The Holidays are Here (Fine. But Will THIS Be the Year We’ll Feel Ready?)

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
@provencepoiriers – Country French Christmas ideas as well as resources

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
@provencepoiriers

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
@provencepoiriers

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
@provencepoiriers

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
@provencepoiriers

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
@provencepoiriers

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
@provencepoiriers

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

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

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
@provencepoiriers

Do you like your Christmas decor scheme to feel richly abundant?

Or gently spare?

@provencepoiriers - holiday decor on front door of French farmhouse. #frenchchristmas
@provencepoiriers

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
@larosecottage – French Christmas inspiration as well as handmade finds and craft ideas.
Enchanting romantic French country Christmas tree and pastel holiday white Christmas inspiration from @larosecottage. #frenchcountrychristmas #whitechristmas #holidaydecor
@larosecottage

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
@provencepoiriers

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
Le Moulin Bregeon

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
@larosecottage

Are rosy pale pinks calling your name?

Creativebug offers thousands of online art and crafts classes!
So much DIY goodness – try it HERE

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
Boho Paper Mache Bowl, FarmHouseFare…hello lovely holiday indeed!

How about French inspired Christmas tree ornaments?

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
McGee & Co – French Christmas inspiration as well as handmade finds and craft ideas.

As you plan and design rustic French country vignettes, elements like handmade clay beads can be incorporated:

Tunisian Clay Beads.
African Clay HERE…certainly lovely indeed.

Far from rustic, but doesn’t this gilded bowl hold potential for your French-flavored holiday table?

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

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:

Marble salt and pepper shakers on wood tray, McGee & Co.
Marble S&P Shakers on Tray – tap image for buying info

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
Seagrass S&P Shakers, McGee & Co.

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:

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:

Connected Goods Handmade Copper Chime
Handmade Copper Chime, Anthropologie…certainly unique indeed.

Home Decor With a French Inspired Feel

Buffalo check custom French country table skirt - handmade on Etsy.
Handmade Table Skirt, AnnasHomeDecorStore on Etsy…certainly custom indeed. French Christmas inspiration as well as handmade finds and craft ideas.
Maya Angelou hope quote on Hello Lovely. #hopequotes #mayaangelou
MY GREAT HOPE IS TO LAUGH AS MUCH AS I CRY; TO GET MY WORK DONE, TO TRY TO LOVE SOMEBODY AND HAVE THE COURAGE TO ACCEPT THE LOVE IN RETURN – Maya Angelou
White Adras Handled Vase, McGee & Co. #frenchcountryvase #whiteurns #whiteearthenware #terracottavase
Adras Handled Vase, McGee & Co.
Emily Dickinson quote about hope on Hello Lovely. #hopequotes #emilydickinsonquotes
HOPE IS THE THING WITH FEATHERS THAT PERCHES IN THE SOUL AND THE SINGS THE TUNE WITHOUT THE WORDS AND NEVER STOPS AT ALL – Emily Dickinson

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.
C’est Bon French Farmhouse Sign, StellaGirl on Etsy…certainly darling indeed.
Anthropologie Mini Capri Blue Volcano Jar Candle and 25 Beautifully Handmade Decor Finds for Home to help you feather your nest and also inspire your interior design schemes.
Mini Capri Blue Volcano Jar Candle, Anthropologie…certainly one of my favorite scents indeed.
Christmas and holiday themed inspirational quote on Hello Lovely Studio. #quotes #christmasquotes #holidayquotes #whimsicalquotes #saracasm #humor

High Quality Handcrafted & Useful

Bread Baker's Dream Set, Williams-Sonoma
Bread Baker’s Dream Set, Williams-Sonoma
Hope quote on Hello Lovely by E. Joseph Cossman. #hopequotes
THE BEST BRIDGE BETWEEN DESPAIR AND HOPE IS A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP – E. Joseph Cossman

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.
Chateau Wood Cheese Boards, Pottery Barn…certainly practical indeed.
Arbor Stripe Indoor / Outdoor Rug
Hope quote about changing the ending - unknown author. #hopequotes
YOU CAN’T GO BACK AND CHANGE THE BEGINNING, BUT YOU CAN START WHERE YOU ARE AND CHANGE THE ENDING – unknown

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.
Vintage French Book Page Wreath, Roseflower48 on Etsy…certainly sweet indeed.

Oui oui!

Make Your Own Handmade Wreath!

Faith, love, and hope quote on Hello Lovely by Charles Spurgeon. #faithhopelove #charlesspurgeon
FAITH GOES UP THE STAIRS THAT LOVE HAS BUILT AND LOOKS OUT THE WINDOW WHICH HOPE HAS OPENED – Charles Spurgeon
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.
Christmas Dried Flower Decor, RoseFlower48 on Etsy…certainly simple and festive indeed.
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.
French Burlap Pillow, PolkaDotApplePillows on Etsy…certainly charming indeed.
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.
Handmade Heart Wreath, RoseFlower48 on Etsy…certainly lovely indeed.
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.
Distressed White Bread Bowl, McGee & Co…certainly rustic indeed.
Uplifting and inspirational quote by Lord Byron - If joy you win, you must share it - Hello Lovely Studio. #lordbyron #inspirationalquotes #joyquotes #christmasquotes

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.
Hello Lovely Studio

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!

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.

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4 Comments

  1. Missy
    August 6, 2023 / 8:26 am

    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.

    • Michele
      Author
      August 6, 2023 / 6:36 pm

      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.

  2. Lauralee Boling
    August 6, 2023 / 7:26 pm

    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!

    • Michele
      Author
      August 7, 2023 / 8:56 am

      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! 🙂

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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