Sure, walking through bustling city streets with frantic holiday shoppers and stores adorned with red-and-green window displays whilst snowflakes gently glide down from the sky is magical. But if we had to crown one generalized setting as the place that truly embodies the spirit of Christmas, it's the warm and cozy farmhouse. There's just something so festive and charming about farmhouse Christmas decor that makes it timeless and classic year after year.
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Be it a nostalgic reminder of our roots or the fact that we've watched one too many Hallmark Christmas movies, there's just something about the simplicity and country charm of a farmhouse that screams Christmas. Is there anything better than cuddling up under a soft, buffalo-plaid blanket, sipping on hot cocoa by the fireplace, and gazing at twinkling lights hung from a rustic barn beam?
No, there isn't.
But most of us aren't blessed with a worn-down yet quaint home in the countryside to call our own. Luckily, we can still achieve that same festive feel by incorporating some farmhouse-inspired Christmas decor into our condos, apartments, and suburban homes. We've scoured the internet (okay, mostly just Pinterest) for the best ideas from bloggers who have mastered the art of blending rustic charm with holiday cheer.
They created the blueprint. So, if you want to spend this season feeling like you're living in a country Christmas movie set, just copy and paste. All of these ideas are perfectly paired with a DIY Christmas wreath to cheer up your front door and either a real Christmas tree or a fake Christmas tree with all the magic of the real thing.
Repurpose old tins
Channeling your inner farm dweller means giving things a second life. And one often overlooked item is tin cans. Itty Bitty Farmhouse gives us a perfect example of how those rusty old tins instantly become charming holiday decorations when you use them as vases for mini trees.
Obviously, a can with a vintage flair like this one will look a lot cuter on your coffee table than the 99-cent can of black beans you just bought at Kroger. So keep your eyes peeled at thrift stores or antique markets to really nail that farmhouse aesthetic.
Decorate with vintage holiday items
In that same vein, we're going to urge you to skip the big-box stores for holiday decorations this year. Instead, head to your local flea market and search for vintage holiday items. You'll feel like you've hit the jackpot when you come across an old sled, a wooden toy soldier, or a set of bronze bells.
But you don't have to spend a ton on a prized find. Sarah Jane Interiors' little stack of vintage holiday-themed books proves that even small, inexpensive items can add a ton of Christmas character to your home.
Embrace natural elements
One of the most iconic symbols of farmhouse living is the use of natural, rustic elements in home decor. And when it comes to Christmas, this means incorporating items like pinecones, branches, and dried oranges into your decorations.
Not only are these items cheap and easy to find (hello nature), but they also add a cozy touch to any room. Just look at how this simple citrus garland by The Rural Legend adds a pop of color and warmth to an otherwise plain kitchen window.
Opt for classic candles over stringy lights
We love a good set of stringy lights, especially around a Christmas tree. But do you know what really screams farmhouse? Candles. Specifically, the classic clip-on candles that grandma used to put on her tree.
They add a vintage touch to your holiday centerpiece, and you find battery-operated alternatives that look old-fashioned without threatening to burn down your whole house. You can thank The Art of Doing Stuff for the tip.
Go simple
Decorating with a farmhouse feel doesn't mean you have to go minimal. But it does mean that you should strive for a more simple and cozy aesthetic rather than going over-the-top with flashy decorations.
Take notes from Handmade Farmhouse and stick to simple decor ideas like this DIY package wall hanging she created. It's adorable and can be recreated with just a few supplies you might already have on hand.
Skip the tree skirt
We can hear the collective gasp of horror from all the traditionalists out there. But hear us out: a tree skirt is just one more item to store away or trip over once the holiday season is over. Plus, it's not exactly farmhouse chic.
Instead, stick that sack of pine needles in a wicker basket you can reuse for other purposes throughout the year. Just take a peek at how darling For the Home made their tree look with this simple swap.
Stick with the traditional color scheme
There are sooooo many trendy color schemes and themes for Christmas decorations out there right now. But if you want to truly embrace farmhouse decor, stick with the classics: red, green, and neutrals.
As Blessings and Raindrops shows us, there's just something magical about that traditional color scheme when paired with natural elements and classic decor. And tons of dreamy candlelight, of course.
Don't throw out those pine branches
Every Christmas tree gets an extra trim when it crosses the threshold, and those branches are the perfect ingredient to add some festive charm to your home.
Rather than tossing them in the trash, use them as a base for a rustic wreath or rustic holiday arrangement like Rocky Hedge Farm. They last longer than fresh flowers and add a cozy touch to any room.
Upgrade your glass ornaments
Amber glass adds a touch of vintage charm to any room, and it's no different when it comes to holiday decor. So why not upgrade your traditional glass ornaments with a DIY project?
We love how Craftberry Bush used glass paint to create these gorgeous amber ornaments. They're simple yet elegant and tie in perfectly with a farmhouse aesthetic.
Utilize what you have
Even though physically you may be in Manhattan, mentally, you are in the country. That means you make the most of whatever you can find in your own backyard.
As Simply2Moms shows us, even a few branches and pinecones can be transformed into a festive centerpiece. All it takes is a little imagination.
READ MORE: The Best Holiday Candles To Warm Your House This Season