55 Farmhouse Christmas Decor Ideas For A Cozy Country Christmas

Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn

While some spend the holidays jetting to tropical escapes far away, Southerners love nothing more than staying a little closer to home and having a cozy Christmas in the country. This season, bring farmhouse charm with these country Christmas decorations festive enough to make an old clapboard farmhouse sing.

We have fond memories of rustic details like magnolia wreaths, ornament-adorned antlers, clove-studded oranges, and pheasant-feathered mantelsā€”topped with layers of lush garland and holiday greenery, of course. Don't forget to adorn your outside spaces, as well. From mailbox toppers to festive entryways, we have all the tricks to welcome your guests in style.

These are our very favorite farmhouse Christmas decor ideas we love for the holiday season. Bring a little country charm to every corner of your home with these timeless Southern accents, kick your feet up, and get comfy by the fireā€”your farmhouse is about to get festive.

Dress Your Home In Garland

<p>Ngoc Minh Ngo</p>

Ngoc Minh Ngo

An old, bright-white clapboard farmhouse doesn't need much to look absolutely charming. Wispy pine garland pops on a white exterior. Sticking with simple greenery for the holidays gives the home an old-fashioned country feel.

Wrap The Banister

<p>Ngoc Minh Ngo</p>

Ngoc Minh Ngo

Less is more in this eclectic farmhouse. Simple garland draped around the handrail sets the tone for a cozy Christmas right when guests enter at the front door. A red pitcher adds a pop of Christmas color.

Decorate Every Trophy

<p>Hector Sanchez</p>

Hector Sanchez

When we say everything in your home deserves a little holiday cheer, we mean everything. From the wall display of silver plates to the ornament-adorned deer trophy, this farmhouse makes tradition and rustic appeal the clear centerpiece of holiday decor. Place excess ornaments in a bowl to put on display.

Bring The Outdoors In

<p>ROBBIE CAPONETTO STYLING: KATHLEEN VARNER Marbled ornaments: shophammett.com</p>

ROBBIE CAPONETTO STYLING: KATHLEEN VARNER Marbled ornaments: shophammett.com

For a real Country Christmas look, embrace the wonder that is the great outdoors. This centerpiece donned with pomegranates, red berries, pinecones and more makes the space feel as if you have brought the outdoors in. Ornaments scattered at the base repeat the round shape of the fruit.

Add Pops Of Christmas Color

Laurey W. Glenn
Laurey W. Glenn

Dress up an all-white space with an oversized magnolia garland and a row of adorable mini trees. Fresh green apples tucked into the mantel decor add pops of seasonal color and highlight the end-of-season harvest. Place larger trees to accent each side of the fireplace.

Dress Greenery With Plaid

<p>Robbie Caponetto</p>

Robbie Caponetto

A little plaid goes a long way. Add bright and cheery color to a classic magnolia wreath with a festive Christmas bow. If you need a few tips, check out our article on How To Make A Bow With Ribbon.

Decorate A Tree With Natural Materials

Southern Living
Southern Living

An adorable miniature Christmas tree on the porch? We'll take two. Give outdoor trees a country Christmas finish with burlap ribbon and pinecones.

Hang Greenery On A Gallery Wall

Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Page Mullins
Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Page Mullins

Instead of draping garland across the furniture, sprinkle boughs of cedar along the tops of frames. If you have an existing gallery wall or a collection of family photographs, you can dress up the display with boughs of cedar and bright red ribbon sashes.

Add Holiday Spirit To A Bar Cart

<p>Ngoc Minh Ngo</p>

Ngoc Minh Ngo

During the season of holiday parties, the bar cart is a bit of a hot spot. Accentuate a masculine space with a simple boxwood wreath and skinny ivory ribbon. An antler adds festive country charm.

Get Playful With Holiday Decorations

<p>Ngoc Minh Ngo</p>

Ngoc Minh Ngo

Throw symmetry out the window. This deer trophy looks like it caught this string of pom-pom garland on the fly, making it a fun conversation piece for your next holiday party.

Make Your Tree A Natural Wonder

Hector Manuel Sanchez; styling: Taylor Colson Horton
Hector Manuel Sanchez; styling: Taylor Colson Horton

Take a petite tree (cypress seen here) to new heights by placing the stand in a rust planter. Decorate the tree with natural wonders like clove-studded oranges, dried orange rounds, pheasant feathers, pine cones, and red berries. With these ornaments, the spirited smell of citrus fills the living room.

Decorate With Magnolia Leaves

Laurey W. Glenn
Laurey W. Glenn

Magnolia leaves are a Southern favorite at Christmas. Here, a bundle of leaves adds a subtle touch of spirit to classic buffalo check bedding. Take a peek out the window and see an elegant magnolia wreath that creates cohesive decor inside and out.

