White Country Christmas & Nordic French Falala: How to Get the Look is très belle inspiration for Francophiles. So indulge in rich, fat-free, sugar-free, gluten-free (but joyfully not vegan since talented humans are at the heart of every design) glimpses of muted, natural, lovely and serene Christmas wonder. With visions of sugarplums dancing in your melon, maybe slow down for some holiday baking with my prize-winning homemade cookies.
Wait. What? Too early to bake my Christmas cookies? Enjoying your pumpkin spice first? Your Thanksgiving buffet will not accommodate buttercream-iced cookies? Well, here’s an excuse: shouldn’t you practice the recipe a few times before the holidays?
White Country Christmas & Nordic French Falala: Get the Look!
That is enough nagging from me. I bake all the time, all year long, and it’s maybe my love language.
Psst. Word on the street is everybody’s putting the tree up early this year. Can’t imagine why folks are anxious to get the holidays ON and welcome 2022. 🙂
In case you were wondering, our house is not ready for its holiday tour close-up.
You know how things can grow worse before they get better when you’re in an organizing frenzy and sifting through holiday decor?
Yeah, that’s happenin.
Like you, I marvel at what inspiring holiday beauty creative souls around the web manage to roll out. There is so much hard work behind the scenes! Let’s face it. Many of those editorial photoshoots happen in July.
This fairy is especially partial to the simple, subtle, and also mostly white moments.
I couldn’t resist gifting you with silly and inspiring quotes as well…please pin them liberally too to spread the love.
Every time I see this gorgeous vignette from Dreamy Whites, I want to search eBay and Etsy for a French pot for a tree!
Holiday Magic With White & Neutrals
Below, Pam Pierce keeps a fire going in the living room and drapes a French period carved stone mantel and surround with mixed garland.
Olive branches gathered from the yard mingle with ripe brown pears.
A pair of early Song dynasty jars anchor the scene, and white roses are an element of this designer’s interior décor signature.
(Do subscribe to Milieu to treat yourself to the finest interiors and timeless design inspiration!)
Don’t you love seeing alternative Christmas trees decorated whimsically?
If you have visited Pinterest, you may have noticed all the vintage ladders strung with twinkling lights and hung with ornaments like this:
How’s that for the ultimate renovator’s alternative Christmas tree? And green walls! We’re seeing them left and right. Here are ideas for paint colors.
And who can blame the folks turning to green? Especially with white. It’s a natural combination in nature ’round these parts in winter!
Ideas for a European Inspired Farmhouse Christmas
There’s something irresistible about little felted antlers, oui?
Oh these weathered doors! While we may not be able to make a Target run for this look below, we can steal this idea: try a wreath on an interior door…even a bathroom door.
Candles in the window. And candles in simple glass jars scattered everywhere. But maybe not stairs unless your house is pet-less, child-less, and wine-drinking-humans-less.
(Call me cautious Kate, but I’m thinking for photoshoots only!) And don’t you love the tree in the urn?
We can never have too many reminders to put our trees in something interesting to elevate both them and our spirits.
Don’t think amber glass can make a statement with white for Christmas?
If you have an excuse to decorate a fancy table, tulle draped into a bow makes a simple yet dramatic statement. (I have seen my mama do this to decorate tables for special occasions more times than I can say.)
White Country Christmas Decorating Magic
Is the next Nordic French Christmas moment calling my name once again since it features so many elements I adore?
Isn’t it humble yet sophisticated?
I have been seeing posts in social media pop up expressing sadness that folks are too anxious for Christmas and neglecting Thanksgiving. I get it.
Christmas is such a commercial enterprise in the USA. But I also know how hearts are moved to give during the holidays.
There are so many folks left in the cold or left off the guest list and locked out of the warmth of the inn.
I love this humble banner proclaiming NOEL:
You could easily string together a few kraft paper squares with a ribbon, yes?
Simple Farmhouse Christmas Decor Inspiration
I love the rosier faded reds that feel so much more gentle than traditional ones.
But traditional Christmas red has its charms when paired with pink!
Subtle pops of red from apples and strawberries are an easy way to work red into the decor when you’re more inclined to keep things pale and lovely.
How in the world can it be time to be thinking advent calendar!?! Don’t we still have tan lines?
I wonder which of these whimsical gifts you’d be happiest to unwrap?
If you’re a certain age, you probably recognized Elton right away! I have an Elton Kokeshi doll on my dresser this moment, and it brings back such sweet memories of childhood.
How genius is this bicycle wheel “hoop wreath” at Brambles and Blossoms?
There is something so utterly enchanting about a blue Christmas!
BTW, are you Team Mariah as far as her famous Christmas song? Because in our family, we ADORE her classic and never tire of it all season long!
Quiet French Country Christmas Beauty
Understated, elegant, and quiet French country holiday decor sets a tone of such calm wonder.
I am always impressed when folks are able to capture holiday decorated rooms twinkling at night. Personally, I have never been able to get the lighting right!
Elegant French Christmas Chateau Entry
Whether yours is a fancy door framed with French limestone…
or an old, raw, beat-up door weathering in the bright sun,
I hope it opens to blessings this Christmas. Unexpected blessings, heartful blessings, wholesome blessings, awkward blessings, impossible blessings, and soulful blessings that help you remember your worth.
That help you see that even some curses were simply in disguise.
I hope your door–with or without adornment–opens to a warmth and wonder that makes you glad to be alive.
It’s not a small thing.
Truly.
If there is gladness and warmth in your heart to be alive today…what a blessing!
