Farmhouse kitchens kind of invite Christmas in all by themselves. The wood, the metal hooks, the mix of old and new – it’s all already halfway there.
You don’t need to cover everything in tinsel. Just a few thoughtful things, maybe a ribbon here, a jar there, and it suddenly feels warm and lived-in.
I think that’s why I love mixing modern and traditional pieces in this kind of space – it feels grounded, not showy.
Below are 18 Ways To Decorate Farmhouse Kitchen For Christmas that fit perfectly in farmhouse kitchens, whether yours leans modern or more old-school rustic.
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1 | Garland Draped Over the Range Hood
A strand of faux cedar or pine across the range hood looks timeless and smells good if you use fresh.
You can shape it with floral wire and let it hang a little uneven – it looks better that way.
If you like a modern twist, tuck in a few eucalyptus sprigs instead of berries. It adds texture without being too much.
2 | Old Cookie Tins on the Counter
Vintage cookie tins have this charm you can’t fake.
You can find them for a couple of euros at charity shops, or maybe your mom still has a few tucked in a drawer.
Stack them on your counter, fill one with cookies, another with tea bags or twine.
The mix of color and wear adds that lived-in farmhouse feeling without you even trying.
3 | Brass Bells on a Hook
A few brass bells tied together with twine or velvet ribbon can look surprisingly high-end.
Hang them from a peg rail, a cabinet handle, or even the oven door handle.
Every time someone passes, they make that soft little sound – tiny but lovely.
The brass patina mixes perfectly with wood, so it fits right into the farmhouse look.
You can find little sets online for almost nothing, and they’ll last for years.
4 | Little Evergreen Vase by the Sink
Take a few small clippings from the bottom of your tree and pop them into a milk bottle or narrow glass vase.
It’s such a simple idea, but the scent fills the whole area.
My friend does this each year right by her sink, and it makes doing dishes less dull (God knows we need something to brighten up dishwashing at Christmas!).
You can swap pine for rosemary if you want something more modern and aromatic.
5 | Hanging Ornaments from Cabinet Knobs
If you’ve got classic shaker cabinets, this works so well.
Just cut short ribbons and hang one ornament from every few knobs. It doesn’t have to match, mix old glass ornaments with matte white or wood ones.
When the sunlight hits them, the reflections dance around like fairy lights.
It’s quick, cheap, and looks like something you’d see in an old magazine photo.
6 | Wreath on the Pantry Door
A wreath on a door inside the kitchen always feels homely.
You can go traditional with pine and red berries or modern with olive branches and linen ribbon.
If you want to give this a go yourself check out our post How To Make a DIY Fresh Christmas Wreath
If your door is painted, a simple neutral wreath will stand out beautifully.
7 | Wooden Crate with Citrus and Greens Rustic Ways To Decorate a Farmhouse Kitchen For Christmas
Grab an old wooden crate or box – anything that looks a bit aged – and fill it with oranges, pinecones, and bits of cedar.
The smell alone is worth it.
The contrast of natural colors makes it feel traditional, but if you use a black or white crate it feels modern too.
It works as a table centerpiece or counter accent. The best part is it lasts for weeks so will see you right into the New Year!
8 | Modern Black Candlesticks on the Island
Tall matte-black candlesticks somehow balance all the rustic textures in a farmhouse kitchen.
The sharp lines make everything feel more intentional without being cold.
They look great grouped in three on a island beside a bowl of walnuts. The simplicity is what makes it work.
(You can use battery candles if you’re nervous about flames near garland.)
9 | Twinkle Lights in Glass Jars
You can fill old mason jars or glass storage jars with tiny fairy lights and tuck them in corners or on shelves.
The way the light reflects off the glass makes the whole kitchen glow softly.
It’s a more modern take on candlelight, but easier to leave running overnight.
Try mixing different jar sizes for depth. They look best when they’re not lined up too perfectly.
10 | Red Gingham Tea Towels
Switching out regular towels for red gingham or striped ones is such an easy little trick when you decorate a farmhouse kitchen for Christmas.
My mom always did it right after Thanksgiving, and it changed the feel of the room instantly.
It’s old-fashioned, sure, but it never looks out of place in a farmhouse kitchen!
Hang one over your oven handle and another folded by the sink.
If you prefer a modern version, go for muted plaid or linen red checks instead of bright prints.
11 | Cutting Boards as Backdrop Decor
If you’ve got a few wooden cutting boards, stand them upright along the backsplash and weave a small garland between them. It’s low effort but looks styled.
My friend mixed in one marble board for a clean contrast, and it was a great modern addition.
You can even rest a small candle or ornament in front for detail. It’s a perfect blend of modern composition and traditional texture.
12 | Cinnamon Stick Jars Add Scent To Your Farmhouse Kitchen At Christmas
Grab a small jar or canister and fill it with cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, or star anise.
Leave the lid off so the scent spreads. It’s simple but gives that old Christmas bakery feel instantly.
You can even tie a bit of twine around the jar neck and hang a tag that says “holiday spice.”
My mom used to put one by the stove and another on the table, and guests always commented on the smell.
It’s traditional, affordable, and takes about two minutes.
13 | Mini Tree on the Counter
A small tabletop tree in a crock or enamel pot looks incredibly homey.
You don’t need to decorate it muc, maybe a few dried oranges or tiny white lights.
My neighbour did this on her counter near the toaster, and it turned an ordinary corner into a little Christmas nook.
If you want it to feel more modern, wrap the base in linen instead of burlap. The contrast between the green and wood countertop feels straight out of a winter kitchen scene.
14 | Ironstone Bowls with Ornaments
If you collect old white bowls or dishes, this is a great way use them to decorate a farmhouse kitchen for Christmas.
Fill them with a mix of ornaments – glass, wood, or metallic – and set them on open shelves.
The neutral background makes the colors pop.
It’s easy to change up every year, and you don’t need to fuss with arrangements. Just toss them in and let them fall naturally.
15 | Burlap Ribbon Around Jars or Utensil Holders
Wrap a strip of burlap or linen ribbon around your utensil crock or storage jars and tie it loosely.
You don’t even have to glue or tape it.
The texture adds that farmhouse touch while keeping things neutral. You could do red velvet for a more traditional feel too.
It’s one of those five-minute ideas that will make a big difference.
16 | Chalkboard Menu Sign
If you’ve got a chalkboard or even a small frame you can paint with chalk paint, write out your Christmas menu or a few song lyrics.
My mom always wrote “Fa La La La La La La” just for fun as it was her favourite line to sing every Christmas!
It’s simple, cheap, and gives that cozy farmhouse diner feeling.
For a modern edge, use clean handwriting and minimal doodles – no frills. You can prop it against your backsplash or hang it from a hook.
17 | Simple Window Garland with Dried Orange Slices
Thread a few dried orange slices on string and hang them across your kitchen window.
It’s both traditional and surprisingly current.
The light shining through the oranges makes them glow like stained glass.
This idea looks delicate but holds up for weeks, and you can compost it afterward.
18 | Vintage Linens on Display
If you’ve got any old embroidered napkins, use them instead of hiding them in a drawer.
Fold them and stack them on an open shelf or hang one from your oven handle.
My grandmother used to keep a few of hers out all December just to remind herself of her mom.
It’s traditional in the best way – sentimental without being fussy.
For a modern mix, layer them with plain linen or muslin cloths underneath.
They make the kitchen feel lived in, which is really the whole point of farmhouse Christmas decor.
