Innholdsfortegnelse for December 2021 - January 2022 i American Farmhouse Style

EDITOR’S LETTER EVERY YEAR, I HAVE A GREAT DEBATE WITH MYSELF WHEN I PULL DOWN THE CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS: How many sentimental ornaments should I add to the Christmas tree? The problem with sentimental ornaments is that while they’re special and bring on all the nostalgia, they often don’t contribute to a beautiful (dare I say magazine-worthy?) tree. The collection of American Girl doll ornaments I started when I was little, or my husband’s snowboarding Coca Cola polar bear, really don’t go with my vision of a cohesive design that serves as the centerpiece of our Christmas home. But on the other hand, I still want to pull them out and smile over each one and the memories they bring. If I don’t dust them off and put them on the…

BIRCHWOOD CENTERPIECE Set a beautiful winter woodland tablescape with this easy, budget-friendly DIY birchwood centerpiece. “I chose to elevate this common DIY using the natural beauty of birchwood to create a simple yet elegant Christmas centerpiece accented with fresh pine branches from the tree,” says blogger Ahna Fulmer of Hammers N Hugs. WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • Three 18-inch birch logs• Wood glue• 6-mm jute rope• Heavy-duty stapler or liquid nails• Six taper candles• ⅞" wood drill bit and power drill• Measuring tape WHAT YOU’LL DO: 1. Set two birch logs together and place the third on top. Make sure they’re rotated as you like them.2. Remove the top log and drill six holes into the top, approximately ¾ inches deep. Space the holes evenly across the wood at 1 ½…

When you attend a holiday party, you want to contribute to the event. “It’s not uncommon for a host or hostess to turn down a gesture to bring something,” says blogger Brittany Stager. “I’ve asked friends and family on multiple occasions, ‘Can we bring something?’ And the reply I receive 9 times out of 10 is, ‘No, it’s OK, we have everything we need.’” So she created this simple, easy DIY gift basket to always be prepared. “What I love most about this [mulled wine spice jar] is that you can give it all on its own or add it to a basket of mulled wine goodies,” she says. Here’s how you can make your own. WHAT YOU’LL NEED: FOR THE SPICE JAR: • Jar with lid• ¼ cup sugar•…

10% of sales for this towel go to St. Simons Land Trust in Georgia.…

There’s something so nostalgic about the jolly face of Santa Claus on a mug, from his rosy cheeks and twinkling eyes to that cheerful grin. These lovelies were produced during the mid century era and are gaining popularity again as vintage collectibles. HISTORY In 1949, the Santa mug was born with the creation of the Holt Howard Company. The company created charismatic Santa coffee mugs and pitchers as part of a wide array of Christmas and kitchenware items. Besides Santa, Mrs. Claus and Rudolph mugs are also retro favorites. My personal favorites are the miniature Santa mugs. Many came in sets of four, and if you can find them in the original box, it adds value. IDENTIFYING SANTA Vintage Santa mugs were mass produced, so they can be relatively easy…

USE WHAT YOU HAVE. You don’t need to do a complete overhaul when the holidays roll around. If you have any items that will complement your Christmas entertaining pieces, keep them as the core of your design and add accents around these. PLAY WITH HEIGHT. Taller pieces, such as candlesticks, lanterns and signs, will elevate your space, while smaller pieces like ceramics, figurines and miniature trees, balance it. Try not to crowd too many smaller pieces in so it ends up looking cluttered. CLASSICS WITH A TWIST. For a modern twist on the typical pine or cedar garland, include a few branches of another green like eucalyptus. From afar, it’ll look like your typical Christmas greenery but will add more depth to the space. DON’T LIMIT YOURSELF. Don’t be wedded…

• CREATE A FOCAL POINT (OR TWO). To avoid getting lost in big, open spaces, visually anchor the design with one or more pieces that draw the eye. These anchors will serve as the centerpieces on which you can build the rest of your décor. “I use a very large tree in the living room,” Holly says. “We have a large wall of windows, and I make the tree the focal point of the room.” In addition, she decorates her mantel to serve as another visual anchor in the space.• CREATE ATMOSPHERE WITH TEXTURE. Farmhouse style is all about comfort and simplicity. Find ways to include different kinds of materials in your décor to create an inviting space. “Lots of cozy throw blankets, pillows, flowers and winter greenery are another…

