Farmhouse Christmas 2021 - T

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farmhouse christmas
C ontent�
4 Joyful, joyful 40 the Magic of 70 it’s A wrap
At Azure Farm, the the holiday Mantel The thought is what
depar tment� Christmas celebrations Three looks for decorating counts, right?
extend to the chicken coop, your mantel your way. Thoughtful, handcrafted
greenhouse, and more. adornments make your
46 Style Evolution gifts count double.
3 14 Holly jolly Cozy is the name of the
from the editor treasure Hunting game at a historical 78 Good news of Great Joy
Emily Baker is a longtime Massachusetts farmhouse. Despite their Alabama
96 collector of all things locale, the Russells want
final note vintage Christmas. Here she 54 Garden Delights their home to feel like a
shares a few of her notable Gift ideas for those who winter wonderland.
collections and knowledge. treasure blooms.
86 True Blue
20 Handmade for the Holidays 58 forces of Nature Give your Christmas
In Milwaukee, Jenni Yolo Craft holiday decor decor a breath of fresh air
crafts her seasonal decor using leaves, twigs, and with a classic blue-and-
with simple, modern style. other foraged wares. white color palette.
30 Christmas from the Heart 64 Home for the holidays

The Wassermans celebrate When the Keller family
the holidays with traditions reclaimed their Idaho
and happy memories. farmhouse, it was the best
Christmas ever.
farmhouse christmas 2021 | 1

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Merry Christmas
Authentic farmhouse style lends itself to
simple delights as we celebrate this
festive time of the year. On these pages
you’ll find homes, crafts, and ideas that
will inspire the heartwarming comfort
we all crave. The owners of our featured
homes deck their halls with fresh greens
cut from their own backyards, vintage
collections beautifully displayed, and
a variety of personal touches. No matter
the farmhouse decorating approach,
each embodies simple Christmas joy.
We hope you’ll find cheer in our
handmade gift wrap ideas (page 70),
dried orange slice garlands (page 20),
and gifts to give from the garden
(page 54)—all projects easy to achieve.
Turn the page to find simple inspiration
for every room in your farmhouse
and embrace the spirit of the season!
BHG.com/FarmhouseChristmas |3
THIS PHOTO Annette and Jared Thurmon revived a tradition from Jared’s family with
their 2½-year-old daughter, Ava: They head to the tree farm to cut down small evergreens
to place in buckets on the front porch. OPPOSITE Garland and a collection of antique
bells form the foundation of Annette’s natural-leaning decor; she switches the accents year
to year to get different looks. “I won’t do the exact same thing twice,” she says.
With a young daughter
and an ever-expanding
host of farm animals, this
young family’s Christmas
celebrations are getting
bigger, deeper, and more
magical by the year.
joyful,
joyful
Photography by ADAM ALBRIGHT Written by JOANNA LINBERG

THIS PHOTO “My tree is very natural. It has no glass
ornaments. It’s really simple,” Annette says. She tucked
magnolia leaves from her property between the prelit
branches, along with dried orange slices and cinnamon sticks.
Velvet ribbon bows and antique bells fancy it up just a bit.
it’s the morning after
Christmas and annette
thurmon is wrapped up
in the monogrammed bathrobe her mother-in-law
gave her the day before. But she’s not tucked into a
chair by the fireplace—she’s out in her chicken coop
feeding her flock. December is a relatively restful time
on Azure Farm, the 5 acres one hour north of Atlanta
where Annette and her husband, Jared, raise alpacas,
miniature horses, chickens, ducks, geese, and their
daughter, Ava, 2½. “A lot of our focus gets to be inside
our home this time of year,” Annette says. “And I’m excited because Ava is bigger and will be ABOVE An old window
able to be a little more a part of it.” frame the couple found in
At the start of the season, the Thurmons tromp around the farm gathering evergreen their barn crowns Annette’s
built-in office nook. At
branches destined for vases and cedar boughs and pinecones to turn into garlands. “I try to do
Christmas, the nook hosts
very natural decorating with what we find,” Annette says. “Whatever season, I try to bring a an Advent calendar and
lot of the outdoors in instead of overly ‘done’ decor.” photographs of holidays
But that doesn’t mean she doesn’t have a plan. Every year, Annette makes a short list of past. “I want to focus on
easy-to-find or -make materials, then tucks the results into the greenery, scatters them on the importance of family
the table, and piles them in bowls for Ava to grab and examine. This year, dried orange slices, and the reason behind the
bundles of cinnamon sticks, and velvet ribbon are her go-tos. “I cut magnolia leaves and put holiday,” Annette says.
“Hopefully our traditions
those in the Christmas tree,” Annette says. “Christmas decor is expensive. Instead of buying,
bring us closer together.”
I go outside and get it.”
She strings up another holiday constant, her collection of antique bells, then heads outside.
“Of course I decorate the greenhouse for the holidays!” she says. And the chicken coop, and
the barn, and the other outbuildings, which all are trimmed with garland and stocked with
trees big and small. It’s enchanting to Ava—and the grown-ups, too, especially while they’re
performing the daily work of tending their animals. “When you think about it, it’s still just
your normal life, but when there are twinkle lights, it does make it more special,” Annette says.
When the setting includes a miniature horse trotting around with a tartan scarf around her
neck, it’s magical. Annette and Jared are focusing their newest traditions on creating meaning
that’s just as impactful: An Advent calendar with cards suggesting ways to help or give to
others hangs in Annette’s office nook. She prints photos of family at previous Christmases
to prompt retellings of important memories. And then they make new ones, preparing and
enjoying a Cuban feast on Christmas Eve with Annette’s parents, who live next door and
emigrated decades ago. The next day, they join Jared’s family for a riotous meal where Ava is
taken under the wing of her older cousins.
It doesn’t get better than this, unless they can rope the animals in, too. Annette already
has an idea brewing on that front. “I’ve thought of doing a nativity scene inside with the
donkeys,” she says, taking advantage of her easy-clean concrete floors. “It will be them, and a
big 2½-year-old baby in the manger.”

“We planned our main room and dining room for
large gatherings. I wanted the whole family to
sit down at the dining table for the holidays.”
—ANNETTE THURMON,
HOMEOWNER
THIS PHOTO Any place in the dining room that can hold greenery does. “It’s kind of wild in
there,” Annette says of the space that hosts Christmas Eve dinner. She wove spruce into her
birdcage chandeliers, hung garland and wreaths in doorways and windows, and dropped spare
branches into vases on the buffet. “I do a little more because we’re not in there all the time; it can
have extra.” OPPOSITE Annette relies on sentimental pieces (those are Jared’s grandmother’s
glasses), candles, and a layered place setting to elevate her salvage-wood-topped table.
ABOVE Annette never leaves the kitchen out of her
decorating plans. “It’s part of the fun for me, but we use this
space every day, so it’s gotta be livable,” she says. To save
room for cookie making and gingerbread house decorating,
she focuses on small additions, literally: mini faux trees on the
shelves, tiny wreaths hung in a few spots, and a bell or two.
RIGHT The utility cart in the kitchen is a mix of practical and
pretty, hosting table linens and phone chargers hidden in an
antique toolbox, plus extra orange slices, cinnamon sticks,
and pinecones. Some items, like the eggs collected from the
Thurmons’ flock of chickens, are both. OPPOSITE With
Ava came new traditions, like a metal Christmas tree for her
bedroom. “All the ornaments on it were given to her, or I
collected them before she was born, or we’ve made them
since,” Annette says. A flocked garland wraps the center pole
for more texture and “snow.”
10 | farmhouse christmas 2021

Dressing Greens
LIKE THE IDEA OF KEEPING THINGS SIMPLE THIS YEAR?
LET ANNETTE THURMON’S PAST (AND POTENTIAL FUTURE) IDEAS FOR
PAIRING GREENERY WITH EXTRAS GET YOU STARTED.
GOLDEN HOUR ALL IS CALM

Dried lemons spiked with cloves, Mixed evergreen branches
golden bells, pine accents, plus to set off the golden bells
humble twine for hanging. and white ornaments; burlap
accents throughout.
RED HOT
Dried apple slices and cinnamon COOLING EFFECT
sticks tucked in blue spruce boughs, Silver bells and blue velvet ribbon
and fresh cranberries in pinecone-studded cedar garland,
in glass jars with candles. with cedar swags and wreaths.
OPPOSITE The balmy greenhouse is a favorite respite from 20-degree
winter days, so Annette pumps up the festive spirit with trees in pots,
trees in buckets, and garlands. The space is big enough for a table, and she
hopes to host a holiday party there one day. For now, it’s enough to watch
Ava harvest the spinach, lettuce, and herbs they grow in the wintertime.
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP Alpakita arrived with her mama at Azure Farm at
a month old, and now the full-grown alpaca has been joined by four others,
including her own offspring, Felix. The goats know a good photo op when
they see one. Nutmeg, one of two miniature horses on the farm, poses in
front of the chicken coop, which also gets Annette’s signature greens.

