Creating A Cozy Winter Tablescape
A Cozy Winter Tablescape!
A Cozy Winter Tablescape That Feels Warm and Welcoming
Winter tablescapes do not have to feel bare or boring once the holidays have passed. In fact, this is the perfect time to lean into natural textures, soft neutrals, and simple details that make everyday meals feel special. At Our Cozy Little Home, we love creating winter tables that feel calm, cozy, and timeless, something that invites you to linger just a little longer.
Start With a Neutral Foundation
A winter table shines when it begins with a quiet, neutral base. Neutral plates and napkins set the tone, allowing the natural elements to take center stage without competing for attention. Think warm whites, soft creams, or gentle stone tones. These colors feel peaceful in the winter months and make the table feel light, even on the darkest days.
Layer your napkins casually, whether folded simply or loosely tied with twine or ribbon. This relaxed approach keeps the table from feeling too formal and adds to that cozy, lived-in charm we love.
Bring the Outdoors In
Winter decor truly comes to life when you invite nature to the table. Pinecones scattered down the center instantly add texture and warmth. No two are alike, which gives the table an organic, collected feel rather than something overly styled.
Greenery is essential this time of year. Tuck in cedar, pine, or faux greenery to create movement along the table. For added depth, layer in magnolia leaves. Their rich green tops and velvety brown backs bring contrast and elegance while still feeling natural and grounded.
Add Warmth With Orange Slices
Dried orange slices are a winter favorite for a reason. Their soft amber color adds warmth and a subtle pop that feels especially cozy against greenery and neutrals. Nestle them among the pinecones or lay them gently on the greenery for a simple but beautiful touch. They bring in a hint of old-world charm and a nod to slower, more intentional seasons.
Keep It Playful With Honeycomb Accents
To balance the natural elements, we love adding honeycomb snowmen and trees. These lightweight decorations add height and whimsy without overwhelming the table. Their soft texture and simple shapes feel festive yet understated, perfect for winter gatherings that are not tied to a specific holiday.
Place them in small clusters or let them stand alone as focal points along the table. They add just enough personality to make the table feel joyful and inviting.
This winter tablescape is not about perfection. It is about creating a space that feels warm, welcoming, and ready for real life. A place where soup gets served, stories are shared, and the season is enjoyed slowly.
By mixing natural elements like pinecones, orange slices, greenery, and magnolia leaves with neutral dishes and playful honeycomb accents, you create a table that feels both cozy and thoughtful. It is simple, timeless, and perfectly suited for winter at your cozy little home.
Stay cozy,
Bryan and Jameson
Our Cozy Little Home
Red for Winter?
Keeping Red for Winter!
Why Red Gets to Stay After Christmas
Every year, right around December 26th, there is this quiet pressure to pack up everything festive and pretend winter decor has to be beige, gray, and emotionally distant. But here at Our Cozy Little Home, we fully believe red deserves a longer stay.
Red and red plaids are not just for Christmas. They are winter colors. Cozy colors. Snow-day-by-the-fire-with-something-warm-to-drink colors. And the best part, they transition beautifully straight into Valentine’s Day when you are ready, no rushed redecorating required.
Let the Plaid Linger
Once Christmas has passed, we love leaving out vintage plaid thermoses tucked on open shelves or sitting near the hearth. They feel nostalgic, practical, and charming, like something you would grab before heading out into the cold. Red plaid blankets stay draped over sofas and chairs, inviting you to slow down, curl up, and stay awhile. This is not the season for bare furniture or cold corners.
Plaid table runners are another easy win. A red plaid runner instantly warms up a dining table or kitchen island without screaming “holiday.” It reads cozy cabin, winter lodge, snow falling softly outside. Pair it with simple white dishes or neutral stoneware and suddenly it feels timeless instead of seasonal.
Soften It With Winter Whimsy
To gently shift the mood away from Christmas, we like to mix in snowmen and snowflakes. These pieces keep the winter theme alive without leaning on Santas or evergreens. Ceramic snowmen, framed snowflake prints, or even subtle snowflake textures in pillows or throw blankets balance the boldness of red beautifully.
This mix lets red feel playful and calm at the same time. Think winter mornings, wool socks, and hot coffee rather than Christmas morning chaos.
A Head Start on Valentine’s Day
Here is the secret bonus of keeping red around. When February rolls in, you are already halfway decorated. Add in a few hearts, maybe a pink candle or two, and suddenly your cozy winter palette turns softly romantic without a full reset. Red plaids work surprisingly well with blush tones, creamy whites, and natural woods.
