Holiday Decorating Ideas for French Country Fans

Whenever I post a topic with “French” and “Christmas,” I will inevitably hear from someone in Paris who insists, “Michele, we don’t decorate for the holidays as Americans do!” And I get it. What we’re exploring here is how French country inspired decor sensibilities can be expressed for holiday decor. Pale color palettes, a mix of rustic with elegant, a look that feels less glitzy and more understated, and lots of natural touches suggestive of the countryside. French Country Holiday Home Decorating Inspiration arrives in a fluid spirit of ‘how someone living outside of the French countryside might bring Country French, romantic, charming accents to their Christmas schemes.’

French Christmas dining table with candlelight, rustic stone walls, and traditional furniture - Le Moulin Bregeon. #frenchchristmas #frenchcountrydiningroom #holidaytables
@lemoulinbregeon

Does it seem dreadfully early to you to even view such inspiration? I do not want to rev up any anxiety about making your list and checking it twice. Spotlighting lots possibilities now may get those wheels turning.

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

French Country Holiday Home Amazing Decor Inspo

There’s another reason it seems prudent to entertain holiday themed topics early this year. You may or may not be aware that there are stock issues and shipping problems at the moment which are likely going to get worse in the coming weeks.

Rustic Brass Bells & Jute Doorhanger
Brass Bells…in case you love a vintage hoilday accent.

Gold bells and fresh (or even everlasting) greenery go together so well! They never go out of style.

Sacred Heart Milagro Heart Set of 3 First Communion Gift image 2
Milagro Heart Boxes Set…hello charming reproductions indeed.

I love these milagro heart boxes on a tray, on a tree, suspended from a ribbon, and massed in a bowl. For me, they signify something sacred and spiritual. Can’t wait to bring mine out for the holidays and leave them out through January.

Chester Handmade Brushed Brass Lantern
Brushed Brass Lantern…in case you need a cozy fireplace accent.

Don’t you love holiday decor that also works as winter, fall, and summer decor? That’s what these lanterns offer to me. BTW, they are even better in person.

Chester Handmade Brushed Brass Lantern
Pottery Barn

Old World style is so welcome to a French country aesthetic, and vintage-y things feel so appropriate. Bottle brush trees always look so old fashioned and wholesome.

Bottle brush trees for the fireplace mantel - McGee & Co.
Bottle Brush Mantel Trees...hello darling indeed.
Bonjour door mat - McGee and Co.
Bonjour Doormat…in case you love a French greeting.

French Accents at the Door

I still don’t have my fall doormat near the door! At this rate, it would be better to place something that isn’t so seasonal such as this Bonjour one!

Image
Everlasting Christmas Trees…hello lovely indeed.

Real tree or fake? My fake one from Nearly Natural is beautiful, and I’m looking forward to those twinkly white lights.

Antique Grain Sack Christmas Pillow Comfort & Joy. #christmasdecor #pillow #frenchcountry
Antique Grainsack Pillow...in case you love a vintage Christmas vibe.

Isn’t the lettering font on this pillow above just perfect? I want to try my hand at handlettering since I’m thinking even a sharpie and a swath of burlap could add up to a rustic banner or pillow cover.

Do you have Christmas china or holiday dishes you dust off once a year? Maybe a new set can become a new tradition…because it’s never too late to begin anew.

Oh, it’s the simple things! Don’t you love the idea of a Christmas Pocket or Pouch with little sprigs of greenery or branches or berries peeking out?

Holiday Decor Inspiration from France

Here are some design details that particularly moved me. Maybe they will also inspire you!

1. Simple French Christmas Star

Whether we make one with twigs from the yard or wire, isn’t this beautiful inspiration?

2. Star Motif for a Christmas Table

Any ready-made runner for your dinner table could be customized with simple stars cut from a coordinating fabric.

3. Pink in Lieu of Christmas Red

When the pink is this delicious and appetizing, why not go for a softer, romantic look?

Dining room in a romantic french country cottage decorated with white and pink in Spain is decorated for Christmas with soft and quiet decor. #holidaydecor #christmasdecor #frenchcountry #decorating #cottagestyle #whitechristmas
El Mueble

4. Symmetry in Paris

When we visited Paris, we stayed just a few steps away from this Chanel (Park Hyatt Paris Vendome) so I know this spot well! The blue of those spectacular doors is inspiring too.

5. Bûche de Noël

This particular Christmas yule log cake below is a vegan dessert created with raspberry and grapefruit sorbet. What a lovely way to bring France to your table!

6. Skip the Designer Tree

I love how Sarah Silm stays true to her relaxed style for holiday decor within her small chateau in SW France. The family tree is decorated simply with ornaments made by her children and little bits of cheer collected over the years.

7. Galvanized Rustic Romantic Charm

Beautiful exteriors and front doors decorated for Christmas! #christmasdecor #exteriors #outdoordecor #christmas
Inspiration Deco France

8. Go Big or Go Home!

Isn’t the scale of these teddy bears incredibly festive?

9. Collected Milagro Hearts

What a thoughtful collection to deck the halls at Christmas as well as the whole year through.

Collection of antique late 19th century ex-votos milagro hearts from France - Peter Vitale (Veranda 2007). #exvoto #milagroheart #frenchantiques #gildedhearts
Photo: Peter Vitale for Veranda (2007)

10. Simple Fresh Greens in the Bedroom

The French are so good at those simple little touches that are just enough!

11. Billowy Soft Accents

When you love a white Christmas and tulle…

A beautifully restored 1864 home on the Maresme Coast of Spain is decorated in whites for Christmas. #christmasdecor #housetour #whitechristmas #romanticchristmas #frenchcountry #frenchchristmas #whitedecor
El Mueble
A beautifully restored 1864 home on the Maresme Coast of Spain is decorated in whites for Christmas. #christmasdecor #housetour #whitechristmas #romanticchristmas #frenchcountry #frenchchristmas #whitedecor
Photo: El Mueble

12. Christmas Blue

I could stare at this inspiration all day.

13. Humble Charm

14. French Farmhouse Christmas Decor Inspiration

French farmhouse kitchen decorated for Christmas (Joyeux Noel!) - Vivi et Margot. #frenchfarmhouse #frenchchristmas #frenchkitchen #holidaydecor
Vivi et Margot

15. Holiday Greenery & Pretty Sweets

Let them have cake…to decorate as well as consume!

A beautifully restored 1864 home on the Maresme Coast of Spain is decorated in whites for Christmas. #christmasdecor #housetour #whitechristmas #romanticchristmas #frenchcountry #frenchchristmas #whitedecor
El Mueble
French country white Christmas decor in a historic living room in Spain - El Mueble. #christmasdecor #whitechristmas #frenchcountry #holidaydecorating
Photo: El Mueble

Score French Country Styling Hacks

Tap here to Pin this post for future reference, and do visit THIS and THIS for more Country French holiday inspiration.

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

Thanks for shopping RIGHT HERE to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!

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Milagro Heart
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Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
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Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
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White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
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Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing
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2 Comments

  1. Carole
    October 1, 2022 / 11:22 am

    Michele, you are right about milagros. They are spiritual. The word milagos means miracles. They represent prayer requests and gratitude for answered prayers any time of year. Thank you for the inspiring Christmas Peek!

    • Michele
      Author
      October 1, 2022 / 2:52 pm

      Thanks for entertaining these ideas, friend. Happy weekend to you.

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Let’s SHOP!

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing