Santa remains poolside in Cabo, sipping watermelon margs and checkin’ his list, but there are North Pole whispers…mugs of hot cocoa and fireside stockings will appear before we know it. Today, it’s pretend Christmastime on valium becase it’s Less Fussy Frenchy Christmastime! Pinners gotta pin, mama. They need their romantic trees and wreaths in August. What would I know about Christmas in France?
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
Less Fussy Frenchy Christmastime
Over the years, French followers have reached out to enlighten me about how they celebrate and honor traditions.
French Follower: “Mais non, ma cherie, we never decorate for Christmas in Paris!” Another French friend: “Michele! Check out photos of my lights, wreaths, and trees!”
Always the mixed messages! We’re a diverse group of decor lovers, and that’s all there is to it. French-flavored is a more accurate description of today’s collection. Or possibly How an American with reverence for Country French sensibilities interprets French Christmas decor within an American holiday home.
Is that settled? Design is always a work of creativity with subjectivity, and I have little time for moderating internet quarrels. Where were we? French country style. It’s just so lovely. All those seemingly effortless touches for an imperfectly perfect composition.
Provence Fantasy Farmhouse Holiday Decor
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 three months from now, but if handmade crafts are on the list, are we maybe behind schedule? 🙂
I am an uber-relaxed Christmas decorator. Not a perfectionist like my family members who agonize for days zhushing tree branches in November and December until the effect is perfectly balanced. I’m visual and appreciate romance. But I long for a pared-down simplicity, and I want that cozy ambient romance all year round.
I can’t find fault with over the top seasonal decorating though. The spirit alive in such decorators is often a delight:
I’m drawn toward the little ways…the stuff beyond what money and machines can manifest.
Again, this could be purely lazy of me. I own it. Bring me the subtle wonders, the natural textures and tastes, the homemade cookies and aromatic oranges studded with cloves, the not-in-stores simplicity without loud color saturation, and I’m a satisfied lazy soul.
A bit of whimsy is also welcome…
Using what exists in the backyard? Lovely!
Made by your glorious hands? Yes, please.
What about going for a “delicious enough to eat” theme this year?
Frenchy Holiday Home Inspiration
Are you into opulent and abundant holiday trappings?
Or is a gentle spare mood your preference?
Thank goodness we live in a land of options. Even red is optional! Emma of LaRose Cottage seems to dream in pastels with liberal doses of white Christmas!
I’m always enchanted by blue Christmas:
Is blue gingham ribbon calling this year?
If an understated Frenchy approach appeals, don’t forget to forage in your own backyard and use what is plentifully on hand. Rustic can be heartwarming on its own, and with a bit of elegance?
Oui!
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?
A handmade rustic tray can easily transition from summer to fall to winter on a kitchen island or table:
As you plan and design rustic French country vignettes, elements like handmade clay beads can be incorporated:
Doesn’t this gilded bowl hold potential for your French-flavored holiday table?
Honeydew Sleep Gifts for You or Them
I cannot muse about simple ingredients for deep daily satisfaction without mentioning our personal reliance on Honeydew. This American brand revolutionized my own rest back when it launched in 2017 with the best sheets and pillows on the planet.
A gift! Not only is their Scrumptious pillow design genius for side sleepers (above: travel size Scrumptious fresh out of the gorgeous packaging)…
the quality of the pillow’s construction materials inside and out is joyfully unmatched.
Fussy about the fullness inside your pillow? No worries here. A measure of the marshmallowy goodness is easily removed by your own little fingers til you find that sweet spot for your melon.
Our Honeydew pillows have yet to flatten or diminish in quality. If you ask me, it’s more of a Frenchy sensibility to conservatively buy once rather than indulge the more American impulse to mindlessly dispose repeatedly.
After two rough years where my biological system simply could not calm for sleep beyond four hours, deep restorative sleep is baaaaaack. Sleep is critical medicine. A gateway to dreams. Trash night for the brain. Vital to spirit. A divine right. I am Team Sleep.
Kitchen Finds With French Country Charm
Sometimes little things help an otherwise common kitchen feel more European-inspired.
White marble always makes sense when you’re after a Modern French look:
The French set a good example of avoiding embellishments that aren’t purposeful. They also know their way around woven baskets. Bring both qualities together:
Here’s a darling basket to lend 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:
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:
More French Inspired Accents
Handmade Finds for Home
Are simple book page wreaths still my favorite Christmasy craft to make and display?
Oui oui!
Make Your Own Handmade Wreath!
If you have reached this ending and need more… SEE THIS!
If you should feel less than holiday cheerful (maybe it is 103 outside) or even a bit empty, THIS post is a vulnerable admission and illumination written a few weeks back to encourage you and remind you how Grace appears.
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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