Decorating this way lets your home evolve naturally with the season instead of jumping from one theme to the next. It feels intentional, lived-in, and relaxed.
So if you are standing there wondering whether to pack away the red, consider letting it stay just a little longer. Winter is long, and your home should feel warm and welcoming every single day of it. Red brings life to the quieter months, especially when the world outside feels gray and still. It adds comfort, nostalgia, and that slow, cozy feeling we all crave after the holiday rush fades.
Keeping red and plaid is also a gentle reminder that decorating does not have to be rushed or rigid. Your home can move with the seasons instead of jumping from one look to the next overnight. By letting red linger, you create a space that feels layered, thoughtful, and lived in, not stripped bare the moment Christmas ends.
As winter stretches on, these familiar pieces become part of everyday comfort. The blanket you grab during movie night, the runner that catches crumbs from slow breakfasts, the thermos that feels like it has a story to tell. And when Valentine’s Day finally approaches, your home is already softly prepared, ready for a few sweet touches without a full reset.
Cozy is not about following rules or calendars. It is about creating a home that feels good to live in. So let the red stay, let the plaid linger, and let winter unfold slowly inside your cozy little home.
Stay cozy,
Bryan and Jameson
Our Cozy Little Home
Adding Vintage Charm to your Christmas Decor for a Cozy Look
Ways to Add Cozy Falloween Charm to Your Home
There’s something about vintage Christmas decor that feels like a warm memory come to life. The kind where the tree lights glow softly, the cocoa tastes extra sweet, and the music floating through the house sounds just right. This year, I’ve been sprinkling a few nostalgic treasures around our home, and it’s added such a cozy, timeworn magic to the season.
Let’s talk about a few of my favorite vintage finds that bring that classic Christmas charm to life.
Vintage Santa Mugs
A vintage Santa mug collection might just be the happiest shelf you’ll ever style. Each mug has its own look: some jolly, some a bit mischievous, and together they’re irresistible. Try using them in a hot cocoa bar, or fill them with candy canes, mini ornaments, or greenery for a playful touch. Fill a vintage stoneware bowl or vintage wooden dough bowl with some greenery and stack some of these cuties inside. They’re tiny bits of nostalgia that make everyone smile.
Vintage Santa Dolls
These cheerful, rosy-cheeked Santas are pure joy. Their little twinkle-eyed grins seem to carry stories of Christmas mornings long past. I love tucking one onto a shelf or letting him stand guard near the entryway. Whether he’s slightly faded or full of sparkle, he brings personality and warmth wherever he goes.
Vintage Plaid Thermoses
If you’ve ever spotted one of these at a flea market, antique shop, or thrift store, you know the charm. Those bold red and green plaid patterns instantly say “cozy winter.” Try styling one on your kitchen counter, a coffee station, or near your cocoa setup. You can even tuck in a few pine branches or candy canes for a fun holiday touch. They bring that old-fashioned, outdoorsy warmth that pairs beautifully with all your Christmas decor.
Vintage Shiny Brite Boxes
Even the boxes themselves are decor gold. Stack them on a sideboard, use them in a vignette with bottle brush trees, or display them under your tree for that perfect retro feel. Whether you hang the ornaments or simply admire the vintage packaging, Shiny Brites capture the joy and sparkle of Christmases long ago.
When you mix these vintage treasures with your modern pieces, you create layers of comfort and history: a look that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Each piece tells its own little story, adding heart and personality to your home.
So this season, as you deck the halls, maybe leave space for something with a past: a Santa who’s seen many Christmases, a mug that’s held a hundred cups of cocoa, a thermos that’s warmed hands on snowy mornings. Those are the pieces that make Christmas feel timeless.
Until next time,
From Our Cozy Little Home to yours—may your days be merry, bright, and filled with a touch of vintage magic.
Stay cozy,
Bryan and Jameson
Our Cozy Little Home
Bringing that “Ralph Lauren” Vibe to Your Table for Christmas
Ways to Add Cozy Falloween Charm to Your Home
There’s something timeless about a Ralph Lauren Christmas: the mix of classic elegance, cozy texture, and a touch of the outdoors that feels both refined and inviting. It’s that perfect blend of rich patterns, candlelight, and nature’s beauty all gathered around one table. This year, I’ve been leaning into that look for our Christmas table, and it’s as warm and welcoming as it sounds.
Here’s how to bring that Ralph Lauren-inspired charm into your own holiday table setting.
Start with Tartan Plaid
Nothing says “Ralph Lauren Christmas” quite like tartan. It’s traditional, bold, and endlessly cozy. Lay the foundation with a tartan plaid tablecloth or runner: deep reds, greens, and navy blues are classic choices. You can even layer in plaid napkins for extra texture. The pattern instantly adds that English-country elegance while keeping things festive and homey.
Layer with Transferware Dishes
Transferware and Christmas were made for each other. Those intricate designs in red, brown, or blue bring vintage beauty to the table. Mix them with simple cream or white dishes if you don’t have a full set, it adds interest and depth. The delicate scenes and patterns tell stories of old-world charm, and they pair beautifully with plaid.
Add Natural Elements
To keep the table from feeling too formal, bring in nature’s warmth. Scatter pomegranates, apples, and oranges down the center of the table, mixing them with sprigs of cedar greenery. The mix of color and texture feels lush and full of life. You can even slice a few dried oranges or tuck small bundles of greenery into each place setting for a thoughtful touch.
Set the Mood with Candlelight
The Ralph Lauren aesthetic loves a little drama: soft, flickering candlelight on a winter evening is just that. Use brass candlesticks or hurricanes to add glow and height to your table. The light bouncing off the transferware and plaid creates that timeless, cozy glow that feels straight out of a Christmas story.
Finish with Small, Thoughtful Details
Tie your napkins with velvet ribbon, use vintage silverware, or add a few pinecones for texture. This look is all about layers: classic meets rustic, polished meets comfortable.
When it’s all pulled together, the table feels elegant but lived-in: like it’s seen laughter, stories, and second helpings of dessert. That’s the true magic of a Ralph Lauren-style Christmas: beauty that feels effortless, gathered, and full of heart.
Until next time,
From Our Cozy Little Home to yours—may your Christmas table be warm, classic, and filled with the kind of charm that never goes out of style.
Christmas Coziness with Real Touch Pine from Antique Farm House
Ways to Add Cozy Falloween Charm to Your Home
There’s just something about pine that says “home.” The fresh green, the soft drape, the hint of winter magic: it’s a simple yet beautiful way to make your space feel warm and welcoming as the seasons shift.
We’ve been swooning over the Real Touch Pine Garlands and Wreaths from Antique Farm House, and they’ve quickly become a go-to staple in Our Cozy Little Home. Whether you’re decorating for the holidays or just adding a little everyday greenery, here’s how we’re styling them throughout the house.
On Open Shelves
Layering greenery on open shelving instantly softens the space and adds a festive vibe. We love draping a real touch pine garland along the edge of our wooden shelves, letting the ends fall naturally over the sides for a relaxed look. We have used these garlands on our coffee bar shelves, hutches, and open shelving in our dining room.
Styling tip: Tuck in a few fairy lights or mini pinecones to add texture and glow. The garland’s realistic branches catch the light beautifully, and the drape mimics fresh-cut pine without the mess.
In Dough Bowls with Santa Mugs or Ornaments
This is a favorite tabletop or kitchen island styling trick! Nestle a pine garland inside a vintage dough bowl, then layer in nostalgic touches like Santa mugs, mercury glass ornaments, or even cinnamon sticks for a touch of scent and color.
It’s the perfect way to turn simple holiday items into a charming centerpiece or cocoa bar display.
Cozy tip: Add a few dried orange slices or cranberry sprigs for an old-fashioned Christmas feel.
Across the Mantle
A classic, for good reason. The full, draping nature of these garlands makes them perfect for mantles. Let the ends trail down slightly on each side for a romantic, effortless look.
We love pairing the greenery with brass candlesticks, chunky knit stockings, pinecones, and twinkle lights for a layered, lived-in look that feels warm all season long.
Pro tip: Use small command hooks or floral wire to secure the garland without damaging your mantle.
Wrapped Around Light Fixtures
For a unique twist, wrap a real touch pine garland around a dining room chandelier or pendant light. It adds a soft, organic feel that turns your lighting into a holiday focal point.
The subtle movement of the branches plays beautifully with candlelight or dim overhead lighting, making everything feel just a bit more magical.
Safety tip: Make sure the garland is well-secured and kept away from hot bulbs or open flames.
Wreaths on Doors—Inside and Out
The Norfolk-style pine wreaths are stunning on both the front door and interior doors. Their long, draping pine needles create a softness and movement that feels welcoming from the moment you step inside.
Outside, they set the tone for a cozy home. Inside, they can be hung on bedroom doors, pantries, or even above a bed for a rustic, layered winter look.
Hanging tip: Use a ribbon, vintage scarf, or even a leather strap to hang your wreaths for added charm.
