My French Christmas: A Collected Holiday at Home

This year’s holiday decor began long before December, on a trip to France for my 40th birthday alongside a group of fellow interior designers. It truly felt like the trip of a lifetime, filled with beautiful design inspiration, long days wandering antique shops and maker markets, and falling in love with details you just don’t find in the U.S. I came back with a suitcase full of lace, textiles, and small treasures, and even had to buy another just to bring it all back! These pieces became the foundation for what I’ve been calling my French Christmas, a collected and meaningful approach to holiday decorating that feels personal, timeless, and rooted in memories.

A Warm Welcome

When friends and family visit our home for the holidays, I want them to feel instantly welcomed and a little enchanted. The entryway and stairwell are the first peek at My French Christmas, with garland woven with pinecones and dried oranges draped along the staircase for a cozy, seasonal greeting. I kept things simple, letting natural textures and materials bring warmth and charm. It’s a soft, inviting introduction that sets the tone for the rest of the home, a space that says, come in, take off your coat, and stay awhile.

The Living Room: Cozy, Classic, Collected

The living room is where the holiday magic really comes alive, filled with French-inspired touches that feel thoughtful and collected. Our Christmas tree is dressed in vintage lace, rich velvet ribbons, and dried oranges, giving it a timeless, old-world charm. Mirroring the staircase, the mantel features the same garland, with the most beautiful green velvet stockings hanging by the fire. Every detail was chosen to create a cozy, inviting space, perfect for gathering, celebrating, and making memories all season long.

The Kitchen: Where Holiday Magic Happens

The kitchen is where the holidays really come to life in our home, so I wanted it to feel cheerful while still staying functional. Mini wreaths adorn the backs of the barstools, and lace and velvet bows add soft seasonal touches. I filled jars with Christmas cookies, tucked small trees into vintage vessels, and layered greenery throughout to bring life into the space. These details elevate everyday moments, whether we’re cooking, baking, or gathering with friends around the island. While I’ll be the first to admit I enjoy decorating the kitchen more than actually cooking, it was still important that the space remain functional for kids and real life.

Our breakfast nook transformed into a holiday bar for hosting and quickly became one of my favorite spots for entertaining. With family and friends coming and going, having a dedicated space for drinks keeps everything easy and relaxed. Y’all know I’m always down for an Aperol spritz, so a bar that’s ready at any moment just feels practical. Mixing vintage glassware with greenery and a few thoughtful details makes it feel welcoming whenever guests stop by.

The Dining Room: Set for Gatherings and Holiday Tablescapes

The dining room is styled with hosting in mind, ready for long meals and lingering, unhurried conversations. A green and white floral tablecloth sets the foundation, layered with vintage silver, crystal glassware, and collected serveware that bring depth and character to the table. Lace details and velvet bows tie back to the season, while burgundy florals add warmth. Greenery draped along the chandelier and built-ins brings everything together and makes the room feel finished without feeling formal. Matt still wishes he could actually eat at a table in our house, but that's what the kitchen island is for, right?

Tablescape Tip: Don’t worry about everything matching perfectly. Mixing antique glassware, silver, and serving pieces adds depth and character and takes the pressure off finding a complete set. Start with one unifying element, like lace, greenery, or a color palette, and let the rest feel collected over time.

Thoughtful Details Throughout the Home

Beyond the main living spaces, I love bringing a bit of holiday spirit into the quieter corners of our home, too. Bedrooms, bathrooms, and hallways get simple, understated touches like greenery, lace, and a few vintage accents. They might not be the first things you notice, but together those little details create a sense of warmth and continuity throughout the house.

One of my favorite parts of holiday decorating is always the gift wrapping. This year, I kept things simple and intentional with brown kraft boxes tied in lace and twine, each finished with a postcard from France. It feels personal and meaningful, turning every gift into something special before it’s ever opened.

Au Revoir!

This holiday season was all about creating spaces that feel warm, personal, and meant to be lived in. My French Christmas is a celebration of meaningful details, collected decor, and the joy that comes with hosting. I hope it inspires you to layer intention into your own home, embrace the pieces that tell your story, and create a holiday that feels truly special.

Shop my favorite French-Inspired Holiday Decor: