Quiet as fresh snow falling on trees and chimneys in my hamlet this very moment, comes subtle feathery festive cheer. Gentle pastel holidays. Whispery whites. Faded simplicity and brushes of ethereal Nordic blanc wonderland. Calmly Serene White Christmas Decorating Ideas offer glimpses of unfussy elegance echoing comfort and joy.
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may also earn a commission.
White Christmas Decorating Ideas
Will an Unfussy Pale Holiday Look Work Just Anywhere?
Is it possible to achieve this airy look without access to a home with good bones, vintage collectibles, and antique treasures?
What makes a white Christmas decor look memorable and magical?
Turns out, the style, architecture and design elements in a given home can vary with this hushed approach.
Even without beautiful old wood floors painted white! (But truth be told, I’m still aching to have that look somewhere in my home!)
My Petite Maison’s Tracie, creates the coziest white Nordic cottage moments in the heartland.
Where there’s a creative spirit, there’s often a way!
Airy Christmas Trees
Not all Christmas trees need to be weighed down with ornamentation. Also, a white Christmas look need not involve a white flocked tree.
I love a white tabletop tree and place mine in a cloud of tulle.
Greenery can be white’s best friend.
An airy look where sparkly white lights add glow is easy to love.
Also note how the airy Christmas tree above seems more important with its surrounding sea of tone on tone!
No one knows or does white better than Pam Pierce!
Not sure what my Christmas DIY will be this year (last year was white paper snowflakes for the stairs), but chances are it will be white or neutral!
Collect for Color
Tracie’s vintage angel wings (perhaps from an old Nativity costume?) in a gorgeous hue of blush-white read like breathtaking art while adding spiritual wonderment to the holidays.
Collected white candles, books, and ornaments together make a statement when thoughtfully layered. If you have seen her home in published books and interiors magazines, then you may already know how Fifi O’Neill utilizes a faux fireplace for architectural interest and warmth.
Check local online Marketplaces for vintage fireplace surrounds, mantels, and even electric fireplaces (whether they are working or not). It may actually be an advantage if the unit isn’t in working order since it is probably priced lower, may be lighter to move, and could be easier to modify.
By now you know I’m partial to white poufs which are typically reserved for wedding showers and receptions. For me, they say “time to party” in any season.
Even a few white roses in simple glassware or an old crock impart sweet serenity when they aren’t swallowed up by a cluttered vignette or field of saturated color.
It’s more than okay for the holidays to whisper.
Oh, the magic of vintage little sheep at Christmastime! I never tire of them!
Think Low Contrast
If you’re in the camp who feel rooms always require a pop of color here and there, this look may not appeal. However, if you’re into: expansive, breezy, and atmospheric, then layer tones of alabaster, putty, snow, stone, and linen.
Because YES, VIRGINIA, TEXTURE CAN BE YOUR COLOR.
When you’re aiming for tranquility, muted colors and restraint can tonally be your best friends (see what I did there?).
Whites need not match.
Thrift for vintage items such as ironstone and accessories with pale hues that don’t necessarily scream “holidays” to incorporate at Christmastime.
Ideas for Decorative Objects
Tracie stocks My Petite Maison with vintage and antiques she loves enough to style in her own home.
Poinsettia is but one option; pale and lovely garden roses set a softer romantic mood.
As you may or may not know, antique French baskets can be extremely expensive. If you see one at a friendly price, snap it up!
From Tracie, I learned about Grace Rose Farm, a lovely source for charming, old fashioned, fresh roses from California. My rose bouquets purchased from the farm are a sweet indulgence that transform rooms and moods.
A Fresh Petite Tree in Aged White Urn
In a country and culture where far too often bigger is touted as better, there remains evidence that small is best.
Diminutive trees in decorative urns as well as little white ceramic houses and churches with steeples are sweet but not too flippin sweet.
Soften a cool toned room by varying the shapes of objects and furnishings. Notice all of the curves in this single corner:
Here’s another shot of that corner, and WOW, you get a sense of how even pale colors take on importance in the sea of snowy white.
Why leave the top of a cabinet bare when more gentle white can elevate the look?
I love when a vignette feels authentic, undone, and maybe even a bit incomplete. We don’t want to try to hard since that look can feel contrived and flat.
Little pre-lit bare birch trees are so perfect for this spare look:
Romantic White Simplicity Beyond the Holidays
What could be simpler than saved jam jars?
Sweet Animal Friendship in a Swedish Farmhouse
If you follow @mypetitemaison on IG, you will be treated to blissful moments of cloud living with white paws.
I imagine them underfoot as delicious cookies bake in the oven.
Could a French Nordic-inspired, humble look in the kitchen be as simple as frosted white sugar cookies on a pedestal with a few mercury glass votive holders?
Serenely Quiet White Christmas Mood
To say that all white or mostly white interiors are cold and sterile? Probably an over-generalization…golden sunlight warms it naturally.
A wreath in the window need not be a lush evergreen with bold red ribbon…notice the effect of a wispy hoop (above).
I have a huge grapevine wreath I have yet to transform into a a peace sign and spraypaint white. Even a large piece can be softened thanks to white.
Are antiqued brass and gold tones white’s best friend?
I grew up in a house where our Christmas tree was the most beautifully decorated one in the land. My Swedish-loving mother used candle light strings to great effect.
Need encouragement that small rooms within closed floorplans can feel magical and not claustrophobic? White is a miracle worker.
Does the quiet reverence of all the white speak to you too?
Lovely, Simple & White Holiday Home
Swedish Traditional & White Christmas Decorating
I grew up with many Scandinavian traditions at Christmas including Santa Lucia and even candle spinners just like this.. Also enjoy the video where Northern Heart shares glimpses of holiday home hygge in Sweden.
Have a moment for more gorgeous holiday inspiration? Also head HERE to savor each morsel, and do REPIN AWAY from my Christmas board!
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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