French country christmas

by Sharon Santoni

christmas decor around the fireplace

Tomorrow is the start of December, and I am itching to start decorating the house.  All the family will be home for the holidays, and much of my pleasure is in the anticipation of them arriving, and the enjoyment of making the house feel welcoming and christmassy.

 

christmas decor around the fireplace

Yesterday evening we invited friends for dinner, so I gave my mantel decoration a trial run and hung fresh greenery, with candles and oversized mercury balls.

In the fall I had slipcovered an armchair in lilac linen, so I thought I’d bring a little of that colour into my decorations.

I love the way that candles look twice as bright in front of a mirror…. Before you ask, no, we did not need to call out the fire brigade, but yes, I know there is a risk factor here … but it is still pretty.

christmas decor around the fireplace

I am joining up with the Cedar Hill Farmhouse French Country design event for this post, so if you want to go and see what the others are doing then follow these links.

Cedar Hill Farmhouse

French Country Cottage

Confessions of a Plate Addict

christmas decor around the fireplace

21 comments

Parsimonious Décor Darling November 30, 2014 - 3:35 pm

This looks so pretty and inviting! Visiting you from Cedar Hill Farmhouse. Gorgeous blue furnishings, as well.

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Vicky from Athens November 30, 2014 - 3:37 pm

Just lovely! I could be very comfortable sitting in that armchair taking in the warmth of the fire and the scents in your home!

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Rié|Portobello Design blog November 30, 2014 - 3:40 pm

Sharon, The trial run is a success! And I am absolutely taken with the lavender slip and pillows on your chair, divine! Your home is very warm and inviting. All the best, Rié

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Karena November 30, 2014 - 3:52 pm

Gorgeous, absolutely beautifully done. I truly think that the rather simple arrangement you have created is perfect. No need for a dozen different kinds of decor on the mantle!

Enjoy the holiday weekend!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena

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Colleen Taylor November 30, 2014 - 3:55 pm

Oh Sharon, you are making me miss my Colorado fireplace & mantle! I love my house but there is one little thing that’s missing here & that’s what it is. I guess we could always have one built at some time but we do have a beautiful stone fireplace pit outside. Something warm & cozy about having one inside & of course, decorating it.
Your trial run is beautiful. X

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Confessions of a Plate Addict November 30, 2014 - 4:07 pm

How lovely, Sharon! I love the fresh greenery and those beautiful mercury balls! Hugs…Debbie

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Nancy November 30, 2014 - 4:17 pm

It’s beautiful! thanks for ideas and for sharing your home….I love it!
Nancy

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Jacqueline November 30, 2014 - 5:09 pm

Everything looks beautiful. I have one question though. I too love having all my kids and grandkids for the holiday. When they leave, the house looks like a train wreck. Clutter, things, all over. The kitchen especially has no counter space left. Does your house stay this way through the visit and if you have a secret please share!

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Doré @ BurlapLuxe November 30, 2014 - 5:12 pm

Hi Sharon,
Oh my what a cozy Holiday feel here and such a Christmas card greeting.
Now I think we have the same grained pillow with Bleu velvet French design. When the pillow catches the light it takes on a softer simmer to the tone of bleu. If it’s not the same pillow, they look enough alike that I would have purchased yours as well!
I have mine in my latest post.
I always enjoy your inspiring beauty of all things French here.
I am looking forward to what’s to come through the holidays here.
See you soon.

Xx
Bisous

Doré

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Marianne November 30, 2014 - 5:18 pm

Sharon, just beautiful!

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Patricia Scolnik November 30, 2014 - 6:02 pm

Sharon, How beautiful! Love everything about it. Could you tell me, if you remember, the brand and name of the paint you have used in this room? Seems like a lovely, soft shade. Thanks! Patricia

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Mary Baynes/Indiana November 30, 2014 - 7:00 pm

Beautiful!

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déjà pseu November 30, 2014 - 7:00 pm

It’s so lovely and inviting!

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Sandra Lambiotte November 30, 2014 - 7:01 pm

Sharon:

Just Beautiful! When your family arrives they will make it even more beautiful for you!!

Enjoy this wonderful time of year.

Sandra

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Miss Diane November 30, 2014 - 8:48 pm

Quelle bonne idée que d’ajouter cette couleur, lilas, pour le temps des fêtes. Cela change et s’intègre très bien dans votre décor. Je cours maintenant voir les autres décors de Noël!

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Anita from Cedar Hill Farmhouse December 1, 2014 - 12:22 am

I wish I could see more of your lilac slipcover. That room is so cozy and warm! Just beautiful.

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Jeanne McKay Hartmann December 1, 2014 - 3:21 pm

Absolutely gorgeous, Sharon. I love the lilac touches, the candle light and lovely greens. Beautiful. Hope you have a wonderful time dressing your home for the holidays and that you will share more photos with us. Happy December! XOXO

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Linda at Beautiful Ideas December 2, 2014 - 12:50 am

Your mantel would make a lovely art print!
Linda at Beautiful Ideas

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Esther George December 2, 2014 - 1:17 pm

Hi Sharon It’s been one of those weeks, but looking at your beautiful room cheered me up and made me start planning what goes where this Christmas. I don’t have a fire place but I do have a side cabinet that I call my pretend mantle and looking at your use of greenery has made me think about bringing in some English Holly cuttings from the garden even though the berries won’t be coming out till next winter. Thank you for sharing beauty. Regards Esther from Sydney. PS hope we get to see more of your decorations.

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Gina December 2, 2014 - 9:04 pm

purple…what a lovely idea

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judi mcgovern December 3, 2014 - 1:06 pm

Quiet elegance… that is what you are all about.
My first thing in the morning blog stop. Thank you for all your inspiration

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