Crafting A Christmas Cottage: A Festive Diy Guide

Christmas is a magical time of year, and what better way to celebrate than by escaping to a cosy cottage for a festive break? Whether you're looking for a quiet getaway with a partner or a large gathering with family and friends, renting a Christmas cottage offers a unique and memorable experience. From roaring fireplaces and twinkling lights to the scent of freshly baked treats, a cottage stay can elevate your holiday celebration. With cottages.com, you can choose from a diverse range of properties, including traditional stone cottages and contemporary retreats, ensuring you find the perfect setting for your Christmas celebration. In this article, we will explore the charm of spending Christmas in a cottage, highlighting the benefits of a cottage holiday and providing a guide to some of the best Christmas cottages available for rent in the UK. So, get ready to dive into the holiday spirit and discover how you can create your own magical Christmas cottage experience!

Choose a cottage location: countryside, village, mountains, or by the sea

Choosing the location of your Christmas cottage is a crucial step in creating a memorable holiday experience. Here are some options to consider:

Countryside

Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of the countryside. Imagine waking up on Christmas morning, surrounded by lush green fields, rolling hills, and the soothing sounds of nature. The countryside offers a peaceful and secluded setting for a relaxing holiday getaway. You can enjoy long walks through nature trails, explore nearby villages, or simply unwind in the comfort of your cosy cottage. The fresh country air and stunning natural scenery will create an unforgettable Christmas experience.

Village

If you're looking for a quaint and charming setting for your Christmas cottage, consider a village location. Villages offer a unique blend of rustic charm and close-knit community spirit. You can stroll through cobblestone streets adorned with twinkling lights, explore local shops and markets, and immerse yourself in the local culture. Many villages also offer easy access to nearby countryside or coastal areas, providing the best of both worlds. Whether you choose a historic village nestled in the hills or a vibrant community by the sea, you'll find a warm and welcoming atmosphere that embodies the spirit of the holidays.

Mountains

For a truly magical Christmas experience, consider a cottage nestled in the mountains. Wake up to breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and embrace the adventure of exploring scenic hiking trails. The mountains offer a sense of seclusion and serenity, providing the perfect backdrop for a peaceful holiday getaway. You can enjoy winter sports, snuggle up by the fireplace, or simply take in the awe-inspiring natural surroundings. Whether you're a nature enthusiast or simply seeking a unique change of scenery, a mountain cottage will create lasting memories of a Christmas spent amidst breathtaking beauty.

By the Sea

If you're drawn to the allure of the ocean, a Christmas cottage by the sea could be your ideal choice. Imagine waking up to the sound of crashing waves and enjoying leisurely walks along the beach. A seaside cottage offers a unique blend of relaxation and coastal charm. You can savour fresh seafood, watch breathtaking sunsets, and even try your hand at winter water sports. Whether you choose a cosy cottage on a rugged cliffside or a beachfront retreat, you'll find a sense of peace and tranquility that comes with being lulled to sleep by the gentle rhythm of the sea.

Decorate with a colour scheme: classic reds, whites, greens, or soft pastels

Colour schemes can be a great way to decorate your cottage for Christmas. Classic reds, whites, and greens are a timeless choice, evoking a sense of tradition and warmth. Soft pastels, on the other hand, can add a touch of elegance and charm. Here are some ideas to help you create a cosy and inviting Christmas cottage:

Classic Reds, Whites, and Greens:

• Adorn your fireplace mantel with a lush evergreen garland, intertwined with white fairy lights and complemented by rustic candle holders or vintage lanterns.
• Hang stockings with a classic red and white design from the mantel or drape them over a rustic ladder.
• Create a charming centerpiece for your dining table using fresh evergreen branches, holly berries, and rustic ornaments or candles.
• Drape a garland of dried citrus or cranberries over door frames or stair railings, adding twinkling fairy lights for a magical touch.
• Use red and white ribbons to hang handmade ornaments on your tree, such as frosted pine cones or salt dough creations.
• Fill vintage mugs or teacups with melted wax to create unique candle gifts, adding a touch of cottage-style charm.

Soft Pastels:

• Opt for a soft pastel colour palette for your Christmas tree decorations, such as blush pink, mint green, and powder blue.
• Drape a pastel-hued garland over your fireplace mantel, intertwining it with string lights in a complementary shade.
• Create a whimsical display on shelves or windowsills using pastel-coloured miniature houses, soft plush reindeer, and faux snow.
• Hang pastel-coloured stockings by the fireplace, filled with treats and small gifts.
• Use pastel-hued textiles, such as throw pillows and blankets, to add a cosy touch to your living room.
• Create a charming pastel-themed wreath for your front door using dried flowers, ribbons, and pastel ornaments.

By focusing on a colour scheme, you can create a cohesive and stylish Christmas cottage that will impress your guests and make the holiday season even more magical.

