A Heritage Holiday: Nostalgic Christmas

By Patti Wilson Design

There’s a particular kind of magic that settles into a home at Christmas time, not the loud, glittery kind, but the quiet warmth that feels familiar. The scent of evergreens, the weight of velvet ribbon, the glow of candlelight dancing across heirloom dishes. For Project X, we leaned fully into that feeling. The intention was simple: create a traditional, nostalgic holiday story that feels collected, layered, and deeply comforting.

This home is rich with character year-round, so our holiday styling needed to feel like an extension of that soul, not an accessory. We turned to time-honoured materials, natural greenery, deep tones, and subtle vintage references to bring the season to life in a way that feels both elevated and heartfelt. Instead of trend-based décor or overly themed vignettes, we approached the holiday season with a timeless lens.

THE ENTRY & LIVING ROOM

The living room in Project X already carries a soulful palette and beautiful architectural bones, so Christmas styling needed to enhance rather than compete. We filled the mantel with cascading greenery, magnolia leaves, and deep seasonal florals, creating a garland that feels as though it was foraged from the property itself.

The tree glows with warm metallic ornaments, dried citrus slices, and velvet ribbon, each item intentionally chosen to echo the tones of the tile, wood beams, and textiles throughout the home.

Tip to Try at Home: Choose an ornament palette that speaks the same language as your home. Look at your existing finishes. Brass, walnut, terracotta, soft greens, and let those shades guide your holiday décor for a cohesive, collected look.

THE DINING ROOM - A Nostalgic Feast For The Eyes

For the formal dining room, we wanted to create a table-scape filled with old-world charm. Layers of greenery run the full length of the table, interwoven with berries, velvet ribbon, and glimmers of mercury glass. Each place setting is intentionally mismatched yet harmonious: green-rimmed plates, patterned bowls, warm gold flatware, and a simple pear set in each bowl as a nod to natural abundance.

Above, the chandelier is dressed in cascading greens and ornaments, creating the most enchanting canopy. It brings the eye up and fills the room with a sense of intimacy.

Style Tip: Center pieces don’t need to be tall. A lush, low garland allows conversation to flow while still delivering dramatic beauty. Add height overhead with greenery on a pendant or chandelier brings instant atmosphere.

THE KITCHEN

In the kitchen, we opted for quiet touches. Small wreaths tied with ribbon on the counter stools, bowls of citrus and pomegranates, and an arrangement of fresh greenery tucked into a sculptural vase. These moments of texture and colour warm the space without overwhelming it, proving that Christmas styling doesn’t need to be extravagant to feel special.

Tip to Try at Home: A bowl of winter fruit, a sprig of cedar beside the sink, or a single velvet ribbon tied to a cabinet knob can shift the mood instantly.

THE BREAKFAST NOOK

With its patterned tablecloth, vintage-inspired chairs, and gathered greens, the breakfast nook became a sweet vignette of its own. Cakes, breads, and citrus-topped treats add a nostalgic, almost storybook charm, like a holiday kitchen from another time.

Tip to Try at Home: Style one small area intentionally. A coffee corner, a centerpiece on your island, or a dessert display. A thoughtfully curated moment often feels more magical than decorating every surface.

HOW TO BRING THIS LOOK INTO YOUR OWN HOME

Holiday decorating doesn’t have to be overwhelming. If you want to create a more nostalgic, traditional Christmas style, consider starting with these simple ideas:

1. Lead with Nature - Fresh greenery is the foundation. Cedar, pine, magnolia, & eucalyptus can transform a room.

2. Choose One Ribbon & Use It Repeatedly - Velvet ribbon in your chosen colour can unify your entire home.

3. Mix Old with New - Vintage cutting boards, brass accents, & textured pottery create depth and warmth.

4. Embrace Imperfection - A slightly unruly garland or mismatched table setting tells a more heartfelt story.

5. Let the Colours of Your Home Guide You - Your year-round palette is the perfect starting point. It ensures holiday décor feels authentic rather than added-on.

Whether your home is filled with guests or simply holding space for a quiet season, Christmas décor has the power to shift how we feel and to bring comfort, nostalgia, and a sense of ritual.

Happy decorating!

Warmly,

Patti Wilson