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You are here: Home / Decorating / Old World European Inspired Christmas Home Tour

Old World European Inspired Christmas Home Tour

December 17, 2020 • Decorating, Home Tour, Pole Barn Home, Seasonal, Winter

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I’m thrilled to share with you our Old World European Inspired Christmas home tour. I hope you enjoy touring and come away with ideas for European Christmas decorations in your home.

living room with European Old World Christmas decorations with arm chair, coffee table, and couch

WATCH THIS POST

I love room tours for the photography I get to take! I hope you’ll enjoy the pictures as well as the fun video tour. Each is a unique experience to see the room! Enjoy!

European Christmas Decorations

Here is our living room decked for the holiday season!

You may already know, we are in our new pole barn home that we built ourselves and are still making our way through the home to finish all the spaces!

Yes, even a year later we are not done, but we are doing our best to make progress as time and money allow.

I wanted to keep Christmas decor really simple this year, so I could reserve our time and money towards finishing our home.

rocking chair in living room with Christmas tree in background and Christmas decorations on the mantel

Turns out, I just love the simplicity of our Christmas decor this year, and I’m glad we were able to still cozy up this space and make it feel festive.

centerpiece that looks like a wreath is placed on side table next to couch with Christmas tree in background

I did have plans to decorate the kitchen and our finished bathrooms, and even our front porch… but when we got sick a couple of weeks back with a virus that you may have heard about (wink), it really shifted my priorities as we focused on just getting better, resting and doing the bare minimum.  

So, all that to say, a living room tour it is, and I hope you enjoy it! Welcome to our home!

Christmas family photo around the christmas tree

Our living room is a wide open space with antique or thrifted furniture pieces to add some character.

living room with European Old World Christmas decorations with arm chair, coffee table, and cabinet

Bookshelf

You may remember when I painted this shelving unit I purchased on Facebook Marketplace. I could have added seasonal decor on each shelf, but instead, I opted to keep it simple.

refurbished bookshelves with baskets and vases and wreath hanging from center bookshelf

I just add a beautiful fresh cedar wreath with a splash of my black cherry linen ribbon that I make and sell in my linen Etsy shop.  I also created a vintage bell swag to hang from the center.  

refurbished bookshelves with baskets and vases and wreath hanging from center bookshelf

You’ll notice my use of this deep red burgundy color throughout the room.  I’m calling it my color of the year for Christmas.

couch in front of refurbished bookshelves with baskets and vases and wreath hanging from center bookshelf

My family really wanted more of a traditional Christmas look and red is not usually a color I feel super comfortable with within my home.

But by using this deep, almost neutral red, we all are very happy with the results.

living room with European Old World Christmas decorations with arm chair, coffee table, and couch

I also added a fresh cedar wreath to our side door, with some black linen ribbon and a brass horn.

light blue cabinet next to side door

While wreaths are very nice outside, I was feeling a little selfish and just wanted to enjoy the smell and pretty greens from the inside.

Christmas wreath with black ribbon and decorative horn

Christmas Tree

Let’s take a look at our Christmas tree! We cut this beautiful tree from the mountains, as we always do. It is our favorite tradition.

centerpiece that looks like a wreath is placed on side table next to couch with Christmas tree in background

This is one of the prettiest trees we have ever found. I love the height and disbursement of the branches. I pulled out the dehydrated orange slices that we have now had for 2 years! They have lasted so well.

orange garlands, red ribbon and ornaments hanging from European Old World style Christmas tree

I also draped our dehydrated cranberry garland around the tree, which has also lasted beautifully for 2 years. They are the perfect shade of burgundy and look so natural and pretty.

European old world style Christmas tree in living room

I made this cranberry garland by drying them in a food dehydrator. I will warn you, these juicy little fruits do take days in the dehydrator, but they are so worth it!

We also sprinkled some pinecones around the tree. I tied sweet little linen ribbon bows with long tails around the branches.

ornaments hanging from Christmas tree

Then I bought a couple of types of burgundy ornament balls (matte round and diamond drop) to add to the natural ornaments. I had a few brass bells to hang here and there, and I made some brass stars.

ceramic star hanging off Christmas tree branch next to round ornament and orange garland

For the lighting, we love to use these battery operated candle lights on sparse mountain trees.

