Today here on the blog: Lichen-covered branches, pinecones, stars, and gold and green ribbons, create an enchanted coastal Maine winter forest holiday dining room.
Plus a few things that are giving me the holiday feels these days — a local Maine scented candle maker, a cozy festive outfit, and some soft and chewy sugar cookies.
My Holiday Dining Room
I have talked about it before.
The surprise that sometimes occurs when decorating a room.
Those times things somehow go in a direction I wasn’t expecting.
I have found that these times almost always result in something delightful!
That is exactly what happened with this year’s holiday decorations in the dining room.
Since the kids won’t be home for Christmas this year, I was thinking I would keep things simple and go with some iteration of what I had done before.
But then I went for a walk in the woods with Maddie and Cisco.
The woods here on the coast of Maine are something special. Tall spruce trees tower overhead and a soft bed of moss cushions each step. The forest floor is strewn with lichen covered branches, pinecones, rocks, crab shells, and mini spruce-tree sprouts.
I always find treasures.
This recent walk was no exception — I picked up two armfuls of my favorite lichen-covered branches. I had to make two trips to the car. Lucky M&C got an extra loop in that day!
When I got home, I immediately got to work, so inspired by my walk in the woods.
The result, I believe, is rather magical.
Or maybe it is crazy.
Probably a bit of both!
Won’t you come for a stroll with me in my enchanted coastal Maine winter forest holiday dining room?!
The Fireplace
It all began with the fireplace. Always a favorite spot to decorate!
I was inspired by this year’s fall display, with the twisted branch arching across the top.
You can read all about it in my post Welcoming October With Nature-Inspired Fall Fireplace Decor
So, for this season, instead of hanging a wreath, like I usually do, I found a multi-stemmed branch covered in the pale green lichens I love so much. It hangs from the beam above, its branches reaching down over the blue and white platters.
I love the contrast of the rough and natural with the smooth and refined!
I then filled the mugs and jugs on the mantel with more foraged branches, plus a few sprigs of faux greenery for some fullness. Notice I used some branches that stand upright and some that curve. I was even lucky to find a branch with soft pine needles that drapes gracefully .
For a final whimsical touch, I hung three cardboard stars from the branches using a thin green striped grosgrain ribbon. The two green ones add depth and balance to the display, but the golden-tan star pops like a beacon of light during this dark season.
I will keep this display up through January. Definitely the darkest time of year here in Maine.
THESE ARE THE STARS I BOUGHT:
I also used foraged branches in the mantel decor in the living room on the other side of this see-through fireplace. You can read all about it in last week’s blog post: Deck the Halls | My Living Room Holiday Decor.
The Hutch
Next I moved on to decorate the hutch.
You know I love my stripy blue and white Cornishware dishes, but I was ready for a change. I will bring them back out in the spring!
I always miss my mom in particular during the holidays. So, with her on my mind, I pulled out some of her blue and white transferware dishes. (Yes, I have MORE!)
I put together a quick arrangement of plates, platters, and jugs, then added in my four Eldreth Pottery salt glaze Santas.
Dave Eldreth, the founder of Eldreth Pottery, stepped down from the business in 2017, and their retail stores closed this year. But you can still find his pieces for sale on sites such as Etsy and Ebay. I will link a few for you below.
I think my mom would love them with her beloved “blue and white”!
To tie the hutch to the mantel, I added more foraged branches. (I told you I collected two big armfuls!)
Plus, several of the big Sugar Pine cones and a few smaller ones.
Lastly, I hung a single white cardboard star. Just one is enough!
Adding foraged and other natural elements is an easy and inexpensive way to add some last-minute holiday cheer to any space in your home!
SHOP MY HUTCH DECOR:
The Dining Table
Though the family will not be gathering here for Christmas this year, I still like to set a festive table.
I always have at least a table runner or cloth, centerpiece, and usually some candles on the table for everyday.
It is a great spot to add a little seasonal cheer!
The Table
Back in November I visited my favorite fabric store and picked out some mix-and-match prints for the holidays. I was thinking a table runner and napkins.
That was before my whole “enchanted coastal Maine winter forest” thing evolved…
Instead of sewing something, I ended up digging out a gorgeous runner Coral and Tusk sent me several years ago.
Coral and Tusk has been very generous to me in the past.
I have their Tree Trimmers Wreath Pillows in the living room.
And you might remember the gorgeous Thanksgiving table runner and napkins they gifted me two years ago. I shared that table setting in my post Abundant Harvest Thanksgiving Table Setting.
