Cozy up with plaid and tartan Christmas decor, hot cocoa mugs, tartan plaid ornaments, and festive ideas from a MacKenzie-Childs holiday prep day.
If you love plaid and tartan Christmas decor as much as I do, you’re in for a cozy treat. This holiday season, I styled a few festive MacKenzie-Childs favorites—Courtley Check hot cocoa mugs, tartan tins, a charming cookie jar, and even a few tartan plaid ornaments— into a simple but oh-so-cheerful Christmas prep moment outdoors. Think steaming hot chocolate, bold Christmas plaids, and a dash of holiday whimsy layered on an old trunk under Vermont skies. It’s not a full decorating guide; it’s more of a feeling. A festive pause in the season that might just inspire your own plaid Christmas moment.
Simple New England Vintage Christmas Decorating Guide for Every Space in Your Room
Discover timeless ways to decorate every corner of your home with cozy, vintage-inspired Christmas charm. From mantel displays to festive porches, this guide brings New England holiday style to life, simply and beautifully.
Meet MacKenzie-Childs: The Plaid and Tartan Christmas Decor I Come Back to Every Year
When it comes to plaid and tartan Christmas decor, no one brings the charm quite like MacKenzie-Childs. Their collectible holiday pieces, from hot cocoa mugs and cookie jars to tartan tins and classic Courtly Check patterns, add a playful elegance to the season. I’ve had the honor of being a Home Decor Ambassador for MacKenzie-Childs and have styled their decor in everything from cozy fall porch scenes to Halloween grazing tables, fire pit gatherings, and now this festive holiday prep day. Whether you’re a longtime collector or just getting started, MacKenzie-Childs plaid and tartan pieces bring warmth, whimsy, and tradition to any Christmas celebration.
Below, I’ve linked a few of my favorite seasonal posts that feature these timeless treasures in action.
A New England Guide to Vintage Ski Lodge Decor
Love cozy winter charm and antique alpine finds? Don’t miss our Vintage Ski Lodge Decor Guide, where I share nostalgic winter decorating ideas, vintage ski gear styling, and charming pieces inspired by Vermont’s snowy mountain life.
Christmas Preparations with MacKenzie-Childs Plaid and Tartan Christmas Decor
Each year as the holidays approach, I love taking time to decorate with plaid and tartan Christmas decor that feels both nostalgic and festive. One of our favorite traditions, shared with Ella, of course, is making hot cocoa and heading outdoors to begin our holiday prep with a few special touches. This season, I styled a cozy Christmas scene with some of my favorite MacKenzie-Childs pieces, including their Courtly Check mugs, Tartastic trays and table runner, kitchen canister, and tartan plaid ornaments. I love how their plaid and tartan designs add playful charm and classic patterns to our outdoor decorating. Below, you’ll find all the pieces I used and how they helped bring our Christmas preparation tradition to life.
This post may contain affiliate links, which won’t change your price but will share some commission.
Courtly Check Tea Party Set with Hot Cocoa Mugs by MacKenzie-Childs
The charm of the MacKenzie-Childs Courtly Check Tea Party Set warms today’s Christmas preparation scene. I used the full set to serve hot chocolate outdoors while Ella, our Bernese Mountain Dog, and I gathered evergreens for the season. The Courtly Check mugs, now sold separately, are a true favorite of mine. Their black-and-white pattern pairs beautifully with all kinds of plaid and tartan Christmas decor, especially when styled with a little whipped cream, cinnamon, and a classic holiday cookie. I love how the set brings a collected, cozy look to this snowy Vermont moment, and the checks matched perfectly with my thrifted vintage ski sweater in red and black.
Tartastic Flower Buckets: A Festive Touch of Plaid and Tartan Christmas Decor
We kicked off our Christmas preparations this year with the Tartastic Flower Buckets, a set of three festive metal containers wrapped in classic red tartan and topped with the signature MacKenzie-Childs logo plate. These buckets add just the right traditional touch to any plaid and tartan Christmas decor, especially when filled with fresh greenery clipped right from the backyard. I styled one on a matching MacKenzie-Childs tray, paired with a Courtly Check mug of hot chocolate and whipped cream on our outdoor couch, layered in cozy sheepskins. It’s a simple, charming setup that turns even a chilly December afternoon into a warm holiday moment.
Pro Tip
Not all plaids are the same! Tartan patterns, like those on MacKenzie-Childs’ holiday buckets, have historic or named designs and often feature rich, irregular color combos. Checks, like Courtly Check, are more uniform and typically use just two colors. Both fall under the plaid family, and both bring timeless charm to Christmas decor.