1. TWINKLE LIGHTS. These include the lights on your Christmas tree, plus any strings of lights you add to garlands, wreaths or to anywhere else in your home. “I love to add some fresh greenery and drape it on the lights,” Tamela says. Adding a garland or some fresh greenery brings a pop of holiday color as well as that winter wonderland atmosphere indoors (see page 34 for more on greenery). 2. CANDLES. From big jar candles with three wicks to taper candles in brass holders, candles bring warm light to a space, as well as fragrance to enjoy. Add them to various rooms in the house, especially if you’re having a party. Just remember not to leave a candle burning unattended. 3. LIGHT UP EVERY ROOM. “I love to…

WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • Cardstock or pattern paper• Pencil and scissors• Pins• 5–6 fabrics of choice (3 yards total)• A sewing machine or iron-on hem tape• Ribbon or trim of choice for embellishments• 5 wood dowels, ¾" by 48" long• Measuring tape• Drill and drill bit• About 75 20-mm wooden beads• About 170 16-mm wooden beads• 22-gauge metal wire• Wire cutters• Ornaments of choice (Jackie used wood ornaments)• Permanent marker in silver or gold• Ribbon of choice• 24 items to place inside stockings WHAT YOU’LL DO: FOR THE STOCKINGS: 1. Draw a stocking pattern on cardstock or pattern paper (you can print out pictures from online too). Size the stockings between 10–13 inches in length (vary the sizes to create dimension).2. Pin the patterns onto the fabric and cut out…

1. PLATFORM. “Contemporary in style, platform beds became popular in the mid-20th century,” says Doug. “They’re designed to use a mattress without a foundation.” Thus, they’re low to the ground and will save you from having to purchase a box spring. 2. IRON. “Each of the Charles P. Rogers iron and brass beds is made by hand, much as they were over a century ago,” says Doug. “Traditionally, they consist of a headboard, footboard and rail system.” With a traditionally historic look, iron bed frames can help provide a vintage feel. 3. HEADBOARDS. “A headboard alone attached to a standard bed frame is an economical and easy upgrade for any bedroom,” says Doug. This is a simple way to frame the bed and give it more presence in the room…

WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • 2 ½–3” round birch slices• Pencil• Wood burning pen• ⅛” drill bit and power drill• Clear satin lacquer• Metal ornament hooks WHAT YOU’LL DO: 1. Either freehand or with a stencil, take the pencil and lightly write out the name you want in the center of each wood slice.2. Trace the pencil lines with a wood burning pen.3. Drill a hole at the top of the wood slice with the ⅛” drill bit. Center the hole approximately ½ inch from the top of each wood slice.4. Blow out the shavings, and spray the whole tag with a clear satin lacquer.5. Once it’s dry, add a metal ornament hook to each tag and hang with the stocking.…

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH DELANEY HARDWARE 1. DECIDE ON THE PROJECT. Do you have a loved one who needs help with their home? Maybe you’ve heard your grandmother complain about the door that never shuts all the way. This is the perfect opportunity to gift your design savvy. “We had one person gift Delaney Hardware to her friend, and she helped redesign her whole front door,” says Kathryn Towns, VP of marketing at Delaney Hardware. Don’t just gift the one item—gift your skills to install, design or redo that aspect of their home.2. GET MEASUREMENTS. Whether you’re gifting a new front door look or better lighting in the den, get any measurements you need. You can even be sneaky about it for a surprise gift. For example, you can measure for…

Faux greenery improves in its life-like quality every year, but nothing beats the real deal. Elena Kuo, director of customer relations at Lynch Creek Farm, shares her tips on including live greenery in your holiday décor this year. OUTDOORS AND INDOORS You can enjoy greenery indoors and out, but Elena suggests keeping it outdoors if you want the most longevity. “Your greenery will last longer in cooler temperatures; it’s not as dry as inside,” she says. On the front door, along the walkway, around your porch railings and draped on the front door frame are just a few of her suggested locations. “[Live greens are] perfectly suited for indoor use too, but they generally only last indoors for three weeks,” she says. “They last four to six weeks outdoors. But…

• ADD GREENS. “Greenery and plants can really be almost everything you need,” Kate says. To spice up the greenery, tie on ribbon and other embellishments such as ornaments to make your home feel ready for the holidays.• MIX HOLIDAY AND EVERYDAY. Incorporate everyday items into your holiday theme. Fill a bowl with ornaments; add sprigs of greenery to small vases or pinecones to a dish. Tie Christmas into every room, even if it’s a subtle nod.• USE COLOR. Use color to evoke the Christmas spirit. Exchange pots, rugs, blankets and plants with those that have reds and greens. “I love when the mood pervades the house,” Kate says. “It feels more joyful to me.”• REPLACE ACCESSORIES. Pack away some of your everyday items to make room for seasonal pieces…

