Holiday Simplicity Ideas to Savor Without Fuss

My table is set for Thanksgiving dinner, everything’s prepped, and it’s quiet through the house. I skipped all the feverish rushing this year. Since I adore a traditional Thanksgiving menu, I took my sweet time getting it all just right, tasting along the way, and savoring the process. Just now there’s a chill in the air…the perfect time to muse about a holiday list of cozy things to enjoy before the season passes. I will always need extra reminders to slow down, step out of my comfort zone, and explore a holiday without stress. How ’bout you? Please do pin any holiday simplicity ideas that strike you as worth saving.

Lovely holiday window box in London with ivy wreath, white mums, and lemony cypress - photo by Hello Lovely Studio. #holidaywindowbox #windowbox #holidaygreenery #holidaywindow
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Holiday Simplicity Ideas

Psst. Just made this for you:

Best & Simplest of All

Light the candles. If you prefer flameless, that’s good too.

Christmas cozy tablescape - @liekes_world. #romanticchristmas #rusticchristmas
@liekes_world

Light the “good candles” that weren’t scored from the grocery store. Light the grocery store candles. Light them inside and out. But light ’em each night and notice how something within you may shift.

Farmhouse Christmas decor in my kitchen with fresh wreath and fairy light over a farm sink. Hello Lovely Studio. #farmhousechristmas #christmasdecor #farmsink #freshwreath

Does this sound woo-woo? I get it. But with so much information overload, uncertainty, and downright confusion everywhere in the culture, we all need perspective.

Beautiful holiday decor inspiration from interior designers and bloggers. Come discover 28 Amazing Christmas Decorating Ideas! #christmasdecor #holidaydecorating
Photo & Design: Corner French Cottage…see more French Country Christmas inspiration HERE.

Small gestures such as lighting candles and enjoying their glow may open a channel…to hope, to blessings, to gratitude, to wonder…to a transformed way of seeing reality.

Simple glass hurricanes and whtie candles line a staircase with fresh greenery garland in a French inspired home. #christmasdecor #simplechristmas #frenchcountry #frenchnordic
Photo & Design: The French Nest Co. Interior Design

But seeing an image of something cozy? Just seeing photos of candlelight calms me!

Pink pointe shoes and fluffy white pom pom wreaths for rustic pink Christmas vignette by Hello Lovely Studio. #pointeshoes #pinkchristmas #pompomwreaths
Hello Lovely

And my oh my my candles often make a mess here at home, but I can live with that. Peek inside my house after the first dusting of snow last year:

Citrus Fragrance & Beauty

Whether it is added to a simple pot on the stovetop…

Christmas citrus simmer pot with grapefruit, cranberries, rosemary, citrus, cloves - Hello Lovely. #christmasscents #simmerpot #citrussimmerpot
Hello Lovely – more citrus simmer info HERE

or plays a starring role in garland:

Heather Chadduck Hillegas & Buff Harget Miller - photo: Laurey Glenn. #holidaygarland #holidayfireplace
Heather Chadduck Hillegas & Buffy Harget Miller – Photo: Laurey Glenn

or simply rests in its colorful glory on the counter…

Southern Christmas decor from James Farmer in his Georgia cottage - here a topiary with a pale blue ribbon and woven basket filled with citrus feel naturally elegant and festive - Atlanta Homes. #southernchristmas #naturalchristmas
Atlanta Homes

Citrus during the holidays can be so pleasing to the senses!

Citrus Christmas garland - Mark Thompson in Veranda (Cedric Angeles). #christmasgarland #citruschristmas
Veranda (Photo: Cedric Angeles)

And not just for our sense of smell. I love how Amber of Follow the Yellow Brick Home studded faux clementines with cloves for this sweet topiary arrangement.

Christmas topiary with clementines (faux!) studded with cloves and attached to a cone - FollowtheYellowBrickHome. #christmascitrus #christmastopiary #christmascenterpiece
followtheyellowbrickhome – Christmas decorating hacks as well as Christmas movies

Real tangerines are wonderful, but should you need your arrangement to hold up for photoshoots, holiday parties, or just because…give it a whirl.

Old Fashioned Ambient Light

Not sure if you spied my sconces flanking our front doors in the entry in my video toward the beginning, but even though they are electric, I chose to insert real candles and not wire them as light fixtures. You can see one of them here:

Piano in my music room at the Georgian - Hello Lovely Studio.
Hello Lovely

I wanted Old World glow. Don’t forget about the magic of real candelight, and even chandeliers can be used without wiring them!

