Decorating for Christmas - Montana Style

The talented crew at Mum’s decorated our mantle with a generous cedar garland, plaid ribbon and pine cones.

This year, we will be in Winter Park, Florida for Christmas. I’m a little sad I will not be in Montana among the forests, frozen lakes and beautiful snowy mountains. Hunky Hubbie and I recently purchased our “downsizing dream home” and we wanted to show our children the new home and be in Florida with all our extended family this year. Our sweet oldest daughter in graduate school in frosty Rhode Island, really needs to thaw out for a week or two. Plus, our bride to be is having a bridal shower over Christmas with her friends and family.

I am struggling with how to decorate this new home for Christmas- its a Mediterranean and all of my collections feel out of place- my nutcrackers, Santas and tartans look tired in this white and bright new home. Today, I was taking a look at all my old Christmas photos hoping to find a little inspiration. Thought I would share with you a few of them.

Fresh cut greens from the woods, twigs and a tangle of white lights welcome guests for Christmas dinner.

My daughter, Kimmons, helped me pick armfuls of greens last year. We flew out early and decorated the house for the family.

I have been incredbily blessed to have a designer and very close friend in Inge Cahill. Inge owns Homematters Designs in Northwest Montana. She has designed two homes for us. Inge is also a bit of a fairy godmother and magical elf. Sometimes I’ll show up in Montana and find she had left homemade freshly baked bread, fruit and wine for me. Other times, she has completely decorated our entire home when she knows we will be flying in either last minute, on Christmas Day or bringing a large group with us. I have posted a few of my favorite Christmas goodies she has done for us over the years.

Inge’s kilt repurposed as a tree skirt. Here she painted branches white and used all white ornaments. She knows how much I love tartans and plaids.

Another interpretation of Inge’s- more of a Norwegian look-

An opulent tree with golden packages waiting to be opened Christmas morning. Looks like we didn’t hold back that year.

Tea cups make adorable little vases. I used French bistro-ware and red roses for small arrangements on my tables.

Another little gem we have in Whitefish is the crew at Mum’s Flowers. These bright, fresh and talented designers are not only incredible florists, but savvy business women. The owner Cara and her brilliant designer Ty have designed Christmas trees, mantles, floral centerpieces and more for me. We are also hiring them to do all the floral for our daughter’s wedding this summer in Whitefish. I can’t wait to see what they do for our sweet bride.

In 2017, their holiday wreath graced the cover of Martha Stewart magazine and our local little secret was out. They run a busy shop – it’s filled with gorgeous soaps, Rifle paper goods, home decor, luxury candles and, of course, flowers! Stop by if you are in Whitefish this Christmas.

A simple bough of greens dusted with snow, a bright red ribbon and antique ski poles hung on the exterior of our home..

Again, the amazing crew at Mum’s followed my cues for an all white winter centerpiece

Inge used pheasant feathers, roses, greens and berries for a stunning piece for our buffet

An old tartan scarf, gold bells and foraged greens adorn the staircase railing

Don’t forget to decorate your best friend.

How will you be decorating your home this year?

I think I may go all white with some pops of silver and gold. I have large white candles that I think will look lovely on our new fireplace mantle. Several large branches of magnolias I “foraged” from a neighbors tree will be tucked above our stove and scattered about the house. Time to get our tree up and get this new home ready for the family. Share your Christmas photos on my social media. I love to see how everyone decorates their homes for the holidays. Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays!