DECORATING WITH Care

An old-time Christmas feel comes to the North Carolina home of our former Brand Ambassador.

-  Victoria Van Vlear

For many of us, Christmas décor is a collection we've built up over many years and that brings us nostalgic joy every time we pull it out. Jessica Sigmon, the blogger and Instagrammer behind Itty Bitty Farmhouse, has returned to that method of nostalgic collecting with her own holiday décor. "I originally found my style by getting premade Hobby Lobby décor, but I don't do that anymore," she says. "Now I make more memories collecting the décor."

Jessica was the 2023 Brand Ambassador for American Farmhouse Style, and since finishing her column last Christmas, she has a precious son, Reid. It's a perfect year for her to continue to collect sentimental décor and create a hometown Christmas feel.

HOUSE HAPPY

Jessica and her husband Michael have lived in their North Carolina house since 2019. It's a charming 1,600 square feet, and the couple has spent the last five years updating rooms, including replacing flooring, adding wallpaper and lots of wainscoting. Jessica picks a Christmas theme each year for her house, and this year, she chose a hometown feel. "I wanted an old timey Christmas," she says. "I have a handmade vintage village, and a village Christmas tree. I wanted a vintage farmhouse feel."

Jessica starts her holiday décor both inside and outside the house with garlands in almost every room, including bathrooms and the kitchen. Then she adds Christmas trees and other Christmas touches to make each room feel special. "I try to keep 50% of lour everyday décor]," she says. "I start November 1, and it takes me at least a week."