Cozy fireplace in Old World style kitchen - via @aquietlifeathome. #kitchenfireplace
via @aquietlifeathome – Christmas cozies and simple touches for home

Restraint With Mercury Glass

For an elegant monochromatic look, mass the mercury glass and skip the other metallics and traditional Christmas colors.

French country dining room with mercury glass on table - Desiree Ashworth (styling by Bonnie Broten for COUNTRY FRENCH magazine). #frenchcountrydiningroom
Desiree Ashworth for Country French magazine.
Inspirational Ann Voskamp faith quote relevant for Christmas on Hello Lovely Studio. #annvoskamp #faithquotes #christmasquotes #christianity
Holiday Decorating Tips & Quotes

Christmas Carol Sheet Music

I love almost any wreath including hoop wreaths! But if it is too bare for your taste, embellish it simply like this:

Beautiful holiday decor inspiration from interior designers and bloggers. Come discover 28 Amazing Christmas Decorating Ideas! #christmasdecor #holidaydecorating
Photo & Design: Corner French Cottage. See more French Country Christmas inspiration HERE.

Here’s a printable if you’ll be crafting with sheet music:

Vintage Silent Night sheet music to print and frame - Hello Lovely Studio. #sheetmusic #christmasdecor

So Much Beauty Here:

Inspirational Ann Voskamp faith quote relevant for Christmas on Hello Lovely Studio. #annvoskamp #faithquotes #christmasquotes #christianity #gratitudequotes #thanksgiving
Holiday Inspiration & Simple Christmas Cozies to Consider Too

Paper Embellishments

Scandi style is so charming for Christmas decorating ideas, and aren’t these paper ornaments hung simply from branches just magic in this vase?

Lovely handmade paper Scandi ornaments dangle from bare branches in a vase for this holiday moment by Herzenseinrichtung.
@herzenseinrichtung…in case you love Scandi style!

I love working with paper for holiday decor whether it is tissue paper, watercolor paper, or plain ol’ white paper bags. Here’s a floral garland that is no longer available from Ballard, but it continues to inspire me:

Oh mercy, I just need three whole days to make a garland myself since I can’t buy it readymade!

White paper floral garland, Ballard Designs. #papergarlands #Christmasgarlands

Let me know if you have seen a similar paper garland anywhere else in the marketplace!

Encouragement quote and tweet from @jonathanldent. #encouragementquotes

Food Can Be Cozy, Doncha Know

I meant to do this last year and never got around to it. Why not buy donuts and decorate them as you would cookies?

Another possibility? Store-bought cakes that you can display on a pedestal as is or decorate fancifully.

Encouragement quote reminding us we have struggled and overcome - Hello Lovely Studio. #encouragementquotes #strugglequotes #overwhelmquotes

Snow Globe Placesettings

Do you love placing small favors at each place setting?

Atlanta Home for the Holidays Designer Showhouse Christmas placesetting by Liz Williams Interiors with a lovely snow globe at each plate.
Breakfast room place setting by Liz Williams Interiors – tour the 2021 Home for the Holidays Showhouse HERE

How special to include a sweet simple snow globe (handmade or not) at each place for decoration.

Rustic Bowl With Sparkly Ornaments

Whether you have an antique dough bowl or not, create a centerpiece with plain ol’ bulbs.

I think it’s the contrast of rough and smooth, matte and sparkly that works so well in a rustic elegant setting.

Leave the Table Set

It’s the little things, and sometimes we need to be reminded of their power! Whether your dining table is used daily or rarely, let it stay pretty in between meals and occasions!

Beautiful Christmas tablescape in a rustic cottage - CozyChristmas on Tumblr. #cozychristmas #rusticchristmas #holidaytablescape
CozyChristmas – In case you love ideas for Christmas cozies and holiday interior photos

Doesn’t this make perfect sense!?!

Pretty Pink Accents

You know I’m all for delicious colors beyond the traditional ones. Just look at this yummy hue for ribbon:

Atlanta Home for the Holidays Designer Showhouse bedroom by Kristin Kong with Christmas tree. #christmasdecorating #pinkchristmas
Kristin Kong designed Sugar Plum Suite bedroom in the 2021 Atlanta HFH Showhouse

Isn’t all the delicious plum romantic?

Festive pink and green bedroom decorated for Christmas with Cath Kidston duvet - Dimples and Tangles. #pinkchristmas
Dimples and Tangles – In case you love ideas for Christmas cozies and holiday interior photos

Is it truly as simple as a pink ribbon in lieu of a red one?

Wooly pom pom wreath on a wee pink chair in the snow by Hello Lovely Studio.
Hello Lovely – In case you love ideas for Christmas cozies and holiday interior photos

Oui!