Why We Love Real Touch Pine
These garlands and wreaths look incredibly real. The texture, the shade of green, the natural drape. Plus, they’re mess-free and reusable, so you can enjoy them year after year without sacrificing beauty or charm.
Whether you lean farmhouse, cottage, vintage, or something all your own, these pieces fit right in and elevate every corner they touch.
You can find the Real Touch Pine Garlands and Wreaths we used here:
Shop my LTK Here!
Tag us in your styling @ourcozylittlehome and @antiquefarmhouse. Nothing makes us happier than seeing how you make these cozy touches your own.
Stay cozy,
Bryan and Jameson
Our Cozy Little Home
The Cozy Magic of the “Ber” Months
Cozy Styling Tips for Fall
The second the calendar flips to September, something shifts in our house. Maybe it’s the cooler nights that call for an extra blanket, or the way the light slants just right in the evenings, but there’s no denying it: the Ber Months (September, October, November, and December) are the coziest stretch of the year. Around here, we lean into them fully, every month with its own little rituals and ways of making our home feel warm, inviting, and ready for the season ahead.
Making Home Cozy During the Ber Months
For us, cozy isn’t about perfection. It’s about small changes that make the house feel like it’s giving you a hug when you walk through the door. A few things we always do once September hits:
Add layers of texture: soft throws on the couch, baskets of blankets in the living room, and maybe a few flannel pillow covers.
Keep natural touches in every corner: a crock of dried hydrangeas on the table, a vase of branches from the yard, pinecones collected on a walk.
Switch out lighting to something softer: candles (real or battery), little lamps, and twinkle lights that we sometimes forget to take down because they make the evenings so peaceful.
Fill the kitchen with seasonal scents: a simmer pot of apple peels and cinnamon sticks on the stove makes the whole house feel like a bakery. Or grab yourself a cozy PUMPKIN BREAD candle from ANTIQUE CANDLE CO. (Use my link and code BRYAN20 to save 20% off) Antique Candle Co
A Cozy Little List for Each Month:
September
The start of it all. Pumpkins begin sneaking into the decor.
Go apple picking and turn the extras into cider applesauce or pie.
Create a cozy apple cider bar outside with blankets and candlelight. Invite friends over for a backyard bonfire.
Make the first soup of the season. (That is definitely a Jameson job…he’s the cook!)
Take evening walks when the air is just starting to crisp.
October
By now, we’re fully in autumn mode. The porch gets lined with pumpkins and mums, and inside the house, I bring out all the cozy plaids.
Visit a pumpkin patch and carve jack-o’-lanterns.
Have a family movie night with all the classic fall favorites. Our favorite is Hocus Pocus for sure!
Decorate the entryway with cornstalks and a big fall wreath. Add some orange lights for a cozy glow!
November
This month feels like the heart of cozy. Warm colors, candlelight at dinner, and gathering with family.
Set the table with vintage stoneware, a basket of gourds, and brass candlesticks.
Bake pies (even if it’s just one, the smell alone is worth it). Apple is for sure my favorite but I love the smell of pumpkin pie fresh out of the oven.
Make a “thankful tree.” Gather some branches from your yard. Place them in a vintage crock. Precut leaves for your family to write one thing you are thankful for each evening. Add the leaves to the branches and by Thanksgiving you will have a beautiful centerpiece!
December
The grand finale of the Ber Months. The show. This is the moment to shine. The house feels alive with evergreen garlands, twinkling lights, and little traditions we look forward to all year.
Make homemade ornaments for the tree.
Take a drive to see holiday lights around town.
Bake Christmas cookies. This is a huge tradition for me. I took on the baking when my grandmother passed and now I bake many different varieties for our family and friends.
Sip hot cocoa under a pile of blankets while reading or watching a Christmas movie or two. Our list always includes: Home Alone, Elf, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, and The Santa Clause.
The Ber Months remind us to slow down, gather together, and enjoy the comfort of home. Every season has its beauty, but these four months feel like pure magic. They’re the ones that fill our home with traditions, warmth, and plenty of cozy evenings by the fire, and I wouldn’t trade them for anything.
Jameson and I always say the Ber Months are our favorite stretch of the year, and December is the one that steals our hearts every time. There is something about the month of December that slows everything down and makes us so grateful for this season.
We love the way December holds both the bustle of the holidays and the calm of cozy nights at home. It’s the month where home feels the most magical, where every room glows a little warmer, and where we’re reminded of just how much joy these four little Ber Months bring to our family.
XOXO
Bryan and Jameson