Christmas Home Tour 2023: Festive Decorating Ideas and Inspiration

Built in bookcases around a window — Sources: Patterned Rug (Ocean/Gold color) // Rattan Dining Chairs – Similar mine were from here but out of stock // Blue and White Striped Table Runner // Blue Striped Slipcovers (Downey Blue fabric) // Parsons Dining Chairs // Jute Wrapped Chandelier with Shades (lots of shade options) // Rattan Serving Cart

Merry Christmas, friends — come on in. It’s warm and cozy inside. There’s no snow on the ground this year, but with the fire going and festive scents in the air, it still feels like a winter wonderland.

This is our first Christmas in this house with family visiting. Two years ago the heavy snow forced us to cancel, and last year we traveled to our daughter’s home in Oregon, so it’s extra special to host this year.

Below you’ll find a short video tour of our home, followed by plenty of photos.

You can set the video to 1080p by hovering and clicking the gear icon if it starts at a lower quality.

Cottage by the sea at Christmas — Sources: Seeded Eucalyptus Garland // Rope on Garland // Whale on wreath and similar wreaths // Blue Velvet Ribbon // Wood and Glass Diffuser // Door color: Wythe Blue Benjamin Moore

2023 has been a busy year with renovations, and we’re still settling in after a long stretch of changes. It feels wonderful to finally welcome family for the holidays and relax together.

Our holiday decorating is intentionally simple. I prefer a relaxed, welcoming feel rather than an over-the-top display, and I’m happy you’re here to share it with us.

Thank you for your kindness and support over the years. My readers feel like friends, and I’m truly grateful for you.

Christmas Cottage by the sea — *Sources for above images are linked where noted.*

Grab a cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or tea and look around. I’ll share more about our renovations, before-and-afters, the upstairs and backyard, and details about the Tiny Cottage in the new year. I’ll keep commentary light here and include sources when relevant.

If you enjoy photos, this post has lots — enjoy the tour!

If you missed our Tiny Cottage at Christmas tour (my parents’ small home attached to ours), check that post as well for another cozy look.

coastal christmas DIY wreath — *Whale on wreath and similar wreaths // Blue Velvet Ribbon*

Mixed garland on staircase -- coastal home christmas — *Sources for rattan mirror, similar bells, garland and more*

Coastal home Christmas staircase with mixed greens and rope

Cozy living room in a small coastal cottage at Christmas

Coastal christmas home tour — *Gingham Ribbon*

img 162413 10 1 — Jute and Cotton Rug Details

Cozy coastal cottage living room at christmas — Sources: Plaid Arm Chair // Bamboo Shades // More sources available where noted

coastal style christmas stockings — Blue Velvet Stockings // Oyster Shell Ornaments (both shown as examples)

Blue and white nativity set — Source: Blue and White Nativity Scene

small cottage living room at christmas — My Artificial Fir Christmas Tree

Coastal style christmas decorating — *Similar Clam Shells, Mirror, Lamp and Lampshade*

small cottage style home at christmas — Sources: Leather Sofa Arm Chair Version // Bunny Throw Blanket on sofa from Garnet Hill // More sources linked where noted

dining nook with bookcases — Sources: Patterned Rug (Ocean/Gold color) // Rattan Dining Chairs // Blue and White Striped Table Runner // Blue Striped Slipcovers // Parsons Dining Chairs // Jute Wrapped Chandelier // Rattan Serving Cart

english-inspired kitchen renovation — Sources: Rattan Serving Cart // Jadeite Cake Stand

cookies for santa — Sources: Jadeite Cake Stand // Gingerbread Cookies

Blue stove in a cottage kitchen at christmas — *Stove, oranges on garland and more*

cottage kitchen English style kitchen at christmas with plate rack and display shelves

Christmas kitchen ideas — Sources: Rattan Scalloped Tray // Blue and White Ginger Jar // Blue and White Planter Pot // Wood Lazy Susan // More sources where noted

christmas kitchen — Sources: Stoneware Crock // Rattan Scalloped Tray // Blue and White Ginger Jar

English style cottage kitchen at christmas

English style cottage kitchen, christmas by the sea

soapstone counters and deVol faucet in an English cottage inspired kitchen at Christmas — Sources: Farmhouse Sink // Nickel Faucet (similar finish and style)

Toile skirt on kitchen island, soapstone counters in an English cottage inspired kitchen at Christmas — Sources: Eucalyptus Garland Over Doors // Blue and White Toile Curtain (hung with a tension rod and rings)

Brass dinner bells in an English cottage inspired kitchen at Christmas — Source: Antique Brass Bells

Cottage dining nook with built in bookcases around window

English cottage inspired kitchen in a coastal home at christmas

whale wallpaper, powder room in a coastal home — Source: Whale Wallpaper

whale wallpaper in a coastal cottage — Source: Whale Wallpaper

cottage dining room banquette with built in bookshelves

Banquette with bookcases, cozy dining nook connected to living room in a cottage home

Dining room banquette — *Table Setting and Dishes Details*

Built in bookshelves and dining banquette

cottage style dining room and living room

Charming tablescape ideas for dining table at Christmas

img 162413 60 1 — Sources: Red Blanket // Wall Art // Blue Gingham Shams // Bed Skirt // Woven Screen // Rug

I didn’t do much decorating upstairs this year, but we made the bed up in the snug for Christmas guests. I’ll share more about our upstairs rooms in the coming year. The cross art is a new addition and comes in several colors and frame options.

Wishing you a blessed Christmas, friends — from our home to yours.

If you missed the tour video, you can watch it on YouTube.

Be sure to subscribe to email updates so you don’t miss future posts and inspiration. I send one or two emails a week with decorating tips, favorite finds, and links to new content.