Cottages and Bungalows December/January 2024

I MUST CONFESS THAT SOME YEARS I feel a bit “bah-humbugish” prior to the holidays and find it difficult to embrace the joy. The season seems to loom over me like a big to-do list that comes with a hard and fast deadline. Shopping, baking treats, wrapping gifts, decorating the house, shipping packages are all on the list, and checking off each item evokes a sense of relief, but certainly not joy. However, when I focus on the “why” of each task, I am renewed. I remind myself that I am sending gifts to show my love, baking to share sweetness and kindness, decorating my home to warmly welcome guests and create special memories. I reminisce about the thoughtful traditions my mom and grandmothers lovingly prepared for our families and…

cottagesandbungalowsmag.com A Cottage-Farmhouse Christmas An interior designer—our former Brand Ambassador, Kara Williams—decks her own halls to express her favorite cottage-meets-farmhouse style for the holidays. High Street’s Heavenly Home See how a creative homeowner uses vintage goods and neutral décor to create a personalized Christmas aesthetic in his Pennsylvania home. What’s Your Christmas-Tree Style? We’ll help you determine the best tree style for your lifestyle. And after you’ve made your purchase, we’ll show you how to decorate it like a pro. Old Italy in Illinois An 1896 Italianate gem becomes a growing family’s new home that’s brimming with charm. Whimsical Wonderland Vintage Christmas magic fills a Utah home and illustrates how a neutral color scheme and soft, romantic styling can be just as festive as bright red and green. Follow us…

extra Curb Appeal The Crystal Cove Historic District, nestled along the picturesque coastline of Orange County, California, between Newport Beach and Laguna Beach is a charming, preserved enclave that offers a glimpse into the region’s rich history and architectural heritage. The district dates back to the 1920s, when it was a place to gather, set up a pup tent and enjoy the sparkling waters in the secluded cove. Ultimately, 46 cottages were built in a vernacular style, mostly by friends of the Irvine family who owned the land at that time. With shingle siding, weathered wood exteriors and colorful beachy accents, each cottage has its own charming character. Today, visitors to Crystal Cove can enjoy a special day at the beach that immerses them in this bygone era. Twenty-eight of…

extra Brand Ambassador Hi friends, I can hardly believe the holiday season is here. It seems like just a short time ago I was penning my first column of 2023 as the Brand Ambassador and now it is already my last column. What a wonderful year this has been! With the most heartfelt gratitude, I thank each and every one of you for your kindness, love and support on this journey. It has been a joy, an honor and an experience I will never forget. Much love, Lisa Trimming the Christmas tree has been our family’s most anticipated tradition since our children were young. My sons often recall the special moments we spent together, adding their own ornaments to the tree, playing their favorite Christmas music and sipping hot cocoa…

Donna Tronolone is no stranger to creating show-stopping Christmas trees. In fact, she’s been decorating multiple trees in her New York home since the 1990s. This busy wife, mom and content creator knows how to add charm and sparkle to her home. We asked Donna how she curates her holiday style, including this spectacular tree. CB: When do you start decorating your home for Christmas? Donna: First, may I say that I am so honored and delighted to have been chosen the winner of the tree contest! It’s such a treat to grace the pages of this beautiful magazine that has such a special place in my heart. I usually start decorating at the end of August, beginning with the foyer that includes one of my 9-foot trees.…

extra In Season CROWN JEWELS. Broadway in Worcestershire is a small market town, often considered to be one of the jewels in the Cotswolds crown. High Street is lined with honey-colored cottages, shops, hotels and eateries. It is especially nice to visit at Christmastime as everyone decorates their homes, either by hanging a pretty wreath on their front door or by draping strings of lights over the trees and greenery in their gardens. There is usually a Christmas Market held in December—a chance to shop, eat and listen to a local choir singing and it always gets us into the Christmas spirit. One year, there was even a snow machine that made it very atmospheric, as in the United Kingdom we rarely experience real snow in December. Greetings from England!…