We had planned on construction finishing at our beach house much sooner than it did. Alas, due to various construction delays we actually only spent our first proper night there post-renovation in December! Still, it was lovely to ‘move in’ and immediately decorate for Christmas. There was something habitual about putting up the Christmas decorations that make the house feel extra cozy and welcoming for our first few stays out there. I don’t know about you but I’m feeling very festive and ready for the holiday break. So, in today’s post I’m sharing our beach house Christmas decor, along with some get-ahead planning ideas for the New Year in collaboration with TurboTax.
For our beach house Christmas decor I was keen to keep things festive but simple. It’s a small space and I didn’t want to go overboard and make the rooms feel cluttered or too busy. So, I decided to add Christmas decor touches to existing pieces in the space. I placed flickering candles in votives, filled bell jars with small vintage mercury glass ornaments and placed simple evergreen branches in clear glass vases. The result was classic and cozy – I love it!
I love an ‘extra’ tree that’s bursting with ribbons, baubles and sparkles as much as the next person, but in our quaint little beach house I wanted to go for something more understated. Taking note from our Scandinavian friends, I opted for a potted Norway Blue Spruce tree and decorated it very simply with white lights and ceramic stars.
How cute are these zinc houses for candles?! I love how they look on our reclaimed wooden mantel with the vintage bells and homemade snow globe.
In the dining room I continued the simple Scandinavian approach for the beach house Christmas decor. A few evergreen branches in clear glass vases and a small baby tree is all that’s needed to bring an instant festive feel. I love the scent of the Shimmering Spice candle, too.
This cozy nook off the main living area is the perfect spot to admire the falling snow in the back yard while drinking my morning coffee.
I swapped out some art pieces for these festive wreaths and stars. I like how they contrast with the white shiplap.
The one thing I’ve learned since moving to America is that the festive season also means it’s the time of year to start thinking about your taxes…boo! I have to say that moving countries and not knowing about taxes was daunting. Especially this year as my heartmate and I bought the beach house, which means there are different types of deductions and costs to consider. I was really happy TurboTax offered me their new TurboTax Live product which means at a click of a button, from your computer, you get access to real tax experts to help answer any questions, and give your tax return a final check with a 100% accuracy guarantee. They even let you see your tax return on one side of the screen whilst you talk to your tax adviser on the other half. No more printing out pages of documents to takes to meetings, yay! Amazing, right? To be honest, any platform or process change that makes doing taxes easier for my husband and I, especially at such a busy time of year, was a welcome one! I don’t have to leave the beach house house or even change out of my PJs since it’s a one-way video with the tax expert. I’m still using the TurboTax Live expert service as I complete this year’s tax return, so I’ll let you know how I got on nearer the tax deadline. In the meantime, Happy Holidays!
// Original styling & photography by Will Taylor | Posted in partnership with TurboTax, all views my own
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of TurboTax. The opinions and text are all mine.
25 Comments
Will, where did you get yur window treatments shown in the image with the caption “This cozy nook off the main living area is the perfect spot to admire the falling snow in the back yard while drinking my morning coffee”? Can you provide a link and note the fabric/color?
Will, where did you get your window treatments? I refering to those shown in the image with the caption “This cozy nook off the main living area is the perfect spot to admire the falling snow in the back yard while drinking my morning coffee”? Might you provide a link and note the fabric/color? Sorry for typo in first posts.
@Will – The drapes are from H&M Home! Here’s the link: http://m.hm.com/us/product/47289?article=47289-A
The H&M drapes would make a great option, but I need a 102 length. Can you think of where I might look for affordable, quality options at the longer size? Also, where did you get the slippers?
@Will – I believe West Elm so longer lengths in linen style but you’d need to check. Good luck! Slippers are GAP!
Love it all! Turbo tax sounds intriguing…I’ll check it out
@Jessie – Smart move, it’s great! Happy holidays to you as well 🙂
The tree is the cutest and the mantel decor! Thanks for sharing!! Happy Holidays xoxo
@Katerina – Awwww thank you! We love it at the house so much. Have a wonderful holiday!
Will! I dread tax season so this is a very welcome post. Thank you.
P.S. Your house is gorgeous! Happy Holidays!
@Julie – Anytime! Hope you find it as useful as I have so far. Thanks so much re: the house, too. We love it!
Love it—all of it!
@Shanna – Oh, yay! Thank you!
Absolutely adore your beach home. How wonderful to be able to move in for Christmas. But boo that you have to think about taxes !
@Karen – Thanks so much! We adore it out here! And thank goodness for TurboTax to take some of the tax stress away! Have a great holiday!
Looks so lovely! I love this home. The simple Christmas decor is so Perfect! I love your apartment in NYC too! Merry Christmas!
@Kim – So kind of you to say, thanks! Appreciate you following along “!
Very clever and simple ideas Will, I really like how you style your shelves! watching your metal ornaments makes me wish Id bouth some the other day I was at a store and saw some similar ones. I also really like how you inciorporate blue everywhere! (Its my favorite color too). I was wondering, is there any way I could share with you how your posts inspire my decorating decisions at my place? Id love the feedback! Happy Holidays!!!
@Juan – Thank you so much! Sure, you can use the contact me form or send me pics on Twitter! 🙂
I´ll be sure to do so! Thanks for the response! Hope you had a Meery Christmas and Happy 2018!
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I Just loved how in simple yet innovating ways you refurbished the entire thing, alluring!
Love the square ottoman! How can I get one of those? 🙂
@HarleyAngel – Thanks! It’s from One Kings Lane!
it’s beautiful! thank you for sharing!