1. HOME IS WHERE THE ART IS. Incorporate vintage art into your home. “My favorite ways to use artwork are over our mantel or in a bathroom, hallway or bookshelf,” Amy says.2. BY THE BOOK. Bookcases are perfect for displaying vintage books and Christmas décor. “Don’t be afraid to blend old with new,” Amy says. “Our bookcases are filled with books we read often as well as vintage ones in various languages.”3. ALLURING ANTIQUES. Don’t be afraid to incorporate vintage furniture into your home. Even with small girls, Amy has found antique furniture to be very well made. “We use our furniture and that well-worn look exudes French style,” she says.4. GET CREATIVE. Think outside the box. Amy sometimes adds vintage ornaments to her tablescapes or ties small copper bells…

• TV CONSOLE. If you don’t have a fireplace as the center of your living area, it’s likely you have a TV there instead. Hang your stockings there, and they’ll still be at the center of your living spaces.• STAIRS. This is arguably as classic as hanging them from the mantel. Wrap some tinsel and garland around the banister to complete the timeless look.• LADDER. If you don’t have stairs, a ladder is the next best thing. In fact, not only can you hang your stockings from it at Christmastime, but you can also use it the rest of the year for blankets and other décor.• WALL. If you’re staring at an empty space and wondering what to do with it, wonder no further. Stockings can take the place of…

Tip IF YOU HAVE SIMPLE STOCKINGS, EMBELLISH THEM WITH CUSTOM TAGS, ORNAMENTS OR VINTAGE BELLS. When it comes to Christmas decorating, the ultimate goal is to create a warm and cozy home. Florida homeowner and Instagrammer Tamela White of White Blossom Home does this by filling her farmhouse with holiday cheer as Christmas draws closer. “My goal for Christmas is just to have my home be warm, cozy and overall inviting,” Tamela says. With five children, this special season can be chaotic. So Tamela focuses on simple farmhouse décor to keep her four-bedroom, three-bath home, and the season itself, full of laughter and joy. During one of the busiest times of the year, sometimes less is more. Tamela has been through an extraordinary journey, both battling breast cancer and dealing…

“No matter how or when you partake of your traditions, may the universal themes of the season—joy, light, hope and peace—surround and keep you as you continue to give and receive in your own beautiful ways,” says Sarah Kieffer, author of Baking for the Holidays:50+ Treats for a Festive Season. Waking up in the morning and starting with homemade donuts will help bring your home joy. MAKES: 2 dozen mini donuts PREP TIME: 11 minutes CHILL TIME: 4 hours, overnight FRY TIME: 2 minutes each WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • ½ cup whole milk• ¼ cup sour cream• 1 large egg plus 2 large egg yolks, at room temperature• 2 tablespoons honey• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract• 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting• ¼ cup granulated sugar• 1 tablespoon…

AmericanFarmhouseStyle.com CHRISTMAS DECORATING IDEAS Scroll through this list of great Christmas decorating ideas for every nook and cranny in your home. LITTLE BRICK HOME Tour the Christmas home of blogger Ahna Fulmer of Hammers n Hugs, with traditional Christmas colors and rustic farmhouse vibes. COLLECTING VINTAGE ORNAMENTS Vintage Shiny Brite ornaments are a favorite collectible to hunt for the flea-market enthusiast. Here are some tips on how to collect and display these beauties. DIY VINTAGE CHRISTMAS WREATH Love the look of vintage-inspired Christmas wreaths loaded with collectibles? Find out how you can make one yourself. CHRISTMAS TABLESCAPE IDEAS Take a look at these inspiring and attainable Christmas tablescape ideas for you to try or create your own spin on this season. Follow us online on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest for…

These cute and custom fabric Christmas trees, designed by blogger Liberty Brammer of B4 and Afters, are the perfect small project to sew for your farmhouse. “I came up with the idea after I saw a similar one for sale at a home improvement store,” Liberty says. “I took a picture of it, telling myself, ‘I could make one like that.’” Here’s how you can too. WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • Paper for pattern (tracing paper, paper grocery bag, etc.)• Pencil• Pins• Fabric of your choice• Sewing machine• Polyester fill stuffing• Wooden dowels or sticks (Liberty used old window-blind slats)• Optional: Paint of choice for dowels• Wood bases (Liberty used flooring samples)• Wood glue• Optional: drill and hole saw attachment• Optional: ribbon and embellishments of choice WHAT YOU’LL DO: 1. Draw…

