Christmas in the Country

There's a fresh layer of snow outside just in time for Christmas. Like Winter Wonderland in the country.

So before any footprints disturb the still, we thought we'd set the mood for our first Christmas in the country with a view from the inside out.

You know that saying about the cobbler who gets so busy, he's the one walking around with holes in his shoes? Between traveling for events, decorating holiday houses, styling for shoots and, of course, blogging about it all, Jaithan and I had barely enough time to deck the halls of our own farmhouse in the country! But there are moments I'd like to share—details to bring at least a little holiday magic home. To start, we liked the mix of magnolia, juniper, and Fraser fir from Susan's house so much, we thought we'd use it at our place as well. Here's the wreath on the front door, embellished with pretty gold pine cones. I love the copper tones of the magnolia with the wood of the house.

In the living room, I ran the garland tight to the fireplace mantle for a Grecian feel that complements the art, including lithographs in Larson-Juhl frames—I'd love to meet you at the workshop we're doing at their headquarters next month—and a Roman sketch from our friends Debra and Diane at Scentimental Gardens, a housewarming gift during their visit last summer.   

The leopard Christmas stockings I ordered last year from West Elm, though I think they work better here than in our city apartment. The magnolia in the garland even picks up on the colors of our vintage books. 

Over in the corner, Apollo gets the halo effect, a gilded crown of glittered fraser and fresh red cedar. 

The dining room I did for a Southern Living shoot here at the house last week, including a pretty tabletop tree on an antique English tilt-top table I scored at a thrift shop for $25. Remember last year's tree in the city?

As for the rest of the room, I'm afraid you'll have to wait until next year to see how it all turned out! In the meantime, here's a detail from the mantle decorated with a mix of red cedar, white pine, and pepper berries, together with cinnabar tapers in vintage brass candlesticks.

Finally, a Christmas greeting, from us to you. It's my favorite from an unknown woman's collection I found at a flea market this year.

She loved them all dearly and saved them for over fifty years. And though their inscriptions are vintage, their message remains truer than ever. 

Happy Holidays, everyone, from Jaithan and me, and thank you for being a part of our lives!     

Comments

[Elkie]

Love your country home. I think this is your style - the NY apartment doesn't look like you. I remember the items you used for your first decorating on the show - the silver, etc. You do good with vintage. Wish I could join you at the Rose Ball and spend, spend, spend. So enjoy following your career.

[arlene_eze]

Great photos of your house decorated for the holidays. The use of magnolia leaves is popular even at the White House Christmas special. I met you and Jaithan at the DC flea market. I love your new postings on this blog!

[Cecelia]

I collect vintage Christmas cards and have many containing sweet messages that add to the nostalgia of the card.

I drape my favorites over ribbon garland festooning the front of my fireplace, but had never thought of placing them under a tabletop tree (and what a gorgeous little tree you have!)

Thanks for this terrific idea for displaying them!

[michelle]

MMM...I so love magnolia, and the cards...love them too! I collect old tourist postcards from flea markets, and keep them in a japanese pottery plate on my bookshelf...its a photo album of sorts, and people love to browse through them.

Happy Holidays Eddie!
Very Best,
Michelle

[Jan]

Gorgeous! -- I adore the crown that you made for devil-may-care Apollo -- a fantastic photo -- perhaps in black-and-white for next year's holiday cards? Now for a behind-the-scenes question: How do you attach the garland to the mantel? (without ruining the wood?) Brightest Blessings for a Great New Year! Here we celebrate Hogmany -- the Scottish New Year -- where the First Foot in the door MUST be a dark-haired man -- bringing gifts of salt, bread, whiskey (of course!) and coal for the year of Good Luck for the household! May I borrow Jaithan? -- I promise he'll be VERY well treated!! -- and he gets the first glass of the best scotch! LOL! Just teasing!

Jan at Rosemary Cottage

[Barbara at Daisy's]

Sitting down after a dream dinner looking at your lovely pictures. The tree is so beautiful. The perfect lighting with a color palette that makes my heart sing.

Have a wonderful new years and I will see you in Atlanta!

PS Used my candles on the Christmas table. Thanks again.

