Santa’s still waterskiing, sipping lemonade, and not even close to makin’ his list, but Pinterest whispers: BABYGURL, it’s almost sugar plum fairy time. So today, it’s not simply Christmastime. It’s UNFUSSY COUNTRY FRENCH Christmas in August With Holiday Decorating Pins! Please forgive, but Pinners want their pretty trees and beribboned wreaths now. What do I know about Christmas in France? Not a ton. But it’s not all my fault.
![Natural Christmas wreath with stripe ribbon on a French gate in Provence - @provencepoiriers. #frenchchristmas](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/provencepoiriers-christmas-wreath-gate.jpg)
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
Handmade Decorating Finds & Country French Christmas
Over the years, French readers get in touch with me to set the record straight. For example, “mais non, ma cherie, we never decorate for Christmas in Paris!” will hit my inbox simultaneously as someone else in France sends over photos of their lights, wreaths, and trees.
![Beautiful Christmas tree in Provence - @provencepoiriers. #frenchchristmas](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/provencepoiriers-christmas-tree-3.jpg)
Always a mixed message! So perhaps “French flavored” more accurately describes the look we most often hold dear in these parts. Or even “how an American with reverence for country French everything interprets French Christmas decor for an American holiday home.”
![@provencepoiriers - Christmas decorations at a French farmhouse in Provence. #provencechristmas #frenchchristmas](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/provencepoiriers-christmas-vignette-blue-plates.jpg)
Whatever the case may be, let’s be inspired by the sensibilities of French country style. Because goodness knows we honor the effortless and charming touches that feel imperfectly perfect.
![Provence kitchen with cabinets painted Farrow & Ball Light Blue - @provencepoiriers. #frenchkitchen #frenchchristmas #bluekitchens](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/provencepoiriers-christmas-kitchen-baking.jpg)
A Holiday Decorated French Farmhouse
Inspiring peeks at lovely little holiday home things are a joy to behold whether they are within the unforgettable kitchen at Mas des Poiriers (above) or elsewhere as simple, natural, ideas to get us dreaming and scheming.
![Beautiful Christmas table and holiday tree in a French farmhouse in Provence - @provencepoiriers. #frenchchristmas](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/provencepoiriers-christmas-table.jpg)
Holiday season may be five months away, but if you’re into handmade crafts, are we maybe behind? 🙂
![Beautiful Christmas tree at Provence Poiriers French farmhouse - @provencepoiriers. #frenchchristmas](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/provencepoiriers-christmas-tree.jpg)
I am one of those LAZY VON LAZY Christmas decorators who always struggles to find two days in November or December to zhush ornaments on a tree.
![Beautiful French kitchen at Christmas with copper pots and pops of red - @provencepoiriers. #frenchchristmas](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/provencepoiriers-christmas-kitchen-baking-2.jpg)
Not that there’s anything wrong with decorating 17 Christmas trees because you’re overflowing with cheer:
But I think my sensibilities lean more toward a European country aesthetic.
![Charming rustic woodland crate filled with moss, pear candles, mushrooms and natural decor - Le Moulin Bregeon. #frenchchristmas #rusticchristmas #frenchcountrydecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/french-christmas-decorating-rustic-crate-pears-mushrooms-moss-candles-lemoulinbregeon.jpg)
Give me romantic, seemingly effortless, natural moments of wonder, and I’m a happy camper.
![Simple and charming olive branch with white ribbon decor on back of dining chair - Le Moulin Bregeon. #frenchchristmas #frenchcountrychristmas](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/french-christmas-decorating-olive-branch-ribbon-chair-lemoulinbregeon.jpg)
I love the absence of loud colors, the whimsical wonder…
of using what you already have in your backyard…
and going for a very “delicious enough to eat” kinda theme (above).
French Country Holiday Home: Dreamy Inspiration
![Christmas garland on a lovely staircase in Provence - @provencepoiriers. #frenchchristmas #christmasgarland](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/provencepoiriers-christmas-garland.jpg)
Do you like your Christmas decor scheme to feel richly abundant?
Or gently spare?
![@provencepoiriers - holiday decor on front door of French farmhouse. #frenchchristmas](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/provencepoiriers-christmas-wreath.jpg)
Thank goodness there’s no one way to get it right. Even reds are optional! Emma of LaRose Cottage inspires us to dream in pastels with her romantic holiday with liberal doses of white Christmas!
![Enchanting romantic French country Christmas tree and pastel holiday white Christmas inspiration from @larosecottage. #frenchcountrychristmas #whitechristmas #holidaydecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/french-country-white-christmas-pastels-@larosecottage.jpg)
![Enchanting romantic French country Christmas tree and pastel holiday white Christmas inspiration from @larosecottage. #frenchcountrychristmas #whitechristmas #holidaydecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/french-country-christmas-tree-white-pink-romantic-pastels-@larosecottage.jpg)
And if blue is a favorite color or an accent in your home year-round, why not add it to your color story?
