Rustic Christmas Decorating Ideas You'll Love

By Jennifer Berno
October 05, 2010
Just because classic Christmas décor calls for red and green and an angel atop the tree, that doesn’t mean that is exactly what you have to do, year in and year out. For a holiday that comes each year (and the preparation starts months in advance at that), it’s a good idea to mix it up every now and then. Getting inspired and in the spirit is half the fun of the season, after all! So, we’ve rounded up some rustic Christmas decor that you could easily incorporate into your pre-existing holiday scheme this year. Whether as simple as adding in a burlap Christmas stocking or going all the way with some grass cloth wallpaper, these rustic Christmas decorating ideas will help you achieve a serene, simple change up in your holiday décor. Plus, we bet you already have some mercury glass ornaments on hand. This look incorporates vintage finds, woven baskets, and bronze-y warm hues—perfect for a warm, rustic, winter look.
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Refined Rustic Mantel

The grasscloth wallpaper and cool slate fireplace in this living room dictated a natural holiday palette with warm colors and nubby textures. Burlap unifies the look, with homespun stockings on the mantel, an oversize bow topping the tree, and gifts wrapped in the woven material. Cool mercury glass ornaments add a touch of shimmer.

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Grasscloth Wallpaper

The natural shades of grasscloth wallpaper are the perfect backdrop for an organic decorating scheme. Grasscloth’s texture adds a sense of warmth to a room. Try painting window trim and molding a rich color to add interest.

Get the Look: The Wallpaper Company 20.5” W Beige Grasscloth Wallpaper, $44.98 per bolt; homedepot.com

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Striped Flat-Weave Rug

Flat weave cotton rugs are as durable as they are affordable – they’re easy to maintain, so a small investment will go a long way. Stripes work well in both traditional and modern settings. This rug’s brown tones set a warm tone.

Get the Look: Chocolate Ticking Woven Cotton Rug, $344 (8’ x 10’); dashandalbert.com

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Modern Wing Chair

Try a contemporary spin on a very traditional shape. An angular wing chair, with clean lines and simple squared legs, is both sleek and classic. William Sonoma Home’s version comes in your choice of faux suede, velvet, or linen upholstery.

Get the Look: Anderson Wing Chair, starts at $1,250; wshome.com

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Burlap Stockings

Try your hand at DIY Christmas decorations. This room’s homespun stockings are easy to make with inexpensive burlap fabric and humble twine. One yard of fabric yields about 2 large stockings, and you’ll also need a needle with an extra-large eye.

Get the Look: Utility Burlap Natural Fabric, $3.99 per yard; hancockfabrics.com

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Try It Yourself

These stockings don't get any easier.

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Large-Scale Vintage Wheel

Instead of artwork above the mantel, add a sense of dimension with a large wheel. For a holiday touch, try lacing the wheel with simple cypress garland.

Get the Look: Authentic Antique Wagon Wheel by Groovystuff, $499; rockymountaindecor.com

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Woven Basket Tree-Holder

The woven raffia basket at the base of the tree is wide enough to fit a standard tree stand, and tall enough to obscure the tree trunk. The basket’s height lifts the branches and clears lots of room at the base of the tree for gifts.Get the Look: Extra-Large Round Beachcomber Basket, $129; potterybarn.com

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Mercury Glass Ornaments

Add a bit of subtle shimmer to the neutral tree with silvery-gray mercury glass ornaments in various sizes. Antique mercury glass can be pricey, but this set is available for a song.Get the Look: Etched Mercury Glass Ball Ornaments, $18 (set of 6); ballarddesigns.com

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Delicate Snowflake Ornaments

The white snowflake ornaments are a nod to winter and a graphic touch to the tree décor. Save a few to tie-on to presents or bottles of wine to bring to holiday dinner parties.Get the Look: Glitter Ornaments, $16 (set of 6); potterybarn.com

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Bronze Gift Wrap

In addition to basic craft paper and solid white wrap, incorporate shades of bronze and silver into your packaging. A bit of sheen will keep your gifts from looking dull.Get the Look: Crinkle Metallic Paper, $4.95 per sheet; papermojo.com

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Wraphia Ribbon

Use this sturdy ribbon to hang ornaments to the tree and to tie up gift packages. A 100-yard roll will certainly last throughout the holiday season.Get the Look: Paper Wraphia Natural, $6.50 (100 yards); paper-source.com

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