Inspired by childhood
memories of celebrating
Christmas at her grandma’s
house, Emily Baker
collects and displays vintage
yuletide items
with a very merry zeal.
Styled & written by LACEY HOWARD
Photography by JAY WILDE
WHAT Bottle-brush trees, a midcentury Christmas decorating must-have, are one of today’s popular
collectibles—as both vintage and new. “There are a few things to look for when trying to determine
if one is actually old,” collector Emily Baker says—fading color on bristles, rust and dust where the
center wire meets the base, and bent, tattered, or missing bristles. Trees come in a variety of sizes and
colors, and some even have tiny decorations. “Most, if not all, of my decorated trees are missing a piece
or two,” Emily says. “I feel that it just adds to the charm.”
DISPLAY IDEAS “The great thing about trees,” Emily says, “is you can put them anywhere to add a little spark of
Christmas.” Create a forest on its own, or place trees in your putz village.
COST “Depending on where you are, you can find trees for a couple bucks or, for larger ones, $25 and
more,” Emily says. “For me, the challenge is to find the ones with extras like fruit or mercury glass
ornaments tucked in. To me those are now more desirable.”
14 farmhouse christmas 2021

"At Christmastime,
the same excitement I had as a child when finally
arriving at Grandma’s in Michigan after a really, really
long drive floods my mind as I unpack my collections
and decorate,” says Atlanta-area collector Emily Baker,
who blogs about antiques at myweatheredhome.com
and posts on Instagram @myweatheredhome. “We
spent Christmas with her every single year, and my
collections remind me of her.”
Emily’s beloved collections of vintage Christmas
decor literally began in her grandparents’ home. “They
had moved out, and my dad and I took a trip up there
to clean some things out. I was always drawn to her
Christmas decor, and going through those things and
WHAT “Vintage Santa mugs are one of
remembering sparked my interest. I took as much
the hottest vintage Christmas
as I could,” she says. In the years since, Emily, who items these days,” Emily says.
describes herself as “no expert, but a passionate, “People are buying them up as fast
longtime collector,” has added droves to those items as they can!” Emily’s first mugs
rescued from her grandmother’s holiday bins. “In 2013 came from her grandma’s house
my kids were small and I began an antiques business. and, at last count, her collection
That is when my passion and my collections exploded,” is 67 mugs strong. The first Santa
mugs were produced in 1949 as
she says. “I have always loved old Christmas. I don’t
part of a seasonal dishware set
like to put it up for sale,” she says. “It is hard for me to by Holt-Howard. “Most of mine
part with it!” have indented markings—Holt-
Emily displays her collections of putz houses, bottle- Howard, Japan, or Taiwan. These
brush trees, Santa mugs, mercury-glass ornaments, markings are almost always an
and more in carefully curated and lovingly constructed indicator that you have a true
vignettes throughout her home—on the shelves of vintage mug,” Emily says. “I’ve
seen vintage-look Santa mugs for
timeworn cabinets and bookshelves, on mantels and
sale at Target, Pottery Barn, and
kitchen and bathroom countertops. But she doesn’t other places.” For vintage, make
repeat herself. “I don’t decorate the same way every sure “you can tell they’ve been
time—I won’t do what I did this year again next year,” around,” she says. But keep in
she says. “Our family items like the Advent calendar mind that today’s mugs are the
always go in the same place, but my collections bounce collectibles of the future.
around and I display them differently. And I don’t use DISPLAY Vintage mugs are perfect for
everything every year—I mix it up.” IDEAS display on kitchen shelves or in
For Emily, not unpacking and displaying every single cupboards.
thing year after year raises each item’s sentimental COST “Last Christmas I paid $5 for one—
value, because she enjoys them less often, and amps that’s a fair, low price,” Emily
up the nostalgia. “I remember riding in the back seat says. Santa mugs with a jeweled
eye or a bell or a winking Santa
of a big old Oldsmobile, driving around the island
are more desirable and can be as
south of Detroit, oohing and ahhing at Christmas
much as $45 each. Sets—mugs
lights with Grandma,” Emily says. “I think all those with a pitcher—are also sought-
vivid childhood memories tie into my excitement and after and go for well over $100.
passion for collecting.” “Now I’m looking for really unique
ones,” Emily says.
WHAT Gurley candles began in Buffalo,
New York, marketed under the brand
name Tavern. In 1949, the company
name changed to Gurley Novelty
Co., and the candles’ popularity
grew until the 1970s. Today, they are
having a resurgence as a sought-after
collectible. “Most Gurley candles
have a cardboard label attached to
the bottom with the name ‘Gurley.’
They mostly sold in dime stores
and, later, in department stores like
Macy’s,” Emily says. “I have smaller
ones [originally] priced for 10 cents
and larger ones marked for 49 cents.”
When shopping, remember that
Tavern and Gurley are synonymous,
but also beware of reproductions.
“The Vermont Country Store bought
the rights to the Gurley candle molds
and now produces them,” Emily says.
DISPLAY While Christmas-theme Gurleys (trees,
IDEAS Santas, choir singers, reindeer) are
popular, Gurley produced candles
for every holiday. Emily says she uses
them seasonally, from reindeer in
winter vignettes to yellow ducks in
spring scenes.
COST Originally sold as single shapes and as
sets, today Gurley candles can range
from “a couple dollars up to $80 or
more for a set in its original box,”
Emily says.

WHAT Plastic nativity scenes are “quirky and very
charming,” Emily says. “They are a really easy
collectible because the whole scene is one piece—
there aren’t tiny pieces that get lost.” Because
these vintage items are plastic and stamped “Made
in Hong Kong,” Emily’s best guess is that they are
midcentury. “Early Christmas items are usually
German- and Japanese-made. Taiwan and Hong
Kong are makers of 1950s and ’60s goods,” she says.
DISPLAY “I only have four so far,” Emily says of her newest
IDEAS collection. “It will be interesting this year to see
how many I find.” She can envision having them as
ornaments on a tree, or each in its own glass jar,
nestled in sand, with a star ornament hung from the
jar’s lid to create a diorama.
COST Emily picked up her first miniature plastic crèche
at an estate sale. “I saw this box labeled ‘Vintage
Christmas’ sitting on a shelf.” She paid $3. “And I
paid 25 cents for a tiny one,” she says.
WHAT Blown-glass Shiny Brite-brand ornaments (known

for being silvered on the inside and painted in
vibrant hues on the outside) were the signature
adornment of midcentury Christmas trees and
made in America. Today, many people refer to all
vintage glass ornaments as Shiny Brite, but that’s
not accurate. “My oldest handblown, hand-painted
ornaments came from Germany and Poland and are
probably early 1900s,” Emily says.
DISPLAY “Honestly, any way you can show off their beauty is
IDEAS great—in bowls, a candy dish, a chicken feeder with
sisal or straw. Use your imagination,” Emily says. Even
the empty ornament boxes are collectible.
COST “Single ornaments are usually around $3 each
for common colors upwards of $10 to $20 each
depending on the condition and how unique it is.
The more intricate the ornament, like reflectors
and double reflectors, the more it costs,” she says.
“And prices vary by location.”
WHAT The original putz villages were created in Central Europe by children and families who would gather
sticks, leaves, and other natural elements to create a scene around the crèche. Later, Germany began
manufacturing tiny cardboard houses, followed by the Japanese making putz houses for sale in American
dime stores. The first were candy boxes, and later someone thought to insert a light in the hole through
which the candy was removed. Look for a stamp on the bottom of the cardboard structure indicating
“made in Japan” or “made in Germany.” Many times, the delicate cellophane windows will be broken or
missing—an authentic sign of age, Emily says.
DISPLAY Create a whole neighborhood on a mantel, under the Christmas tree, or even in the tree with houses perched
IDEAS on branches. But one single house can make a statement. “Start with just one and give it a special moment
by lighting it with a battery-powered tea light,” Emily says.
COST As with all vintage items, cost depends on the seller. “The lowest I’ve paid for a putz house is $1—the
seller didn’t understand its value. And then on eBay I saw one for $100,” Emily says. When browsing
antiques stores, keep your eyes peeled, she advises: “Putz houses are small, so they can be easy to miss.”
WHAT “I have a small collection of old
wooden butter molds and I adore
them,” Emily says. The molds come
in various sizes and are mainly round
or rectangular, and most have a
stamp or pattern engraved into the
end of a wooden plunger. “Long
ago, butter was used to barter. The
farmer who made butter wanted
to mark his product. There was no
fancy packaging back then, so these
stamps helped the townspeople buy
which butter they liked best,”
Emily says.
DISPLAY “When I find one with a ‘snowflake’
IDEAS stamp, I always scoop it up,” Emily
says. “I don’t think they were
intended to be snowflakes, but
that is what I see! I like to use these
during the winter as decor. I flip the
molds on their sides and allow the
engraved stamp to show.” During the
remainder of the year, she displays
the molds upright in a cabinet.
“When shopping, I look for signs of
age and wear. Any utilitarian item like
these will look used,” she says.
COST Molds can be round, square, or
rectangular, and “the more unique
the mark, the more expensive,” Emily
says. “In antiques stores, you might
see a cute small one for $10. On eBay,
a really unique one might be priced
at $400 to $500. The one I saw for
that price wasn't large but had a
unique stamp.”

handmade
holidays
As soon as it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, DIY star Jenni Yolo
begins stringing together natural elements to make her home merry.
Styling by LACEY HOWARD Photography by JAY WILDE Written by LAURA KOSTELNY
THIS PHOTO Orange slices and wood beads strung on

twine decorate the mantel’s garland of mixed greens.
“I soak the cypress for 24 hours to try to get it wilt-
proof and say a little prayer that it will last,” homeowner
Jenni Yolo says. OPPOSITE The tree is trimmed with
handmade ornaments, white lights, and burlap ribbon.

