A coastal New England Christmas with weathered buoys, fresh greens, handmade Maine ornaments, and a cozy mix of flannel and winter charm.
The Final Touches for the Final Countdown
Well, the countdown is on — less than two weeks until the big day!
And I think I’m in pretty good shape. I’ve almost finished my Christmas shopping and the decorating is done.
So while I’m disappointed that the family won’t be gathering here for Christmas this year, I have to admit that celebrating in Maryland has taken some pressure off me. I’ve done my part here — the house is warm, cozy, and just-the-right-amount festive. Now I have precious, stress-free time with family to look forward to. I can’t wait!
Today I’m sharing the last two spaces I decorated — the front entry and the little Maine-themed tree I moved from the guest cottage to the snug this year.
I’ve decorated my home for the holidays the way the coast feels in winter here—rugged, weathered, and full of quiet beauty.
A Coastal Maine Christmas Welcome at the Front Entry
In some years I have gone all-out with the holiday decorations for the front of the house. Wreaths on every window, including a giant one on the window above the door. A thick custom-made garland and jaunty plaid “scarves.” I loved the look as I pulled down the driveway, but it was a lot of work. And oh, the stories I have about hanging that giant wreath — one year it even took the big plunge onto the front walkway below. We won’t even get into me trying to hoist and secure the very-heavy garland above the door…
This year I definitely wanted to keep things much simpler — in fact, I started out too simple and it just didn’t do it for me. Here is what I ended up with, and I would say it qualifies as just right for this more restrained holiday season.
I began with weathered buoys — a nod to the rugged coast and the fishing village I call home.
Lobster buoy holiday decor — of course!
This year in spring, summer, and fall, I welcomed visitors with various colors and combinations of old lobster buoys hanging at the front entry. For Christmas and heading into winter, I decided to forego traditional greenery and do the same—this time using buoys in shades of greens and blues.
I grouped them as I usually do, adding a mesh feed bag and a tangle of lobster rope or a rope bow. For the season, I draped on plaid “scarves” made from an old blanket and tucked in a sprig of greenery and some pinecones. I was happy with the arrangements—one for the door and one on each side. I hung them and checked the front entry off my list.
But as I went about daily life—coming and going through the door and up and down the driveway—I realized I wasn’t happy with them after all. They were, in a word, underwhelming.
What worked in other seasons, when the front beds were in various states of growth, matched the stark winter landscape a little too well. I wanted a warmer, more lush welcome.
They needed something more…
Fresh greenery
For me, holiday decorating really is all about the greenery, whether faux or natural. Festive trees, lush mantel garland, sprigs tucked into an antique pitcher or jug — it all adds life and warmth to a space.
While I didn’t need wreaths on every window, I did want some greenery out front to bring in softness and texture. I generally use faux greenery inside the house, where fresh dries out quickly. But outdoors, I always go for fresh. With our cold winter temps here, it lasts well into the season.
So off I headed to the local place where I always get my fresh greenery. I didn’t need much, just three wreaths and a short swag for above the door.
And then there I was at it again, arranging buoys, feed sacks, and lobster rope — this time with the wreaths as a base. Instead of three buoys on either side of the door, I opted for two. In place of the “scarves,” I used leftover blue and green plaid flannel from the dining area to tie bows, creating continuity with the décor inside.
Now, as I pull down the driveway or approach the front door, I am greeted by greenery, buoy color, and flannel pattern layered together in a way that feels just right for a coastal Maine winter — welcoming, cozy, and quietly festive.
The Little Maine-Themed Tree in the Snug
For years I’ve had a small Maine-themed tree in the guest cottage. Since no one will be staying up there this year, I decided to move it down to the main house, where I can actually enjoy it. Most nights I spend in the snug, cozied up with the animals (yes, all four!) bingeing a TV show or watching a holiday movie. So this room felt like the natural spot for the tree — especially since its cheery reds and blues match the snug’s color palette perfectly.
Handmade ornaments full of heart
I purchased this little 3-foot tree at Lowe’s back when the house was being built. I was up checking on construction and wanted something festive in the cottage. So yes — the tree itself is nothing fancy. But over time it has become home to some very special ornaments.
