The kitchen is always a hub of holiday activity. It’s where we bake endless batches of cookies , entertain over cocktails and cook for crowds of family and friends. So this season, why not go beyond the living room and deck out this hardworking space, too? Here are 30 festive kitchens that are sure to inspire, whether you’re a fan of decorating with fresh greenery, seasonal fruit or all the glittering ornaments you can get your hands on.
When it comes to decking the halls, sometimes less is more , as seen in this understated family kitchen. A simple wreath holds pride of place on the vent hood and a potted evergreen (far right) spruces things up on the windowsill.
Photographer: Janis Nicolay
Source: House & Home December 2018
Designer: Ami McKay
As the co-owner of succulent design company Botany Living, Corinne Isherwood (pictured here with two of her children) lets natural materials inspire her Christmas decor. “I’ve always loved the idea of everyone sitting around a big farmhouse table,” she says, who topped it with succulents and fresh evergreens.
Photographer: Tracey Ayton
Source: House & Home December 2016
For a playful and personalized touch, fill a framed chalkboard with a festive message — it’s a great way to get the whole family involved (even the kids!) in sprucing up the kitchen for Santa.
Photographer: Tracey Ayton
Source: House & Home December 2016
A row of lush wreathes wrapped with crisp white ribbons enhances the striking French doors in this light-filled eat-in kitchen .
Photographer: Stacey Brandford
Source: House & Home November 2017
Designer: Colleen McGill
In this charming Muskoka cottage, a grand kitchen-dining area is fit for a holiday feast. Gilded candle sticks, bunches of berries and a vase filled with pinecones and evergreens on the expansive island say “’tis the season.”
Photographer: Stacey Brandford
Source: House & Home December 2016
Designer: Lindsay Mens Craig, Sarah Richardson Design
Gingerbread houses are synonymous with the holidays, so why not give these festive treats an adult makeover by placing them in glass vessels? This whimsical vignette gives any kitchen counter a hit of holiday cheer.
Photographer: Angus Fergusson
Source: House & Home November 2017
Designer: Morgan Michener and Joel Bray
“I’m not fancy but I try to make every day as special as the holidays,” says designer Loren Leveille of her fairy-tale farmhouse . In the kitchen, a laid-back arrangement is the only piece of holiday decor needed, thanks to the winter-white envelope and snowy view outside.
Photographer: Valerie Wilcox
Source: House & Home December 2016
Designer: Loren Leveille
Who says pets can’t have their own Christmas tree, too? Add a petite version next to their food dish for adorably festive photo ops.
Photographer: Stacey Brandford
Source: House & Home November 2009
Homeowner Miranda Ogilvie injected Christmas red into her kitchen with jars of her homemade pasta sauce stacked on open shelves. Plus, a French door leading to the living room allows for a sneak peek of the illuminated tree.
Photographer: Donna Griffith
Source: House & Home December 2014
Designer: Gwen Krieger and Mary Jane Ridley, Blue Hat Studio
This kitchen’s ample counter space, large farmhouse sink and spacious island make entertaining a breeze. A winter-white palette and subtle festive decor — like a lush wreath with red berries and a petite Christmas tree tucked in the corner — add to the holiday cheer.
Tour this charming family home on H&H TV .
Photographer: Jason Stickley
Source: H&H TV
Pheona Wright’s farmhouse kitchen gets an extra dose of charm during the holidays thanks to a wispy garland, tabletop trees, and touches of cozy tartan.
Photographer: Donna Griffith
Source: House & Home December 2015
Designer: Pheona Wright; Forest River Timber Homes
For an unexpected spin on the tabletop Christmas tree, designer Sophie Burke filled a large demi-john with branches and decorated them with candy-colored baubles.
Photographer: Janis Nicolay
Source: House & Home November 2012
Designer: Sophie Burke
Petite wreaths can have just as much presence as oversized ones, especially when they’re hung with thick, glossy ribbons. Interior designer Betty Theodoropoulos went with rich mustard ribbons to contrast with her fresh greenery.
Photographer: Angus Fergusson
Source: House & Home November 2014
Designer: Betty Theodoropoulos
A mini potted evergreen is an easy and cheerful addition to a holiday kitchen. Set out your favorite crimson tins, cookbooks and bakeware to enhance the effect.
Photographer: Michael Graydon
Source: House & Home December 2011
Designer: Barb Purdy
A vase of foraged branches, a bowl of pine cones and some earthy, stone-look tableware brings the beauty of the winter landscape to this eat-in kitchen.
Photographer: Donna Griffith
Source: House & Home December 2013
Designer: Architectural design, Raymond Murakami
In this glam kitchen, a gigantic mirror and Lucite bar cart provide the perfect backdrop for a shimmering metallic Christmas tree.
Photographer: Kim Christie
Source: House & Home December 2011
Designer: David Zacharko and David Yustin
A kitchen chalkboard is the ideal place to display whimsical doodles, must-remember party invitations and family reminders.
Photographer: Alex Lukey
Source: House & Home November 2015
Designer: Sam Sacks
Designer Ingrid Oomen suspended a sculptural branch above her kitchen island for a winter wonderland ambience.
Photographer: Donna Griffith
Source: House & Home December 2012
Designer: Ingrid Oomen
In this handsome breakfast area, an orange ribbon-adorned wreath ties in nicely with bowls of seasonal clementines.
Photographer: Kim Christie
Source: House & Home December 2015
Designer: Effie Genovese
Follow designer Grace Castaneda’s lead and keep work surfaces clear for holiday entertaining by tucking evergreen sprigs on top of upper shelves.
Photographer: Donna Griffith
Source: House & Home November 2013
Designer: Grace Castaneda
Cheerfully decorated doughnuts, potted paperwhites and a mini citrus tree lend cheer to this traditional kitchen.
Photographer: Angus Fergusson
Source: House & Home December 2015
Designer: Silvana D’Addazio
Jars filled with feathery greenery and pepperberries add inviting, yet understated texture to this modern space by Sophie Burke.
Photographer: Janis Nicolay
Source: House & Home November 2014
Designer: Sophie Burke
In one corner of her spacious kitchen, homeowner and retailer Susan Dyer sets out a charming vignette of decorations old and new (plus a tiny table and chairs for her granddaughters).
Photographer: Virginia Macdonald
Source: House & Home November 2012
Designer: Susan Dyer
Home-baked and kid-decorated treats look even sweeter set out on pretty platters and multi-tiered trays.
Photographer: Monic Richard
Source: House & Home November 2012
Designer: Nicola Marc
Clear footed bowls filled with clementines and pine cones make simple, yet eye-catching centerpieces for Jennifer Worts’ kitchen table.
Photographer: Angus Fergusson
Source: House & Home November 2013
Designer: Jennifer Worts
A chandelier decked out in pretty ribbons and metallic ornaments makes holiday breakfasts feel even more festive.
Photographer: Janis Nicolay
Source: House & Home November 2009
Designer: Darci Illich
Hanging above the sink — but not obstructing the view — a simple, mid-sized wreath adds just the right amount of cheer to this already cozy, wood-clad kitchen by Timothy Johnson Design.
Photographer: Virginia Macdonald
Source: House & Home November 2014
Designer: Timothy Johnson Design
A silver ice bucket filled with delicate branches provides sculptural interest, but won’t detract from snowy views in this kitchen’s bay window.
Photographer: Virginia Macdonald
Source: House & Home November 2009
Designer: Michele Haber
A square wreath suits this clean-lined breakfast area, while a clever pinboard puts a selection of holiday greetings on show.
Photographer: Michael Graydon
Source: House & Home November 2008
Designer: Colleen McGill
Author: Victoria Christie & Reiko Milley