Forget visions of sugarplums, lords a-leaping, and store-bought tinsel.
For Jenni Yolo, the holidays are synonymous with made-with-care ornaments, a surf-and-turf
menu, and toddler-friendly karaoke. The Milwaukee, Wisconsin-based DIY maven has made it her
business to build a huge following—223,000 strong on Instagram @ispydiy—with her pretty-yet-
practical take on home renovation, so it’s little surprise that she also brings plenty of creativity
and a certain can-do spirit to holiday decor. Almost the minute the Thanksgiving plates have been
cleared, she grabs her list—checks it twice—and heads to the tree farm with husband David and
their almost 2-year-old daughter in search of the right Christmas tree. “I run around trying to pick
out the perfect specimen as my husband pulls our kid around in a wagon. It is stressful,” Jenni says.
After the family hauls home the perfect score, it takes its place of honor in a spot that Jenni has
already spruced up. “We put up the green paneling in the living room, so the blue balsam looks
ABOVE David and Jenni Yolo
with their daughter. extra beautiful,” she says. When it comes time to deck the halls, she leans into a special blend of
natural elements. Dried orange slices, twine, and wood beads make for a sweet garland on the
tree and mantel. (Get the how-to, page 27.) Batches of salt dough are baked into simple-yet-elegant
ornaments and toppers for packages wrapped in kraft paper. Cypress garlands are swagged over
windows, on banisters, and across the oven hood. “It’s fun to decorate with things that have a real
handmade quality,” she says. “Making ornaments is something I can do with my daughter every
year, and then we can hold on to them and use them for years to come.”
Once Christmas Eve finally rolls around, Jenni rolls up her sleeves for another big project: the
annual steak-and-lobster dinner. “That’s a tradition in my family,” she says. And while this family
of three waits to open the majority of their presents with extended family on Christmas Day, Baby
Yolo will unwrap a few the night before. “It’s fun to see the joy she brings to the whole holiday
process. She has a little karaoke boom box, and she just bops around all over the place,” Jenni says.
“Having this little walking human around makes everything just a little extra special.”

OPPOSITE LEFT Dark green walls (Behr’s
Black Evergreen) are the perfect backdrop
for a trio of tiny artificial trees that Jenni
found on Amazon. “I make them a little
more special by ‘potting’ them in vintage
vessels,” she says. OPPOSITE RIGHT The
stairway is home to a collection of vintage
paintings—mostly sourced from the local
Goodwill—and a banister twirled up with
garland, burlap ribbon, and bells. “I like a
pop of brass,” Jenni says. “It adds something
a little extra.” THIS PHOTO A spray of
evergreen beneath an array of vintage brass
candlesticks dresses the dining table.
“it makes it more fun to
decorate with things that you can
make and keep for years.”
—JENNI YOLO, HOMEOWNER

OPPOSITE Because the kitchen
is the most popular gathering
place, Jenni likes to deck it out
with greenery, both real and faux.
She hangs artificial boxwood
wreaths with red-striped burlap
ribbon and adds sprigs of
cypress in unexpected spots like
behind breadboards and vintage
paintings. ABOVE Jenni advises
keeping an eye on sprigs that
adorn oven hoods. “Some areas
are more garland-friendly than
others,” she says. “We have to
watch for needles falling into
our food.” ABOVE RIGHT
The wall color (Redend Point
by Sherwin-Williams) in Baby
Yolo’s reading nook was inspired
by her very first artwork, and
she gets a right-size tree with
simple white lights that’s all her
very own. RIGHT The cozy loft
guest room is outfitted with a
metal bed (an Amazon find) and
a vintage perch for perfectly
wrapped presents.
THIS PHOTO Even the
mudroom gets glad tidings
with a combination of fresh
greenery, a single strand
of citrus garland, and
flashes of red that pop
against the soft gray planks
(Behr’s Doeskin Gray).

citrus crafts
CITRUS ISN’T JUST FOR SNACKING
THIS TIME OF YEAR. WHEN DRIED, SLICES
TURN INTO VIBRANT, JEWEL-TONE
FOCAL POINTS FOR DECORATING PACKAGES,
GARLANDS, AND WREATHS.
PHOTO AND STYLING: JENNI YOLO
dried citrus slices
PREP 10 MINUTES
BAKE 2 HOURS AT 200˚F
PRESS CLOVES
INTO FRUIT NEAR
2 medium blood oranges EDGES OF DRIED
2 medium oranges or lemons CITRUS SLICES.
2 or 3 clementines or PUNCH SMALL
1 red grapefruit HOLES INTO BAY
LEAVES USING A
1. Preheat oven to 200°F. Line PAPER PUNCH.
STRING TOGETHER
a large baking sheet with
ON TWINE.
parchment paper. Cut the fruit
into ¼-inch slices. Arrange on
prepared baking sheet.
2. Bake 2 to 3 hours or until fruit
is nearly dried, turning over
once or twice if needed. Small
fruit, such as the lemons and
clementines, will dry more
quickly (2 to 2¹/₂ hours)
than the larger oranges. Cool
completely (fruit slices will
continue to dry as they cool).
USE A COOKIE
CUTTER TO
PUNCH STARS
FROM LEMON
AND ORANGE
PEELS. STRING
WITH DRIED
CITRUS SLICES.
PAINT WOOD BEADS
WITH ACRYLIC
PAINT. STRING
BEADS AND DRIED
CITRUS SLICES
ONTO TWINE. WRAP
GARLAND WITH
LEAF RIBBON.
STRINGING ALONG
When making garland,
wrap one end of twine, cord,
or ribbon with tape
(any kind will do). It will
give you a stiff end for
BRIE PASSANO
easier stringing.
WRAP YARN AROUND
PACKAGE AND STRING
THROUGH CENTER
OF A DRIED CITRUS
SLICE. TIE YARN AROUND
ATTACH A DRIED A EUCALYPTUS SPRIG;
CITRUS SLICE TRIM EXCESS.
AND A HANDMADE
PAPER TAG
TO PACKAGE WITH
RIBBON.
STRING DRIED
CITRUS SLICES ONTO
TWINE AND WRAP
TWINE AROUND
PACKAGE. TUCK IN
CINNAMON STICKS.
STACK DRIED CITRUS

SLICES AND STRING
ONTO TWINE OR WIRE.
ATTACH TO POM-POM
TRIM. TUCK ROSEMARY
BRIE PASSANO
SPRIGS INTO TRIM IN

WREATH SHAPE (USE HOT
GLUE IF NECESSARY).

Like a scene from a Norman Rockwell painting,
the Wasserman family celebrates the most
wonderful time of the year with age-old traditions
alongside unforgettable modern touches.
Styled & written by LACEY HOWARD Photography by JAY WILDE

OPPOSITE Jess and Tyler
Wasserman’s Monroeville, Ohio,
home welcomes the holidays with
twinkling lights, wreaths on every
window, and a display of trees
and vintage finds on the deep
front porch. THIS PHOTO Harper
Wasserman’s playhouse gets into
the spirit with a wreath, garland,
and mini trees alongside a wood
star she found when antiquing
with her mom. The front door is
painted red just for the holidays.
When jess wasserman’s son
discovered a love for local
corn on the cob after years
of an anti-veggie diet, she gave Reid a blown-glass ear-of-
corn Christmas ornament. And when her daughter, who
loves to pick berries, learned to make jam, Harper received
a strawberry ornament. Giving each member of her family a
memorial ornament each Christmas is one of Jess’ favorite
holiday traditions. Second favorite: handing out each family
member’s box full of those annual ornaments when they
decorate the large tree in the living room. “Everyone takes
their box and unwraps the ornaments,” Jess says. “It is
exciting to see them all again and talk about the memories.”
While the living room tree holds the memorial ornaments,
Jess and her husband, Tyler, make a concerted effort to create
and display Christmas memories in every nook and cranny of
their home. Three sets of Christmas cards are clipped onto
ribbons: The current year’s cards received from others are
strung across the living room windows; their own family’s
annual cards, starting with Jess and Tyler’s first Christmas
together, hang at the kitchen sink; and vintage cards adorn
the breakfast nook. A View-Master toy rests on the living
room coffee table with holiday reels to scroll through. “I love
to display unexpected, fun things like that,” Jess says, noting
that a nearby crate is filled with sheet music of Christmas
songs. “Those are conversation pieces that spark memories
for our friends and visitors.”
Jess’ own Christmas memories keep her holiday decorating
focused on classic trimmings such as wreaths on every
window, garlands draped across the mantel and swagged
along the stairway banister, and a toy train that circles the
base of the tree. “I am inspired by what Mom did when I was
growing up and holding on to those traditions,” Jess says.
“One of the big things she always did was put holiday music
on the record player. The Carpenters’ Christmas record was
a big one!” Keeping the memory alive, the Wassermans have
a record player that they pull out with the holiday decor, “and
we pull out the records—Elvis and The Carpenters—and play
them. It makes me really happy,” Jess says.
Then there’s the baking. “Mom would let each of us pick
our favorite cookie or treat, and we would help her make
that,” she says. “I do that now, too.” Jess spends time with
all three of her children making peanut butter blossoms and
chocolate chow mein clusters and decorating sugar cookies.
“We all do it together and there are treats out all the time!”
For Jess, it is all part of creating “an old-fashioned Christmas
that feels cozy and warm,” she says—and memories of all
the heartwarming sights, fresh-baked scents, and holiday
sounds—for her family.

The toy train enjoys a place of pride under the tree every year where it chugs and
plays music as it loops the track. “The kids love it,” Jess says. “My oldest, Reid, got
it from Santa on his first Christmas.” The tree (a large faux, prelit European fir)
includes all their annual memorial ornaments and “stuff the kids have made, plus
a few ornaments from Ty’s and my childhood,” Jess says. “It’s an array of lots of
stuff and colors. There’s not a theme, but it feels like Christmas to me.” Purchased
strands of popcorn and homemade garlands of dried oranges drape the branches.