![@provencepoiriers - Christmas tree in dining room in a French farmhouse in Provence. #provencechristmas #frenchchristmas](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/provencepoiriers-christmas-tree-2.jpg)
Isn’t the blue gingham ribbon darling?
![French Christmas dining table with candlelight, rustic stone walls, and traditional furniture - Le Moulin Bregeon. #frenchchristmas #frenchcountrydiningroom #holidaytables](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/french-christmas-decorating-table-candlelight-loire-valley-lemoulinbregeon-.jpg)
If you love how the French tend to take an understated approach, why not forage in your own backyard and decorate with what you have on hand? Rustic can be so welcoming. But so can a more more elegant look.
![Enchanting romantic French country Christmas tree and pastel holiday white Christmas inspiration from @larosecottage. #frenchcountrychristmas #whitechristmas #holidaydecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/french-country-white-pink-christmas-pastels-@larosecottage.jpg)
Are rosy pale pinks calling your name?
![Creativebug offers thousands of online art and crafts classes!](https://static.shareasale.com/image/42943/SAS_Social_600x600.jpg)
Finds for French Country Holidays
These paper mache bowls look amazing without anything in them, but oh the possibilities at holiday time!
![Boho Paper Mache BowlFarmhouse Paper Bowl](https://i.etsystatic.com/8689944/r/il/14bb36/2089746134/il_794xN.2089746134_5hdf.jpg)
How about French inspired Christmas tree ornaments?
![Notre Dame Cathedral Paris Christmas ornament Notre Dame One](https://i.etsystatic.com/14370418/r/il/c7b45d/2806396411/il_794xN.2806396411_6oy4.jpg)
Here’s a handmade rustic tray that can easily go from summer to fall to winter on your kitchen island or counter:
![Carved Paulownia & Leather Tray](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1496/0124/products/catalogue2020_32_960x960.jpg?v=1591915155)
As you plan and design rustic French country vignettes, elements like handmade clay beads can be incorporated:
![Tunisian Clay Beads.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/image-6.png)
Far from rustic, but doesn’t this gilded bowl hold potential for your French-flavored holiday table?
![Hello Lovely - Lovely Gifts for Home. #giftguide #giftideas](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/hello-lovely-gifts-for-home-banner.jpg)
![Funny quote with humor: If your mom doesn't have an old gift bag filled with other old gift bags, is she even a mom? #funnyquote #holidays #humor #momhumor #quotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/holiday-quotes-funny-humor-mom-old-gift-bags-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
Holiday Kitchen Finds With French Country Charm
Sometimes it is the little things that make an otherwise common kitchen feel a little more European inspired. White marble always makes sense when you’re after a Modern French look:
The French are such good models of having nothing for decor that isn’t useful and purposeful. They are also big fans of woven baskets in the home. So here’s a find that brings both of those qualities together:
![Seagrass Salt & Pepper Shakers - McGee and Co. #frenchkitchen #frenchcountrydecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/image-52.png)
Here’s a darling basket that lends itself to any number of rooms beyond the kitchen:
Here’s a beautiful wreath for a door or wall that has a very French farmhouse, laid back yet elegant feel:
![Wild Grass and Eucalyptus Wreath on an arched door - McGee & Co. #naturalwreaths #fauxwreaths #doorwreaths](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/image-53.png)
Charming Handmade Chimes
I’m thinking about adding a peg rail like this to our laundry or kitchen, and here’s a lovely handmade piece that would be darling especially around the holidays:
![Our Minted Christmas card, customized photo notebook, and gold sacred milagros - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/minted-christmas-card-notebook-gold-milagro-hello-lovely-studio-banner.jpg)
Home Decor With a French Inspired Feel
![Buffalo check custom French country table skirt - handmade on Etsy.](https://i.etsystatic.com/16438095/r/il/54889e/1390008398/il_794xN.1390008398_qhpf.jpg)
![Maya Angelou hope quote on Hello Lovely. #hopequotes #mayaangelou](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/hope-quote-hello-lovely-studio-maya-angelou-laugh-cry-love.jpg)
![White Adras Handled Vase, McGee & Co. #frenchcountryvase #whiteurns #whiteearthenware #terracottavase](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/image-55.png)
![Emily Dickinson quote about hope on Hello Lovely. #hopequotes #emilydickinsonquotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/hope-quote-hello-lovely-studio-emily-dickinson-perches-in-soul.jpg)
Handmade Finds for Home
![C'est Bon French farmhouse sign in black and white for your French inspired kitchen and 25 Beautifully Handmade Decor Finds for Home to help you feather your nest and also inspire your interior design schemes.](https://i.etsystatic.com/5228915/r/il/58afda/1712853795/il_fullxfull.1712853795_jve7.jpg)
![Christmas and holiday themed inspirational quote on Hello Lovely Studio. #quotes #christmasquotes #holidayquotes #whimsicalquotes #saracasm #humor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/christmas-quote-holiday-inspirational-quote-hello-lovely-studio-funny-humor-opinion.jpg)
High Quality Handcrafted & Useful
![Bread Baker's Dream Set, Williams-Sonoma](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/image-10-1440x1440.png)
![Hope quote on Hello Lovely by E. Joseph Cossman. #hopequotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/hope-quote-hello-lovely-studio-e-joseph-cossman-bridge-good-nights-sleep.jpg)
Holiday Charcuterie Board Possibilities
![Chateau Wood Cheese Boards and 25 Beautifully Handmade Decor Finds for Home to help you feather your nest and also inspire your interior design schemes.](https://www.potterybarn.com/pbimgs/rk/images/dp/wcm/201922/0015/chateau-wood-cheese-boards-o.jpg)
![Arbor Stripe Indoor / Outdoor Rug](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1496/0124/products/styled_image70_93857168-1566-4ece-a8c3-167e31937013_960x960.jpg?v=1571439759)
![Hope quote about changing the ending - unknown author. #hopequotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/hope-quote-hello-lovely-studio-change-the-ending.jpg)
Handmade Lovely Finds
Are simple book page wreaths still my favorite Christmasy craft to make and display?
