Saddle & Stable Christmas

Photography by Evin Photography

Equestrian-Inspired Holidays

After three years in Florida, this holiday season marks our first Christmas back in Franklin… and it feels like we never left. The laughter of old friends, the kindness of new ones, and the simple joy of community have filled our home as we decorated for the holidays. What began as a holiday decorating quickly grew into something much more—a wonderful gathering of helping hands, local small businesses and genuine friendship. Every garland hung and every light strung carried a little piece of the reason we came back—the warmth, generosity and connection that make Franklin feel like home.

“Coming back to Franklin felt less like starting over and more like returning to the people who make this place feel like home.”

I initially leaned toward the trending Ralph Lauren Christmas theme, but after finishing a tree in deep reds, it felt a little too formal—beautiful, yet not quite me. So, I reimagined it in a way that felt more authentic to our family, creating a  “Saddle & Stable” aesthetic. A nod to our equestrian life, this theme blends classic textures and warm neutrals with subtle holiday charm… a reflection of three daughters who ride, three beloved horses and a home rooted in comfort and connection.

Ten Holiday Styling Ideas Inspired by the Equestrian Life

1. Reimagine the Details

Instead of traditional sleigh bells, I used stirrups from Franklin Saddlery’s consignment tack and then spray-painted them gold for a warm, timeworn elegance.

2. Magnolia Moments

I wove glossy magnolia leaves, often seen at Southern horse shows, into my garland for a natural, heritage-inspired touch.

3. Dinner is Served

Each table setting featured equestrian place settings, a subtle nod to the sport that’s such a part of our family’s daily life and the trending Ralph Lauren aesthetic.

4. Leather Accents

Leather horse bit napkin rings, from Patina Home & Garden in Leiper’s Fork, added warmth and authenticity, grounding the table in texture and tone.

5. Elevated Details

Handcrafted, leather-accented glassware from David Arms Gallery, also in Leiper’s Fork, brought understated refinement to the space.

6. Bridle Baubles

I incorporated old bits and bridles into the Christmas tree decor, creating a subtle storytelling layer among the twinkling lights.

7. Vintage-Inspired Horse Art

Vintage-inspired horse prints, a surprising Target find for under $15, added a touch of equestrian charm to the tree.

8. Black Watch Plaid

I chose Black Watch plaid as a recurring pattern — a timeless reference to equestrian tradition that pairs beautifully with rich leather, greenery, and gold. I found beautifully patterned rolls of wrapping paper at HomeGoods for $5 each, along with most of the coordinated solid-color ornaments that tied the entire look together.

9. Natural Layers

Layers of garland draped over mantels, including Austrian pine from Riverside Franklin in downtown Franklin, softened the look. Riverside Franklin owner, and friend, Lynda McGuire, graciously lent me a pair of antique riding boots that added a layer of authenticity and heart to the design.

10. Beyond Red and Green

Becca Hall, wife of Head Springs Depot owner Seth Hall and mom of three, added a beautiful layer of “elevated but comfortable” charm with florals that complemented the space. Magnolia, chocolate cosmos and rosemary offered a fresh alternative to traditional holly. (It was an especially meaningful touch, as much of our furniture was also sourced from their beautiful 17,000-square-foot showroom in downtown Franklin.)

Beyond the equestrian details, I wanted our home to feel warm, lived in, and connected to the heart of the community. To do that, I styled the kitchen and dining spaces with fresh sourdough loaves, cinnamon rolls and apple strudels from Homemade by Holly, a local foster and adoptive mother of six whose story is as inspiring as her baking. Holly has fostered more than forty-five children in Williamson County, from birth to aging out of the system, while homeschooling her own and running a small business. She began baking sourdough in 2020, turned it into Homemade by Holly in 2022 and will soon open her bakery inside Flat Creek Market in Spring 2026. I feel strongly that while not everyone is called to foster, we can all wrap our arms around the ones who do.

Although everything came together beautifully for the photos, the behind-the-scenes reality was a bit more chaotic. Just as I was nearly finished with the design, I fell sick two days before the shoot. Thankfully, a friend had recently introduced me to Alissa Lawton Design, a local mom and former teacher who specializes in transforming porches, mantels, and homes into nature-inspired spaces. Her designs are largely foraged and sourced locally, supporting nearby farmers and growers. Alissa arrived early, stayed late, and brought calm to the chaos—decorating the porch with fresh topiaries, making additional HomeGoods runs and assisting with final touches.

This project became a true testament to the kindness and talent of friends who showed up when it mattered most. Nate Feathers, from ’Twas the Light, added a beautiful glow to the exterior, while Mary Grindstaff, a local assistant to busy families, wrapped presents alongside Olivia Dietrich, a recent college grad who jumped right in to help. Friend, Alexis Palma, an attorney and fellow mom, set aside her legal hat to lend her design eye. Even the hand-painted horse artwork above the mantel was created by local mother and artist DeAnn Herbert, adding a personal and meaningful touch to the space. To capture it all, my dear friend and talented photographer Evin Kriebel worked late into the night editing as I finished writing, both of us racing the clock in true creative harmony. I’m deeply grateful for each of them… their time, heart and friendship brought this holiday vision to life.

A few spray-painted horse stirrups sparked a holiday vision that grew into something far greater… a community of people showing up for one another when life felt overwhelming. When one working mom couldn’t do it all, friends and small businesses stepped in with helping hands and a creative spirit. In a world that often feels digital and disconnected, this experience reminded me that the true magic of the holidays isn’t found in the perfection of our holiday decor or what we see on social media—it’s found in the people that show up when it matters most. 

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For more everyday design ideas, heartfelt family moments and style inspiration, join me on Instagram @jennyreimold.