2023 Holiday Home Tour

After years of putting the same decorations in the same places, I find it fun and a bit challenging to look at my holiday decorations with different eyes. Granted, it is not as easy as putting the same snow globe on the same shelf. Placing a treasured piece in a different place gives it new life. Welcome to this year’s holiday home tour. Some of the vignettes you have seen in previous posts, but here is all the holiday decor in one place.

Entry to our Property

With all the foliage and the irrigation lateral, it is nearly impossible to decorate the part of the property closest to the street. The inset entry gates have 4 large original pillars and on the first two are simple fresh green swags with red plaid ribbons.

Red plaid ribbons continue on the two Balsam Hill lighted wreaths on our entry gates. These wreaths are easier to see at night when they sparkle.

Front Entry and Porch

Lanterns festooned with plaid ribbons and cheerful red poinsettias line the path up to the front door. Battery operated candles sit in the front facing windows, a tribute to a childhood tradition.

A collection of trees provide a wintery feel by the front door. My favorite stone bunny and chickens get a holiday ribbon too.

Usually I do a much more elaborate wreath, but this year there is a simple plaid ribbon and the Alpenhaus iron cow bells from Sundance Catalog outlet (purchased a few years ago on sale).

Front Hall

I love decorating the staircase with fresh cedar garland. Not only does it make the house smell crisp and outdoorsy, the greens makes the perfect base to add other garland. Using 6′ long faux lambs ear garland from Walmart, the greens now look a bit more substantial. The same plaid ribbon is used for continuity. A tip: Since I want to protect the railing, I use green pipe cleaners to attach the garland to the rail. This also makes for an easier removal too.

In the corner by the front door is the “everything to do with the outdoors” tree. This artificial tree is filled with ornaments such as pinecones, hiking boots, mittens, bears skiing, tents, campers, squirrels and owls. As one of my favorite trees to decorate, I joyfully reminisce about the memories collecting these ornaments.

An old, albeit a bit tattered, handmade red and white checkered quilt is used as the tree skirt. Fresh cedar garland (from our neighbor’s Boy Scout troop) frames the dining room entrance. Just an FYI-if you want fresh cedar greens, the local Boy Scouts sell garlands and wreaths at a great, affordable price. I pre-order early and delivery occurs the first week in December.

The Dining Room

So delighted this year to get a fresh cut tree in this space. Rose gold, pink and blush are the primary colors on the tree. The topper is a pink striped ribbon bow. Instead of a regular tree skirt, I use a blush cable knit throw originally from Target. This product is no longer available but here is something very similar at a great price! You will see this same throw on my front porch bench for Valentine decorating.

Bottle brush and feather trees in shades of white, pink and blush on the sideboard pick up the colors of the room and rug.

Faux magnolia and lambs ear garland, pink glittery pinecones, various ornaments and battery-operated string lights top the fireplace mantel.

Family Room

Our family room is surrounded by windows and French doors (very few walls). Each window set gets a faux wreath with red berries

In this very casual room, a holiday quilt is draped over the slipcovered white sofa~a favorite snoozing place for our cat, Donovan. Lighted trees provide a bit of sparkle and festivity to the room.

Breakfast Room

The breakfast room mantel is a simple collection of fresh cedar garland, faux deep red chrysanthemums and a collection of wooden houses. Since I have a gingerbread house theme in the adjacent kitchen, it makes sense to add houses here.

The Kitchen

A few Christmas scene mugs add a bit of joy and color to the coffee station, a well used area of the kitchen.

Placing this image of Santa cooking with elves, on the shelf above the stove, provides inspiration for holiday recipes.

On the kitchen island, a faux tree with salt dough ornaments sits next to my glass patisserie loaded with gingerbread houses. Brown gingham plaid and velvet ribbon tie into the neutral theme.

The Mud/Craft Room

Next to the kitchen is the hard working mud/craft room. The hat rack holds the Santa hats worn throughout this season. To see more of this room, click here.

The Living Room

If you missed the post about this stunning mantel by Chloe of Celebrate and Decorate, you can see it here. Our fresh Christmas tree from Whitfill Nursery goes in this room, but as of this post, it isn’t fully decorated yet.

Thank you for joining me today for my holiday home tour. Christmas is less than one week away and I want to wish you all a blessed, joyous holiday. A new year is right around the corner and we never know what the future will bring. All I do know is that I am so grateful to you and all the support and feedback you have provided to me in 2023.

Sending big holiday hugs to each and every one of you!