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!

December at Acorn Cottage: A Moody Christmas in the Den & Dining Rooms

 I don’t believe I’ve shared the den and dining rooms since they were painted back in September, so Christmas felt like the perfect time for their debut. Both spaces were color-drenched in Rain by Sherwin-Williams, a rich, moody hue that completely transformed these rooms. The depth of color adds such an intimate, cozy feeling—especially in the den—making it the ideal spot for movie watching on chilly December evenings.

For Christmas, the décor in these rooms leans very traditional, which feels especially beautiful against the dramatic paint color. At the window, a custom shiny brite ornament wreath welcomes you. I enlisted a local artist, the talented @vintageshinybrites, to create this piece. She also crafted the custom ornament tree in the sunroom, and I love how her work ties the holiday story of the house together with sparkle and nostalgia.

The dining area is dressed for the season in one of my longtime favorites—plaid. The table is covered in classic plaid linens, setting the tone for festive gatherings and holiday meals. Overhead, the chandelier is strung with red shiny ornament garlands, casting the most beautiful glow in the evenings. There’s just something magical about the way the ornaments catch the light after the sun goes down.

Throughout both spaces, magnolia garlands and red velvet ribbons add layers of texture and timeless Southern charm. And of course, no holiday setting is complete without scent—Nest Holiday candles fill the air with that unmistakable Christmas fragrance, wrapping the rooms in warmth and cheer.

These rooms may be moody in color, but at Christmastime they are filled with light, tradition, and the simple joy of the season.

Christmas in the Den and Dining Rooms, y'all!

December at Acorn Cottage: The Sunroom

 The sunroom is truly the heart of our home during the Christmas season. It’s the room where we spend the most time—where conversations linger, cocktails are poured, and holiday cheer seems to come naturally. With sunlight streaming in during the day and the glow of twinkling lights at night, it becomes the perfect backdrop for Christmas gatherings both big and small.

The Christmas tree in the sunroom is one of my favorites to decorate. It’s filled with an array of shiny ornaments that J and I have collected over the years on our travels, mixed with vintage-style pieces that add character and charm. Each ornament tells a story, making the tree feel personal and layered. I’ve always loved finishing my trees with a finial at the top—it adds height, elegance, and that classic touch I’m always drawn to.

One of my most treasured pieces in the room is the vintage ball wreath, which I purchased several years ago from my favorite Atlanta shop, Boxwoods. It’s a piece I bring out year after year, and it never fails to make a statement. The coordinating ball tree, displayed atop a ginger jar urn, is a perfect nod to the timeless Christmas decor I adore—traditional, refined, and never overdone.

The bookcase in the sunroom is filled with some of my favorite collections. Belsnickle Santas sit alongside deer collectibles, creating a cozy woodland feel, while family photos add warmth and meaning to the display. These shelves tell our story and make the space feel especially inviting during the holidays.

Even the bar cart gets dressed for the season, filled with festive glassware and Christmas goods, ready for impromptu gatherings and evening toasts. The sunroom is where memories are made, where laughter is shared, and where the spirit of the season truly comes alive. It’s a space that reflects not only my love of classic Christmas decor, but also the joy of being together during the most wonderful time of the year.

Christmas in the Sunroom, y'all!