“my christmas is a mix of old and new,
keeping vintage elements
and adding in new traditions.”
—JESS WASSERMAN, HOMEOWNER
OPPOSITE TOP The front door practically sings with Christmas spirit. “I try
to decorate the front of the house while the kids are at school and turn all the
lights on before I pick them up in the afternoon. It gets dark early, so when
we get home it is glowing and they are so excited,” Jess says. OPPOSITE
BOTTOM The potting area right outside the kitchen door is the perfect place
for making a wreath or bringing in greens, Jess says. “It is pretty but also
very functional.” ABOVE The family dines around an old harvest table Jess
found on Facebook Marketplace. After opening gifts on Christmas morning,
the Wassermans enjoy what Jess calls “a fancy brunch.” They set the table
with special dishes (“I only pull out those dishes for Christmas Eve dinner and
Christmas brunch,” she says), glassware, napkins, and candlesticks. “A few of the
brass ones are from Ty’s family and a few are wooden spools,” Jess says.

THIS PHOTO Alfie, 4,
Harper, 8, and Reid, 11,
bake favorite treats using
a huge cutting board
made by Jess’ dad as a
work surface. “My dad
also built the kitchen
island,” she says. “The
top is from an old table in
a corn barn. It is all beat
up and perfect.” Jess
applied chalk-finish paint
and distressed the base.

LEFT Above the kitchen’s 1937 Kohler
rolled-rim cast-iron sink, a ribbon
displays the family’s Christmas cards
from oldest (when it was just Jess
and Tyler before kids) to newest.
BELOW LEFT A chalkboard in the
breakfast nook used to hang in Jess’
grandparents’ home. “I can’t tell you
how many games of school my cousins
and I played on this chalkboard,” she
says. “The frame still smells like their
basement, and that makes my heart so
happy.” BOTTOM LEFT Baking and
decorating cookies is a Wasserman
holiday tradition. BELOW Jess, who
posts on Instagram @jesswasserman,
makes special efforts to continue
traditions from her and her husband’s
childhoods. One from Tyler’s is having
a puzzle in process during the holidays.
“the kids get holiday
sheets on their beds,
christmas jammies, and
each of them has
a tree in their room.”
—JESS WASSERMAN
OPPOSITE The family’s

Cavachons, Duffy and Dilly,
keep watch for Santa’s arrival.
The stairway’s garland, Jess
says, starts with “a generic faux
garland as the base. Then I build
off that by tucking in magnolia
leaves and real evergreens.” She
ties the garland in place with
ribbons she makes herself. “I
cut fabric into big long strips,”
she says. “I buy a bunch of
yards and make a small cut and
rip it so I get a frayed edge. I
want it to be drapey and long
and flowy and not too perfect
or stiff.” ABOVE Harper’s
room and white flocked tree
are decorated as extensions of
her personality—colorful and
bright. RIGHT Jess changes
the duvet and pillow covers on
her bed with the season. “The
plates on the wall stay the same
year-round, but the pillows
are only red for Christmas,”
Jess says. “Ty and I don’t have
Christmas sheets like the kids.
We need some!”
sparkle & shine
Silver sings with
holiday spirit, whether
it’s tarnished after
years of good use
or polished to its
shiniest glory. Don’t
feel pressure to buy
candlesticks in pairs.
Collect them in all
heights and finishes,
then top with matching
candles for a refined
look that wows.
Produced & written by KRISSA ROSSBUND
holiday
Photography by MARTY BALDWIN
There’s more than one way to address a Christmas mantel.

In fact, we found three ways to style a classic stone fireplace and its hefty cap.
Each one is ready and waiting in holiday glory to welcome Santa.
Christmas Whisper
Christmas palettes don’t have to be
overt. Interior decoration can take a Candlestick Classics
pause on the bolds and brights while The flicker of candles casts the
still maintaining the festive spirit glow of wonderment and warmth
during the season that offers plenty throughout a home. Traditional
of stimulation through light shows, silver candlesticks will be
baked goods, and caroling neighbors. treasured for generations.
Saturated red takes a pause for a Pink Ribbon
more subdued version, woven into Ribbon, especially velvet,
the vignette on a tassel-sporting is an expected staple at
striped blanket that’s at the ready in Christmas. Find one in an
a wire basket with a couple of pillows unexpected color to bring
for extra comfort around the fire. But fashion to the aesthetics.
the color surprise comes from pink Seasonal Greens Branch out
velvet ribbon that weaves between to your local nursery or take a
silver candlesticks. Cable-knit stroll through your own backyard
stockings suggest frigid temperatures for green from Mother Nature.
and reason to stay close to the fire.

Fresh and Festive
No color denotes the idea of
fresh quite like green. And come Paper Trees Tree-line your
Christmastime, boxwood, pine, and decorative holiday vision with
fir happily deliver the raw goods for multiple sizes, shapes, and
a vignette that hints at the outdoors materials from wood, metal,
and a crisp walk through the woods— and paper, like these textural
without the heavy puffer coat. forms.
Above the mantel, long pine needles Timeless Tags Find tags with
fashioned over a wire frame make the longevity. Weathered wood tags
central wreath, while more formal and with twine ties are sturdy and
tailored boxwood wreaths take up can be used year after year. Pen
residence on the sconces. Sprigs of names in black or gold.
pine also tuck among glass canisters Beaded Garlands
filled with Christmas wishes from Like a necklace with a little
each member of the family. Some are black dress, beaded garlands are
personal, some are for the others, but elegant, light, and avoid the bulk
all emphasize the spirit of Christmas. and weight of a greenery swag.

all is Calm,
all is bright
Bleached is anything
but boring. Wood bead
garlands gracefully
swag under the
mantel, and paper
trees stand with
stature on either end.
Knitted ivory yarns
come two ways: As a
chunky ottoman and a
more delicate throw.
rustic texture
Add a piece of the
season everywhere.
Here, a seagrass
basket corrals birch
logs. Strands of wood
beads with jute tassels
dangle over the logs.
If you want a bit more
flair and color, poke a
few sprigs of greenery
into the basket, but
keep the display away
from the flames.
Offset Elegance
Symmetry may be the easy and
pleasing way to construct a vignette, Bottle-Brush Trees
but asymmetry is a sure way to dazzle. Buy in multiples sizes, and go
For a flip on classic architecture that is monochromatic or coordinate
well-measured with equal proportions colors. Because they are
anchoring its stature, this decorative lightweight and easy to store,
approach goes off-kilter. The pair the more the merrier.
of sconces and the framed black- Star-Studded Bells Christmas
and-white photograph that peeks doesn’t want to only be seen. It
at a mountain range is set for a bit wants to be heard, too. These bells
of surprise. A forest of bottle-brush ring with stars pierced into the
trees in shades of green and cream rustic metal.
grows on one side of the mantel, Stocking Style
while a flocked garland sprinkled Select stockings that reflect the
with pinecones drapes the opposite environment. For a cold climate,
edge. Rustic bells are tied to stockings sweater-style stockings with fur
with fur cuffs that hang on only one cuffs will keep the look cozy.
side of the mantel, playing up the
asymmetrical setting.

THIS PHOTO The front porch swing gets use even on snowy days thanks to a warm wool lap blanket. Homeowner Jess Noble collects
signage that is truly vintage or made to look that way, like this sign a friend painted for her on reclaimed wood. OPPOSITE With views
of the snowy landscape in the backyard, these reading chairs are a popular spot. Jess prefers upholstery to be muted in color and
pattern, and she uses antique rugs and weathered woods, such as the tall interior shutters, to provide dimension and patina. “I think all
those textural details work to make a space cozy and lived in,” she says. “I am also drawn to the history behind pieces that are unique.”
The path to an expressive personal style has
been a winding one for this Massachusetts
homeowner, but by following the lead of her
historical farmhouse, she makes Christmas Day—
and every day—simple, beautiful, and cozy.
Styled by KARIN LIDBECK-BRENT
Photography by JOYELLE WEST Written by SARAH EGGE

THIS PHOTO Over the years, Jess has simplified her holiday decor to
three trees, including this one in the family room that’s always decorated
in silver and white to tie in to the upholstery colors and the pale hue of the
faux-hide rug. An unfussy tree and year-round natural elements, such as
antlers and rural landscape paintings, create a low-key organic look. “When
I think of New England,” she says, “I think rustic, primitive, natural, and
simple, with not a lot of lights or glitter.”
Jess noble didn't
set out to pursue a
country aesthetic
for her family’s Sudbury, Massachusetts, home even though she and
husband Griff each grew up in farmhouses in rural Pennsylvania and
Massachusetts. She was scarred by the maroon walls and wildlife wallpaper
borders of her youth. “I grew up in the ’80s,” she says. “My mom loved
stenciling and collected mallard duck decoys.” But Jess has always revered
history and historical structures, so when the family moved into this 1840s
New England farmhouse 10 years ago, Jess thought she would fall in step
with the previous owner. “Her style was very Colonial farmhouse, with dark
woods and lots of minimal, primitive pieces,” Jess says. “It was gorgeous
and inspiring to me, so I thought, I’m going to do what she did and keep the house the same way.”
That lasted for a few years. “It just didn’t work,” Jess says. “It didn’t fit me or our family.” ABOVE LEFT Jess and Griff
Five years ago, she and Griff embarked on a renovation to expand the house to accommodate Noble wanted a historical
their three growing children, and that’s when Jess really started to find her way stylewise. home they could make their
“I went to Brimfield, Massachusetts, and the antiques dealers around here, and I started own. They treasure the
collecting things I love,” she says. Revolutionary War-era roots
of the neighborhood and have
The couple chose a white palette for most walls and woodwork to give the house a light,
preserved the house’s innate
airy feeling. They preserved the wide-plank pine floors and historical features of the home,
rural New England style.
including original windows with the first family’s names carved into the sashes. “When ABOVE Vintage bottles hold
the renovation was complete, I started placing things and figuring out what works,” Jess branches clipped from the
says. Her staples are New England artwork, vintage signage, handwoven rugs (“the ‘holier’ fir trees outside. The cabinet
the better”), nubby European linens and upholstery, ironstone pottery, and large furniture came from a menswear store;
pieces in scrubbed pine. Soon Jess had gathered the hallmarks of a simple, refined country pullout shelves at the top
were used to display ties.
style that suits the house perfectly. “My style is rooted in country,” she says. “But I’m always
Pieces of an old hog fence in a
changing the top layer. I stick with antiques I can decorate around.”
seasonal shade of red display
That approach serves her well when the holidays arrive. As followers of her Instagram page antique snowshoes.
(@uncommon.farmhouse) know, Jess relies on classic touches for her holiday decorating. She
tosses plaid throws and pillows over the European linen upholstery, lines the scrubbed-pine
surfaces with potted paperwhites, and sets brown-paper-wrapped packages on the wood
floors and worn rugs under the Christmas trees. “I have a ton of vintage holiday artwork
and prints and New England scenes and snowscapes, and I swap them in,” she says. “I want
Christmas to feel cozy. It’s cold outside, and I want it to feel warm in here.”
Like her decorating journey, her route to meaningful Christmas decor has taken some
wrong turns, and Jess is happy to share them with her followers in funny, self-deprecating
stories. “One year I did a whole tree in birds,” she says. “That didn’t go well because they
camouflage in trees, so that was kind of a fail. One year I got really gung ho about fresh
eucalyptus, but it sheds everywhere, and we had so many seeds stuck in our wood floors.”
So, as with all her previous lessons learned, she streamlined: “I try to not get sucked in to
seasonal themes and stay true to my vision and my home’s vision.”