I’ve shared the company Craftspring with you before. They’re one of those small businesses that just makes you feel good. Their ornaments are designed in Brooklyn and handmade by artisans around the world using traditional techniques. Each one is full of personality and whimsy.
Through the years, Craftspring has been extremely generous in gifting me a whole little tree’s worth of detailed felt ornaments. I, naturally, have gone with a Maine theme — lobster fishermen (and women), both a traditional red and a rare blue lobster, anchors, a lighthouse, a Bean boot, a carton of blueberries, a seagull, and a buoy.
This year I added a cute Santa fisherman wearing a yellow rain suit. And since my grandchildren love our local beach, there’s now a little boy ready for a day in the sand and sea, complete with a towel, flip flops, baseball cap, and bucket. As a nod to the sardine factory that once stood in our village (before it went up in flames in the ’70s), there’s a sardine tin, half-open with three fish inside. And because I love Maine maple syrup, a felt bottle of the sweet amber elixir.
No matter where you live, or what you love, Craftspring has an ornament for you. You can explore Craftspring’s entire collection here — I know you will be charmed! They are offering 20% off right now, which makes it an especially lovely time to browse!
A little glow up — Maine style
When I originally decorated this tree, I used what was easy to find — red and white checked ribbon and a plastic beaded garland. It added cheer, even if it wasn’t the most unique.
This year, though, I decided the tree deserved a little “glow up” to match the wonderful ornaments it now holds — Maine style, of course! So out went the ribbon and garland. In their place: a length of green lobster rope for garland and small strips of classic plaid flannel tied to the branch tips. At the top, a big red flannel bow that adds a bold, cheerful finish.
I placed the tree on an old wooden children’s pull sled and tucked a coil of rope and a small buoy at the base. And for this tree, I chose colored lights instead of white — they bring a nostalgic glow that suits the handmade ornaments perfectly.
Just like the small tree in the living room, this has become the little tree that could — adding cheer, warmth, and hope to the snug during these dark December nights.
My Christmas Outfit
From dressing my house to dressing myself for the holidays.
I always like to get a new outfit for Christmas. A special day deserves a special outfit. Nothing too fancy, though — something relaxed and comfortable, but still a little elevated.
After much searching, I ended up choosing the Suzon sweater from Sézane. The classic navy drew me in, and the embroidered red flowers give it a festive note without being over the top. I have a couple of Sézane sweaters and they’re always well-made and a little different from what other brands offer — this one feels perfect for the season and beyond.
Choosing what to wear with it proved trickier, but I finally settled on a washable silk skirt from Quince. I love the contrast between the cozy knit and the smooth satin. The burgundy was sold out, so I went with navy — a good staple piece that will work year-round. And with its pull-on elastic waist, it’s as comfortable as it is pretty.
On my feet, I’m planning to wear burgundy velvet Mary Janes from Target — a mix of luxe and cushy that feels right for a Christmas spent at home.
I actually like to add small touches of holiday spirit to what I wear all December. Today it’s a red cable knit sweater, jeans, a mixed-plaid flannel scarf, and red socks. Adding seasonal cheer to what I wear this time of year always brings me a little extra joy. You should give it a try!
Shop the Look
This Week Into Next
Between Christmas shopping and decorating, two meetings, and my volunteer work at the pantry, it was a busy but productive week. Once I get this blog post published, though, I’m looking forward to sitting back and relaxing a bit.
We also had all kinds of weather. First it was bitterly cold with wind and two surprise snows — just a few inches each time, but pretty nonetheless. There was one frigid, sunny day when the water turned a deep navy blue, contrasting beautifully with the white shoreline. And then, of course, a night of rain and wind swept in and washed all the snow away. Now we’re back to cold. So it goes here on the Maine coast.
I know many of you are deep in holiday preparations and festivities too — and perhaps dealing with even crazier weather. Whatever this season looks like for you, I hope you find a healthy mix of joy and peace, spontaneity and accomplishment, magic and the everyday.
Next week I’ll be back with a full holiday home tour. Until then — be well, friends!
