Cottages and Bungalows December 2020 - January 2021

a big dose of joy

As 2020 makes an exit, many of us may want to give it a swift kick in the behind, right? However, despite its many challenges, the year did bring some sparkling bright spots, including the birth of a beautiful baby girl to our beloved Editor and Brand Leader, Jickie Torres! Nothing adds more joy, hope and happiness than a fresh bundle from heaven, and we are delighted for Jickie and her husband, Mark. We hope this holiday issue brings you a big dose of joy, too! We’ve included six festively jaw-dropping homes tours, from traditional red-and-white flair in a Michigan home (page 76) to suave class in a New Mexico cottage (page 60) and pastel hues in a Florida residence (page 92). Even with social distancing practices, creating a cozy event for a…

like it, love it

O Tannenbaum, What’s Your Christmas Tree Style? What’s the right tree style for you? And once you decide, how do you trim and decorate it like an expert? We’ve got all the answers for you. 2 Merry Mantels with Creative + Unique Style Transform the hearth of your home for the holidays—it’s easy as eating Christmas cookies! Vintage Christmas in a Craftsman Kitchen This charming Craftsman Christmas kitchen is decked out for the holidays with bright vintage collectibles and natural greens. Christmas Curb Appeal Get started with a simple wreath, or go all out for curb appeal that rivals the very finest gingerbread houses! 7 Easy Cocktail Recipes for a Crowd Ring in the holidays with these festive libations that are easy to make and beautiful to serve. Follow us online on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for inspiration daily! WEB Look for…

a little farmstead christmas

Have you ever longed for the simple pleasures of country living, where interior décor is relaxed yet rich in character, where children run free in wide-open spaces and finding the perfect Christmas tree is just a short prairie walk away? That dream came true for Julie Thomas, a loving wife and mama of three boys, a home and lifestyle blogger (littlefarmstead.com) and the author of Little Farmstead Living. Julie created a niche community and posts about decorating advice, family recipes and real life living on the homestead. What makes Julie’s accounts so special? She’s personable and shares relatable, heartfelt stories that feel like a visit with a dear friend. Christmas is a wonderful time of the year at Julie’s homestead, and the holiday decorations glow with a warm, jovial ambience. “One of…

count down to christmas

Felted Wool Little Stockings Advent Calendar, this darling stocking garland is hand-felted and hand-appliqued and measures 20” H x 40” W x 1” D, $91.99. Visit wayfair.com. Stocking Advent Calendar Ladder, exclusive to Bloomingdale’s, this festive ladder measures 17.5” W x 1” D x 35.5”H, and is perfect for hiding daily surprises for the kids, $98. Visit bloomingdales.com. Magnetic Tin Advent Calendar, charming and simple, this easel-back calendar includes a mango wood star magnet to mark the days, measures 16” H x 12” W x .3” D, $40.99. Visit wayfair.com. Concordville Zinc Advent Calendar, this quality calendar has individually dated drawers to fill with tiny treats or gifts, measures 18” H x 18.6” W x 4” D, $188.Visit shopterrain.com. Reindeer Advent Calendar Pattern, this DIY reindeer calendar with 24 vintage ornaments includes step-by-step instructions…

the joy of handmade

If Peach Blossom Studio’s Sheila McKenna had a favorite Christmas carol, it would probably be “Joy to the World.” Her vision for her work is “that it will bring joy to people on a regular basis.” Sheila adds, “I hope that the ornaments I make brighten every Christmas season for many years to come—that the recipient of a piece of jewelry I have designed and produced feels extra-special wearing it, and that my drawer pulls enliven the living space of the people who decide to redo their home with them.” INSPIRATIONS Nature is a major source of inspiration for Sheila’s work. “The Blue Ridge Mountains, the beach, my garden, taking a walk in the woods by my house—these all influence my designs,” she says. Her holiday-specific inspirations come from a large collection…

dine in traditional festive style

Red Magnolia Wreath, elegantly realistic, broadleaf magnolia adorned with red blossoms, 30 inches, $159.00. Visit balsamhill.com. Natural Touch Norfolk Pine Garland, from Afloral, a leader in artificial flowers, this wired branch garland is so realistic, no one will know it is faux, 60” long x 4-6” wide, $64.00.Visit afloral.com. Mixed Floral Arrangement by Holiday Aisle, featuring berries, pinecones and greens, this handcrafted piece is available in two colors and two sizes, $31.99.Visit wayfair.com. ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas Napkin Set, one of each vintage-style design, large 20” square of 100% cotton, $39.99 per set.Visit williams-sonoma.com. Rustic Wooden Tree Box Collar, made in Oklahoma, this unique tree skirt comes in four pieces for easy storage, 100% reclaimed and recycled wood, available in several sizes starting at $84.99.Visit barnwoodusa.com. Etched Snowflake Lantern, this cheerful red lantern has…