Create a cosy atmosphere with soft lighting and natural decorations

Creating a cosy Christmas cottage is all about embracing the natural, rustic charm of the space. Soft lighting and natural decorations can enhance the warm and inviting atmosphere that is so characteristic of cottage living. Here are some ways to achieve that cosy, festive feel:

Soft Lighting

• Opt for lamps with warm white bulbs to create a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. Position them at eye level to draw everything in, making the room feel warm and welcoming.
• Choose light fixtures made from soft materials such as wood or plaster for a delicate, elegant touch. These materials complement the natural, rustic vibe of a cottage.
• Add a handmade pendant light for a unique, characterful touch. Handcrafted pieces ooze personality and charm, enhancing the cosy atmosphere.
• Consider a rise and fall pendant light if your cottage has low ceilings. These adjustable lights can be pulled down when needed and pushed back up when not in use, providing flexibility and a cosy glow.
• Layer your lighting by pairing pendants with task lighting and adding table and wall lamps. This will illuminate any dark corners and create a cosy, well-lit space.
• Use wall lights in rooms with low ceilings. They provide ample illumination without taking up valuable space.
• For a romantic, heritage touch, add a mirrored sconce. These reflect candlelight back into the room and bring a touch of vintage charm.

Natural Decorations

• Decorate with earthy, natural tones. Soft, weathered textures and gentle colours found in the countryside create a calm and relaxed atmosphere.
• Mix and match wooden furniture. Embracing natural wood connects your space to its surroundings and adds character. Don't worry about matching wood colours; focus on blending coherent eras and styles.
• Fill your cottage with garden flowers. Fresh blooms, whether from your garden or a hedgerow, are a must for bringing the outdoors in and creating a quaint cottage feel.
• Decorate with heritage prints and fabrics that celebrate the beauty of nature. William Morris's 19th-century designs, for example, capture the charm of the countryside.
• Use natural decorations such as pine cones. You can DIY these by gathering pine cones and spray painting them with white paint and a touch of glitter for a frosted look. Add ribbons and fishing line to create classic ornaments for your tree.

Add cottage-style textiles: plaid, burlap, and knitted throws

Adding cottage-style textiles is a great way to bring a cosy, festive feel to your Christmas cottage. Plaid, burlap, and knitted throws are essential for creating a snug and inviting atmosphere.

For a bold and timeless statement, opt for plaid patterns. Tartan, with its intersecting horizontal and vertical lines forming squares, is a classic choice. Decorate with large plaid pieces, such as a sofa or rug, or go for a more subtle approach with plaid pillows and throw blankets. Buffalo check, a traditional red, black, and white colourway, and gingham, a small-scale pattern, are also wonderful options for a playful cottage aesthetic.

Burlap, a coarse fabric made from jute or hemp, adds a rustic charm to your Christmas cottage. Its natural and earthy tones bring a warm and inviting ambiance. Use burlap as table runners, lampshades, or even gift wrapping for a unique and eco-friendly touch.

Knitted throws are perfect for snuggling up by the fireplace on cold winter nights. Drape them over your furniture or layer them on beds for a cosy and inviting look. Knitted pieces add texture and a handmade feel to your Christmas cottage, making it extra special.

Don't forget to include some festive colours and patterns! Red and green are traditional Christmas colours, so incorporate them through plaid patterns, knitted stockings, or even a Christmas tree wrapped in a knitted blanket. You can also add a touch of elegance with milk glass votives, their creamy white colour blending beautifully with the reds and greens.

By incorporating these cottage-style textiles, you'll create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for your Christmas celebrations.

Include rustic elements: candle holders, vintage lanterns, and wooden ornaments

Rustic elements are a key part of creating a cosy Christmas cottage. Candles, lanterns and wooden ornaments can be used to create a warm and inviting atmosphere that embraces the joys of indoor living.

Candles are a great way to add a warm and inviting ambiance to your Christmas cottage. Opt for vintage brass candle holders or milk glass votives to create a soft, glowing light. For a unique twist, try melting down inexpensive candles and pouring the wax into interesting containers such as vintage mugs or teacups.

Vintage lanterns are another way to bring rustic charm to your holiday decor. Line your front porch or entryway with lanterns to create a festive welcome for your guests. For an extra cosy touch, add candles or fairy lights to your lanterns.

Wooden ornaments are a perfect addition to your Christmas tree and can be handmade for a unique, rustic look. Try making your own salt dough ornaments or frosted pine cone ornaments with ribbon and fishing line. For a woodland-themed tree, add wooden bird ornaments or crocheted snowflakes. If you're feeling crafty, you can even make a DIY wooden crate to place your tree in, adding to the rustic charm.

Incorporate these rustic elements into your dining room and living room decor as well. Use wooden bowls filled with pine cones or rustic wooden signs with heartwarming holiday messages. Drape garlands made of natural materials like evergreen branches or cedar boughs across tables and fireplaces. Finish the look with plaid or burlap table runners and throw blankets for the ultimate cosy Christmas cottage feel.

Frequently asked questions