OPPOSITE After seeing
something similar in a catalog,
Jess arranged green bottles—
some found when they excavated
for an addition—into a dining
room centerpiece with candles
and potted bulbs. “The bottles
are an ode to a time we will
never experience again thanks
to plastic,” she says. “They’re
just so cool.” RIGHT Small
wreaths deck the windows in
the breakfast nook, where the
table is set with fresh greens and
fruit. In this new addition to the
home, Griff and Jess emulated
the wide-plank pine floors of the
original house. A pillow covered
in a vintage French flour sack
joins other red-and-white pillows
to bolster the subtle holiday
palette. BELOW Expanding their
kitchen was a priority when the
couple remodeled. Their three
kids love to hang out at the island
and help roll out Christmas
cookies or sip hot cocoa.
“along the way, i’ve thought,

ok, i’m going to be Colonial.
no, i’m bohemian. no, i’m
a naturalist, and i’m going
to make curtain rods out of
tree branches. but that
didn’t work. now i’ve grown
into the house, and i get it.”
—JESS NOBLE, HOMEOWNER

ABOVE Jess’ childhood dream to one
day have an iron bed became a reality in
the master bedroom (although not “with
a canopy, per my preteen fantasies,” she
says). She dresses the bed in layers of
new bedding of nubby European linens
for vintage appeal. The antique sign came
from a shop in New Hampshire. LEFT Jess
trained as a fine art painter and used her
skills to paint this personalized family sign.
A factory cart holds a basket of cushions
to complete the vignette. OPPOSITE To
gain extra storage, Griff built in a bed with
drawers, then added a cased opening to
create a canopied effect. Colorful garland,
pillows, and small mercury glass trees
accessorize for the season.
garden delights Look to nature for gifts that outlast the holidays.
Photography by HECTOR MANUEL SANCHEZ

Written by GRACE HAYNES
for your sister

A bare amaryllis bulb looks
nice with pretty packaging,
but the real wow factor
of this gift is watching it
grow. Fill a clear plastic
bag with pebbles (available
at garden centers), place
the bulb on top, tie the bag
with a sparkly ribbon, and
put it in a gift box (like this
one from Paper Source).
She can fill the plastic
bag with water to the
top of the pebbles, place
the container in a sunny
spot, and enjoy seeing this
seasonal stunner bloom.
for your mom
Count on her rejoicing
when she sees and
smells this clementine
tree (available from
South Carolina-based
fast-growing-trees.com).
Place the original plastic
pot into another plastic
planter to prevent leaks.
Then slip it into a brown
paper bag with the edges
folded down. Top the soil
with reindeer moss and
ornaments. String ribbons
and bells around the
pot as you like. Clementine
trees need full sun and
are best kept indoors until
spring when flowers start
to bloom. Fruit begins
to ripen in fall.

for the supper club for coworkers
ABOVE LEFT: Hosting the ABOVE: Bring ornaments
group in December? Pick to life with this new take on
place cards that double a terrarium. Air plants are
as party favors. Find mini available in a range of
poinsettias in assorted shapes and sizes at garden
colors at your local garden centers, and you can find
center. Keep the plants in hanging glass-globe
their original plastic pots, terrariums on Amazon.
and slip them into decorative Make a base for the
votive holders. Gently air plants by placing moss,
attach name tags to the sand, or small pebbles
stems using ribbon, and set in the bottom of the globes.
one at each place setting. For a tropical look, position
air plants atop seashells.
for your neighbors Add a sprig of red holly
LEFT: Deliver cans of freshly berries for a festive touch.
potted herbs like rosemary, The globes can be
dill, and parsley for holiday hung from decorative
cooking. Drill or punch ribbon in a spot that gets
holes in the bottom of a can full, indirect sunlight.
for drainage. Remove the
label; spray-paint can
white. Once dry, lightly sand
to create a worn look.
Fill with potting soil; add an
herb. (Find ready-to-plant
herbs at Trader Joe’s
or garden centers.) Attach
labels with ribbon.

for teachers
Signal the season’s arrival
in the classroom with
tabletop trees. Keep the
lemon cypress (left) and
myrtle (right) topiaries in
their original containers,
and insert them in
birch-bark pots (available
online). Decorate the
topiaries like Christmas
trees with battery-
powered mini string lights
and ribbon. Fill the bases
of the containers with
fresh cranberries and
petite pears to finish the
cheery look.
From homespun hosting to
delivering delightfully wrapped
gifts, let woodland wonders create
an enchanting country scene.
Inspired by nature and made by
you, most of the treasures for
these thrifty trimmings can be
found in your backyard.
Projects by KIM HUTCHISON
Photography by MARTY BALDWIN
Written by PAMELA PORTER

Outdoor touches give indoor
dining a wintry alfresco vibe.
The perfect backdrop for
evergreen accents, wintry
whites and warm wood finishes
create a charming country
Christmas scene that’s easy to
replicate. With an open mind
and keen eye, your next stroll
around the neighborhood may
yield a treasure trove of gems
from which to fashion these
festive decorations.
glittering
greens
Let sparkly greens
ground a seasonal
tablescape like our
candlelit grove of snowy
trees. Line a work surface
with waxed paper, then
combine epsom salt and
glitter in a bowl. Use a
foam brush to coat a
variety of evergreens
and pinecones with
decoupage glue, then use
a spoon to sprinkle the
salt-and-glitter mixture.
Let dry.
learn how
You can preserve
leaves using glycerin.
Visit BHG.com/
preserveleaves
to learn how.
snow-capped twig napkin rings foraged Wreath

evergreen tree materials
Q Cardboard paper towel tube
materials
Q Pruning shears
materials Q Jute twine Q Assorted evergreens and twigs
Q Preserved or dried leaves
Q Hot-glue gun and glue sticks Q Grapevine or willow wreath
Q Papier-mâché cone
Q Pruning shears form
Q Hot-glue gun and glue sticks
Q Found twigs Q Hot-glue gun and glue sticks
Q White spray paint (we used a
Q 220-grit sandpaper Q Wire clippers
semigloss finish)
Q Damp cloth Q Florists wire
instructions Q Crafts paintbrush Q Florists pins
Cut or pinch petioles from leaves. Q Natural elements: pinecones,
Q Decoupage medium
Starting at the bottom of the cone, mushrooms, twigs, feathers,
position leaves, base at the top, Q Extra-fine glitter acorns, moss, pods, etc.
and hot-glue to the cone. Repeat
with additional leaves around
instructions instructions
Cut cardboard tube into 1½-inch Cut and tuck greenery and twigs
bottom of cone, overlapping as
rings. Cut through one side of each into wreath form, using hot glue
needed. Moving up the cone,
ring to create a C shape. Wrap and florists wire if needed, to
add more rows of leaves, slightly
each shape in jute twine, securing create a loose, natural-looking
overlapping until entire cone is
ends with glue. Cut twigs into wreath. Hot-glue larger elements
covered. Create a peak at the
2-inch pieces, and sand to remove such as pinecones and mushrooms
top. In a well-ventilated area on a
loose bark and residue. Wipe clean to florists pins, then tuck them
protected work surface, spray-
with a damp cloth and let dry. Hot- into the wreath. Secure additional
paint trees and let dry. Add a
glue twigs over twine, covering half elements using hot glue, creating
second coat of paint if needed.
of the ring opposite the opening. an asymmetrical composition by
Paint twigs with decoupage clustering several elements in one
medium and sprinkle with glitter. area. TIP: If you’re not able to find a
Let dry. variety of natural elements in your
area, buy them from online retailers
such as etsy.com or drieddecor.com.