Tarte Au Soleil
Here’s a beautiful tutorial to make a relatively simple and quick appetizer two ways: sweet and savory. So relaxing just watching Beth make it!
I hope you’ll enjoy making this imperfectly lovely sunburst of pastry!
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
Shop for items you already intended to buy on Amazon RIGHT HERE, and also find home decor here to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!
Hello Lovely is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Hi Michele,
I read many decorating blogs but have never left a comment before. I just want to say how much I love your blog and every day I look forward to your beautifully curated inspiration photos and quotes. I also am drawn to the French Nordic serene decor style and have been slowly changing my own home decor to align with this design. You have such a beautiful spirit that flows through your blog and I just want you to know how much I enjoy your posts.
Warmest regards,
Amy
Author
Amy, thank you so much for taking the time to comment! I hope you leave more since your words of kindness have touched my heart. It’s wonderful to have you here. After all these years, blogging is still an odd thing (especially in 2019!), yet it’s this mysterious connection with kindred spirits that is most gratifying. Peace to you.
thank you for the time you take to enjoy us with that wonderful photos…seems you are far away from all the
crazy xmas hectic. with this in mind I wish you a merry Xmas and all the best for 2020
Author
Thanks for reading. Since I am deeply sensitive, I have to be intentional about avoiding the hustle and bustle to avoid becoming overwhelmed. Thank you so much for the wishes – peace to you during this holy season.
Your beautiful pictures and quotes calm my soul in this busy time of year. Thank you for sharing!
Author
Thanks, Nancy. What a beautiful soul is yours – so happy to have you here.
All incredible images and quotes to warm our souls. Thank you once again for a most beautiful post!
Merry Christmas and I pray good health for you in the coming year…and beyond 🙂
Author
A very happy Christmas to you and yours, Connie. Thank you for those prayers as I need them desperately. Living with chronic illness means I am ever reliant on grace. So grateful to have you here.
Loved all the white in this post.
Author
Hi Colleen! Hope you are doing well and staying hopeful. I would post all white decor every single day if I could! Hahahaha
Love all the inspiration offered here! Is there a source for the wonderful felted reindeer garland? ( at least it looked like it may be garland) I kept clicking every link I saw but it just kept taking me to pinterest… Thanks in advance
Author
Thanks so much for reading! As far as I know, the garland to which you refer is a custom, handmade one from A Rosy Note, and not offered in a shop. Not sure if you have felted wool before – it is a wonderful craft. Here’s a link to a pattern/supplies: https://rstyle.me/+HoU3ILsRgk_1OzrS-yHMng As for a readymade garland, handmade options are here: https://rstyle.me/+X6nAkZgyy_vUCPL_VxTR2g and there are mass produced ones here: https://rstyle.me/+EoFSDwN384e8Vc9Th25eeA Hope this helps, and I’ll keep my eyes peeled for a reindeer garland because what a great item in the marketplace that would be!
Michele, I have followed your blog for many years now. You have amazed me many times, especially your journey with your mother and sister a few years ago. I started to follow you after I retired, hard to believe 31 years as a Welfare Case Manager. I was very sick at the time from several genetic conditions that I was just learning about, I took care of my identical mirror twin in 2010 until she passed. My husband was wonderful, as was my disabled son in helping. Only my dear husband was progressing unbeknown to us to the ALZ world. You have made everything easier by sharing such lovely thoughts and such bravery. I got brave and did DNA testing only to find out DNA info for my health, invaluable. But, I also found out that I was 18% French from the Paris region and Brittany than English, Scottish, Irish, what a wealth of interesting things about ancestors. So thank you so much for your empathic spirit and sharing. Best always to you, Cathy
Author
Your words are precious to me, Cathy. And I can imagine how these valley times for your health and circumstances have led you into greater courage and capacity. We have been journeying together after all, and your readership has encouraged me and helped me feel less alone. I can’t claim to understand even a portion of how the Mystery works, but it does seem as though pure energy (and not physical presence) has potential even across fiber optics. Thank you for being here as my friend and sister on the journey. I salute your perseverance. Peace to you as you keep leaning into joy which is not dependent on outcomes. xox
Dear Michele,
What beautiful and calming images of Christmas!
I have been following you now for a while and must say I always anticipate seeing what you have next for me to admire, and get inspired for my own home! You truly do inspire, and are lovely!
Im intrigued by the little potted Christmas trees (to display on a table)
Where can I purchase? Or are they easy to make? Where and how do I source in Canada? I live in Vancouver BC😊
Thank you!
Author
Hi there! I love having you here and bringing joy to this lovely journey. If you are looking for live mini potted trees – I find mine locally and inexpensively at big box stores like Home Depot. For example, if you have such a store near you, look for a lemony cypress – so adorable and a gorgeous green. Williams-Sonoma also comes to mind since they offer such wonderful wreaths and live greenery – for example, here’s a tree: https://rstyle.me/+qDzuWzfiu0Va7lL3i3LYBA. You could certainly shop for beautiful urns or pots and add an artificial mini tree and moss to fool everyone! Here’s an inexpensive 2′ tree that could work in the right urn: https://rstyle.me/+wFiUPqx21b1Mp0FUwrmWFA Let me know if this is what you had in mind or if you have further quesstions.
Such a fun cornucopia of calming Christmas decor ideas to help ease me into the holiday spirit! You find the best quotes for everything under the sun too! Another fun & inspiring read!
Author
We had an unseasonably warm balmy day so I am feeling disoriented with all of the falala-ing! Thanks so much for being here and all of the support and prayer.