The Cottage Journal Christmas 2020

COMFORT & JOY Twinkling trees, ornamented wreaths, and garlands of fresh greenery draping mantels, stairways, and doors are the sights that signal the season. We welcome you to this issue of cottages dressed for the holidays with various themes tailored to each household. We know you will enjoy experiencing each home’s unique settings from simply adorned tables to extravagantly laden trees all sharing holiday merriment and inspiration. With this being our 10th-anniversary edition, we are especially grateful to our readers for all your support and loyalty. We began The Cottage Journal magazine with our first Christmas Cottage issue in 2010. It was the idea of Phyllis Hoffman DePiano, our CEO and editor-in-chief. Since that time, we have received a lot of interest in cottage and farmhouse style and made many friends along…

When Christmas comes around, families across the United States and Europe gather to partake in a beloved tradition with a rich history—and an even richer flavor. With roots traced back over centuries, gingerbread houses have become staples of the holiday season, and these candy-covered cottages are a common sight throughout the month of December. But before it was shaped into sugary abodes, gingerbread was a favorite treat among royalty and commoners alike, inspiring festivals in medieval Europe and working its way into popular folklore. While the first recipe can be traced back to Ancient Greece, gingerbread became more recognizable as the dessert we know and love around the 16th century, when flour and eggs were introduced to its ingredients. While the exact origins are unknown, it’s widely accepted that the creation of…

See more of Amanda’s projects on Instagram at @amandabarkleyfloral.…

Feelings of excitement and anticipation abound at Christmastime as friends and families gather together and celebrate this joyous occasion. French Country Cottage Inspired Gatherings by Courtney Allison captures the warmth and emotion of entertaining through meaningful moments throughout the seasons, making the book an ideal gift for loved ones to enjoy year-round. A freelance photographer, stylist, and designer, Courtney founded the lifestyle blog and brand French Country Cottage and also has a floral line with Balsam Hill. Inspired Gatherings is her second book, and through its beautiful pages, Courtney shares her love of tabletop style and tips for creating an ambience and experience guests are sure to remember. From Courtney’s favorite florals to the essential elements of the rustic yet elegant style for which she is known, the book’s 224 pages overflow…

Jen and Trent Fancher knew what they were getting themselves into when they bought their fixer-upper home in 2018. Luckily, they were also experienced enough to handle the renovations, which were needed to revive this previous rental property. After seeing the home’s potential, the couple decided to purchase it when moving back to Trent’s hometown of Birmingham, Alabama. And after two years of renovations, the Fanchers can confidently say now that they love their home, even if more remodeling is planned. “We are slowly loving [our home] back to life,” Jen says. No strangers to DIY projects, the Fanchers were undaunted when it came to renovating their home. So far, they’ve updated the kitchen, sunroom, master “retreat,” bathroom, and a few bedrooms, though Jen is quick to add, “There’s so much…