Thursday, November 17, 2011

The Christmas Cottage

Hello everyone,
     I am glad you stopped in today as I have more pictures to share of our little Gardeners Cottage that this time of year becomes The Christmas Cottage. I have had fun decorating it for our Christmas house tour coming up on December 10th..

Each year I like to give it a little different look. So this year it is more of a  french country theme.
The quilt on the bed is Marie Antoinette -a taupe and cream toile.
I bought these old skates at a thrift shop and gave them a coat of grey stain. 

The tree and all the decorations where Dollar Store or thrift store finds.

The cupboard in the corner was built for me in the summer and now holds my cream dishes with some greenery for the season.
This little electric stove was a gift from my daughter and I gave it a coat of ivory paint .It gives a little bit of heat to take the chill out on cool days and adds some ambiance.The mirror is the top of a yardsale dresser but it works good here.also.

These chairs were also a second hand store find a few years ago but I did have them recovered.I gave the wood a wash of ivory paint.

A closer look.


The netting over the bed was also a yard sale find-it adds a romantic touch.
Some gifts under the tree-aren't they cute???

Our Christmas Cottage last winter.

I am joining French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday and My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday where there is lots for you to enjoy.I am also joining Haken for Show Off Saturday.

I hope you enjoyed a peek inside The Christmas Cottage.

Take care,
Carolyn
at

70 comments:

  1. Cottage RoseNovember 17, 2011 at 8:17 PM

    What a beautiful room,,, I just adore it all.... I never tire of looking at all your lovely photos of your home a garden... thanks for sharing.

    Have a wonderful weekend

    Hugs;
    Alaura

    ReplyDelete
  2. Victorian1885November 17, 2011 at 8:20 PM

    Wonderful job Carolyn.. it looks so inviting. Your guests on the tour will think they are in Heaven. Take care..

    Wanda

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownNovember 17, 2011 at 8:32 PM

    Spectacular! Your little cottage is adorable and so beautifully decorated.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Jean TuthillNovember 17, 2011 at 8:40 PM

    The cottage looks perfect and is sure to be a hit for your tour! I love it all, especially the bed, and the new corner cabinet!

    ReplyDelete
  5. CarmenNovember 17, 2011 at 8:41 PM

    I love your blog, I think it's my favorite of them all! I especially love when you use your red transferware- I have a small collection as well, and never tire of looking at them in my cupboard. Thanks for sharing all the ideas!

    ReplyDelete
  6. LindaNovember 17, 2011 at 8:59 PM

    I entirely forgot that I was in the Garden Cottage, Carolyn! Everything is just so beautiful. I won't need to buy another Christmas mag this season...I'll just keep coming back here! Lol

    The tour is going to be so exciting! How many homes for the holidays will be open to the public?

    Wishing you a beautiful weekend,
    Linda at Beautiful Ideas

    ReplyDelete
  7. SueNovember 17, 2011 at 9:50 PM

    It's just beautiful and restful. What a lovely spot for reading and sipping some tea!

    ReplyDelete
  8. DeannaNovember 17, 2011 at 9:54 PM

    Dearest Carolyn, You have outdone yourself! Absolutely love your decorating touches! The colors are so soothing and I think it's awesome what you have done.

    PLEASE make a Calendar! PLEZZZZZZZ.
    Have a sweet week and God bless.

    I know your Open House will be delightful. Wish I was there! Pics are the next best thing,
    d

    ReplyDelete
  9. UnknownNovember 17, 2011 at 10:02 PM

    Words escape me! I've never seen anything more gorgeous!! WOW!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  10. FRENCH LAUNDRYNovember 17, 2011 at 10:07 PM

    Your cottage is exquisite Carolyn! I want to come hole up in your Christmas cottage. PRETTY please??? :-)

    Hugs,
    Judy

    ReplyDelete
  11. Cottage and BroomeNovember 17, 2011 at 10:14 PM

    Love the skates and the cream and white room, beautiful! Laura

    ReplyDelete
  12. Carolyn@Sweet Chaos HomeNovember 17, 2011 at 10:20 PM

    Hi Carolyn... just discovered your blog for the first time, and I am loving your beautiful cottage and garden. Looking forward to following along.

    Oh, and I love your name too :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. Pamela GordonNovember 17, 2011 at 10:29 PM

    I think this is the prettiest the cottage has looked! I love all the creaminess and every sweet detail. Wish I could see it in person!

    ReplyDelete
  14. The Old ParsonageNovember 17, 2011 at 10:49 PM

    I want o live in it! Gorgeous!

    Leann

    ReplyDelete
  15. JillNovember 17, 2011 at 11:20 PM

    This must be a lot of work - it's really beautiful!!

    ReplyDelete
  16. AnonymousNovember 17, 2011 at 11:26 PM

    HI Carolyn! Oh, I just love your little space and it's so magical and charming! You decorate so beautifully.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

    ReplyDelete
  17. SusanNovember 17, 2011 at 11:43 PM

    I love the Christmas cottage. Just love it. I'd love to spend a sweet Christmas night there, dreaming amid all the enchanting beauty. Thank you for sharing, dear Carolyn. Great job! Susan

    ReplyDelete
  18. CarrieNovember 18, 2011 at 12:39 AM

    Yes, I enjoyed looking around your delightful christmas cottage...the monochromatic color scheme makes a very elegant statement; all the varied textures and subtle hints of color provide great visual interest as well.

    ReplyDelete
  19. ❦Bayside Gal❦November 18, 2011 at 12:57 AM

    Simply breathtaking! Your little cottage is wonderful. I would love to have a lovely spot like that to play in.
    Hugs, Jean

    ReplyDelete
  20. GeorgiannaNovember 18, 2011 at 1:11 AM

    Hi Carolyn, I love your new theme for this year! It's charming and sophisticated at the same time.

    So glad to be able to enjoy your decorating as I doubt I will get to it this year. Beautiful job as always.

    Wishing you a cozy weekend. xo – g

    ReplyDelete
  21. Erin {Lavender and Lemon Drops}November 18, 2011 at 2:59 AM

    What a cute little cottage! LOVE it! Your Christmas decor is beautiful. Love those skates ;)

    ReplyDelete
  22. CandyleiNovember 18, 2011 at 3:00 AM

    Love all the white dishes! You decorate so beautifully. Glad the garden is asleep so you can show us all of these lovely pics! I think you are busy all year long! ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  23. Shabby chic SandyNovember 18, 2011 at 3:01 AM

    Nothing sort of dreamy. What a lovely place--hardly looks real!

    ReplyDelete
  24. flowersandhomeNovember 18, 2011 at 4:01 AM

    So beautiful!!!
    Bye,
    Marian

    ReplyDelete
  25. It's meNovember 18, 2011 at 5:07 AM

    It is so beautiful !!...love from me.............♥.. ♥... ♥....

    ReplyDelete
  26. EDYTA KUBICZEKNovember 18, 2011 at 5:23 AM

    Beautiful !!!

    ReplyDelete
  27. MariaelenaNovember 18, 2011 at 7:19 AM

    Oh my....so gorgeous!!!...I scrolled through the photos at least a dozen times...thx for sharing this cottage...you are very talented and have fabulous taste...I MUST have the cream and taupe quilt!!...going back to look again...lol...xo, Mariaelena

    ReplyDelete
  28. wäschewerkstattNovember 18, 2011 at 7:39 AM

    Einfach wunderschöne Fotos!!!
    Man weiss gar nicht,wo man zuerst schauen soll,so zauberhaft.
    Andrea

    ReplyDelete
  29. AnonymousNovember 18, 2011 at 7:56 AM

    Carolyn, lovely bedroom, it's so romantic. Cozy photos!
    kisses,

    Cristina

    Have a nice weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  30. La Table De NanaNovember 18, 2011 at 9:30 AM

    So so pretty Carolyn..Just gorgeous..the last photos ties it all up:)

    ReplyDelete
  31. AnnaNovember 18, 2011 at 10:15 AM

    How wonderful, this post is a dream! Anna

    ReplyDelete
  32. THE VERANDA HOUSENovember 18, 2011 at 11:38 AM

    HI DEAREST CAROLYN I AM FINDING A DALING POST OF CHRISTMAS BEAUTIFUL FRENCH LOOK I LOVE IT EVERY BEAUTY HAND PICK BY YOU ,I TAKES TIME TO DO IT YOU ARE SO CREATIVE .THIS IS A MAGICAL POST THANK YOU FRIEND..HAVE A MAGICAL DAY .BLESSINGS ...

    ReplyDelete
  33. DylanarmanNovember 18, 2011 at 11:51 AM

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  34. LynnNovember 18, 2011 at 12:38 PM

    Wow, just incredible!!!! I want to live there. I can see all the love and hard work you have put into this project, it shows :)

    ReplyDelete
  35. PASSIONEDECO FRANCESCANovember 18, 2011 at 2:04 PM

    you always leave me speechless...wow!!! Looks like a Winter Wonderland.....
    *____*

    Fra

    ReplyDelete
  36. gartenmalereienNovember 18, 2011 at 2:25 PM

    WOW
    when can i come visit your Guestroom
    incredible beautiful and magical

    as comfortable and as for a princess

    love your blog

    Have a nice Weekend
    PS: do you have snow already?

    Stephanie

    ReplyDelete
  37. giovannaNovember 18, 2011 at 2:36 PM

    ooooohhhhhhh......it's all so beautiful....!!!!!
    giovanna

    ReplyDelete
  38. MadeliefNovember 18, 2011 at 3:46 PM

    Oh Carolyn,

    Your cottage looks so romantic! I have been scrolling through your photo's several time now. There is so much to see on each one of them. You must have been at work for days, making it all look this beautiful. I didn't know you did Christmas tours as well. It sounds like so much fun!

    Wish you a happy weekend!

    Lieve groetjes van Madelief

    ReplyDelete
  39. Gardening in a SandboxNovember 18, 2011 at 5:09 PM

    Quite beautiful. You did a lovely job of decorating it. V

    ReplyDelete
  40. CamilleNovember 18, 2011 at 6:04 PM

    So lovely, Carolyn. Just love looking through all your photos. Such an inspiration! Love all the creamy whites ~

    ReplyDelete
  41. Courtney ~ French Country CottageNovember 18, 2011 at 6:17 PM

    Sooo sooo gorgeous!! I just adore this room~ how beautiful! Sharing it on FB- thanks for linking up at Feathered Nest Friday! :)

    ReplyDelete
  42. MimiNovember 18, 2011 at 6:24 PM

    Love these images. Staining the skates was a brilliant idea. I often see interesting things, but I sometimes bring them home before I have a plan.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Susan @ Real Girl DesignsNovember 18, 2011 at 7:14 PM

    Your cottage is gorgeous! Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  44. TizianaNovember 18, 2011 at 8:39 PM

    Hello Carolyn!
    I'm gazing at this beauty! if I were dreaming of a beautiful home for Christmas I would dream that something very much like your home!
    You did a great job, you're really smart! Even the artist's touch of gray shoes for brushing the ice!
    I do not get if you painted shabby style the Christmas tree ......
    is really all incredibly nice and made ​​with great attention to detail, I love it all!
    I think that your will be a wonderful Christmas! Great!
    Happy weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  45. Susan EvelynAndRoseNovember 18, 2011 at 9:08 PM

    Simply heavenly! I am adoring each and every detail. Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful cottage!

    ReplyDelete
  46. CindyNovember 18, 2011 at 9:22 PM

    So lovely! I wish I lived close enough to take the Christmas House Tour.
    Cindy

    ReplyDelete
  47. Katy NoelleNovember 18, 2011 at 9:46 PM

    Absolute magic, Carolyn! It really is!

    I've been looking forward to seeing more since your little sneak peek.

    It's so hard not to plunge into Christmas, here, but, it does, indeed seem so strange to do so until after next Thursday and Thanksgiving. At least, I can go Christmas shopping and I'm trying to clean the house with a fury!=]

    Still, living vicariously through you....;)

    Love, Katy Noelle (yes! My middle name is Christmas! =]) xo

    ReplyDelete
  48. UnknownNovember 18, 2011 at 9:49 PM

    Dear Carolyn,
    I know you have enjoyed your Thanksgiving Holiday but I just wanted to wish you another Happy Thanksgiving from the USA...I'm sure you will enjoy the day in your beautiful home.
    Kindredly,
    Shirley

    ReplyDelete
  49. DixieNovember 18, 2011 at 10:56 PM

    Amazingly beautiful!! I could look at your photos all day long! LOVE it!!

    ReplyDelete
  50. BiljanaNovember 19, 2011 at 6:27 AM

    Adorable, absolutely beautiful room, I love all:-)
    Hugs, Biljana

    ReplyDelete
  51. chateau de fleursNovember 19, 2011 at 7:29 AM

    wow, your tour guests are in for a real treat! I think they will be talking about this little cottage for a long time! It's BEAUTIFUL, XO Christie

    ReplyDelete
  52. SwedishCorner ~ DownUnder...PernillaNovember 19, 2011 at 7:42 AM

    Stunning! The cottage is simply divine. I love it!
    ... Thank you for sharing :)

    Greetings from Australia♥

    ReplyDelete
  53. AngelaNovember 19, 2011 at 10:18 AM

    I wouldn't get out of bed if that was my room, snug under the blanket enjoying every corner of your beautiful room.
    Last year's picture of the cottage is a perfect postcard view.
    Happy Holidays.
    Hugs,
    Angela.