Tartastic Serving Trays: A Classic Foundation for Plaid and Tartan Christmas Decor
This set of two Tartastic Serving Trays from MacKenzie-Childs adds a bold, traditional layer to any plaid and tartan Christmas decor. Decorated with red tartan decals and finished with the brand’s signature logo plate, these metal trays are as functional as they are festive. I styled them outdoors on the porch with Courtly Check mugs and a teapot for a cozy hot chocolate setup, but they’re just as perfect for holiday entertaining indoors. Whether you’re serving cookies, cocoa, or cocktails, these cheerful trays bring together the best of Christmas color, pattern, and charm.
Ella Joins the Christmas Prep in Her Holiday Plaid
Ella’s showing off her favorite red plaid scarf, a sweet hand-me-down from my dad, while sniffing the hot cocoa scene and settling into Christmas mode beside me. She’s curled up on the sheepskin-covered couch, keeping a close eye on every cinnamon stick and marshmallow. With both of us bundled up in our holiday plaids, we’re officially kicking off the season in style.
Seasonal Porch Decorating with Vintage Style
From lilacs in spring to ski lodge charm in winter, this year-round guide shares how I decorate our Vermont porch with vintage style through every season. It’s packed with table settings, thrifted finds, cozy layers, and simple decorating ideas to bring timeless charm to your own outdoor space.
Courtly Check Kitchen Canister: A Sweet Addition to Plaid and Tartan Christmas Decor
The medium-sized glass Courtly Check Kitchen Canister from MacKenzie-Childs is the perfect complement to all things plaid and tartan this Christmas. With its signature black-and-white checks and gold-accented lid, it’s a playful nod to traditional tartan without fully matching, and that’s what makes it so fun to style. I filled mine with biscotti cookies (a favorite treat during our holiday prep), and paired it with hot chocolate in the matching Courtly Check mugs for a cozy setup that’s both practical and picture-ready. These pieces bring just the right balance of charm and contrast to any plaid and tartan Christmas decor.
Vintage Home Decorating Guides and Styling Inspiration
Are you curious about vintage decor but don’t know where to start? These cornerstone guides are packed with seasonal styling tips, how-tos, and inspiration to help you confidently decorate with charm and character.
Glass Tartan Plaid Tree Ornaments: A Bold Accent for Plaid and Tartan Christmas Decor
Let’s talk about this stunning set of six glass tartan plaid tree ornaments from MacKenzie-Childs — they’re truly showstoppers. Each oversized sphere is hand-painted in classic red and green tartan, accented with signature black-and-white patterns for that unmistakable MacKenzie-Childs flair. Whether you hang them on your tree, tuck them into a festive garland, or use them to anchor a holiday centerpiece, these ornaments add bold color and timeless pattern to any plaid and tartan Christmas decor. They’re the kind of pieces that feel both elevated and essential, the perfect finishing touch to a collected holiday look.
Tartastic Table Runner: The Foundation of Plaid and Tartan Christmas Decor
The Tartastic Table Runner from MacKenzie-Childs is the piece that ties it all together, literally. With its bold mix of plaids, tartans, and signature Courtly Check, this runner is the perfect foundation for any plaid and tartan Christmas decor. I used it to anchor our outdoor holiday setup, and it brought instant color, texture, and that unmistakable MacKenzie-Childs charm to the entire scene. Whether styled on a dining table, entry console, or even a hot cocoa station, this runner adds just the right amount of festive flair to any space.
Top Vintage Decor Ideas & Thrifted Finds You’ll Love
Explore my most popular vintage decorating posts filled with personal stories, styling tips, and lessons learned from years of thrifting across New England and beyond.
Vintage Christmas Decor: What to Look for at Antique Stores and Markets This Season
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24 Hot Chocolate Mug Recipes for Cozy Christmas Moments
Love hot chocolate as much as I do? I’ve gathered 24 delicious hot chocolate mug recipes for you to enjoy during your Christmas preparations this season. Whether you’re sipping from a Courtly Check mug, a vintage thermos, or your favorite tartan cup, these cozy recipes pair perfectly with plaid and tartan Christmas decor — and make the sweetest addition to any holiday tradition.
- Chocolate-Covered Cherry Hot Cocoa Bombs Make the Best Hot Chocolate!
