The Cottage Journal Cottage Style Christmas 2017

Season’s Greetings to you! It seems the grand beginning for all the holiday festivities is the tree—the center of all celebrating and gift-giving. Most of us recall from years past a visit to a local farm or garden market to select the perfect tree. Family journeys with my own children always led to a spectacular cedar, peppered with tiny pinecones, that smelled so fragrant as we drove home with our prize tied to the top of our Jeep. Of course, later, the children would always beg for a second tree, just for good measure, in the playroom. Perhaps they believed we could entice Santa Claus to come sooner. In mid-December, we love having a special trim-the-tree evening. I’ll prepare a light dinner so we can begin decorating the tree early.…

Longtime friends and antiques aficionados Elisabeth Byram and Kaye Collett were unexpectedly given the chance to have their own shop, so the two ladies jumped right in. More than twenty years later, that fortuitous venture is thriving, right along with their cherished friendship. Located in the charming Old Cloverdale community in Montgomery, Alabama, Cottage Collections is filled to the brim with Country French and English Country antiques, lovely paintings, and vintage accessories. Elisabeth and Kaye’s simple strategy of buying what they love translates into a wonderful array of interesting treasures. And the shop takes on a whole new ambience come Christmastime. The amiable owners have set up charming vignettes throughout the shop so that it feels like walking into someone’s cozy home—albeit someone with exquisite taste and an eye for…

“I didn’t set out to collect 75,000 Santas,” Judy Parsons says with a laugh. When asked about her massive collection that has expanded over the last four decades, she admits, “It just sort of happened.” Judy began making her own ceramic Santas in the ’60s and ’70s, when ceramics were popular and when she didn’t have the money to buy the items she wanted. As the years went by, she would occasionally purchase Santa figurines and other unique Christmas ornaments by the box-full at local thrift shops. She knew she had a lot of Christmas decorations in storage, but she didn’t yet realize she was cultivating such a distinctive collection. While building their current home, Judy requested a storage room for all of her seasonal decorations, and once she saw…

In Cathy Lindberg’s opinion, there’s no better Christmas tree than a Fraser fir. She and her husband have been buying them from the same North Carolina tree farm for so long that the growers often have a tree hand-picked and ready for them when they arrive. Cathy likes the tree because its sturdy, stiff branches are perfect for showcasing ornaments. In addition to the star and a musical-note garland that the Lindbergs have had since their first Christmas together, Cathy decorates with an ever-expanding collection of ornaments specially purchased for her three daughters. When they leave home, they’ll each have a box of “starter” ornaments to take with them. Style Idea Caramel walls serve as a neutral palette for Yuletide décor. Comfortable slipper chairs upholstered in blackand- cream toile encourage…

We’re all fond of older, more established neighborhoods that, when decked out for the holidays, just seem to capture the timeless Yuletide spirit. While many of the homes in these areas are already enchanting, they become even more magical once embellished with freshly cut greenery, sparkling lights, and colorful ornaments. Style Idea Think “outside the tree” when decorating with twinkle lights, as they can add an enchanting glow to any room. Alabama homeowners Jim and Dolly Walker are proud to live in their historic neighborhood, which transforms itself every December into a scene worthy of a Currier and Ives lithograph . Built in 1910 during the heyday of the Arts and Crafts era, their Craftsman-styled, fieldstone abode is a delight to behold, particularly when the family busies themselves in preparation…

After more than 20 years of decorating her home, Brenda Lovett continues to mix up her holiday décor each year, incorporating elements from nature as well as accent pieces from around the house. Brenda’s home interiors, layered in natural tones and rich textures, provide an elegant backdrop for fresh seasonal design elements. Brenda said she focuses her holiday décor choices around the style of her home, choosing subtle elements of Christmas for each room. One way she makes a big impact at virtually no cost is by using fresh greenery such as magnolia leaves and pine needles clipped straight from her backyard. “As much as I possibly can, I bring in live plants,” she says, noting that “there’s so much around us here in the South that’s so beautiful and…