Decorating for Christmas with Art from Friends

Back in 2021, I began creating art again. It has been an incredible journey filled with such joy. I’ve met wonderful people, bought far too many supplies, and built friendships I treasure. What no one told me when I picked up a paintbrush again was that I would also begin filling my home with original artwork. It has become one of the most unexpected and rewarding parts of this life-giving hobby.

artwork on a shelf with a wallpapered wall. — Art by Amanda Evanston

So what does this have to do with Christmas? As I’ve mentioned many times here on Inspired by Charm, my decorating style has shifted toward pieces that feel original, handmade, and full of heart. Over the past couple of years, several artist friends have released small paintings during the holiday season, some festive and some not. Because I love their work and want to support them, I’ve picked up a few of their pieces along the way. And to my surprise, they quickly became some of my favorite holiday decorations.

Fast forward to today, and I have artwork from friends tucked all around my home. It makes me so happy. Each piece is original and completely one of a kind, the type of treasure you can get lost in as you follow every brushstroke and color choice.

santa painting hung on a peg. — Art by Virginia Warner

I thought it might be fun to give you a little tour. This isn’t meant to show you things to buy, since most of these pieces are no longer available, but rather to share ideas for decorating in meaningful ways. There is something special about choosing art over mass-produced decor. It supports real people, keeps creativity alive, and brings so much more character to your home. I’ll tag each artist in case you want to see what they’re creating now, but I encourage you to find work that speaks to your own style and personality rather than purchasing something just because it appears here.

I’ve shared some art throughout this post, but most is below. All the artists names are linked to their website (if they have one) and I’ve included their Instagram accounts as well. Hopefully you can easily find them all.

Michelle Wooderson / IG: @michellewoodersonart – pieces from her 2023 and 2024 holiday releases

Amanda Evanston / IG: @amanda_evanston – pieces from her 2024 and 2025 holiday releases (I have quite a few because I admire her so much)

Kim Smith / IG: @kimmyersmith – from her 2023 holiday release

square artwork of a dove hung on a knob.

Virginia Warner / IG: @virginiawwarner – from her 2025 holiday release

deer with red bonnet peggi krill Roberts.

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Peggi Kroll Roberts / IG: @peggikr – a holiday card Peggi created last year and kindly sent to me. I also have many of her paintings and pottery items around my home.

hand painted pigeon ornament in a bowl of pinecones.

Vicki McGrath / IG: @vickimcgrathart – a pigeon from her 2025 holiday collection.

small pottery cups with bottle brush trees.

Emily Fox King / IG: @emilyfoxking – from her 2025 holiday release and several other favorites. (Art and small pottery pieces.)

christmas tree painting hung on cabinet.

painting of a bottle brush tree in a frame.

And a few of my own. Those count, right? Ha.

And that’s it. I hope you enjoyed this little gallery walk through my home. Maybe it’s just me, but I would choose this kind of decorating over almost anything else (well… other than my vintage Christmas, but those two are pretty much tied). Being an artist myself, I know how much heart goes into these creations. It is meaningful work, especially during the holidays, and these artists do everything from the first sketch to the final trip to the post office. It is incredible and inspiring to witness.

There is something comforting about letting your home tell a story through the art of people you care about. It turns holiday decorating into a quiet celebration of creativity, friendship, and all the small moments that make this season feel so special.

More Festive Decor You’ll Love

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2 Comments

Jane Cage says:

Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 11:57 am

The top picture looks like your kitchen because of the view of the pantry behind. Did you wallpaper? If so, that paper is terrific.

Debra says:

Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at 9:23 am

I love that you’ve honored your fellow artists and friends this way!