Decorating ideas: A cozy, country Christmas

This country retreat in Quebec’s Eastern Townships is built for crowds. And that works just perfectly for this family of seven, who love to host Christmas for all their relatives. “It’s a great place to entertain. We often have 20-plus people over for the holidays, but it never feels tight,” says the happy hostess. That’s because of the home’s open-concept design: a large eat-in kitchen and multi-purpose living spaces, all made cozy with salvaged barn wood and creamy walls. At the centre of it all is a whimsical tree, dressed with decorations collected from travels abroad. “Last year, while in Austria, I bought five adorable ornaments that I couldn’t wait to put on our tree,” she says. After all the stockings are put away, the country home becomes a relaxing abode once more — at least until next year.