Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town (With a French Accent in August)

Santa may still be in Cabo, sipping margs, and far from makin’ his list, but Pinterest whispers: BABYGURL, decorators are ready for sugar plum fairy time. Today, it’s not simply pretend Christmastime. It’s UNFUSSY COUNTRY FRENCH Christmas in August With Holiday Decorating Pins! Please forgive, but Pinners need pretty trees and beribboned wreaths like now. What do I know about Christmas in France? Not a ton. And it’s not all my fault.

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 will reach out to 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.

Always a mixed message! “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.”

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.

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.

Holiday season may be four months away, but if you’re into handmade crafts, are we maybe behind? 🙂

I am one of those LAZY VON LAZY Christmas decorators who struggles to find two days in November or December to zhush ornaments on a tree.

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.

Give me romantic, seemingly effortless, natural moments of wonder, and I’m a happy camper.

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

Do you like your Christmas decor scheme to feel opulent and abundant?

Or gently spare?

Thank goodness there’s not just 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!

If blue is a favorite color or an accent in your home year-round, why not add it to your color story?

Isn’t the blue gingham ribbon darling?

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.

Are fruit topiaries calling your name?

Finds for French Country Holidays

These paper mache bowls look amazing without anything in them, but oh the possibilities at holiday time!

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:

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

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

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:

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:

Home Decor With a French Inspired Feel

Handmade Finds for Home

High Quality Handcrafted & Useful

Holiday Charcuterie Board Possibilities

Handmade Lovely Finds

Are simple book page wreaths still my favorite Christmasy craft to make and display?

Oui oui!

Make Your Own Handmade Wreath!

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.

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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