Simple White Light Strings

It can be tricky to decorate a bedroom for Christmas, but for the easiest simple Christmas cozy tweak – add twinkly lights.

Cozy bedroom decorated Scandi Christmas style - CozyWinterWorld on Tumblr. #cozybedroom #christmasdecor
CozyWinterWorld – In case you love ideas for Christmas cozies and holiday interior photos
Inspirational Ann Voskamp faith quote relevant for Christmas on Hello Lovely Studio. #annvoskamp #faithquotes #christmasquotes #christianity
Kindness as well as Christmas Quotes on Hello Lovely

Festive Front Doors

Have you noticed from your social feeds how it is sort of typical to paint your front door seasonally? If you don’t mind a little labor, changing it up for the holidays can give your entrance a fresh look.

Cozy Christmas decorated exterior - Wintercozy on Tumblr. #christmascozy
Wintercozy – In case you love ideas for Christmas curb appeal and holiday interior photos

But which green? See THIS, THIS, and THIS.

Preserved Boxwood Wreaths

If you have never lived with preserved boxwood, ooh la la – I do love it. I spritz mine occasionally with water, but talk about no fuss!

Simple wreaths hung on from kitchen cabinets by solid red ribbon in a showhouse for Christmas decor. Beautiful holiday decor inspiration from interior designers and bloggers. Come discover 28 Amazing Christmas Decorating Ideas! #christmasdecor #holidaydecorating
2018 Atlanta Holiday Home – photo: Sherry Hart of Design Indulgence

Tone-on-Tone Holiday Greens

We are so accustomed to traditional red and green contrasts during the holidays that it is more remarkable to see tonal shades of green together!

Elegant Christmas decor planters at Atlanta Home for Holidays Designer Showhouse 2021 - Boxwoods Gardens & Gifts. #outdoorchristmasdecor
See more of the 2021 Home for the Holidays Designer Showhouse HERE
Inspirational Ann Voskamp faith quote relevant for Christmas on Hello Lovely Studio. #annvoskamp #faithquotes #christmasquotes #christianity
Kindness Quotes as well as Christmas Quotes to Inspire and PIN

Isn’t it interesting to see this Christmas tree against a green wall?

Christmas tree topped with feathers and adorned with colorful modern pops of color and sophistication in an Atlanta home for the holidays showhouse. Beautiful holiday decor inspiration from interior designers and bloggers. Come discover 28 Amazing Christmas Decorating Ideas! #christmasdecor #holidaydecorating
2018 Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles Home for the Holidays Designer Showhouse

And now we must pause to pay homage to squirrels in winter!

Heartwarming winter quote about squirrels and mushroom jerky on Hello Lovely Studio. #winterquotes #squirrelquote #animalquotes

Aren’t they delightful?

Beautiful squirrel in tree in winter - Soosseli Wildlife Photography. #squirrelphotography
Soosseli Wildlife Photography

Decorate What Others Hide

Does the big black box above the fireplace have potential to be a star?

Elf movie night projected in Christmas cozy living room - @tilldeathdousart. #elfmovienight #christmascozy
tilldeathdousart – In case you love ideas for cozy holiday interior photos
Inspirational Ann Voskamp faith quote relevant for Christmas on Hello Lovely Studio. #annvoskamp #faithquotes #christmasquotes #christianity

Here’s a cozy touch to add to the kitchen…I have these, and the quality is better than you may expect:

Asst Noel Embellished 3 Piece Dish Cloth Set
Set of 3 Dishcloths – Holiday Simplicity Ideas & Resources

Fleecy Fuzzy Wuzzy Nubby Sherpa Serenity

Oh that the fuzzy wuzzy cozy could linger all winter long!

Winter wonderland woods in snow and cozy room with sherpa chairs - @theglampingland. #cozychristmas #snowywoods
@theglampingland – In case you love holiday simplicity ideas for cozy holiday interior photos
Funny cat quote on Hello Lovely Studio. #catquotes #cathumor
Christmas quote: May your heart be warm, your holidays grand...Irish Saying on Hello Lovely Studio. #christmas #quotes #hoildayquotes
In case you love ideas for cozy holiday interior photos and quotes to pin
Holiday Balloon 16 oz. Red Wine Glass
Lenox Holiday Goblets – in case you love holiday simplicity ideas for cozy holiday interiors

Mirror To Magic

I realize some of these cozy making suggestions may not appear “simple” at first blush; however, if you can paint a surface black and rub on letters or stencil a phrase, you can create magic. You could also skip the chalkboard look and stencil directly on the glass mirror for an etched look. (Wash it off later if you like!)

