A Georgia Cottage Decorated for Christmas

Welcoming, isn’t it?

wood walls and ceiling add a lot of character and texture to the foyer and stairway. I like that that they introduced a Chippendale detail, a usually exterior treatment, in place of banisters. Although this is a new home, it has the character of patina already.              photo source

Magnolia decorations on the island and windows, along withlots of open shelving, wood ceiling beams and hardware floors, add warmth and lend a strong note of southern hospitality.   photo source

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I love brick floors. We had them in one of our homes and I loved them for ease of maintenance and the warmth they added. The trees on each side of the double doors look like cedar trees. The wreaths are magnolia. Notice that the chandelier is hung a bit higher than usual, but due to its size it looks perfect.       photo source

It does’ take much to make a room feel ready for the holidays. Here a small bunch of magnolia leaves add a bit of festivity, as does the wreath hanging on the exterior of the window. The room already radiates warmth, with the textured wall covering and warm colors.             photo source

A close up of the front entry, taken during the day. The siding is board and batten, and the white trim pops off the heavy white trim boards. The consistent use of greenery throughout the house helps to tie all the rooms together, especially nice in a smaller home.                 photo source

I like how the white roses echo the white ribbon, somewhat unexpected for the Christmas holiday, but quite sophisticated.          photo source

Here they added pine cones to a magnolia garland. I have made many magnolia wreathes over the years, and I cannot imagine the patience it must take to do an entire garland.                              photo source

A closeup of the buckets in the photo above, with the underside of the magnolia leaves providing contrast to the small spruce tree.       photo source

Here they tied white ornaments to the garland. You could insert apples (red or green), lemons, and pine cones, bulbs as well as whatever your imagination thinks would work.                             photo source

Magnolia leaves are sturdy, and last a long time in arrangements. The stems pokes easily into a foam form.                   photo   source

A nice advantage of using magnolia is pruning has minimal effect on a large specimen. Prune, and it just comes back fuller the next year. These are fast growing trees also.                                   photo  source

Leaves placed in a bowl. Quick and easy.           photo   source