Use Antler Accents

<p>Alison Gootee; Styling: Suzonne Stirling</p>

Alison Gootee; Styling: Suzonne Stirling

This fireplace decor is deliberately free of any ribbons or glitz. A large pair of naturally shed elk antlers and simple Fraser fir garland frames a portrait of the owner's father, making it quite the authentic picture of Christmas at the farmhouse. Boxwood topiaries add a classic feel to an otherwise unusual holiday display.

Decorate With Foraged Materials

<p>Robbie Caponetto; Styling: Lisa Powell Bailey</p>

Robbie Caponetto; Styling: Lisa Powell Bailey

Florida-grown Satsumas are in season in December and can be used for a surprising pop of orange on any mantel display. Pheasant feathers can be found on the farm and used as holiday decor, naturally. You can also look for feathers at your local craft store.

Dress Up A Farmhouse Table Setting

Southern Living
Southern Living

Pick a unique, textured table linen to transform your holiday table. This traditional setting uses the beloved Spode Woodland china pattern for a touch of country elegance. The muted palette dresses up the table.

Display Show-Stopping Mercury Glass

<p>Laurey W. Glenn</p>

Laurey W. Glenn

Mercury glass becomes a show-stopper when grouped together on a sideboard. Also known as "poor man's silver," you'll have no issues building up a hefty collection. Read these expert tips on acquiring and caring for mercury glass.

Dress The Banisters With Garland

Laurey W. Glenn
Laurey W. Glenn

Farmhouse decor is all about simplicity. Stick with simple, natural materials when you want to go over the top with an arrangement like this one. Layers upon layers of verdant greenery make a pretty statement.

Bookend Shelves With Greenery

Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Page Mullins
Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Page Mullins

Turn your usual bookcase into a temporary bar cart come the holiday seasonā€”and jazz it up with greenery. A cedar garland frames this temporary party bar. Fresh accents are fastened to some of the bottles and embellished with ribbon and tiny orbs.

Make The Hearth More Festive

<p>Laurey W. Glenn</p>

Laurey W. Glenn

We'd like to sit by this festive hearth all season long. Get the look by layering different types of garland and spotting the arrangement with pinecones and holiday berries. Add bright green bows on top.

Collect Vintage Christmas Decor

<p>Laurey W. Glenn</p>

Laurey W. Glenn

Every Southern family has some sort of Christmas collection, be it vintage Santas or colorful nutcrackers. Instead of spreading them around the house, group them together on a table or sideboard. This collection of Santas has a greater visual impact and reminds us of simpler times.

Bring In A Barnyard Friend

Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Page Mullins
Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Page Mullins

A fresh juniper garland smells heavenly and makes an elegant statement cascading down the stairway. Earth-toned ornaments in assorted shades along the garland increase the charm. The festive goat sculpture at the base of the stairs brings in an element of the barnyard.

Create An Attention-Grabbing Entrance

Southern Living
Southern Living

Talk about making an entrance. This show-stopping archway uses a few of the South's favorite Christmas components, like pinecones and magnolia leaves. Rustic metal pails serve as vessels for more holiday greenery.

Add Dressy Details To A Rustic Display

Laurey W. Glenn
Laurey W. Glenn

Hosting Christmas brunch? Brighten up your simple greenery with cream-colored roses and a wide ivory ribbon. Here, a collection of brass reindeer is arranged alongside the weathered white decor.

Embrace The Southern Accent

<p>Robbie Caponetto; Styling: Lisa Powell Bailey</p>

Robbie Caponetto; Styling: Lisa Powell Bailey

Between the pine garland, velvet bows, pinecones, and pheasant feathers, this banister is about as Southern as it gets. Having the velvet ribbon cascade nearly to the floor makes the display feel polished rather than busy.

Take Clippings From The Garden

<p>Alison Gootee; Styling: Suzonne Stirling</p>

Alison Gootee; Styling: Suzonne Stirling

Wispy and colorful clippings make a charming country arrangement or coffee table centerpiece. Gather greenery and berries from the garden and intersperse with cut flowers for a natural-feeling display. Cuttings can also be used to fill in clear glass vessels, where they can be appreciated from all around.

Go All-Out For A Festive Farmhouse Exterior

Southern Living
Southern Living

This home is practically dripping with Christmas charm. The homeowner hung classic wreaths on the windows and a pinecone-studded green garland along the front porch. Having a wreath on every door and window lets you know that Santa has no plans of skipping this festive home.