![Book Page Wreath with vintage French book pages and 25 Beautifully Handmade Decor Finds for Home to help you feather your nest and also inspire your interior design schemes.](https://i.etsystatic.com/5513746/r/il/f9fce4/306351790/il_794xN.306351790.jpg)
Oui oui!
Make Your Own Handmade Wreath!
![Faith, love, and hope quote on Hello Lovely by Charles Spurgeon. #faithhopelove #charlesspurgeon](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/hope-quote-hello-lovely-studio-charles-spurgeon-faith-goes-up-stairs-love-built.jpg)
![Christmas dried flower deor and and 25 Beautifully Handmade Decor Finds for Home to help you feather your nest and also inspire your interior design schemes.](https://i.etsystatic.com/5513746/r/il/22e795/276501324/il_794xN.276501324.jpg)
![French seal burlap pillow and and 25 Beautifully Handmade Decor Finds for Home to help you feather your nest and also inspire your interior design schemes.](https://i.etsystatic.com/6229186/r/il/f63ff8/1030327958/il_794xN.1030327958_kjc5.jpg)
![Handmade Heart Wreath made from Pride and Prejudice book pages and 25 Beautifully Handmade Decor Finds for Home to help you feather your nest and also inspire your interior design schemes.](https://i.etsystatic.com/5513746/r/il/7b8cbc/568222170/il_794xN.568222170_a88e.jpg)
![Distressed White Bread Bowl and 25 Beautifully Handmade Decor Finds for Home to help you feather your nest and also inspire your interior design schemes.](https://cdn2.shopify.com/s/files/1/1496/0124/products/studiomcgee_holidayproducts_019_5de3dfd5-4763-4c8a-b36f-cae8128bcfd9_960x960.jpg?v=1555368415)
![Uplifting and inspirational quote by Lord Byron - If joy you win, you must share it - Hello Lovely Studio. #lordbyron #inspirationalquotes #joyquotes #christmasquotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/christmas-quote-holiday-inspirational-quote-hello-lovely-studio-lord-byron-if-joy-you-win.jpg)
If you are thinking SLOW DOWN KNOW, MISSY, AINT NOBODY’S GOT TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS WHEN THE TEMPERATURES HOVER AT 92, you may be more inclined to like THIS post with slow living ideas and reflections.
![Michele of Hello Lovely using an HP Elitebook.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/michele-hp-elitebook-laptop-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
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
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I have been to Paris at Christmas and indeed it was decorated for the Christmas season in 2013. I was actually disappointed with the bright electric blue lights down the street of Avenue des Champs-Elysees (I was hoping for beautiful white lights).If they put up a tree it is petite and they don’t leave it up long (they don’t put it in water). I felt like the food does the talking at Christmas in Paris. It was very magical.
Author
Thanks so much for reading and for the feedback. Great point about how the holidays can be beautifully celebrated with food! And I actually love cookies and cakes as Christmas decor during the holidays! I agree with you about white vs. blue lights. Colored lights just don’t do it for me.
I’ve just taken a mini vacation by reading this post and a few others I saw on your site! I forgot it is August and was ready to go get our Christmas tree and put it up! Then my husband came in from our back porch and told me it is really super humid outside–oh well, back to the present. 😉 We simplified a lot last year and loved it. Gave our beloved tree to our son’s family because they loved it too and couldn’t find one like it. We got a skinny tree and put up minimal ornaments–beautiful! I just read The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning and it is so sweetly and entertainingly (is that a word?) written. The author is all about simple and lovely living. I am going to start giving away our many ornaments to my children and grandchildren, but not the candlesticks! Loved your post!
Author
Thanks so much for the giggles and joy you shared in these glimpses from your personal life! How wonderful to give away and share what has brought holiday joy and begin to pare down. I need to read that book as I’m sure it will resonate with me too. It’s time for me to give away ornaments and trees and much more – just because it fits in our basement storage does not mean it should be there! Hang on to those candlesticks! 🙂