished.
A favorite family tradition is to hang one or two special ornaments passed down through generations, giving the tree a sense of history and meaning. If your style leans toward vintage charm, look for antique mercury glass baubles or embroidered ribbon garlands. These details nod to traditional French aesthetics while staying timelessly chic.
Complete the cozy French country cottage Christmas look with a few more of our favorite holiday decorations:
