Farmhouse Christmas Decorating: Cozy Rustic Holiday Style Guide

There’s something deeply comforting about farmhouse Christmas decorating that pulls at our collective nostalgia for simpler times. The style combines vintage charm, natural materials, and handmade touches that make homes feel like they’ve been gathering holiday memories for generations. Whether you live in an actual farmhouse or a modern apartment, this warm, welcoming approach to seasonal decorating creates spaces that beg you to curl up with hot cocoa and stay awhile. The beauty of farmhouse style lies in its accessibility. You don’t need expensive purchases or professional help. Instead, it’s about layering textures, mixing old with new, and celebrating imperfection.

Table of Contents

What Defines Farmhouse Christmas Style

Understanding the core elements helps you create authentic farmhouse holiday ambiance rather than just copying isolated trends.

Natural and Reclaimed Materials

Farmhouse decorating celebrates materials that show age, wear, and authenticity:

Wood in All Its Forms:

Weathered barn wood with visible grain and old nail holes
Unfinished or lightly stained new wood that looks handcrafted
Wooden crates, ladders, and vintage tools repurposed as decor
Cutting boards, dough bowls, and utilitarian wooden items styled seasonally

Metal with Patina:

Galvanized tin buckets, watering cans, and washboards
Vintage enamelware showing chips and age spots
Wrought iron or black metal accents
Old farm tools like milk cans or feed scoops

Natural Fibers and Textiles:

Burlap, canvas, and linen with visible weave texture
Wool blankets, especially vintage ones or those with plaid patterns
Cotton ticking stripe and grain sack fabrics
Jute twine, rope, and natural cordage

Fresh and Dried Botanicals:

Real evergreen branches, never artificial
Dried flowers, wheat stalks, and cotton stems
Pinecones, acorns, and other foraged elements
Fresh fruit like apples, pears, and cranberries

Color Palettes That Work

Farmhouse Christmas decorating typically follows these color directions:

Classic Red and White: The quintessential farmhouse combination that never looks dated. Think barn red against crisp white trim, red checked fabrics, and white enamelware.

Neutral with Greenery: Creams, whites, beiges, and soft grays let fresh greenery provide all the color needed. This palette feels clean and peaceful while maintaining warmth.

Buffalo Check and Plaid: These patterns define farmhouse style so completely that many people use them year-round. Red and black buffalo check appears everywhere during the holidays, though navy or green versions work beautifully too.

Muted Jewel Tones: Not bright and saturated but softer versions: dusty burgundy, sage green, slate blue. These colors add richness without overwhelming the space.

Mixing Old and New

Authentic farmhouse style never looks too coordinated or obviously purchased all at once. The magic happens when you layer:

Grandmother’s vintage ornaments on a new tree
Fresh evergreen garland draped over an antique ladder
Modern white dishes displayed in a weathered cabinet
New plaid pillows on a worn leather sofa

This collected-over-time appearance can’t be purchased in one shopping trip. Start with what you have, add pieces gradually, and embrace the imperfect evolution of your decorating style.

Rustic Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas

The Christmas tree anchors your farmhouse holiday design and offers countless opportunities to showcase the style’s signature elements.

Farmhouse Tree Foundation

Tree Selection: Choose trees with character rather than perfect symmetry. Slightly sparse trees that let you see branches work better than densely packed ones. The imperfection reads as authentic rather than cheap.

Base and Skirt Options:

Vintage galvanized tub or bucket instead of a modern stand
Canvas drop cloth or grain sack fabric as tree skirt
Large woven basket that hides the stand
Wooden crate that adds height and rustic charm
Simple burlap with frayed edges

Ornament Collections

Layer these different ornament types for dimensional interest:

Wood Slice Ornaments: Natural wood rounds showing bark and growth rings, left plain or stamped with simple designs
Galvanized Metal Stars and Shapes: The aged metal provides texture and catches light without being overly shiny
Vintage Glass Ornaments: Particularly those with slightly worn silvering or in muted colors
Handmade Felt or Fabric Ornaments: Items that look crafted rather than mass-produced
Natural Elements: Pinecone clusters, cinnamon sticks tied with twine, dried orange slices
Simple Red Ball Ornaments: Matte finish in true red provides classic color pops

Distribution Strategy: Don’t hang ornaments evenly. Cluster certain types together, leave some branches bare, and vary depths so some ornaments nestle into the tree while others hang toward the front.

Garland and Ribbon

Garland Options:

Wood bead garland in natural finish
Cranberry and popcorn strings for authentic vintage appeal
Burlap ribbon looped loosely through branches
Simple jute twine wound around the tree
Skip garland entirely for a cleaner look

Ribbon Choices: Use wide ribbon with wire edges for shaping:

Buffalo check in red and black
Canvas or linen ribbons with frayed edges
Red velvet for richer texture
Avoid satin, sparkly, or overly formal ribbons

Tree Topper Ideas

Move beyond traditional stars and angels:

Large burlap bow with long trailing ribbons
Oversized galvanized metal star
Cluster of cotton stems or dried flowers
Vintage finial or architectural salvage piece
Simple twig star wrapped with twine
Nothing at all if the tree has a beautiful natural top

Farmhouse Christmas Mantel Decorating

The mantel serves as a prime display area for showcasing farmhouse Christmas style in concentrated form.

Building Layers on Your Mantel

Start with larger background elements and work forward:

Back Layer:

Large wooden sign with holiday greeting
Vintage window frame or mirror
Framed farmhouse artwork or prints
Large evergreen wreath hung on the wall

Middle Layer:

Medium-height items like lanterns, candlesticks, or small trees
Stacked vintage books tied with twine
Galvanized containers holding greenery
Small wooden crates turned on their sides as vignette spaces

Front Layer:

Garland draping across the front edge
Small decorative items like pinecones or ornaments
Battery-operated candles for safety
Seasonal fruits in wooden bowls

Specific Mantel Arrangements

The Symmetrical Approach:

Matching lanterns or candlesticks on both ends
Evergreen garland swag in the center
Identical smaller elements flanking the center
Works well for traditional farmhouse interiors

The Gathered Collection:

Cluster multiple items on one side
Balance with garland flowing to the opposite side
Creates casual, collected-over-time appearance
Perfect for more relaxed farmhouse styles

The Minimal Statement:

One large focal piece in the center or to one side
Sparse greenery accents
Lots of empty space
Suits modern farmhouse aesthetics

Stocking Display Ideas

Hang stockings in ways that enhance rather than hide your mantel arrangement:

Individual vintage hooks or hardware store hooks
Wooden corbels or brackets
Large nails or railroad spikes driven into the mantel
Draped over a galvanized pipe hung in front of the mantel
Hung from a vintage ladder leaning against the wall beside the fireplace

Stocking Styles:

Grain sack or canvas with stamped initials
Red and white striped ticking fabric
Cream knit with simple cable patterns
Burlap with red plaid cuffs
Vintage quilted stockings showing age

DIY Farmhouse Christmas Decorations

Creating your own decorations ensures authenticity while keeping costs manageable.

Easy Projects for Beginners

Wood Slice Ornaments:

Materials needed:

Wood slices from fallen branches (or purchased craft store rounds)
Drill with small bit
Twine or jute for hanging
Wood burning tool or stamps (optional)

Instructions:

Let wood slices dry completely if using fresh wood
Sand rough edges lightly
Drill small hole near the top edge
Burn or stamp simple designs if desired
Thread twine through hole and knot

Cinnamon Stick Bundle Ornaments:

Gather these supplies:

Cinnamon sticks (long ones work best)
Star anise or whole cloves
Twine or thin ribbon
Hot glue gun

Steps to create:

Bundle 5-7 cinnamon sticks together
Wrap tightly with twine, leaving extra for hanging loop
Glue star anise to the bundle front
Hang from tree branches or use as gift toppers

Vintage Book Page Ornaments:

What you’ll need:

Old book pages or sheet music
Circle punch or scissors
Twine for hanging
Optional: aging tea or coffee

How to make them:

Age new paper by dipping in strong tea or coffee, then drying
Cut circles, trees, or star shapes from pages
Punch hole for hanging
Add twine loop
Hang singly or create layered designs by gluing shapes together

Intermediate DIY Projects

Farmhouse Ladder Display:

This project transforms a ladder into versatile holiday decor:

Find an old wooden ladder at antique stores or make one from 2×3 lumber
Sand if needed but preserve weathering and character
Lean against a wall in your entry, living room, or bedroom
Drape evergreen garland through the rungs
Hang stockings, ornaments, or small wreaths from rungs
Place wrapped boxes or baskets at the base
Wind battery-operated lights through the arrangement

Wood Slice Chargers:

Create rustic table settings with these:

Materials:

Large wood slices (12-14 inches diameter)
Sandpaper
Food-safe sealer
Optional: wood burning tool for personalization

Process:

Sand wood slices smooth
Burn names or designs around edges if desired
Apply food-safe sealer to create protective surface
Use under plates for farmhouse table setting
Store flat between uses

Grain Sack Pillows:

Transform fabric into farmhouse accents:

Supplies needed:

Grain sack fabric or cotton canvas
Black fabric paint and stencils
Pillow forms or existing pillows
Sewing machine or needle and thread

Steps:

Cut fabric to fit pillow form with seam allowance
Stencil holiday words or designs on fabric front
Sew three sides together with right sides facing
Turn right-side out
Insert pillow form
Hand-stitch or machine-sew the opening closed

Advanced Farmhouse Projects

DIY Wooden Advent Calendar:

Build a keepsake that lasts for years:

Cut 25 small wooden boxes or create drawer-like compartments in a cabinet frame
Number each section with stamped or burned numbers
Distress the wood for aged appearance
Add small metal pulls or knobs
Fill with treats, scripture verses, or activity cards
Display on a console table or mount on the wall

Tobacco Basket Wreath Alternative:

Repurpose vintage baskets into wall decor:

Source a round tobacco basket (found at antique stores or online)
Wire or hot glue a simple greenery arrangement to one side
Add a buffalo check bow
Hang in place of a traditional wreath
The basket’s texture and history become the focal point

Farmhouse Christmas Kitchen Decorating

The kitchen naturally suits farmhouse style and deserves special holiday attention.

Open Shelving Displays

If you have open shelving, style it seasonally:

Top Shelf:

Less-used items like vintage serving pieces
Evergreen arrangements in vintage crocks
String of battery-operated lights

Middle Shelf:

Everyday white dishes intermixed with holiday pieces
Small decorative items like vintage rolling pins or wooden spoons in crocks
Plaid dish towels folded and stacked

Bottom Shelf:

Frequently used items stay accessible
Add small touches like a red bowl or plaid napkins
Keep it functional and avoid pure decoration

Counter and Island Styling

Keep surfaces mostly clear while adding seasonal touches:

Ideas for Available Counter Space:

Three-tiered stand filled with ornaments, greenery, and pinecones
Large wooden dough bowl holding candles and evergreen clippings
Vintage enamelware coffee pot filled with fresh or faux greenery
Galvanized metal tray corralling salt and pepper, napkins, and a small arrangement
Cutting board leaned against the backsplash with evergreen tucked behind

Island Centerpiece Options:

Long wooden tray holding pillar candles and greenery
Collection of white ironstone pitchers in varying sizes
Tiered wooden trays with seasonal fruits and nuts
Simple evergreen runner down the center
Stack of vintage cookbooks tied with plaid ribbon

Functional Decorations

Farmhouse style loves items that are both beautiful and useful:

Aprons on Display: Hang vintage or new aprons with holiday patterns on hooks
Potholder Collections: Display pretty holiday potholders on hooks or in baskets
Seasonal Dish Towels: Roll them and place in a galvanized bucket, or hang from oven handles
Decorative Canisters: Fill clear jars with red and white peppermints, candy canes, or baking ingredients
Cookie Jar Spotlight: Feature a special holiday cookie jar filled with homemade treats

Rustic Christmas Living Room Ideas

Create a cozy gathering space that embodies farmhouse comfort.

Furniture Arrangement for Coziness

Pull furniture into conversational groupings rather than pushing everything against walls:

Arrange seating around the fireplace if you have one
Create a secondary seating area near the Christmas tree
Add extra seating with vintage stools or benches
Use oversized floor pillows for casual seating
Ensure everyone can see the tree and fireplace from somewhere in the room

Textile Layering Techniques

Pile on textiles for maximum warmth and visual interest:

Throw Blankets: Layer multiple throws in complementary patterns:

Buffalo check in red and black
Cable knit in cream
Plaid in muted colors
Drape them over sofa arms and chair backs for easy access

Pillow Combinations:

Mix these pillow types on sofas and chairs:

Buffalo check patterns (the farmhouse staple)
Grain sack or striped ticking
Cable knit or chunky sweater pillows
Simple solid reds or creams
One or two pillows with holiday phrases or designs

Odd numbers work best (3, 5, or 7 pillows per seating piece) with varying sizes from large euro shams to smaller accent pillows.

Area Rug Updates: If you switch rugs seasonally, choose:

Natural fiber rugs like jute or sisal
Vintage-style patterns with worn appearance
Red or cream rugs that anchor the holiday palette
Layered rugs with a smaller patterned rug over neutral base

Coffee Table and Side Table Vignettes

Style surfaces with layered, collected looks:

Coffee Table Formula:

Anchor with a wooden tray or stack of books
Add height with pillar candles in various sizes
Include greenery in a simple container
Place a small decorative object like a vintage truck or wooden tree
Leave space for setting down drinks

Side Table Approach:

Table lamp stays functional
Add one decorative element like a small wreath or greenery sprig
Keep coasters accessible
Don’t overcrowd these working surfaces

Farmhouse Christmas Dining Room

Set the stage for memorable holiday meals with authentic farmhouse style.

Table Setting Essentials

Dinnerware Choices:

White ironstone or simple white dishes form the base
Mix in vintage pieces that don’t match perfectly
Add red or plaid plates as accents or chargers
Mismatched china works beautifully in farmhouse settings

Flatware and Glassware:

Simple, classic flatware without ornate patterns
Clear glassware or vintage pressed glass
Mason jars as drinking glasses add authentic touch
Mix metals by pairing silver-toned flatware with brass candlesticks

Textiles for the Table:

Layer these elements:

Table runner in burlap, grain sack fabric, or cream linen
Placemats if desired (woven or simple fabric)
Cloth napkins in red, white, or plaid
Napkin rings made from twine, metal rings, or evergreen sprigs

Centerpiece Ideas

Keep centerpieces low enough for conversation across the table:

Option 1: Linear Arrangement: Run wooden boxes or vintage bread pans down the table center, filling them with greenery, pinecones, and candles at varying heights.

Option 2: Clustered Grouping: Gather candlesticks in different heights, intersperse with small glass vases holding evergreen clippings, and scatter pinecones between elements.

Option 3: Greenery Runner: Layer fresh evergreen branches directly on the table, weaving in lights, candles, and small ornaments. The greenery becomes both runner and centerpiece.

Option 4: Harvest Elements: Fill a large wooden dough bowl with apples, pears, nuts in shells, and evergreen springs for abundant, natural display.

Lighting the Dining Space

Create ambiance with layered lighting:

Dim overhead lights or turn them off entirely
Light multiple candles at the table and on sideboard
Add string lights around windows or draped on open shelving
Use lanterns with pillar candles for safe, controlled flame
Install dimmer switches if possible for maximum control

Farmhouse Christmas Entry and Porch Decorating

Welcome guests with authentic farmhouse holiday charm from the moment they arrive.

Front Porch Elements

Seating Areas: If space allows, create a small sitting area:

Vintage bench or rocking chairs
Plaid blanket draped over the back
Pillows in buffalo check or holiday patterns
Small side table with lantern

Planter Styling:

Fill flanking planters with winter interest:

Evergreen branches as the base
Birch branches for height
Red twig dogwood for color
Pinecones and berries tucked throughout
Battery-operated lights wound through the arrangement

Doormat and Door Decor:

Simple coir mat with minimal design
Fresh evergreen wreath with buffalo check bow
Vintage skis, sleds, or snowshoes leaning beside the door
Galvanized buckets holding evergreen arrangements

Entry Vignettes

Create welcoming displays in your foyer or entryway:

Console Table Styling:

Vintage wooden sign leaning against the wall
Galvanized containers holding greenery
Stack of vintage suitcases for height variation
Basket holding extra blankets for guests
Battery-operated candles for warm glow

Staircase Garland: Wind fresh or faux evergreen garland along the banister:

Secure with floral wire
Add buffalo check ribbon bows every few feet
Tuck in pinecones and berry picks
Wind battery lights through for evening sparkle
Keep it loose and natural rather than perfectly shaped

Coat Rack or Hooks: Hang festive items that are both decorative and functional:

Vintage coat hooks mounted on reclaimed wood
Scarves in red plaid or cream knit
A simple evergreen wreath on the wall above hooks
Wire basket below for storing winter accessories

Shopping for Farmhouse Christmas Decor

Knowing where to find authentic pieces helps you build your collection efficiently.

Best Sources for Farmhouse Holiday Items

Thrift Stores and Antique Malls: Prime hunting grounds for authentic vintage pieces:

Old galvanized items
Vintage ornaments and decorations
Wooden crates and boxes
Enamelware and ironstone
Visit regularly as inventory changes constantly

Craft and Fabric Stores: Great for DIY materials:

Burlap, canvas, and grain sack fabrics
Wood slices and craft wood
Plaid and buffalo check fabrics
Basic craft supplies for making ornaments

Farm and Feed Stores: Surprisingly good sources:

Galvanized buckets and tubs
Jute twine and rope
Wooden crates
Metal items with authentic patina

Online Marketplaces:

Etsy for handmade farmhouse items
Facebook Marketplace for vintage finds
Craigslist for larger pieces like ladders
Estate sale websites for collections

Big Box Retailers: Target, Hobby Lobby, and Walmart increasingly carry farmhouse Christmas items. Look for their rustic or farmhouse-labeled collections.

What to Look For

Prioritize these characteristics when shopping:

Real materials over plastic
Muted colors rather than bright, saturated hues
Items with texture and visible wear
Simple designs without excessive embellishment
Pieces that could work year-round with minor styling changes
Handmade or handmade-looking items

Building Your Collection Over Time

Don’t try to complete your farmhouse Christmas look in one season:

Year One: Focus on foundational elements like a tree, basic ornaments, and wreath

Year Two: Add textiles like pillows, throws, and table linens

Year Three: Incorporate larger pieces like vintage ladders or architectural elements

Ongoing: Continue collecting unique vintage pieces that speak to you

This gradual approach creates the authentic collected-over-time appearance that defines genuine farmhouse style.

Farmhouse Christmas decorating isn’t about perfection or expensive purchases. It celebrates family, tradition, and the beauty of simple, natural materials. By focusing on texture, warmth, and pieces that tell stories, you create holiday spaces that feel genuinely welcoming and beautifully lived-in. Your farmhouse Christmas should reflect your family’s personality and grow more meaningful with each passing year.