A Warm Welcome: Creating a Cottage Christmas Living Room Entry, the Krystle Way

There's something so special about walking into a room that immediately feels like Christmas - not because it's filled with glitz and glitter, but because it's layered with warmth, texture, and meaning. That's exactly what I wanted this space to embody this holiday season: a welcoming living room that greets you with timeless cottage charm the moment you step inside.

Let's start with one of my favorite details - the woven basket topped with a soft blanket and a simple tree tucked inside. It's cozy, timeless, and effortlessly festive. Little touches like this instantly add a lived in feel, and the height of the tree draws the eye up while keeping the corner full of life and light.

Next to it, I styled an iron plant stand holding a burst of Christmas greenery. The mix of cedar sprigs, red berries, and pine brings that fresh natural texture every cottage room needs. It's an easy way to layer greenery throughout a space - not just on the mantel or tree and it ties the whole room together.

Speaking of layers, the rustic brown wall shelf became an unexpected favorite this year. I draped it with a stand of garland to soften the edges, then tucked in a few pops of red for a little holiday cheer. It fills the wall beautifully without feeling heavy - a small detail that adds so much warmth.

And the final touch, the gold mirror above the fireplace. It reflects the soft glow of the garland lights and ties all the gold tones throughout the room together. I love how it adds a touch of old world charm, perfectly balancing the natural elements in the space.

Together, these pieces - all gathered and styled with a collected feel - create a living room entry that feels inviting, festive, and full of heart. That's the beauty of decorating Cottage Style, the Krystle Way with Decor Steals: every piece tells a story and makes your home feel just a little more like Christmas.

PS: Most of these pieces can be enjoyed well beyond the holidays. From the woven basket and iron plant stand to the gold mirror and classic shelf - each one transitions beautifully into everyday decor with just a fe simple styling tweaks. Happy decorating friend! xo, Krystle

Be sure to follow me on Instagram @krystlemarienickels for more daily holiday decorating inspiration. Happy Holidays!