Decorating for a Williamsburg Christmas: Antique Blue & Citrus Dining Room
It’s September, it’s been chilly for approximately five minutes, so of course all I can think about is Christmas decorating.
Back in the 1980s I took a trip to Williamsburg, VA. When I came home I was telling my mother how much I loved it and a few months later she gave me a book on Williamsburg Christmas.
I was smitten.
It was magical in a quiet, comforting way. Long before plastic tinsel and flashing colored lights, home during the holidays was defined by natural textures, warm candlelight, and the elegance of simplicity.
I’ve revisited that Williamsburg Christmas book many times over the years but it wasn’t until this year that I decided that it’s time. And while reds and greens are the classic choices for holiday decorating, I wanted to lean into a slightly different palette…muted antique blue, deep evergreens, bright citrus, and warmth brass.
I don’t think you need an actual historical home to capture this aesthetic. It’s about layering textures that feel found, gathered, organic…timeless. That’s the aesthetic I’m most comfortable with..the age and imperfections bring a coziness year round, so I thought this would be a great fit for my holiday dining room.
Here’s how to plan to do it.
My Williamsburg holiday dining room inspiration
First, a couple of notes:
The image above is AI generated based on the elements that I selected to use for my decorating. I’m a visual person and I’m not able to draw, so this AI inspiration image is really helpful to me.
This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I am not a proponant of buying a bunch of new things, there’s no need. I already own several of these items which I will be using and I encourage you to look around your home to see what you have already before purchasing something new.
Linens & Lighting
Starting with the table, this entire room is about combining rustic with refined so I decided to put a more simple, rustic runner on my more formal wood dining table rather than use a tablecloth. I’ll be using this cream linen runner with slate-blue ticking stripes. I think being able to see the wood of the dining table adds a lot of warmth.
For lighting, nothing compares to the soft, flickering glow of true taper candles. I’ve been collecting brass candlesticks of varying sizes and styles at thrift and antique stores over the years, so I’ll be grouping them down the center of the table. But I found this large set of solid brass candlesticks that would be perfect if you don’t already have a collection of your own. To keep things feeling authentic to a Williamsburg style I will se these unscented ivory dripless candles—they look beautiful even unlit and the neutral color makes them perfect year round.
On the chandelier, I’ll temporarily swap out my natural linen shades for these Black Watch tartan plaid clip-on lamp shades which will instantly cozy up the room, the deep blues and greens will tie the room together perfectly. Shades like these aren’t expensive but they’re impactful. I think I might collect a few sets of shades so I can swap them out seasonally.
Aged Pottery & Natural Greens
Fresh greens and fruits were the ultimate holiday luxury In traditional Williamsburg decor. For the main centerpiece of my table, I’ll use one of my antique English ironstone pitchers. If you’re looking for something similar, take a look at this blue-and-white floral chintz pottery. The aged vintage pattern is really beautiiful.
Inside the vase, and around the room I’ll layer:
Lush Greenery: A base of realistic faux cedar and pinecone garland draped softly on the mantel and a wreath above Real Touch Norfolk Island Pine Wreath
Vibrant Citrus: Deep orange faux mandarin fruit stems add an beautiful pop of color.
A Touch of Glow: To add a little glam and to catch the candlelight, I’ll weae in metallic gold berry stems throughout the evergreen branches.
I’ll also intersperse some natural greenery from the garden.
More Citrus, More Greens, & Velvet Ribbon
I think what truly brings the Williamsburg look together are the handmade, traditional details. I’ll be using wide, heavy antique blue velvet ribbon with a gold wired edge and weaving it through the garland and wreath and I’ll tuck some faux Hawthorn berry branches here and there in the wreath, garland, and centerpieces to make them feel lush and abundant.
To replicate the dried fruit decorations that Williamsburg is famous for, I’ll be scattering a generous amount of these real dried orange slices along the greens. When the candles are lit, the flame catches the translucent centers of the orange slices, making them glow like stained glass. Last year I attempted to make these myself, spoiler alert: it didn’t go well, this year I’ll be buying these.
Finally, to balance the shiny brass and glazed pottery, I’ll use a rustic, hand-carved wood dough bowl filled with extra greenery and real fruit.
So, that’s the plan!
I’ve scheduled the dining room decorating for early during the week of Thanksgiving and I can’t wait to show you how the plan makes the leap from inspo picture to reality. YAY!
Creating a collected home is all about looking at what you already have, buying second hand when possible, and finding the right new pieces to complete the look.
How are you decorating your home for the holidays this year? Are you leaning into traditional reds, or trying a historic blue palette like this one? Let me know in the comments below!