How to Decorate for the Holidays Like a Brit

Eight years ago, Amanda Brooks, the former fashion director of Barneys New York, and her family left the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple for the Cotswolds, where she opened a boutique filled with everything you need for your fantasy cottage in the English countryside. Now her idyllic farmhouse, which features all the makings of a rural escapefaded rosebud wallpaper and toile curtains includedis the setting for Zara Homes new holiday editorial.

In addition to revealing herrecipe for perfect sugar biscuits and what shes getting everyone on her list this year (spoiler: shes keeping the stoneware egg tray for herself), thephoto spread, At Home With Amanda Brooks, offers a peek inside the fashion insiders retreat at Christmastime. Unsurprisingly, the place is decorated to a T. But it wasnt the festive products that caught our attention; it was the super-simple, completely free decorating ideas.

Forage for Leaves

golden yellow leaves on a windowsill
Photo courtesy of Zara Home

Instead of adorning her windowsills with faux poinsettia or fancy florals, Brooks arranged branches still holding onto their golden-tinged leaves in a textured ceramic vase. Next time you decide to go on a walk or rake the yard, bring a few oversize boughsback in with you.

Place Berries Bedside

bedside with cherry vase
Photo courtesy of Zara Home

This classic evergreen trimming isnt just for door wreaths. Gather a few branches, remove the glossy green leaves, and stick them in a small vessel on your nightstand so you can wake up every morning in the holiday spirit.

Dress Up Frames With Strings of Popcorn

frame covered with a string of popcorn
Photo courtesy of Zara Home

Brooks looks forward to this homemade decoration every year. Its a family tradition that we will pass down from generation to generation, she says. All you need to make the strands is a bowl of popcorn, a needle, and some thread. Go beyond the fireplace mantel and drape them over wall art and kitchen shelving like Brooks did. Mistletoe optional.

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