Because of various dyes and
coatings, most wrapping papers
are not recyclable and wind up
in landfills. Wrapping gifts with
fabric, however, is eco-friendly,
plus the reusable textiles—tea
towels, scarves, cloth napkins—
become part of the gift. Buy
these items or make them from
fabric remnants and no-sew
adhesive hem tape. Fabric wraps
also work wonders for oddly
shaped gifts; simply roll the item
up in the fabric and tie the ends
with twine. Or place the fabric
right side down and set the gift in
the center before pulling fabric
up and around the gift and tying
at the top with a length of
twine and a tag.

learn how
Visit BHG.com/
fabricwrap for more
details on wrapping
gifts with fabric,
including step-by-
step photos.
fabric gift Wrap

materials
Q Fabric, cloth napkins, scarves,
or other textiles
Q Double-stick tape (optional)
Q Greens, twigs, pinecones,
or similar items
Q Cloth tape
Q Wood slices (buy online
or cut your own)
Q Drill and small bit
Q Marker or paint pen
Q Natural cording or twine
instructions
For boxed gifts, place fabric right side down
and set box diagonally in center. Wrap the
bottom left-hand corner of fabric up and
over the side of the box and hold. Wrap
the top right-hand corner over the box and
hold (secure both corners to the box with
double-stick tape if needed). On exposed
sides of box, press fabric down the sides
of the box while training folded edges of
fabric to fold in a bit. Pull ends of fabric
up and over the top of the box and knot.
Hot-glue pinecones to evergreen sprigs
and secure under fabric knots using cloth
tape. Drill a small hole through wood slices,
write a name or greeting on each slice, and
tie to gifts using cording or twine.
THIS PHOTO A square wreath
provides a graphic twist on the
typical round variety. Evergreens
and eucalyptus soften the straight
edges. OPPOSITE The parlor
mantel is where stockings await
Santa’s arrival. “I sewed them from
an old pillowcase I found at an estate
sale,” homeowner Hollie Keller says.

home for the
holidays
Last Christmas was especially merry

for the Keller family. They spent the
holiday reclaiming a family home lost
more than 70 years ago.
Written & styled by LACEY HOWARD Photography by JAY WILDE Produced by ANDREA CAUGHEY
“my husband, Jared, and I
are both very sentimental
when it comes to Christmas,"
Hollie Keller says. But this past Christmas was especially heartfelt.
It was the first one in their family’s “new” house. “It was built in
1902 by Jared’s great-grandfather and his brother. They homesteaded
the land and were sheep farmers,” she says. The Idaho home was
ultimately lost to the family and then abandoned in the 1950s.
“We’ve heard many stories about how, when it was a proper home,
they would hold dances in the parlor. Once it became abandoned,
local kids would hold annual spook alleys here each fall,” Hollie says.
In the late 1990s, the home was adopted and remodeled, including a
sizable addition to the original 2,300-square-foot Victorian.
When Hollie and Jared had the opportunity to purchase the home
and surrounding 25 acres, they jumped at it, uprooting their lives in
Pocatello, Idaho, a midsize college town, and moving to the outskirts
of tiny Preston. The new location required a trade-off: convenience
and a close community of friends for 360-degree views of scenic hills,
a creek where sons Morgan and Danny play, a big red barn complete
with a gray kitty, and the sacred quiet of country life—even quieter
after new-fallen snow blankets the hills.
The country life feels just right—especially at the holidays. Hollie
dresses the house in simple greenery, brass and mercury glass
baubles, vintage sleigh bells, and other Victorian-appropriate fare,
including a tree the family harvested themselves. “We took a family
outing and cut our tree down 2 miles from our home,” Hollie says.
“That will be a fun tradition to continue year after year.”
Hollie has documented her home’s return to glory on Instagram
@hollie_keller_. “We feel so over the moon to be owners of an old
home, even though it’s come with its fair share of old country house
problems,” she says. But she and Jared aren’t intimidated by the
home’s needs. Rather, they’re inspired to keep the house happy and
healthy for generations—and Christmases—to come. “It's been so
sentimental and providential to have Keller boys under this roof and
running these fields once again,” she says. Not to mention dancing
around the Christmas tree in the parlor.

OPPOSITE LEFT Hollie and Jared Keller with sons Danny, 8, and Morgan, 11, and new pup
Finnegan—a Christmas surprise for the boys. OPPOSITE RIGHT The 1902 Victorian shines in
the winter landscape. “I have dreamed of having a white farmhouse since I was a little girl,” Hollie
says. THIS PHOTO The dining area is located in the 1990s addition. The space connects the
kitchen (in the home’s original footprint) to a large family room and includes a new stairwell.
White paint, period light fixtures, and timeless architectural details tie the old and new together.
Touches of greenery give every space a festive feel.

ABOVE LEFT “I love open shelving and
how it honors the simple kitchens of
yesteryear,” Hollie says. The vintage sink and
Carrara marble countertops also hearken
to the home’s era. “Even though they are
temperamental and fussy,” she says, “I just
couldn’t find any other counters that felt like
the proper choice.” ABOVE For the range,
Hollie had to settle for a vintage look rather
than an antique specimen. “I would have
loved to have brought in an actual vintage
range, but my husband wasn’t on board with
that one!” she says. Above it, her cookware
and a large, simple wreath punctuate the
plank wall. LEFT An antique French dresser
graces the drawing room. “It was the first
piece of furniture I bought for this house,”
Hollie says. “I fell totally in love with it and
was so excited to find something French
here in Idaho.” For the holidays, she tops
the piece with a vignette in red, brass, and
silver. OPPOSITE Holiday family gatherings
are made extra-special by Hollie’s antiques
and flea market finds that she dresses with
simple seasonal touches. “I love bringing in
fresh greenery at Christmastime. For me,
that is such an integral part of celebrating
the season,” she says.
“one of my favorite
holiday family traditions
is our large collection
of children's Christmas
books that we read from
each night in december.”
—HOLLIE KELLER, HOMEOWNER

Perk up holiday packages with toppers
that keep on giving. These homespun
accents can be repurposed
as ornaments long after the gift
has been opened.
Projects by SUZONNE STIRLING Photography by JACOB FOX Written by PAMELA PORTER

galvanized garnishes
Celebrate quintessential farmhouse metal with a mix of ornaments, hardware, and metallic papers.
1. Glue faux greenery and berries on top of galvanized star ornaments, then secure to a length of ribbon around
the package. 2. Paint a wood crafts bird and glue it to a galvanized birdhouse ornament. Secure the house to
the package using mounting tape. 3. A metallic ribbon bow and a top hat accent a snowman shape formed by
wrapping ribbon around two wood or foam rings. 4. Arrange ½-inch and ⁵/₁₆-inch lock washers into a circle,
overlapping and layering smaller washers on top. Use jewelry adhesive to secure washers to form a wreath
ornament. Tack wreath to the center of a wrapped package and embellish with ribbon.
tip
Use wrapping
papers printed
with metallic inks 4
or foil designs.

the nature of things
Accents inspired by Mother Nature and dusted with
gold give packages eco-chic country elegance. 1. Following
instructions below, apply gold leaf to the tips of a birch star
ornament. Tie to a package with twine or string along with a
sprig of real or artificial greenery. 2. Following instructions
below, apply gold leaf to tops of wood jingle bells, then tie on
with a ribbon bow. 3. Purchase golden fern ornaments and
tape under a ribbon bow on a package.
tip
For a crisp line,
mask ornament with
painters tape before
applying adhesive
and gold leaf.
gold-leaf shapes instructions

Using a paintbrush, apply gold leaf adhesive
materials to ornament according to manufacturer’s
Q Crafts paintbrush instructions. Let adhesive sit for about
Q Gold leaf adhesive 10 minutes until it turns tacky. Wearing cotton
Q Ornament gloves to protect the leaf, press leaf to the
Q Cotton gloves (optional) adhesive, foil side down, burnishing with
Q Gold leaf sheets fingers and adding pieces until area is covered.
Q Natural-bristle brush Cut pieces for small areas. Use a natural-bristle
brush to remove excess leaf from the surface.
Q Clear acrylic sealer (optional)
Let dry for a few hours before use. To help
resist tarnishing and fingerprints, apply a clear
acrylic sealer if desired.

woodland wonders
4. Apply gold crafts paint to the tips of a pinecone. When
dry, glue atop artificial greenery and tie to a package. 5. Repurpose
Christmas cards, wrapping paper, or other ephemera by cutting foil
or other designs and sentiments to adorn gifts. 6. Print copyright-
free oak leaf clip art on cardstock and cut out. Trace leaves onto
white cardstock and cut out. Fold leaves along center line, layer
for dimension, and tape to a package. Paint acorns with gold crafts
paint and let dry before attaching to leaves with string. 7. Paint the
tips of a faux-pine sprig with gold crafts paint. When dry, pair with
a wood squirrel ornament to layer over wrapping paper and ribbon.
8. Print copyright-free deer clip art on cardstock and cut out. Tape
to a package and tuck metallic artificial greenery behind it.
7
make an impression
Nature-theme stamps give wrapping paper and clay gift tags a
taste of the great outdoors. Cut a piece of matte white wrapping paper
to desired size and spread out on a work surface. Using a rubber stamp
and ink pad and starting with the lightest ink color, stamp randomly on
the paper. Repeat with a second stamp and ink color, layering motifs as
desired. An imperfect application gives papers a natural, fuss-free style.
Embellish wrapped packages with ribbons, greenery, and do-it-yourself
clay tags as instructed, opposite bottom.
tip
Instead of painting,
make colorful designs
by pressing rubber
stamps onto an ink
pad, then into
soft clay.
tip
To shorten drying time, place
clay shapes on a parchment-
lined baking sheet and put in a
cold oven. Heat oven to 200°F and
bake for 60 minutes, flipping
every 20 minutes. Remove
from oven and let cool
before removing from
baking sheet.
clay tags instructions