Rustic farmhouse Christmas decor at Urban Farmgirl. #farmhouse #christmasdecor

Holiday Simplicity Ideas: Retro Tree in a Bucket

Folks are so creative with their tabletop trees, and for a country look, the proportions here also feel just right.

Beautiful sage green country cabinet and Christmas decorations with vintage style at Trove in Rockford, Illinois. #countrychristmas #rusticdecor #christmasdecor #holidaydecor #vintagestyle
Hello Lovely Studio
Kamron Buffalo Cotton Throw Pillow
Buffalo Check Throw Pillow – in case you love ideas for cozy holiday interior photos

I know it’s tricky to find these oversized Christmas bells which I find at Urban Farmgirl.

Oversized galvanized Christmas bell suspended from green vintage door at Trove Vintage. #holidaydecor #christmasdecorating #bell #vintagestyle
Hello Lovely – more inspiration from this shop (Trove) also RIGHT HERE.
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

Mums, Ivy & Lemony Cypress Together

When these three varieties get together? So dang cozy. I snapped this of a window box I loved in London.

Lovely holiday window box in London with ivy wreath, white mums, and lemony cypress - photo by Hello Lovely Studio. #holidaywindowbox #windowbox #holidaygreenery #holidaywindow
Hello Lovely – in case you love ideas for cozy holiday interior photos

Delicious Stripes

I love these stripes especially when they are softer reds and raspberry!

Inspiring New Year quote to promote hope, peace, love, and encouragement in the days ahead - Hello Lovely Studio. #quotes #newyearquotes #encouragementquotes

Silly Movies

Is it really possible we are 26 days from the birthday of the King?

I hope December will be extra extra gentle with us. We need afternoons that stretch long to just BE. We need quiet evenings where we can escape in a book or film.

Are these on your list?

Christmas movies grid
Scroll to the bottom of the post for the movie titles…how many of these have you seen?
Funny Christmas humor and holiday quote. #quotes #funnyquote #christmas #humor
In case you love quotes and ideas for cozy holiday interior photos

That English Cottage in THE HOLIDAY!

The Holiday is one of my favs, and this tent scene will also usher us right into cozy loveliness:

Kate Winslet's cottage in The Holiday movie - where they filmed in Shere, Surrey in the English countryside. #theholiday #englishcottage #moviehouses
That English cottage in “The Holiday” doesn’t really exist since it was built as a set for the film!

You’ll also find favorite Christmas movies spotlighted below.

My own favorite was released the year I started writing. In case you’re curious, I started another blog in 2018 even before Hello Lovely launched in January of 2010!

Christmas Movie Favorites

Take these Christmas movie snippets for a spin to remember, to laugh, discover, and also support this site (time spent on Hello Lovely = support to keep it afloat).

Love Actually

It’s a Wonderful Life

A Christmas Story

White Christmas

The Family Stone

While You Were Sleeping

Christmas Vacation

From the Christmas movie scenes above, No. 5 is my favorite…yours?

Funny Christmas humor and holiday quote. #quotes #funnyquote #christmas #humor
In case you love quotes to pin and ideas for cozy holiday interior photos
Funny Christmas humor and holiday quote. #quotes #funnyquote #christmas #humor

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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6 Comments

  1. Patricia
    November 28, 2024 / 6:29 am

    Thank you, this Thanksgiving, for a lovely start to a busy morning. Blessings on you, may you be healthy, may you be happy, may your creativity continue to shine. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours

    • Michele
      Author
      November 28, 2024 / 7:25 am

      Happy Thanksgiving, friend. Thank you for the blessing of your company on the journey and your readership. May this day bring just what your spirit, mind, and body need. xox

  2. Sarah
    November 28, 2024 / 9:17 am

    Happy Thanksgiving Michele. Such a lovely way to start this busy, wonderful day. Thank you.
    So much to be grateful for.
    I send you healing energies and well being for today and all the days to come.
    May you and your family feel loved and cherished today and always.
    Big cosy hugs!
    Sarah
    P.S. My favorite is #3

    • Michele
      Author
      November 29, 2024 / 3:26 pm

      Happy to receive these energies. xox

  3. Susan
    November 28, 2024 / 9:38 am

    What is the name and where can I get that beautiful wallpaper in your hall with the trees?
    I really

    • Michele
      Author
      November 29, 2024 / 3:40 pm

      Hi Susan. It is “Trees White” from Photowall Sweden. I don’t think my affiliate link is working at the moment to earn any commission, but you can mention I sent 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