This Christmas table runner is beautifully embroidered with greenery and pinecones. Perfect for my woodland theme!
And it must have been meant to be, because the napkin fabrics I picked out coordinate beautifully with the runner.
For an easy centerpiece — a big Simon Pearce glass bowl filled with pinecones, lichen-covered twigs, and ribbon. I found some matte gold faux berry picks buried in the bottom of a tub of Christmas decor, which I tucked into the pinecones as a bit of pop. I kind of wish they were a brighter gold, but I was using what I had on hand. They will do!
Two rustic green pillar candles in my trusty hand-blown Simon Pearce Norwich Hurricanes. When linking, I just noticed that these are on sale right now! They would make a great gift! (Maybe for yourself??)
The way the glass sparkles and reflects light this time of year is particularly beautiful. And it reminds me of ice.
The Light Fixture
Usually for the holidays I decorate the light fixture with a faux garland.
This year, instead, I embellished it with, you guessed it, a jumble of lichen-covered branches.
I am loving the wild look!
It’s okay. You can now call me the crazy stick lady. I will wear the title proudly.
To contrast with the rustic branches, I tied a trio of shimmery gold satin, green velvet, and green stripe ribbons on each corner of the light. Instead of tying them in a bow, I simply folded them over on themselves. This is a casually elegant look, which works nicely with the wide 4″ base ribbon.
That’s it!
This Week Into Next
Wow, I can’t believe Christmas is less than two weeks away!
I’ll be honest. Christmas without my kids (and now grandkids) is hard. But, this is what happens when they grow up and get married. And I am happy that they have other loving families in their lives.
In their absence, I am appreciating the small joys. Decorating the house. The glow of Christmas lights. Frosty walks outdoors with Maddie and Cisco. Snuggling under a cozy blanket. Holiday movies. Christmas music.
Here are a few other things I am enjoying.
Near and Native Scented Candles
I usually buy my scented candles from Home Goods or Target. And they are perfectly okay.
The other day when I was out and about, though, I was enticed by a candle made by local Maine small business Near and Native.
I loved the scent. And I always prefer to support local businesses.
But it was about three times what I usually pay.
It is the holiday season, though, so I decided to “treat yo self “.
Wow, what a difference! The scent is rich and layered. I only need to burn the candle for a bit and the smell lingers for hours!
Near and Native candles are hand-poured in Westbrook, Maine using all natural coconut soy wax. They are 100% phthalate and paraben free.
And, bonus, once you have burned your candle, you can return it and have it refilled for a reduced price!
I bought the Wildwood scent candle, custom made for Holly Gagne, a local interior design boutique.
Winter Woods, directly from Near and Native, sounds like a similar scent.
You can tell I have the coastal Maine winter forest on my mind these days!
A cozy holiday-ish outfit
I recently wrote here about Nuuly, the clothing rental service I subscribe to.
Each month there are usually a couple of the six items I receive that just don’t work for me. But this month, every piece is a winner!
I am particularly loving a cozy sweater and corduroy pants combo from Anthropologie.
The 100% cashmere sweater is perfectly oversized and drapey. And oh-so-soft. I chose the green color, which feels a bit festive.
While I know feelings are mixed on barrel-leg style pants, the corduroys are slightly cropped and just the right amount of baggy on me. (For reference, I am around 5′ 5″, 135 lbs.) And, the waistband has an elastic back which makes them extra comfy.
Paired together, I feel the silhouettes play off one another well, with just the right amount of slouch.
I am wearing this outfit on repeat!
Note: I ordered down a size to XS in the pants and probably could have in the sweater too. The sweater has a stretchy waistband, so you don’t need to tuck it in as pictured below. I also do not wear it off-the-shoulder.
SHOP THE OUTFIT:
I obviously did not style either piece as shown on the Anthro website. Um, cashmere sweater and shorts this time of year in Maine? Not happening… Don’t be deterred by the link photos. These are great pieces! They both come in other colors too!
NYT Cooking Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies
These are not crunchy sugar cookies that you decorate. (Those are yummy too!)
They are chewy, soft, and oh-so-comforting.
Bake only as many as you will eat immediately. (Hey, no judgment here!)
Then roll the remaining dough into balls and store in the freezer.
You can bake them from freezing whenever you need a little sugary indulgence.
I will leave you on that sweet note!
Be kind to others — and yourself — this holiday season!