Roll air-dry clay on a mat or parchment
materials paper to about ¼ inch thick. Arrange
Q White air-dry clay greenery on the clay and roll over it to
Q Mat or parchment paper make an impression in the clay. Remove
Q Rolling pin greenery. Gently press faux berries into the
Q Natural or artificial greenery clay in the desired areas. Use cookie cutters
to cut out shapes and a toothpick to make
Q Artificial berry sprig
a hole for hanging. Carefully lift the shapes
Q Cookie cutters and place on a wire rack to dry, turning
Q Toothpick several times over two to three days until
Q Wire rack for drying clay is fully dry. Paint ornaments using
Q Acrylic crafts paint slightly watered-down acrylic crafts paint.
Q Spotter and liner paintbrushes

warm and woolly
Top packages with cozy trimmings guaranteed to warm hearts. 1. We purchased this
chenille snowflake ornament, but you can make your own by wrapping a wood or chipboard
snowflake ornament with chenille or fashioning a snowflake from chenille stems. Add a
burlap ribbon and wood tag bearing a personalized message written with a paint pen. 2. To
cozy up this wood ice skate ornament, we replaced the string laces with yarn and tied it to a
glittery gift bag. 3. Braid yarn and tie as a scarf around a purchased polar bear ornament.
yarn tassel instructions

Cut about ten 8- to 10-inch lengths of yarn,
materials gather them, and lay flat. Tie at the center
Q Chunky yarn with metallic embroidery floss. Knot tightly
Q Ruler and leave a tail for tying to the package.
Q Scissors Fold yarn in half with floss tie at the top.
Wrap a band of metallic floss around the
Q Metallic embroidery floss
yarn about ½ inch from the top, knotting
and letting the ends trail down. Trim edges
of yarn and floss flush.

soft surroundings
4. Wrap yarn around a wood stocking ornament; glue ends on
the back. Tuck a sprig of greenery into yarn before tying to package.
5. Use chunky yarn to tie lark’s head knots around a 3-inch metal ring,
then trim ends flush. Thread a bead onto a length of yarn and use to
hang the wreath on a package. 6. Craft a pom-pom by wrapping yarn
and metallic embroidery floss around your hand to desired fullness.
Carefully slip yarn off and center on a length of yarn; tie wrapped yarn
tightly at the center. Cut loops, fluff, and trim if needed. 7. Make yarn
tassels (see how-to, opposite bottom).
online how-to
Learn how to make
this cozy yarn
wreath topper
at BHG.com/
yarntopper
6
good news of
Great Joy Christmas Day is extra special for
this Alabama family, and they celebrate
the whole season with gusto.
Photography by ADAM ALBRIGHT Written by SARAH HALVERSON
Christmas day in 2004 marked a

complete change in Charlotte evans russell’s life.
Everything before that date had been full of trouble and heartache. But 17 years ago, her entire
trajectory changed, and Charlotte has celebrated the day with the sort of exuberance and joy
that can come only from someone who is back from the brink. “That’s really the reason I like
to go all out for Christmas—it’s such a special time for me,” Charlotte says. “We have so much
fun decorating and baking, and I like making memories together and involving the whole family,
especially Kelbee, my stepdaughter—she loves it as well. It’s not how I grew up at all. We would
celebrate some, but it wasn’t anything like I try to make it!”

OPPOSITE A print of
an old-fashioned Santa
oversees the dining
room, where the wintry
scene of a small town
spreads out on the table.
THIS PHOTO Two trees
grace the dining room,
one dressed simply
in lights and this one
decked out in sparkly
garland, golden deer with
antlers, vintage sleds,
and ornaments of wood,
gold, and green. This year,
homeowner Charlotte
Evans Russell included
black ornaments for the
first time to complement
the house’s freshly
painted windows.
LEFT The living room’s flocked tree is the first
one Charlotte and her husband, Jon, bought after
they were married. “That’s our family tree, so it
has all of the special ornaments on it,” she says,
and a garland of vintage Santa postcards clipped to
a jute string. ABOVE Charlotte, Jon, and Kelbee
Russell (age 13). OPPOSITE Charlotte gussies
up the kitchen with trees on the counter and
island, and a garland around the window. She also
tucks battery-powered lights along the shelves
for sparkle. Every year, her Instagram followers
(@charlotteshappyhome) clamor to know where
the red “believe” sign came from: It’s a Kirkland’s
purchase that Charlotte displays in a new place
each year.
The family’s 1947 Gadsden, Alabama, house is always dressed in a cheerful mix of farmhouse
finds, both vintage and new, and come Christmas, Charlotte maximizes the merriment. Though
she changes the decor from year to year depending on what she feels like, a few mainstays stick
around Christmas after Christmas. Trees are a given, for example: There’s a tree in every room—
sometimes two! Garlands, both fresh and faux, are also seasonal standards; they traipse along
tabletops, down the staircase, and across headboards. Vintage Santas (and Santas who only look
vintage) make regular appearances as well. And twinkle lights—good glory, the twinkle lights!
There might be enough lights in the house to illuminate a small neighborhood.
It’s all in the name of wildly celebrating the day that changed her life: Christmas in 2004,
certainly, but also the day the Christ child was born. “I came from nothing, and to experience
what I have now, to live this life, is just amazing,” Charlotte says. “I want it to feel like the whole
house is transformed for the season, so every room you go into, you get that festive feel and that
joy from the decorations—I want it to be felt everywhere in the house and not just one room.”

OPPOSITE The stairway joins the celebratory
spirit! A swag of greenery (it’s actually one
and a half faux-pine garlands tied together), a
festive sign, and an old sled polish this small spot.
Charlotte makes regular rounds to Hobby Lobby
and Kirkland’s this time of year but also includes
vintage items in her vignettes. She scooped up
this sled at a summer sale and squirreled it away
for Christmas. ABOVE Two trees flank the living
room fireplace. Their trappings are mostly golds
and browns to suit the space, and of course they’re
laden with lights. A stand of bottle-brush trees,
large wreath, trio of stars, and plaid stockings
embellish the fireplace and mantel. LEFT For
holiday artwork in the living room, Charlotte chose
the prints, their sizes, and matching frames online,
and she hung them in a tight assembly so they read
as a single, sensational piece of seasonal art.

ABOVE An office that’s all work and no Christmas
just wouldn’t play in the Russell household, so
Charlotte is sure to tuck greenery onto the
shelves, loop candy-cane garland along the glass
bottles, and situate two trees in the room. She
kept the larger one simple with red-and-white-
striped balls and no lights. LEFT Another flocked
tree, this one in the master bedroom, features
trappings both sweet and Southern—just like
Charlotte. Ornaments favor farmhouse style,
such as galvanized trinkets, old milk jugs, and
cotton bolls plucked off cotton stems from crafts
stores. The tree is capped by one of Charlotte’s
hats. “Honestly, I think I just randomly put it up
there one day,” she says. It’s cute enough to stay
put. OPPOSITE A green garland wrapped in
twinkle lights adorns the headboard in the master
bedroom, which is outfitted in farmhouse-style
finds both new (lamps and luxurious bedding) and
vintage (nightstands and framed photos). “I like
finding old pieces and thinking about the stories
behind each one—how long it’s lasted, the houses
it’s been in, and even the families who had it and
the memories they made,” Charlotte says.
“i like the house to be so decorated
that it feels like you’re
stepping into a winter wonderland.”
—CHARLOTTE EVANS RUSSELL, HOMEOWNER

Unwrap a fresh take that
celebrates the classic pairing
of blue and white while mixing
in lots of silver sparkle for a
bounty of Christmas cheer.
Designed by MATTHEW MEAD

Photography by KRITSADA
Written by SAMANTHA S. THORPE
Pretty in Paper
Beneath a bay leaf wreath, hang simple,
stylish paper stockings, opposite and right,
all in a row. Using pinking shears and the
template at BHG.com/stockingtemplate, cut
out a classic holiday shape from heavyweight
creamy-white gift wrap. Stitch sides together
with blue thread. Embellish with festive,
glued-on plaid fans, velvet leaves, ribbons,
decorative buttons, and more. (See fan,
stocking, and wreath how-tos on pages 94–95.)
Good Tidings
Have yourself a merry little Christmas with
playful ornaments displaying blue-and-white
patterns, below and below right. A cone
crafted from gingham scrapbook paper
and filled with shredded paper can present
surprises like sweet treats and tiny toys.
Go round and round with plaid ornaments
that showcase shining stars—in this case a
starfish dusted with glitter. Punch a hole
in the top of the circle, then thread through
a ribbon loop for hanging.
play up the
Christmas
star motif by
repurposing
items such
as delicate
starfish, star
anise, or dried
starflowers
adorned with
glitter.

“midnight blue and sparkly white are reminiscent of
winter’s bright snow and twinkling stars in the dark sky.”
—MATTHEW MEAD, DESIGNER
Love and Joy Charlie Brown Style

Create an enchanting display by turning vintage Bring out the good cheer with your own version of Charlie
holiday postcards, family photos, or Christmas cards Brown’s tree, above and opposite, by giving bare branches
from loved ones into ornaments that will bring new purpose with a coat of white paint. Fashion a tree stand
back happy memories year after year, above and opposite. from a painted galvanized pail. Hot-glue a blue-painted wood
Adhere the season’s greetings to blue cardstock bead garland along the pail’s rim. Surround the tree’s base
using double-stick tape. Attach a string for hanging, or clip with painted pinecones (see how-to on page 94). Decorate the
with a painted clothespin to a tree branch or a branches with favorite ornaments, glittery starfish, and holiday
bay leaf garland that drapes a doorway, mantel, cards. Soon you’ll be gathering around your tree to sing
buffet table, or stair banister. “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” just like the Peanuts gang.

place miniature
evergreens,
real or faux, in
pails to bookend
your twig-tree
creation.
affix your
favorite
Christmas lyrics
or quotes to
gifts as stickers.
look in the
fairy-garden
aisles of crafts
or hobby stores
for miniature
accessories
to heighten
your village’s
enchanted look.
Finest Gifts Christmas Island

Make the gift-opening anticipation last even longer by Fashion your own magical getaway even a snowman would
repurposing a cupboard or bookshelf into a special nook to love, above, out of small birdhouses adorned
display gifts before the tree is even up, opposite. Tie pretty with blue plaid facades and topped with glistening
ribbons or glue embellishments to packages. Intermix snow-covered roofs (see how-to on page 94)—
silver pieces such as platters, bowls filled with shimmery blue all served up on a large tray. Tuck in a mix of bottle-brush
balls, and candlesticks in different sizes for extra sparkle. Tuck trees planted in tiny pots and little blue balls, and skirt
evergreen branches here and there, and top the furniture piece the scene with a fairy-size fence. Dust everything with faux
with a fragrant, long-lasting bay leaf garland for a simple, no-shed snow for a sweet centerpiece or tabletop moment.
touch of greenery (see how-to on page 95).

“I like Christmas crafts to be simple—something you can do in just a
few steps. if you can see it, you can do it.”
—MATTHEW MEAD

Shining Bright
Set up a get-in-the-holiday-spirit station with a twinkling
candle bar, left. Assemble a mix of glass cylinders,
then gather old blue plaid shirts or find scrapbooking paper
in a variety of plaids. Cut the fabric or paper into sections big
enough to wrap your cylinders, wrap the circumference of
each, and hold in place by applying double-stick tape at the
seams. Place cylinders on a console or coffee table and
accent with fresh evergreens and bay leaves. Add variety by
adorning some candles with wreaths dressed up with
glued-on blue balls or berries.
A Little Christmas
Lift everyone’s spirits right this very minute by
repurposing a vintage medicine cabinet, above, to sit on
an entry table or a low bookcase. Fill with Christmas
favorites including little gifts, glistening bottle-brush trees,
pinecones, tiny wreaths, and even a village church.
Play up the plaids and touches of blues and whites
for a dreamy little Christmas now.

true blue
how-to
CRAFT THESE WINTER WONDERS
TO CREATE YOUR OWN BLUE-AND-WHITE
CHRISTMAS DECOR.
twig tree in pail plaid village houses

materials materials
Q Bare branches Q Floral foam Q Miniature unfinished
Q Spray paint: white Q Wood bead garland wood birdhouses
Q Galvanized pail Q Hot-glue gun and Q Acrylic paint: white
Q Acrylic paint: blue glue sticks Q Decoupage medium
Q Sponge brush Q Painted pinecones Q Paintbrush
Q Snow glitter
instructions Q Plaid paper
Gather or cut bare branches in various lengths. In a well-
ventilated area, coat branches with white spray paint. Let instructions
dry. To make a tree stand, paint a galvanized pail with blue Paint birdhouses with white acrylic paint and let dry. Paint
acrylic paint thinned with equal parts water and applied with each house’s roof with a thin layer of decoupage medium.
a sponge brush. Cut foam to Sprinkle with snowy glitter and let dry. With a ruler and
fit inside the pail, then insert pencil, cut plaid paper to fit the sides of each house. Paint
the branches into the foam. house with decoupage medium, one side at a time, and
Glue bead garland to adhere paper. Let dry thoroughly.
pail’s rim; cover the foam
with painted pinecones.
paper fan ornament glittered and painted pinecones

materials materials
Q Plaid paper Q Assorted pinecones
Q Double-stick tape Q Spray paint: white, blue, silver, blue sparkle
Q Hole punch Q Paintbrush
Q Twine or ribbon Q Glue
Q Hot-glue gun and Q Glitter
glue sticks
Q Buttons, starfish, instructions
ribbon, or other Spray-paint pinecones desired colors and let dry.
embellishments To add glitter, paint pinecone scales with glue and sprinkle
with glitter. Let dry before displaying.
instructions
Accordion-fold two
pieces of 3×5-inch paper
lengthwise, separately. Fold
the folded pieces in half, then
affix the papers’ top folded edges together with double-stick
tape. Fan out the shape into a circle, then place double-stick
tape to secure the seam. Punch a hole at the top of the circle
and thread with twine or ribbon to make a loop to hang the
ornament. Hot-glue an embellishment to the center, such as a
decorative button, tinsel, ribbons, or glitter-covered starfish.

bay leaf wreath
materials
Q Braided grapevine wreath
Q Bay leaves
Q Florists wire
Q Seeded eucalyptus
Q Navy wired silk ribbon #9
instructions
Place braided grapevine wreath form on flat work space. Make
about thirty 6-inch-long bundles of fresh bay leaves secured paper Stockings
with florists wire. Hot-glue the bundles to the wreath form by
working around the circle. Glue seeded eucalyptus leaves to
materials
Q Cream or off-white heavyweight wrapping paper
complement the bay leaves and fill any holes. Make a loop with
Q Template; download at BHG.com/stockingtemplate
florists wire, attach to the back of the wreath, and embellish
with a bow fashioned from wired navy blue ribbon. Q Pinking shears
Q Sewing machine
Q Navy thread
bay leaf garland Q Hole punch
materials Q Ribbon
Q Bay leaves Q Embellishments
Q Florists wire
Q Rope instructions
Cut heavyweight wrapping paper to the size of the template
instructions with pinking shears. Stitch all sides but the top of the
Wrap bay leaves with wire and secure to rope cut to desired stocking with navy thread. Punch a hole in the desired corner
length of garland. Overlap the ends of the branches until the to hang with ribbon. Embellish with items such as velvet
rope is covered. leaves, folded paper fans, and glittery starfish.
glitter or paper Cone ornament

foil-Covered Starfish materials
Q Scrapbook paper
materials Q Double-stick tape
Q Starfish
Q Shredded crinkle-cut paper
Q Decoupage medium
Q Ribbon and embellishments
Q Paintbrush
Q Glitter instructions
Q Glitter snow Roll scrapbook paper into a
Q Faux snowflakes cone shape. Secure the seam
Q Metallic foil with double-stick tape. Trim
excess paper at top of paper
Q Ribbon
cone. Fill with shredded paper,
Q Hot-glue gun and glue sticks then tuck in a small surprise
instructions such as candy, toys, or even a
Paint decoupage medium onto starfish, then sprinkle tiny potted plant.
liberally with glitter, glitter snow, or tiny faux snowflakes tip : If desired, use a foam cone as a
and let dry. For a metallic look, paint starfish with template to create uniform paper
decoupage medium and press foil onto surface using cones. Simply wrap paper around
a paintbrush; let dry. Hot-glue to other projects as an the foam cone, secure seam, then
embellishment, or hot-glue a loop of ribbon to the back of remove foam.
the starfish to hang it.

final note
Better Homes & Gardens is a registered trademark in the United States, Canada, and Australia. Better Homes & Gardens marca registrada en México. © Meredith Corp. 2021. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.
Better Homes & Gardens® Farmhouse Christmas™ (ISSN 2638-4884), 2021. Farmhouse Christmas is published annually in October by Meredith Corp., 1716 Locust St., Des Moines, IA 50309-3023.
rose farm
In Norwalk, Iowa, Rose Farm
is a hobby vegetable and flower
farm and destination
lovingly managed by Karri and
Patrick Rose. A charming barn
houses The Shoppe at Rose
Farm, and the calendar is full of
experiences: weekly Farm School
sessions, Saturday yoga on
the lawn, and Sundays with live
music, fancy picnics, and walks
through the flower fields.
Workshops feature arts, floral
design, culinary exploration,
and more. Follow
@rosefarmstead on Instagram.
Clockwise from above:

Artist Christine Hilbert
leads a watercolor painting
workshop. Luna enjoys a
nap outside the greenhouse.
The Shoppe is filled with a
festive selection of holiday
goods. Step inside the
greenhouse to tour holiday
displays, including this
woodsy scene. Shop The
Shoppe for one-of-a-kind
gifts. Karri Rose (center)
with her Rose Farm team.
Photographer: LAURA WILLS

BLOCK of the
MONTH 2021
Bright New Day
AllPeopleQuilt.com/BOM2021
October
November
Upcoming Blocks
Block 9: October 15
Block 10: November 15
Enjoy up to 40 glasses
of filtered ice, daily.*
Always have plenty of ice on hand. Bosch’s patented ice system removes over 99.9% of
impurities, dispensing pure, freshly filtered ice — fast. In fact, it’s the industry’s fastest
refrigerator ice maker.**
*Based on single ice maker production rates during a 24-hour period, measured per IEC standards, when the ice bin was removed. Results may vary depending on operating
conditions. Based on filling 8 oz. glasses.
**Based on single ice maker production rates during a 24-hour period, measured per IEC standard and manufacturer user’s manuals, for brands identified in US and Canada TraQline
as freestanding French door bottom mount refrigerators.
© 2021 Bosch Home Appliances | www.bosch-home.com/us

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SIMPLE

authentic charming handmade

30 Christmas from the Heart 64 Home for the holidays

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Editor NICOLE DEAN TEUT MEREDITH PREMIUM PUBLISHING

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GOLDEN HOUR ALL IS CALM

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WHAT Blown-glass Shiny Brite-brand ornaments (known

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Styling by LACEY HOWARD Photography by JAY WILDE Written by LAURA KOSTELNY

THIS PHOTO Orange slices and wood beads strung on

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STACK DRIED CITRUS

SPRIGS INTO TRIM IN

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Styled & written by LACEY HOWARD Photography by JAY WILDE

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OPPOSITE The family’s

There’s more than one way to address a Christmas mantel.

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“along the way, i’ve thought,

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Photography by HECTOR MANUEL SANCHEZ

for your sister

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snow-capped twig napkin rings foraged Wreath

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fabric gift Wrap

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Last Christmas was especially merry

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Projects by SUZONNE STIRLING Photography by JACOB FOX Written by PAMELA PORTER

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gold-leaf shapes instructions

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clay tags instructions

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yarn tassel instructions