Christmas ornaments, candles and sliced oranges on a Christmas tree with a red linen ribbon

I find the stringed lights don’t work well for a sparse tree, as you can see too much of the strings. But these candle lights are so easy to maintain, easy to hang, easy to replace, and they just look so charming.

Under the tree, I have some re-usable black present boxes, tied with some pretty linen ribbon and topped with the fresh greenery or other things that coordinate with the tree.

presents placed underneath Christmas tree

I love using these boxes, and will just add my kids’ gifts inside them as they come, and tie them back up. It saves us a lot on wrapping paper, and they feel so special to open on Christmas morning.

two Christmas presents under a Christmas tree with orange and red linen ribbons

That’s really it for the tree. We really love how it turned out this year with its splashes of burgundy, natural elements, and loads of texture.

Mantel

Over on the mantel, I hung some fresh cedar garland, which is actually now very crispy, but still pretty and will rest there until after Christmas.

cabinet is sitting next to fireplace and mantel with Christmas tree in background

I placed my thrifted brass candlesticks on the mantel and I tucked some oranges inside the garland. It’s not a perfectly styled placement, but I find it charming nonetheless.  

candles and oranges hanging on top of a living room mantel

I’ve mixed in a variety of velvet stockings. I have hopes to make a few more out of velvet fabric I have, and hope I can get to that before Christmas for our family of 6!

Christmas stocking hanging from mantel

But that might be one of those little details that get dropped in light of just enjoying the time with my family. I have plenty of others to pull out if needed, they just won’t coordinate, but my kids won’t care.

two Christmas stockings hanging from living room mantel

Inside our faux fireplace, I’ve kept the cozy stack of wood that I added for our Fall decor.

Coffee Table

On our round coffee table, I added this burgundy vase I thrifted and simply placed inside of it some fresh greenery.

maroon-colored vase placed on coffee table with Christmas tree branches inside of it
maroon-colored vase placed on coffee table with Christmas tree branches inside of it

I purchased a few winter art pieces for our Frame TV. We like to switch them out.

living room showing European Old World style Christmas decorations and Christmas tree

Side Table

I love this side table! I can remember my grandma always having a bowl of shelled nuts on her side tables around Christmas time, and I wanted to carry that tradition on.

bowl filled with walnuts

As a child, I preferred her stash of trail mix so I could pick out the M&M’s. But I now see why the shelled nuts were more endearing at Christmas.

To spruce it up, I added a fresh wreath to the table and placed the bowl of nuts in the center.  

On the other side table, I just place a vase with greenery and some Christmas magazines and books to look at.

living room with European Old World Christmas decorations with arm chair, coffee table, and two couches
centerpiece vase with tree branches hanging out of it resembling a Christmas tree
Christmas storybooks placed on shelf below side table
centerpiece vase with tree branches hanging out of it resembling a Christmas tree

I found this sweet little vintage train at an antique store, and placed it inside the window sill.

wooden toy chain placed on windowsill

Finally, I’ll show you the linens I swapped out on our couches. I bought some green velvet fabric and made a cover for our long lumbar pillow which I love to have on this small couch. 

centerpiece that looks like a wreath is placed on side table next to couch

I love the mix of green with this black muslin throw.

throw blanket and pillow resting on a living room couch

On the other couch, I found some velvet burgundy pillows. I mixed them with some off white pillows and a pretty neutral throw blanket.

couch with red and white decorative pillows and throw blanket

On our rocking chair, I placed another splash of burgundy red here with a throw blanket. I kept my leather pillow to add that mix of texture.

living room with European Old World Christmas decorations with arm chair, side table, and cabinet

I love how it all came together. The only thing that has me sad about it all is that we could not find the pieces to our olive wood nativity set.

We still have a lot of boxes in storage and have somehow lost them in the piles. But hopefully, next year that will come out and take its rightful place in our Christmas home.

living room with European Old World Christmas decorations with arm chair, coffee table, and mantel with TV mounted to the wall

I’ll be mostly signing off on work to enjoy the season with my family, or using my time to promote my TIDBITS Planners.

But I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas!

I hope your season is filled with the much needed peace that comes through our Savior, Jesus Christ.

couch next to European Old World style Christmas tree

Have a wonderful new year, and I’ll be back, for more inspiration for do it yourself living.

