December at Acorn Cottage: Merry Christmas

 It is Christmas Day, and I am here to wish you all a very Merry Christmas. I hope today finds you surrounded by the people you hold dear, enjoying the simple joys that make the season so meaningful.

Again this year, J and I made our way to our favorite Magazine Street stationery shoppe, Scriptura, to select our Christmas cards. Thoughtfully chosen and filled with shiny confetti, the cards we sent to friends and family were meant to deliver a little extra sparkle and holiday cheer through the mail. There is something so special about sending handwritten notes during this season—a small but heartfelt tradition we treasure.

Monogrammed gift tags and festive cocktail napkins added an extra layer of specialness to our celebrations, reminding me how the smallest details often make the biggest impact during the holidays.

Cheers to you and yours, and may your Christmas be merry, bright, and filled with love. Merry Christmas! 

Merry Christmas, y'all!

December at Acorn Cottage: Scenes from the House

 As we celebrate Christmas Eve, I thought I’d share a few Christmasy moments from around the house. It’s no secret that I love to decorate for the holiday season, and this time of year my home truly reflects that love. Little vignettes here and there capture the spirit of Christmas and bring the season to life in the most charming ways.

Bedrooms vestibule.

There are touches of Christmas everywhere you turn — in the hallways, tucked into the baths, and styled thoughtfully on shelves throughout the house. I adore the glitter and sparkle of the holidays, and I never shy away from letting things shimmer just a bit more this time of year. Each space holds something special, whether it’s a small ornament, a festive ribbon, or a bit of greenery that makes the everyday feel magical.

Belsnikle Santa with fur.

Cocktails Lounge.

Coffee tawk.

Food Ornament Tree.

Hallway cabinet.

J's bath.

Paperwhites @tylerandtatenola

Ron's bath.

Some of my very favorite ornaments, collected through our travels over the years, take pride of place on the sunroom tree. Each one tells a story and brings back memories, making the tree feel especially personal and meaningful. It’s one of my favorite spots to pause, take it all in, and soak up the beauty of the season.

And that's a wrap! Presents wrapped in papers from Scriptura and Ballard Designs look festive under the tree.

I hope that you and yours are enjoying a warm, joyful, and very special Christmas Eve, surrounded by love, light, and a little extra sparkle. 

Scenes from the house, y'all!

December at Acorn Cottage: A Love Letter to Shiny Brites

 There are few Christmas decorations more iconic than Shiny Brite ornaments. Long before themed trees and curated color palettes, these sparkling glass treasures filled homes with magic, nostalgia, and unmistakable holiday cheer. For generations, Shiny Brites were the ornaments—carefully unwrapped each December and hung with intention, telling stories of Christmases past.

I’ve always had a soft spot for traditional holiday décor, so when I stumbled upon a custom wreath made with vintage Shiny Brites on Instagram, I knew it was something special. Even better, it was created by a local artist whose work immediately spoke to me.

Claire Heap of @vintageshinybrite is the talent behind these stunning creations, and she offers her work through Southern Antiques—one of my absolute favorite shops—in Laurel, Mississippi. When I saw the wreath, I didn’t hesitate. Some things are simply meant to come home with you.

The wreath I purchased is filled with vintage Shiny Brite ornaments in classic hues of red, green, and gold. It feels timeless, joyful, and wonderfully nostalgic—everything I love about Christmas. I hung it prominently in the window of our dining area, where it can be admired both inside and out. It truly anchors the space and sets the tone for the season.

My admiration for Claire’s work didn’t stop there. I reached out to her to create a custom wreath for our front door. My requests were simple: the ornaments needed to be non-breakable, and the color palette all red. Claire absolutely hit it out of the park. The finished wreath is bold, festive, and looks perfect alongside the other balls, ball garlands, and bows used throughout this season’s décor.

And because one masterpiece deserves another, I also commissioned Claire to create a custom ball ornament tree for the sunroom. Once again, she delivered beautifully. The tree adds just the right amount of sparkle and charm to a room where we spend so much time during the holidays.

There’s something incredibly special about acquiring new Christmas décor that feels meaningful—pieces that are thoughtfully made, deeply nostalgic, and destined to be used year after year. Supporting a local artist while adding timeless beauty to our home makes it even sweeter.

Shiny Brites may be ornaments of the past, but in my home, they continue to shine brightly—carrying tradition, craftsmanship, and Christmas magic into many seasons to come. 

Shiny Brites make my season BRIGHT, y'all!