Decorate Every Surface

<p>Laurey W. Glenn</p>

Laurey W. Glenn

Give ordinary home items special holiday accents, like this simple clamshell filled with shiny gold and silver ornaments and a large sprig of magnolia. Adding a few mini-trees never hurt anyone either.

Transform Outdoor Features Into Lamp Posts

Laurey W. Glenn
Laurey W. Glenn

When it's time to bundle up, turn your shepherd's hook into a lamp post for the winter. Attach two magnolia branchesā€”one pointing up and the other hanging down to reveal both the green and brown sides of the leaves. Hang a lantern from each hook, which you can light on Christmas Eve for a warm, soft glow.

Make Magnolia Gift Tags

Laurey W. Glenn
Laurey W. Glenn

Even your gifts can use a farm-chic touch. Use a silver or gold paint pen to write the gift receiver's name on a magnolia leaf and attach it with double-sided tape. These felt snowflakes also add a cozy, handmade feeling to gifts.

Welcome Guests With Wreaths

<p>Laurey W. Glenn</p>

Laurey W. Glenn

Nothing is more classic at Christmas than a wreath on every window. Give your facade a festive face-lift. Hang bright green wreaths with red ribbon for a simple but show-stopping exteriorā€”and don't forget to include wreath that welcomes guests at the front gate.

Frame Mirrors With Garland

Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Page Mullins
Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Page Mullins

An asymmetrical garland on this buffet mirror puts a modernly rustic spin on traditional decorations. Hang three ornaments on just one side with ribbon to add keen interest to the area without seeming too perfect. Add more greenery in glass hurricanes with candles.

Highlight Farmhouse Features Of Your Home

<p>Laurey W. Glenn</p>

Laurey W. Glenn

We'd like to hang out here, please. Make your farmhouse-style shutters look cozy and festive for Christmas by hanging lush wreaths with bright red ribbon. The cherry red pillows add a pop of color to an otherwise neutral setting.

Stick With A Natural Color Scheme

Southern Living
Southern Living

When in doubt, put a bow on it. Go fully rustic with a natural holiday palette using warm colors and nubby textures and a garland-trimmed vintage wheel. Sew your own burlap stockings to emphasize the farmhouse feel.

Turn A Big Fireplace Into A Statement

<p>Emily J. Followill</p>

Emily J. Followill

Give store-bought garland a dramatic makeover fitting for a big farm fireplace. Clipped magnolia, holly, pine, and cedar ramp up the texture, while layering in milo, millet, and rose hips makes it incredibly eye-catching.

Glitz Up Greenery With Metallic Paint

Southern Living
Southern Living

This traditional tree was wrapped like a Christmas gift in red tartan ribbon. Spray paint some magnolia leaves to add a little rustic glitz we simply love. Use a woven star for a rustic tree topper.

Create A Cozy Country Kitchen

Southern Living
Southern Living

At Christmastime, the kitchen is often overlooked for decorating. This room often serves as a gathering space and deserves some holiday recognition. Simple greenery and bright holiday arrangements add even more warmth to a cozy kitchen.

Bring Holiday Charm To The Patio

<p>Laurey W. Glenn</p>

Laurey W. Glenn

Don't neglect outdoor patios and porches in your Christmas decorating. Wreaths, candles, and large glowing orbs draw guests outside to cozy up by the fire. We love the bright red tractor, a reminder of vintage farmhouse toys.

Add Red Foliage To Brighten An Entry

<p>Ralph Lee Anderson</p>

Ralph Lee Anderson

This symmetrical display draws your eyes to your door. Fill in planters with greenery and red foliage for a fuller, festive look (use a can of spray paint to add color). A little bit of color-blocking creates a uniquely natural, yet curated look.

Hang Stockings Along The Staircase

Ralph Anderson
Ralph Anderson

White quilted stockings dress this staircase with simple country charm. Skip traditional garland and lace natural vine through the staircase's balusters. Your family will feel like Christmas magic has sprouted from the stairs.

Dress Up The Mailbox

<p>Jim Bathie</p>

Jim Bathie

Your neighbors will be asking for your design secrets when they see this natural and fun outdoor decor piece. Top your mailbox with a menagerie of pinecones and holly for some serious curb appeal. Add a festive bow to the box and sprinkle in a few ornaments for a splash of red.

Wow With Wreaths

Laurey W. Glenn
Laurey W. Glenn

Hang a few wreaths from your staircase to create height that draws the eye up. These boxwood wreaths were hung with candy-cane striped ribbon for an extra festive look.

