Hello, friends!

 

December has arrived at Old Castle Cottage, and with it comes that beautiful shift from the  garden clean up and bulb planting into full holiday magic. The garden is settling in for its long winter nap, the outdoor planters and window boxes are dressed for the season, and the whole cottage smells like cinnamon, almond, and a hint of rum from the first batches of Christmas cookies. When I am not baking, I have my Antique candle burning with my favorite scent: Christmas tree farm.  

 

Let’s take a little walk through what’s been happening this month…

🌿in the garden: a quiet kind of beauty

December is one of my favorite times to admire the structure of the garden.

The roses have been tucked in with fresh leaf mulch, the hydrangeas are holding onto their papery winter blooms. But to be honest, I used most of them in planters and window boxes. The allium and tulip bulbs we planted in October are resting beneath the soil waiting for the first signs of spring.

 

A few beautiful moments from around Old Castle Cottage:

There’s a peacefulness to the winter garden that I cherish every year.

🌲planters, window boxes & wreaths: holiday styling at the cottage

All of our outdoor décor is officially complete! The planters, window boxes, and  of course, the Jackson & Perkins wreaths are hanging on the doors - fragrant, full, and timeless. They also make the most beautiful gifts for friends and family who love garden-inspired holiday décor.

If you missed our full Holiday Garden Tour, you can see it here. 

 

Our inside is also complete, the cottage is glowing with simple understated garden-inspired touches.  This year’s theme stays true to what we love most, natural greenery, French country accents layered with vintage pieces that we own. And our French-inspired Holiday Home Tour is here.

A Gate to the garden & Fall home touches

One of the highlights this month is the addition of a new garden gate - a small but meaningful update that frames the entry to our cottage garden beautifully. Indoors, I’ve been cozying the house for fall with warm textures, layered throws, and touches of seasonal décor that echo the beauty outside.

🍪 It's christmas cookie season!

With the cottage decorated and the garden resting, it’s finally time to fill the kitchen with all of our favorite Christmas cookies and sweet traditions. These recipes are part of our family story, handwritten, well-loved, and baked year after year. Here’s what we’re making first: 

 

✨ Scandinavian Almond Bars 

My most-loved Pinterest recipe—soft, almondy, and perfect with a cup of tea.

Recipe link.

 

 

✨ Grandma Nuwer’s Rum Balls 

A classic holiday treat - rich, nostalgic, and always requested.

Recipe link.

✨ Grandma’s Favorite Cut-Out Cookies 

Soft, buttery, and perfect for decorating with family.

 

These cookies always mark the true beginning of Christmas at Old Castle Cottage.

Wrapping up

Thank you, as always, for visiting Old Castle Cottage this month. I hope the peaceful winter garden, the glow of fresh holiday greens, and the joy of baking beloved family recipes bring magic to your December.

Happy gardening!

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