- Dairy Free Chocolate Hazelnut Liqueur
- Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate
- Slow Cooker Mexican Hot Chocolate
- 7 Different Homemade Hot Chocolate Mixes
- How to Set Up a Hot Chocolate Bar + Hot Cocoa Recipe
- Oat Milk Hot Chocolate
- Ruby Hot Chocolate
- Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix
- Jo’s Favorite Hot Chocolate Recipe
- Crockpot Hot Chocolate
- Creamy Crockpot Hot Chocolate
- Grinch Hot Chocolate
- How to Make a Festive Holiday Hot Cocoa Bar
- Kim’s Simple Hot Chocolate Sauce
- Slow Cooker Mint Hot Chocolate
- Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate Recipe and Ornament
- Copycat Starbucks White Hot Chocolate
Styling Tip
Mix bold tartans with black and white checks for a playful yet traditional look. Add evergreens, cozy textures, and something sweet (like hot cocoa!) to complete the moment.
Holiday Bloopers with Ella: Hot Cocoa Patrol in Full Swing
Because nothing ever goes quite as planned… Here’s a little behind-the-scenes video of Ella doing what she does best, trying to sneak a sip of hot cocoa and find the warmest spot on the porch. From cozy couch hopping to her usual side-eye near the cinnamon sticks, she’s in full holiday form this season. Just a little reminder that real Christmas prep isn’t always picture perfect, and that’s what makes it so sweet.
More Christmas Decorating Ideas to Pair with Plaid and Tartan Christmas Decor
I hope this cozy Christmas prep moment with MacKenzie-Childs plaid and tartan Christmas decor brought a little inspiration your way, whether it’s with a favorite mug of hot chocolate, a burst of tartan on your holiday table, or a pup in her best red scarf. These pieces make decorating feel extra special, especially when they’re layered into simple traditions we return to each year.
Looking for more ways to decorate for the season? From vintage holiday vignettes to creative Christmas centerpieces, here are a few more vintage Christmas decorating ideas I think you’ll love:
Frequently Asked Questions About Plaid and Tartan Christmas Decor
Plaid is a broad term for any criss-cross pattern. Tartan is a specific type of plaid with historical or named designs, often featuring multiple colors in an irregular pattern. Checks are more uniform, typically using just two colors, like black and white Courtly Check from MacKenzie-Childs. All three patterns can add charm and tradition to Christmas decor.
Yes, tartan is one of the most traditional holiday patterns. Its deep reds, greens, and layered lines evoke a timeless holiday feel, making it perfect for everything from table runners and ornaments to cozy throw pillows and tree skirts.
To avoid clashing, start with one dominant pattern (like a tartan table runner) and complement it with smaller accents in coordinating tones, such as Courtly Check mugs or solid-colored pieces. Keeping the color palette cohesive will help different plaids and checks blend beautifully.
Absolutely. Tartan works wonderfully with vintage, rustic, and cottagecore holiday styles. Layering plaid and tartan with greenery, wood textures, vintage ornaments, and cozy textiles creates a collected and meaningful Christmas look.
All of the pieces featured here, including the Tartastic trays, table runner, and glass tartan ornaments, are from MacKenzie-Childs. Their holiday collections offer a playful yet traditional take on plaid and tartan decor, and many of the items are now available individually.
Join the Vintage Circle — It’s Cozy Here~
Love vintage finds, thrifted treasures, and one-of-a-kind style? Leave a comment, pass this post to a vintage-loving friend, or head to my Start Here page to explore more.
Want fresh prompts and cozy ideas? Subscribe to join our Seasonal Vintage Decor Styling Challenge for weekly inspiration and behind-the-scenes peeks.
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Shop MacKenzie-Childs’ Plaid and Tartan Christmas Decor
This post may contain affiliate links, which won’t change your price but will share some commission.
Love this blog on checks, tartans and plaids! It’s getting me in the Christmas spirit…YAY!
Black check mugs are my favorite and a perfect size for HOT chocolate.
Thanks Susan I love these mugs. We use them in the hot tub😉
Hi Ann! Such a fun post with great photos1. I think I love the mix plaid runner most of all!
Thank you Molly. Happy Holidays!
Love your posts and especially your shopping ones. But today you helped me with the Tree Free burners, just ordered one. Your posts are always so uplifting. Thanks
Thank you so much Heather. I have my tree free fire going right now on the porch on this beautiful Sunday day🔥🔥
What a beautiful, warm and cozy blog!! I loved every comment and pic! I failed to see any bloopers with Ella😂 She is really eyeing that cookie in the hot chocolate mug!😂😂❤️🐾❤️🐾❤️. Thank you for your inspiration Ann. “It’s the most wonderful time of the year “
Aww thank you Kathy, you are just the sweetest. Ella’s drooling all over the place for that hot chocolate, but she’s still a little rock star, I agree, haha. Happy holidays Kathy!
What a wonderful way to live!
What a sweet thing to say, thank you Cheryl.