We closed on our previous home and moved into this house just over seven weeks ago. I’m so happy we’re here and managed to settle in enough to enjoy the holidays. There are still projects to tackle and boxes to unpack, and we’ll share more about those plans in the new year. For now, I’m focused on making the house cozy and festive for Christmas.
With our recent move and our children living in different places, this holiday feels different — a new phase of life for us. Empty-nester living has its own rhythm, and while we’re still learning how everything will feel here, change can be exciting and refreshing.
We’ve enjoyed decorating the porches, mantel, and staircase railing with lights and greenery. I posted our simple Thanksgiving mantel last week, and soon after I felt inspired to add greenery and lights. I prefer a simple, understated approach to holiday decorating — I want the magic and wonder of Christmas to come through without feeling overwhelmed by clutter. Finding balance can be a challenge, especially in a smaller home.
I’ll share our updated mantel in a future post, but today I want to show you our cozy entryway.
For the stair railing we chose a faux cedar garland so it would last through the season and stay tidy. I love a soft, lightweight garland that’s easy to shape and store. This style fits our cottage vibe perfectly. I secured the garland with string and a black-and-white striped ribbon, then layered a wired metal star garland for a whimsical touch. The result feels festive and effortless, and I’m already looking forward to decorating the staircase in future years — there are so many possibilities.
Because I prefer a minimal, cohesive look, I kept the decorations restrained: greenery, a few lights, and small accents that add personality without overcrowding the space. That approach helps maintain a calm, inviting atmosphere throughout the home during the holidays.
We have cedar trees in our yard, so I clipped fresh sprigs for the door basket and a few spots inside. I also ordered fresh cedar garland for the porch; the scent of cedar immediately brings a holiday feeling to the house. Combining real cedar in outdoor areas with faux garland indoors gives the best of both worlds — authentic fragrance where it can thrive, and low-maintenance greenery that lasts and stores easily inside.
Thanks for stopping by. I’ll share more of our Christmas home in upcoming posts and show additional ideas for decorating small spaces with a calm, cozy aesthetic.
Faux Cedar Garland Source
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