1. MODERN FARMHOUSE. This style takes inspiration from the mid century and makes the chair shape sleeker, often with rounded wings. The legs can be straight or tapered, and the upholstery is often velvet or leather, which adds modern drama to the space.2. BOHO FARMHOUSE. Bohemian farmhouse style is eclectic and quirky, making any wingback chair suitable for a fun, mismatched space. Showcase your favorite color or print by picking bold upholstery for the chair.3. FARM COTTAGE. A wingback chair with wood legs, either raw or whitewashed, and slipcovers gives this style a warm feel. Slipcovers are the perfect way to upcycle or thrift your chairs for a comfortable and homey look. Bonus points for DIYing slipcovers out of painter’s tarps.4. VINTAGE FARMHOUSE. The traditional wingback chair, with a wood…

Every vintage collection starts with falling in love. For Instagrammer and vintage shop owner Jennifer Shaffer of Poodle and Hound Vintage, her collection of Christmas tablecloths is about the patterns. “The Santa faces from that era are so iconic,” she says. She now has 30–40 vintage tablecloths she keeps for herself. PRICING When it comes to price, you can expect to spend $10–$50. “If I’m keeping it for myself, I’m usually willing to pay $25–$35, but I prefer to spend less,” Jennifer says. The price will depend on a number of factors, including the condition of the tablecloth. “Stains, rips, hems coming undone, the colors being really faded, that’s what makes them go down in price,” Jennifer says. CONDITION If you do fall in love with a piece that has…

“A wreath can really be enjoyed anywhere indoors,” says Elena. “We encourage folks to be creative, so don’t hesitate to add accents to your pieces too, like ornaments and flowers.” KITCHEN Since for functionality you need your kitchen décor out of the way, it’s best to have your greenery up high, such as hanging a wreath on a window or cabinet door. For garlands, lay them across open shelving, framing the kitchen windows or even on top of your kitchen cabinets. BEDROOM You can never go wrong with a garland on the headboard. Fill it with string lights for magical lighting at night. Or put a small live tree in the corner or on top of your dresser. LIVING ROOM The quintessential place for a garland is, of course, the…

WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • Metal floral hoop• Sprigs of cedar greens• Floral wire and wire cutters• Ribbon of choice• Small bells or other embellishments WHAT YOU’LL DO: 1. Tie two sprigs of cedar greens onto the hoop with floral wire. Start from the bottom so the ends of the two branches cross, and tie them up the sides of the hoop.2. Cut a length of ribbon four times the radius of the hoop. This will allow you to hang your embellishments in the middle of the hoop and still have extra for hanging the wreath.3. Tie a bell (or another embellishment of your choice) onto each end of the ribbon; then hang them down into the middle of the hoop and tie the ribbon at the top.4. Use the remaining…

1. BUILDING BLOCKS. Start with a basic tablecloth and coordinating napkins. “Any material will work, but I love the Old World feel of linen,” Amy says.2. GO GREEN. Add faux or real greenery to your table. For tablescapes, Amy prefers faux greenery mixed with dried eucalyptus. This allows you to save money year after year but still provides an authentic look and feel.3. WARM GLOW. Incorporate candles. “Beeswax candles in brass candlesticks have that Provencal aesthetic,” Amy says. Most thrift stores sell brass candlestick holders. “I recommend looking for them outside of the holiday season,” she says. “Once, I found a set of six for $3, and I use them every year.”4. CHARGE! Elevate your place setting by adding chargers. “My husband gifted me a set of copper chargers last…

WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • Miniature wreaths• Ribbon of choice• Adhesive hooks WHAT YOU’LL DO: 1. Hang an adhesive hook on the inside of each door. Depending on the style of the clip, you may need to secure it upside down so the ribbon will catch on it.2. Measure where you want your wreaths to hang on the cabinets (make sure they won’t be in the way of any handles). Then double this measurement, and add an extra 4 inches before you cut. Remember, you’ll need enough to wrap around the top of the cabinet to reach the hook on the other side.3. Loop the ribbon through the wreath so the wreath hangs in the middle; then secure the ends to the hook on the back of the cabinet door.4. Continue…