    ReplyDelete
  54. Alex aus dem GwundergartenNovember 19, 2011 at 11:03 AM

    Hi Carolyn
    That looks so cozy, I could just move in :o).
    You did a great job!
    Take care
    Alex

    ReplyDelete
  55. KathyNovember 19, 2011 at 11:12 AM

    Hello Carolyn,
    You always do a beautiful job decorating. I am so glad you share with us - for those who will not be able to come to your tour - someday - I hope, I hope!
    The first word that came to mind was serenity! I hope all goes well for you!
    Blessings,
    Kathy

    ReplyDelete
  56. Andi's English AtticNovember 19, 2011 at 11:42 AM

    It's just magical.

    I like the mirror with the iron shutters. xx

    ReplyDelete
  57. Amy ChalmersNovember 19, 2011 at 1:37 PM

    Wow what a beautiful bed you made up Carolyn. I love that taupe toile quilt. Where did you get it? And don't say the thrift store~lol! The cottage is christmas perfection!

    ReplyDelete
  58. BernideenNovember 19, 2011 at 1:57 PM

    I think you would like the movie "The Christmas Lodge" - by Thomas Kinkade. I notice that alot of Hallmark movies are actually filmed in Canada. The lodge is like his painting "The Christmas Cottage" Your cottage is always so lovely and I agree - it is fun to try things in new places.

    ReplyDelete
  59. Vintage RoseNovember 19, 2011 at 8:35 PM

    So very lovely.

    ReplyDelete
  60. GailNovember 19, 2011 at 11:09 PM

    Tasteful, elegant

    ReplyDelete
  61. Bella's Rose CottageNovember 20, 2011 at 3:04 AM

    Hi Carolyn,
    I just came from your Christmas blog, and am amazed at the transformation!! Your French Country Cottage is Stunning and so elegant!!
    I never would have thought to stain my old skates, what a fun idea!
    Hugs,
    Bella

    ReplyDelete
  62. Sherry @ No Minimalist HereNovember 20, 2011 at 12:10 PM

    Carolyn, This is so beautiful it takes my breath away.

    ReplyDelete
  63. CindyNovember 20, 2011 at 12:15 PM

    I jusr found you from Amy at Maison Decor. We were talking about my bedroom redo, and she said to look at your blog, and especially your quilt - and... omg... i'm pretty sure that nothing is prettier than the little christmas cottage, and that bedroom! the whole thing is breathtaking, i'm sooo going to use ideas from this room in my bedroom. If you don't mind divulging where you got that quilt, i would die and go to heaven... either way, i will be following your blog now, and i can't wait to read all your posts...

    Cindy

    ReplyDelete
  64. Nancy's Daily DishNovember 20, 2011 at 3:36 PM

    Carolyn, I've always been one for color but in this case...you've won my heart over for the whites and neutrals with the grey. Breathtaking doesn't describe this! I would LOVE to be the guest in that cottage. You'd never see me though as I'd relish in just 'being' in that room! I adore the skate finish as well...actually I noticed that right away and thought she had to have done something to make them look so great...and yet you can still see the 'vintage' in them! Really lovely! I have a pair of black skates that I hang on the door every year over a wreath...hmm I'm thinking they may need a little spruce up now! =)

    I don't see an email link on your blog as I'd like to chat more about a giveaway. You can email me at:
    nancysellstransferware@gmail.com (on my sidebar, upper right side as well).

    I so enjoy every visit to your beautiful blog,

    Nancy

    ReplyDelete
  65. SoniaNovember 20, 2011 at 10:12 PM

    What a magical place...a Christmas Cottage sounds and looks perfect for the holidays!! Absolutely gorgeous! Have a Blessed Holiday Season!
    Miss Bloomers

    ReplyDelete
  66. ElaineNovember 20, 2011 at 11:42 PM

    Your Christmas cottage is absolutely stunning. I love the neutral color pallette you used, so calm and serene.

    The ice skates are wonderful and love the toys under the tree.

    It is all very lovely.

    ReplyDelete
  67. achter de 2lindenNovember 21, 2011 at 7:29 AM

    hello Carolyne,
    i love your pictures! Thanks sharing with us! greetings from the Netherlands
    Heidi

    ReplyDelete
  68. LindaNovember 21, 2011 at 9:52 AM

    I LOVE the beauty in this room. I am also a lover of taupes and creams and whites. I have whiteware too and it just goes so nicely with any decor.

    Your decorating takes my breath away. I simply adore your blog!

    Linda @ Truthful Tidbits

    ReplyDelete
  69. Simply SimplisticatedDecember 11, 2011 at 3:19 PM

    WOW What can I say that hasnt already been said about your lovely home? Outstanding.Thank you
    Deidre~
    Http://simplysimplisticated4.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  70. Kimberly StevensDecember 15, 2013 at 5:11 PM

    You have a great eye for country chic/shabby chic and you have make your space a little romantic haven! Great job and continue having fun!

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for all your sweet comments and may your day be filled with joy!

Carolyn