
Celebrating our first Christmas in our new country home feels extra special! Some aspects of the house still feel somewhat new, but with the Christmas season here, it is starting to feel more and more familiar.
Seeing the same decorations coming out and taking part in the same traditions we do every year has been extra sweet this year. The kitchen, especially, is the heart of the season. What fun we've already had baking and cooking for the holidays ~ and there's more to come!
Since we have given the kitchen a refresh (and there are a few details to finish), I considered waiting to share this space until after the holidays, but I just love decorating and being in the kitchen at this time of year, so sharing it at Christmas is my double treat to you!

Garland and Bells over the Sink
The back wall of the kitchen is the main feature as it holds the antique blue transferware platter collection. Both Matt & I loved that look so much in our previous kitchen that we decided to recreate it here. Since the platter wall is the main decor feature in the room, accentuating it for Christmas made sense. We invested in a pair of garlands that look surprisingly real to swag over the entire area.

The garlands are thick and realistic without being overdone, and they frame the kitchen window and back wall in a way that draws your eye in immediately. Woven throughout the greenery is a simple garland of small brass bells for a touch of shine. Red velvet bows are the final flourish to clearly welcome the Christmas season. The garlands have a relaxed look that feels right in a country kitchen.

Christmas Cheer on the Pie Safe
Admittedly, the antique pie safe is one of my favorite pieces in the whole house. It has such character already that adding Christmas decor was such fun! On top of the pie safe, I added the vintage wooden rocking horse and a few presents wrapped for the holidays. I found the blue and white nutcracker wrapping paper on Amazo,n as well as the narrow red velvet ribbon. To keep the blue theme going, the antique blue transferware pitchers were grouped with sprigs of greenery peeking out the top. It is a simple arrangement, but it brings the whole corner of the dining room to life.

Savoring the Season
You may recognize the chandelier... we brought it with us from our previous home, so decorating it was a simple repeat. More than anything, decorating our kitchen & small adjoining dining room this year has been such a joy. We are grateful to be celebrating our first Christmas in the country! Sharing this little peek into our kitchen feels like inviting you in for a cup of hot tea and a visit. We will still be sharing the full refresh process and details in the coming year.
In one corner of the kitchen, we found a spot for the nativity that Matt's Mom gave us our first year of marriage. Soon after receiving it, I found the wooden stable at a thrift store. It was a perfect fit!

Stay tuned for the Christmas dining table setting coming soon! I hope your Christmas season is full of special moments and a tremendous amount of gratitude for all the risen Savior has given us! Until next time,
Enjoy the most wonderful time of the year!
Warmly,
Rachel