A Classic Holiday Home with Red, White and Gingerbread
Written by Heather Lusk
Photography by Jennifer Svendsen
Written by Heather Lusk
Photography by Jennifer Svendsen
A Nebraska homeowner embraces a candy-cane theme with a touch of gingerbread in her holiday home.
There’s so much satisfaction in getting a bargain. And that’s what blogger Jennifer Svendsen of Midwest Life and Style has done in her holiday home by incorporating Christmas décor with thrifted items. “I wanted to evoke Old-World charm, with classic red and white Christmas colors with gingerbread,” she says.
Homeowner Jennifer Svendsen adorns her everyday décor with decorations for the holidays, such as the vintage barn door in the corner. Corbels from her grandparents’ farm frame a vintage window draped with greenery and pinecones. Neutral tones, such as brass candlesticks and wooden bowls, are the base for her decorating. “Staple pieces don’t just have to be for Christmas,” Jennifer says.
Red, White and Gingerbread
By adding pops of red and candy-cane-inspired ribbon to the existing furnishings, Jennifer created an easy and attainable space. “I try to keep it budget friendly,” she says. “I always look at seeing what I have or what I can reuse.”
The thrift store dresser to the left of the front door holds a typewriter and vintage lunchbox, both decorated for the Christmas season. “I like to find different ways to make that a focal point,” Jennifer says. A faux fir tree sits on a vintage wooden box from her grandparents’ farm. “It’s one of those special things to have a little piece of them in our home,” she says.
Cost-Conscious Decorating
Jennifer established her classic Christmas look by adding simple decorations to existing accessories and furnishings, while staying mindful of cost. “I like to use a lot of the same pieces year in and year out, but I reimagine them and make them so they’re a little bit different,” she says. “Our job is to inspire people and give them fresh ideas—and find ways to do that without breaking the bank.”
To create a cohesive tabletop, Jennifer layered a striped placemat, woven charger and white dishes. She handmade striped napkins and tied them with cord and a bronze bell to top the place settings. Each tier, including the fringed napkins, incorporates a rustic element. “I love to build layers,” Jennifer says. “There’s depth and texture, and different types of materials I’m using.”
One way Jennifer achieves her cute but cost-effective look is by incorporating older pieces, blending traditional décor with thrifted and heirloom items. Certain pieces are from her family farm and evoke happy memories. “I think a lot of memories involve time at Christmas,” she says, whether it’s Christmas morning, meals they made together or the traditions her family celebrated growing up. Even thrifted furnishings and accessories spark her curiosity. “I’m always interested in the story behind the piece,” Jennifer says. “You don’t have to spend a fortune to have a beautiful home.”
In the primary bedroom, Jennifer adorned her existing traditional furnishings and neutral bedding with Christmas elements to make the room festive. She favors a pop of red with the neutral base. “It just seems so classic and Christmas to me,” she says. In the entryway, Jennifer added festive flair to existing vintage décor, including a pair of ice skates. “For Christmas they’re perfect, but I leave them up all winter long,” she says. Adding a cream-colored scarf transitions the look for the rest of the season. (above, right) “Bells say Christmas to me,” Jennifer says. “They spark joy and nostalgia.” Jennifer wove these brass cow bells into the evergreen garland on the banister, affixed with a red-and-white ribbon. The bells’ metallic accent connects the décor to the brass candlesticks and other holiday decorations across the room.(right) A lighted Christmas tree in the primary bedroom adds a comforting vibe. “There’s something about the sparkle and glow at night,” Jennifer says. Jennifer trimmed the flocked tree with classic ornaments, striped ornaments to coordinate with the red-and-white ribbon, and stockings with vintage Santas. A chunky knit blanket around the base is a cozy alternative to a traditional tree skirt.
See more about Jennifer’s holiday centerpiece here. Of course, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest for your daily dose of farmhouse inspiration!