Check out these Christmas decorating ideas on Pinterest:

  • Styled Christmas Trees
  • Christmas Vintage themes
  • Christmas Farmhouse Ideas
  • Scandinavian Christmas themes

If you enjoy this home tour of European Christmas Decorations, I have other home tours too!

  • Cottage Christmas Home Tour
  • Colorful Christmas Home Tour
  • Victorian Farmhouse Christmas Tour
  • Natural Christmas Decor
  • Classic Red and Green Christmas

I’m Cami! Welcome to my blog TIDBITS. Follow me along for beautiful home decor ideas and inspiration for do-it-yourself living
Thank you for Subscribing to TIDBITS! Talk to you soon.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Nancy says

    December 7, 2021

    You and your husband are doing a wonderful job building your home. I love the redo of the shelving unit. I also love all your pottery and wish I could go thrifting with you. Hope you and your family stay well and have a blessed Christmas.

    Reply
  2. Julie says

    December 5, 2021

    Beautiful! How did you dry out your cranberry garland?

    Reply
  3. MD Tariful Islam Sabbir says

    September 30, 2021

    wow you really give us some useful blog link.You can add some new blog. It will be really helpful post for us.

    Reply
  4. Donny Simpson says

    January 29, 2021

    Great post!

    Reply
  5. Sandy says

    December 21, 2020

    Cami
    I love your decorating! Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful home! I was wondering if you have a cerain spot on your blog with all your videos? I am not sure where to look.
    Sorry to hear you and your family have been sick. Hopefully you all are much better.
    Merry Christmas
    Sandy

    Reply
  6. Linda says

    December 19, 2020

    So sorry to hear that you guys have had the “virus”! So glad you’re all feeling better and made such a beautiful Family Christmas Photo Card! Your home is elegant and welcoming. I wish for you and your family a very Merry and Blessed Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year! I look forward to seeing what you have in store for us next year…thanks for sharing your home, your family, and your decorating ideas with all of us!

    Reply
  7. Annette says

    December 19, 2020

    Cami, your living room is beautiful and I could never pick a favorite. And you definitely hit the nail on the head with the red color! Gorgeous 🎄

    Reply
  8. Deb Foglia says

    December 18, 2020

    So gorgeous Cami! LOVED every detail!

    Reply
  9. Marlene says

    December 18, 2020

    It all looks so peaceful and cozy, i loved all you did. I pray you have a wonderful Christmas filled with the Lord’s blessings.

    Reply
  10. Cecilia says

    December 18, 2020

    It’s all so beautiful,Cami! I love burgundy and mixed with your green pillow and linens, it looks elegant without being fussy. It’s very peaceful! Have a blessed Christmas and I hope you are all soon well.
    Hugs
    Cecilia

    Reply
  11. Rhonda says

    December 18, 2020

    …absolutely lovely… Can you please tell me where you got your candlestick lights for your tree. Thanks.

    Reply
  12. Joan says

    December 18, 2020

    Your home and Christmas decorations are absolutely beautiful. They are simple, yet so elegant. I had to laugh at your remark about the color red, as I feel the same way. Red (and not much of it) makes its way into my home at Christmas, and then disappears for the rest of the year!
    Have a glorious Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year!

    Reply
  13. Dotte says

    December 18, 2020

    Just Beautiful… Sorry to hear about you and your family’s bout with the virus. Hope you all are doing well now. Have a Blessed Christmas and New Year!

    Reply
  14. SUSAN says

    December 18, 2020

    Such a beautiful family picture!!

    Reply
  15. meg says

    December 18, 2020

    what a lovely job you did! i also did a more simple Christmas. it just felt right. Have the best Christmas ever!

    Reply

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Welcome to my blog, TIDBITS! I am a sleep deprived Mom to 4 and a fanatical DIY'er. I absolutely love to create - but I love to inspire others to create even more!

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I love sharing my ideas and tutorials! I ask that you respect my work and follow these guidelines. 1. All images are property of Tidbits blog. 2. Feel free to use 1 or 2 images on your own webpages, provided a link back to my blog is clearly available. 3. Do not remove any watermark or crop/edit my images in any way, unless given written consent by myself. 4. All tutorials/ideas/designs are for personal use only and are not to be copied and distributed in any way. 5. Sharing and pinning through social media is always welcome!

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