Natural Festive Elegance: A Guide by Cherrywood Bespoke
At Cherrywood Bespoke, we know just how to create kitchens that feel warm, timeless and full of character, and now it’s time to sprinkle some Christmas magic into the mix. Just so you know, all of the photos in this blog are taken in our inviting showroom in Cropredy, Oxfordshire, where we design all our kitchens, before they are handmade and hand-painted in our workshop just down the road!
Here’s how to transform your kitchen into a cosy but elegant festive haven this Christmas—complete with natural touches, heavenly scents and just enough pretty fairy light to create that special sense of occasion.
Bringing the Outside In
Let’s start with the beautiful bounty that mother nature has created for us! At Cherrywood Bespoke we love working with natural materials, so why not carry that theme into your Christmas decor? Think about ways to bring the beauty of the outdoors into your kitchen.
Greenery Galore: Drape garlands of fresh leaves and tree branches along your window sills or shelves. Nature is always better! Try to avoid plastic imitations, no matter how real they look. Save some extra branches of your Christmas tree and use these.
Foraged Finds: Take a winter walk and gather leaves, branches or maybe if you are lucky some pinecones. Try to leave the berries on the trees for wildlife, they rely on these for their winter pantry. Display your collection in vases or scatter across your table. This is the kind of effortless, rustic charm that pairs beautifully with handmade kitchens. And it creates memories too – children love the special seasonal traditions that we do year after year, family walks collecting natural decorations could become part of this.
Dried Orange Garlands: String slices of dried orange, cinnamon sticks and star anise for a festive decoration that smells as good as it looks. Hang them over your oven shelf if it’s practical or along your cabinets for a splash of colour. This is also a lovely activity to do as a family.
Bringing natural elements indoors doesn’t just look gorgeous—it creates a sense of calm and grounding that we all need this busy season.
Scents That Make Spirits Bright
Nothing transports you to Christmas quite like the right smells. While baking spiced biscuits or cakes is always a win, you can also fill your kitchen with uplifting scents using aromatherapy and a little creativity.
Aromatherapy Oil Burners: Add a few drops of essential oils like sweet orange, cinnamon, clove or frankincense to your burner for an instant festive mood boost. These scents are not only Christmassy but also uplifting and soothing.
Simmer Pots: Don’t overlook the power of a good old-fashioned oven top simmer. Toss in some water (or red wine for mulled wine), orange peel, cinnamon sticks, and star anise and let it bubble away. The smell will transport you to a natural feeling of happiness and joy.
Candles and Wax Melts: Go for scents like ginger, pine, cinnamon or spiced vanilla. Place them in safe spots around the kitchen to add to the ambiance.
Twinkle, Twinkle: Lighting Ideas to Transform Your Kitchen
Christmas is all about that magical glow, and the right lighting can completely transform your kitchen.
Fairy Lights Everywhere: String them along open shelving, weave them into garlands or pop them in glass jars for a simple yet stunning effect. Warm white lights give a cosy feel, while multi-coloured ones add a playful touch
Lanterns and Candles: Arrange a mix of lanterns and maybe LED candles along your countertops or on your kitchen table. They are not as natural as a naked flame but much safer with animals and children.
Lighting is one of the easiest ways to make your kitchen feel festive and inviting, and it’s all about layering different sources of light for maximum cosiness.
On Trend Decorations for 2024
Looking to add a dash of trendiness to your Christmas kitchen? Here are some ideas that are all trending this year:
Muted Metallics: Think brushed brass, gold and antique silver accents for a sophisticated yet understated look. Perfect for kitchen handles, candleholders, or even baubles strung up on cabinet knobs.
Handmade Ornaments: There’s a big move toward authenticity and craftsmanship so handmade paper stars, dried floral wreaths or even homemade salt dough decorations are very much in.
Natural Luxe: Combine rustic materials like wood and twine with elegant touches like velvet ribbons or crystal-adorned garlands for a look that’s both elegant and earthy.
Sustainable Style: Upcycling and eco-friendly decor are a big hit. Use jars as candleholders, repurpose scraps of fabric for bows, or turn leftover wrapping paper into festive bunting.
Your kitchen deserves to feel as special as the rest of your home, and these trends are a fun way to make it happen. At Cherrywood Bespoke we favour the natural, handmade touches that very much reflect our values.
Make It Functional, Too
Let’s be honest: Christmas in the kitchen isn’t just about looking pretty. It’s where the real magic happens—baking biscuits, stirring mulled wine and preparing festive treats for loved ones. So, make sure your festive additions are practical too!
Hot Chocolate Station: Create a little drinks corner with jars of cocoa, marshmallows and sprinkles. It’s easy, fun and looks adorable. Instead of buying hot chocolate powder, have a jar of lovely leftover chocolate (if you have any). Or for a low sugar more virtuous option, buy organic dark chocolate buttons for your jar, and melt these in the milk of your choice. Cinnamon can also be used as a spice to make your drink more festive.
Prep Like a Pro: Use beautiful baskets or bowls to hold your Christmas baking ingredients—flour, sugar, spices—all ready to go. Stylish and practical!
Festive Storage: Got any Christmas-themed tins or jars? Use them to store snacks or baked goods. Not only are they handy, but they also double as decor.
The Cherrywood Touch
At Cherrywood Bespoke, we design kitchens that blend timeless beauty with simple functionality. Christmas is the perfect opportunity to celebrate these spaces with thoughtful, personal touches. Whether it’s a garland of greenery draped over your handmade cabinetry or a bowl of spiced oranges on your island, these little details bring style and joy to the eye. For more information on our beautiful kitchens and furniture please come and visit us in our Showroom in Cropredy, Oxfordshire.