GO GREEN(ERY). Incorporating natural elements into your holiday décor adds to the festive feel. Holly DIYed her own faux greenery with garlands, berries and flowers that bring out her red-and-green palette with a sophisticated feel. “I made a few faux floral arrangements with high-end frosted greenery and frosted peonies,” she says. ALL IN THE DETAILS. Don’t neglect the little details that will help you tie Christmas colors into every space in your home. “Each season, I pick a color and try to add touches of that color to each room and carry it throughout the house,” Holly says. Find wall art or small pieces that work with your color palette, while also giving your style a refined feel. Go for soft-textured, simple pillows and throws that complement the palette. BRINGING…

SHOP EARLY. “One thing I always try to do is to shop early,” Tamela says. “Even picking up little things I see that I know the kids will like in their stockings makes it so much easier when it comes to the last day.” By starting early, you can avoid much of the stress of holiday shopping. It gives you extra time to get everything you need, gives you a better chance of items not being sold out and frees up your time for other last-minute necessities. MAKE A LIST. And check it twice. Tamela likes to make a list of the family’s favorite holiday activities and stick to it. “There is always so much you can do, but sometimes we get so busy decorating and doing other things that…

1. KITCHEN. With three kids, Jackie and her husband spend quite a bit of time in the kitchen. “Making that a really lovely area is always one of my favorite [decorating goals],” she says. Jackie framed the window above her kitchen sink in evergreen garlands. You can place a Christmas tree in the kitchen as well, like a small one on the countertop.2. OUTDOORS. Let the climate of where you live dictate your Christmas tree placement. A towering pine can easily go in a snowy front lawn or one on either side of your front door.3. PLAY ROOM. “The unexpected in design is really what leaves people with an impression,” says Jackie. “You don’t expect to see a little tree next to playroom shelves. There’s something magical about that that…

PRINT. Start with the pattern. Do you gravitate towards stripes or florals? Do you want something subtle or bold? Do you want to bring nature indoors, or use a formal print with history? Wallpaper is such a personal choice, and when you see something that resonates, you’ll know it. If you choose the right wallpaper, it will feel good in any room and make you happy every time you see it. COLOR. This is a big factor when choosing wallpaper. If you love yellow, a wallpaper with yellow hues will always feel right. If you already have other elements for the space, consider the other key pieces. Rugs, sofas and artwork should either coordinate with or complement the wallpaper. LOCATION. Accent walls are a great way to make a memorable…

The aroma of apple pie fills your home and immediately warms the hearts of those who walk through your door. Sarah Kieffer, author of Baking for the Holidays: 50+ Treats for a Festive Season, bakes her traditions with her family. Make this apple pie a part of yours. MAKES: 6–8 servings PREP TIME: 1–2 hours BAKE TIME: 1 hour, 15 minutes CHILL TIME: 20 minutes, 4 hours WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • 2½ pounds (7–8) Gala apples, peeled, cored and sliced into ¼-in [6-mm] pieces• ¼ cup light brown sugar• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice• ¼ teaspoon salt• 2 tablespoons cornstarch• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon• ½ cup hard cider or apple cider• ¾ cup caramel or salted caramel, at room temperature• All-purpose flour, for dusting• 2 batches of pie crust dough…

WOODLAND HOLIDAY DIYS, PAGE 12 For more on Ahna, visit hammersnhugs.com or follow her on Instagram @ahna_hammersnhugs. PLAID PERFECTION, PAGE 16 For more on Liberty, visit b4andafter.com. HOLIDAY HOSTING GIFTS, PAGE 18 For more on Brittany, visit brittanystager.com. TABLETOP TREASURES, PAGE 30 For more on Jen, follow her on Instagram @poodlehound. VETTEL FARM VINTAGE, PAGE 32 For more on Courtney, visit thevettelfarm.com. For more on Lights.com, visit lights.com. BOUGHS OF HOLLY, PAGE 34 For more on Lynch Creek Farm, visit lynchcreekwreaths.com. MERRY MINIMAL CHRISTMAS, PAGE 38 For more on Kate, visit oharainteriors.com or follow her on Instagram @ohara_interiors. Architect: Murphy & Co. Design. Visit murphycodesign.com. Bedroom chair, white birch trunk table: Oly Studio. Visit olystudio.com. Bedroom painting by Anne Siems: In Wally Workman Gallery. Visit wallywork-mangallery.com. Builder/remodel: John Kraemer &…