Chic Chalet Christmas

The overall theme features black, white, silver, and buffalo check, with florals, trees, snowballs, snowflakes, and various ski and winter sport items: skis, ice skates, hockey skates, snow shoes, chair lifts, sleds, and sleighs. This theme often tends to go more rustic, but I wanted it to be elegant to better fit my home and style. To achieve this, I was selective about the florals, ribbons, and ornaments I used to elevate the look. I have been sourcing the various items for a couple years, so it was exciting to finally get the chance to put it all together.

The Entry and Living Room

As you enter the home, a 9′ flocked pencil tree introduces the Chic Chalet theme. At the base of the tree, a large LED ice orb, baby doe, and tulle finish the opening scene.

To the left, a table is adorned with flocked greenery, skis, and a glass full of Christmas ornaments. Each year, I tuck Christmas cards as they arrive into and around the greenery and mirror. To the right, stockings hang from the banister above the Advent Calendar on the chest.

The living room is the area for our Dept 56 Dickens Village, and I continued the tradition but incorporated this year’s theme instead of the traditional red and green. By replacing the Norman Rockwell Tiny Tim artwork with a European winter scene canvas, the village easily incorporates into the Chic Chalet theme. Pillows on the couch, a vessel filled with ornaments, and black & white books finish out the space.

Dining Room

I used mirror squares down the center of the table to reflect the forest of trees surrounded by various votives spread throughout. This was quick and easy to do. The variety in materials (glass, flocked, glittered, velvet, leather, beaded), height, and color creates texture and interest. I also incorporated two sizes of LED icy orbs and white Rae Dunn jingle bells. At each end of the table, a white votive rides a black sled.

The place setting starts with a silver sparkle placemat, then a matte black metal charger, and plates in two patterns: Adirondack Black by 222 Fifth dinner and salad plates, and white dinner plate with Abbott Ski Scenery salad plate. I folded the black flatware in black napkins and secured it with a simple black wire napkin ring. Black wine glasses and North Drinkware mountain glasses are perfect for the theme.

I used glasses from the cascade tumbler pack. Making these premium, handblown glasses takes years of experience and a totally custom process. It takes more than 15 steps over the course of 2 days to make just one. 

To bring the eye to the height of the room, I started at the top of the large window and Fireplace with Raz snowball garland and then added Pottery Barn snowball rain string lights to dangle down and fill the space.

On the mantel, more trees and votives flank the sleigh to repeat the tablescape.

Hanging in front of each mirror are large skis and poles. These came in a rustic tan wood with brown metal, so I spray painted them black and silver. I did simple arrangements in the white sleighs using only a few floral stems and snowball ornaments.

On the opposite wall, a LED wreath with a simple large black & white wired bow (layered with a black wired sheer bow) is flanked by ski lifts, all floating above the side table of more trees and votives. On the back of the dining chairs, I tied on layered bows.

Kitchen

Placing more of the thematic items instantly transforms the Kitchen and eating area. At the window, large black icicles dangle below the snowball garland. The icicles make another appearance on the Christmas tree.

Great Room

Throughout the space, the trees, votives, sleighs, icy orbs, and wreaths already found in the other rooms are repeated. Themed pillows, buffalo plaid scarves, stockings, and black & white books are added. I also covered the backless couch cushion with a black blanket and changed out the large area rug to black.

Here we find the main Christmas tree (and if you look really closely on the brown couch, you will spy my new kitty Strider).

For the tree topper, I usually do a tall floral arrangement, but opted not to do so this year and instead placed a large LED wreath and bow in the window behind the tree. I first secured a large snowflake to the top of the tree. I created bows of three loops with a single long tail. I placed one bow on each side and tucked the tail in and out down the tree branches. I then placed additional bow loops (without tails) in-between for a circle of loops crowning the top. Adding a few floral stems below the topper and above the ribbon loops finished the look. So simple to do!

To make the three floral bouquets for the middle of the tree, I took several stems and first secured them together with a pipe cleaner. Once placed onto the tree, I added a flower on each side and then placed a long tailed black wired ribbon bow at the base, again tucking the tails into and down the tree branches.

The center bouquet is larger and sits over a snowball sign with the same distinctive wired ribbon bow used on the topper and LED wreaths.

Atop the chest near the tree, the sleigh is filled with faux snowballs, which we enjoy throwing at each other (usually in the Theater room where there is nothing to knock over or break).

Guest Bathroom

The theme is repeated in the guest bathroom, with Michael Design Works Photography hand soap and candle.

I hope my Chic Chalet Christmas has inspired you to try something new for your seasonal decor! And for anyone located in the Greater Portland Oregon area, consider renting one of my themes to experience some variety without having to commit long term to a look.

Merry Christmas!