Rustic Yet Elegant: Mountain-Inspired Christmas Decorating Ideas

Go over the hills and through the woods with these casual, yet sophisticated holiday decorating ideas and projects.

By: Karin Beuerlein

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Blackberry Farm

Blackberry Farm, located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains in Walland, Tenn., is one of the foremost luxury retreats in America, combining rustic charm with world-class dining and amenities. Holiday trimmings here make use of the abundant natural materials available all over the farm.

On Walland Pond

The boathouse on Old Walland Pond at Blackberry Farm is adorned with simple wreaths made of Fraser fir, white pine and incense cedar with accents of green reindeer moss.

White Lights

In the foyer of what is known as the "culinary barn" at Blackberry Farm trees are decorated minimally—note that lights are wound around each branch all the way to the tip for a starlit effect, making ornaments unnecessary. The skirt is plain burlap puddled underneath.

Simple Gifts

The packages under the tree are wrapped in unbleached cotton muslin and trimmed with braided raffia, pine cones and corn husks. This gift is tied beautifully with birch bark ribbon, available at craft stores. Get the step-by-step instructions >>

Natural Abundance

Although the rustic look is often minimalist, it doesn’t have to be. This mantel is bursting with a profusion of natural materials: white pine, incense cedar, spruce, blueberry juniper, boxwood and an unexpected smattering of preserved yellow roses.

Refined Palette

Limiting your color scheme makes a rustic look more sophisticated. This tree at Blackberry Farm is trimmed entirely with gingerbread cookies and a combination of matte and shiny red-glass ornaments.

Square Adds Flair

Unfussy boxwood wreaths bring a natural warmth to the walls of the Farmhouse Spa at Blackberry Farm .

Upcycled Sweater Stocking

Turn your old sweaters into simple Christmas stockings. This easy-to-sew stocking is perfect for a comfy, log-cabin-style Christmas. Get the step-by-step instructions >>

Grove Park Inn

The Grove Park Inn in Asheville, N.C., is a well-known Arts & Crafts-style hotel with a grand main lodge in the rustic tradition. Grove Park Inn celebrates the holidays with its famous National Gingerbread House Competition and an annual yule log lighting ceremony.

Pastoral Centerpiece

This dramatic 4-foot-tall centerpiece in the The Grove Park Inn Great Hall is anchored by sleek metal trees and resin deer.

From English Countryside

Wreaths in the Great Hall feature LED lighting, pheasant feathers, natural pine cones and heavy silver metal stag horns from K&K Interiors.

Upcycled Java Bags

These handmade burlap elf stockings, sold on Etsy.com by Habitation Boheme, are whipped up from repurposed coffee sacks. A tiny metal bell adorns each upturned toe.

Casual Sophistication

To get a classy yet charming look, adorn your Christmas tree with vintage-style family photos, rope and burlap accents then top them off with a little dainty lace and strands of pearls.

Rustic Greeting Card

Craft blogger Lorie Moses of The Peddler’s Gallery created this greeting card with a wood-grain stamp on 120-lb. card stock. The wreath is stamped in ink and highlighted with color and gloss medium, and the doorknob is a 3-D accent piece that Lorie colored with a Copic marker and embossed.

No-Sew Burlap Stocking

No sewing required to make these natural beauties, just some scissors and fabric glue. Get the easy instructions >>

Don't Forget What's Under the Tree

For a natural look, use brown paper, linen and burlap to wrap gifts. Top off the packages with pretty lace, dried flowers and tiny pearls.

Charming Details

Paper crafter Donna MacDonald of the Etsy shop Indelible Impressions sells a range of fun sepia-toned rustic gift tags adorned with soft satin ribbon.

Inspiration on the Side

DIY and interior decorating blog Chic on a Shoestring Decorating featured this lovely scene on blogger Kate’s kitchen sideboard. Kate built it around an inexpensive wreath she made herself from unbleached coffee filters.

Reindeer Heads

Soft felt stockings add even more warmth to this traditional fireplace.

Think Thrifty

Many of Kate’s decorating gems are garage-sale or discount-store finds, such as this simple, handsome metal reindeer.

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