[LaureAnn]

Eddie, last year I saw your darling vintage tabletop tree and said to myself, "I am so doing that next year!!" Well, I've been hunting ornaments for the past two months, and my little tree is my most favorite of any over the years! My 20-something kids and family and friends all love it too.
Thank you for blogging and inspiring us all. Merry Christmas to you and those you love!
LaureAnn

[debra phillips]

eddie and jaithan;
loved the tour and could capture the essence of your cozy farmhouse dressed for christmas.
you have also captured my heart; you both give, share and inspire endlessly. wishing you a merry christmas and a wonderful 2010!
thank you for the kind mention
big hugs and kisses
debra

[danielle]

Gorgeous!! Merry Christmas Eddie & Jaithan!

xo
Danielle

[Marti Steed]

I continue to be amazed as you decorate your home for the seasons; having known the property before you arrived. Wishing you both a very Merry Christmas and the best of New Years! Marti

[ralphy]

It is all very beautiful Eddie. I wish you and Jaithan a very Merry Christmas Day and a healthy happy New Years. Caio!

[Charlotta]

Beautiful - all of it!

Merry Christmas!

xCharlotta

[Pat Smith]

Your country house looks great. Happy Christmas to you both. (Santa just finished here)

[kathysue]

Merry, Merry Christmas to two of the most endearing young men I have met in a long time. Your home looks so lovely, warm and inviting, always so tastefully done.Have a wonderful Christmas Day tomorrow. Love you both, Kathysue

[Jennifer @ Fiddle Dee Dee]

Merry Christmas Eddie and Jaithan! Wishing you both a beautiful holiday. The house looks great and the snow completes it all.

xo, Jennifer

[Joyce Bentley]

Merry Christmas Eddie and Jaithan. Thank you for being a bright and creative spot in my life. I always save your email till the end of the day when I can relax and enjoy your enthusiastic descriptions and lovely pictures. Here is hoping that 2010 is a fabulous year for both of you.

[Lisa@DestinationSeaborn]

Everything looks so beautiful! Happy Holidays to you and Jaithan! ~Lisa

[Edward Young]

Hi Eddie and Jaithan,

Thank you for sharing the photo's of your home. Beautiful!

Ed/Dallas, TX

[Ann Chamberlain]

Merry Christmas from Northern California.
Have a marvelous New Year.

[Laura Casey Interiors]

Your house looks wonderful. Merry Christmas to you both!

[Layla]

Happy Holidays to you too! :-)

Wishing you continued success in 2010,
Layla

[Victoria Zlotkowski]

Dearest Eddie and Jaithan, I - we wish you a very merry and maybe a little more quiet time throughout the holidays, hopefully time to enjoy your darling decorations, the views into your lovely country side and all the goodies coming surely your way! You have been very good!!!!
Lot's of family fun and games and a healthy and prosperous New Year!

Big hugs and kisses from Victoria and her family!

Come on over and have look at our Christmas tree... ;)

[paul]

Your tabletop tree is gorgeous -- the whole vignette with the cards and the antique table -- it all looks fantastic. The whole place looks so cozy and homey! You do great work, and seeing how you have made such a perfect life for yourself with your home, your relationship and the projects you do for clients is really inspiring. Hope you have a Merry Christmas and you also have my sincere best wishes for 2010!

[Therese Long]

Looks stunning!!
Wish we were there...
Have the Merriest Christmas ever!!
Love you guys
xox
Chris, Terri & Christopher

[julie - eab designs]

Merry Christmas to you and Jaithan! I'm so looking forward to all of the wonderful projects and ideas you'll share in the New Year.
Cheers! - Julie

[c'estsuzanne]

Your place in the country seems to my eye to be the most endearing and from the heart. Merry Christmas Eddie and Jaithan in your new home. Thanks for your wonderful blog!

[Pamela]

Lovely sentiment from Ted, wherever he may be.

I wish you both a most Happy Christmas! Thanks for all the joy you bring to the blog and design world! All the best to you!

[The Zhush @ thezhush.blogspot.com]

Wow. Such a great post! Just voted for you over at Apartment Therapy...good luck. Loved that card at the end so much, may just have to use it on our Holiday Card next year. Happy Holidays.

[Margaret]

Happy holidays, Eddie, to you and Jaithan! I've loved following your blog this year. Your tree is still as gorgeous as ever!

[Delores]

Merry Christmas to you two too! Love that vintage note. So sweet. --Delores

[brandeye]

looks great eddie! happy holidays.