The halls are decked, Christmas music is playing {well, only when my hubby’s not home…he hates Christmas music. #bahhumbug } and the coffee is pretty much always on {or the morning’s coffee is still in the coffee pot and needs reheating but if you came over, I would brew a fresh pot just for you!} and there’s plenty of hot cocoa packets and whip cream in the fridge. Come on in!
Plans in the new year include painting this door a darker charcoal gray. I found this realistic looking faux wreath at a local nursery and this cute door hanger at one of my favorite local decor shops, Cooper & Co. last year.
This ribbon and faux greenery are from last year and I still love it! I used floral wire to make a bundle of faux greenery and wrapped it with pretty ribbon and added the bows. At the same local nursery, they have hundreds of ribbons and a super talented woman makes bows there.
I have been collecting the Department 56 North Pole Village since my oldest kiddo’s first Christmas. I get a new one every year. We still need to pick one for 2017! My kids LOVE them and I have to say, I do too! They are so whimsical and fun. 
Last year, it was the Christmas Tree Lighting Fiasco of 2016. Without going into all the boring, tedious details, it was a week’s worth of frustration and extra expense. We’ve always, my whole life, had a real life tree for our main tree, but this year I just didn’t want to do it again. I really don’t like Christmas decorating. I know, I know. I’m sorry to those of you who love it! But I think it’s because I always start with the tree and the lights are just the worst!!!! So I took the plunge and ordered the 9′ Bellevue Spruce with Clear Lights and the Easy Plug. It was 50% off when I ordered and free shipping, so although it was a splurge, I got a great deal on it and I know we will enjoy it for years to come.
You guys, I had the whole 9′ tree assembled and fanned out by myself {while all the other adults in the room watched a movie!} and plugged in in less than an hour and a half! It was so easy! If you’ve been on the fence, wait for a good sale and bite the bullet. You’ll be SO glad you did!!! Now I just need to find this candle to make it smell like the real deal! I’m not a huge fan of “evergreen” or “fir” candles but this one is smells SO GOOD!
I have collected Christopher Radko ornaments or other glass ornaments that have meaning or ones we have just liked over the years and they are hanging with white and green simple ball ornaments on this tree. I added the same silvery blue ribbon on the tree along with a fabric tie garland I made a few years ago. It’s super easy to make, maybe next year I’ll do a little tutorial post, however it’s very, very time consuming! You may want to start in August if you are wanting it for your tree in December. {kidding. kind of.}
My most treasured Christmas decorations by far are the handmade needlepoint stockings my mom has made for my husband and my kids. My aunt did mine when I was little and I have always loved it. When Jason and I got engaged, I went out and bought this canvas for his stocking. My mom ended up learning how to needlepoint just so she could carry on the family tradition {she has one made by my aunt as well and ended up making my dad an amazing one as well!} They take about 3 years to complete and the 3rd kid’s stocking will be complete probably early next year. I can’t wait to see it all finished! #4 is waiting in the queue! The kids’ stockings are all done by the same artist. For the interim, I have ordered the kids Pottery Barn stockings and they are darling, good size and super reasonable.
Last year I found the Joseph, Mary and Jesus of this nativity. This year, more pieces were added. My mom, mother-in-law added and I all added to it this year to complete it. I love that both our families contributed to this sweet nativity! Both my “Gather” sign and my “Christmas Trees” sign are from Charlie and Ella. I have a few other of her signs and I just love them!
I added some new velvet pillows, a fun little Christmas pillow this year, and a little greenery on the coffee table.
Simple clippings from the local nursery and Emily Ley’s A Simplified Life, which I can’t wait to read. After all the craziness and business of December! The colors match perfectly! :)
floor lamp || area rug || velvet pillows || christmas pillow || coffee table || boat art || tree
As of this morning, lots of items were on sale! Tons of good deals out there right now!
That wraps up our holiday home tour. I’m so happy you stopped by!
All these photos were taken by my dear friend, Kathryn. If you’re local and need any photos taken, be sure to look her up! She’s great!!! I need to invest in some better camera equipment to keep up with these photos :)
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Looks amazing! Your house is gorgeous! Whenever I see Christopher Radko I think of you ;)