Set A Holiday Scene Outdoors

<p>Erica George Dines</p>

Erica George Dines

Even if it's getting cold outside, don't skimp on the outdoor decorating details. With a mug of hot cocoa and a cozy fire, this will be your favorite spot to bask in the Christmas spirit. Highlight farmhouse features like this tobacco basket with greenery and lighting.

Decorate The Playhouse For Christmas

Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Paige Mullins
Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Paige Mullins

This year, have Christmas come early for the kiddos. Farmhouse vibes can go beyond the home with an outdoor fort ready to take on the holiday season with natural greenery and a small tree.

Hang Homespun Stockings

Southern Living
Southern Living

For the most authentic country accent, try your hand at homespun burlap stockings made from inexpensive (or re-used) burlap fabric and humble twine. Add a monogram or fun letter accent to make it feel all the more personal.

Bring On Scottish Accents

<p>Beth Dreiling Hontzas</p>

Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Scottish tartan, pheasant feathers, and golden bells? This farmhouse front door takes things to next-level festivity. A few birch segments and red birds set a woodsy scene.

Wrap Gifts In Burlap

<p>Monica Buck</p>

Monica Buck

Don't settle for mismatched wrapping. Repurpose those burlap bags and wrap your gifts up in style this Christmas. Tree cookie ornaments make a fun rustic gift topper.

Decorate With Lanterns

<p>Jim Bathie</p>

Jim Bathie

Oversized lanterns are the perfect warm touch for your outdoor farmhouse landscape. Simply rest these lanterns beside your door or along the stairs for a softly lit walkway. Add a few sprigs of greenery around the base of candles.

Use Vintage Ornaments

Laurey W. Glenn
Laurey W. Glenn

Mix in lots of vintage ornaments on your Christmas tree display for a cozy, nostalgic look. Touches of mercury and jewel tones make this tree feel retro without being outdated.

Create A Holiday Ice Bucket

Hector Manuel Sanchez
Hector Manuel Sanchez

All the partygoers will be impressed by this festive ice bucket, complete with frozen seasonal berries, leaves, and fruits. Start by filling a clean, empty gallon paint bucket with two inches of water and then freezing it. Next, insert a sand-filled two-liter plastic bottle into the bucket. Place leaves, berries, and lemon slices around the bottle, cover with water, and freeze. Repeat these steps until the bucket looks just how you want it, then remove the 2-liter bottle.

Use Glass-Paned Cabinets For A Gallery

<p>Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller</p>

Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

Use those glass-paned cabinets to display cherished family photos or collected holiday cards. Attached to a thick black ribbon, the display instantly looks elegant. Drape greenery along the top of the cabinets to complete the look.

Add Metallic Touches

Laurey W. Glenn
Laurey W. Glenn

This farmhouse hearth is accented with oversized metallic pinecones, silver ornaments and bells, and fun pops of red. The logs in the fireplace make a hearth feel warm and cozy, even if you won't be burning a fire.

Draw Inspiration From Surroundings

Kriech-Higdon Photography
Kriech-Higdon Photography

The Bluegrass State's surrounding landscape inspired the rustic, natural look for the Christmas tablescape at our 2021 Idea House. For the centerpiece, pine boughs, white spray-painted branches, pinecones, and a game bird surround three tall hurricanes. Lighting the pillar candles inside feels especially merry at twilight.

Set Up A Cocoa Station

Kriech-Higdon Photography
Kriech-Higdon Photography

For a warm Southern welcome, set out a tray or basket with the makings for hot cocoa. Use vintage canisters and mugs, or select some from the Southern Living holiday collection at Dillard's.

Craft A Pinecone Wreath

Laurey W. Glenn
Laurey W. Glenn

Arrange long, skinny pinecones, like the ones that fall from white pines, into a DIY snowflake wreath. Spray paint the pinecones and hot glue them in your desired shape onto a wreath frame. Hang the wreath on your front door with frost-colored ribbon.

Dress Your White Picket Fence

<p>Laurey W. Glenn</p>

Laurey W. Glenn

What's more charming than a white picket fence? One that's been dressed up for the holidays. With wreaths placed strategically along the lane, your neighbors will feel welcome to stop in and say hello. The greenery on the house itself is lit up, creating a warm glow.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you decorate for a country Christmas?

To make your country home feel cozy for the holidays, use rustic materials like greenery, weathered wood, pinecones, and berries. Woodland animals, plaid fabrics, and soft colors also play a role in a country Christmas.

What is rustic Christmas decor?

Anything from nature can count as rustic, whether you're displaying pine cones, antlers, shells, or clippings from outside. Use ornaments and decorations made from rustic materials like wood, burlap, or weathered metal.

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Read the original article on Southern Living.