Holiday Decor To Date

There is finally some progress on the holiday decorating around the house. Well, it seems like there is a method to my madness because in addition to holiday decorating, I am also trying to deep clean each and every room. Knowing this will take me a bit more time, I am energized when I hear others are slowly decorating as well. Ultimately, the goal is to get as much done before we depart on an out-of-the country trip at the end of this week. So let’s check out the holiday decor to date.

Front Entrance

Each year my husband tackles the bulk of the decorations near the front door. But this year, we did decide to do something a little less labor intensive. With an abundance of red poinsettia plants from Costco, we line the steps and entrance way to the front door. I think they were $19.99 each for the largest size.

Remember these lanterns I purchased on sale at Home Depot last year? See that post here.They are perfect each season with a battery operated candle inside and a holiday bow on top. Using a remote control you can easily switch on the candles at night for a beautifully lit walkway.

Here’s the view from looking out the front door back to the front yard. I love how the arches frame the photo.

The wreath on the front door sports a red plaid ribbon and cheerful berries. This same ribbon is on the two lighted wreaths on the front main gates.

Dining Room

Since this room is immaculate, it is my favorite place right now. Each time I walk in, the sun is shining through very clean windows and the light bounces off the crystals in the chandelier. Now, if I can only get the entire house as tidy as this, I would be a very happy camper.

In soft shades of blue, green and blush, the bottle brush trees are from Pier 1 from a few years ago. I love these trees~I don’t know if it’s the texture or they remind me of my childhood. Amazon has a very good selection of trees in numerous colors here.

The Dear Keaton coral orchid pot now houses a glittery evergreen tree and a favorite French blue silk bow. Oil painting of our daughter, Elisabeth at 2 years old done by local artist, Virginia Cook.

After rummaging through cupboards, I find a vintage cut crystal bowl, which is the perfect vessel (after washing) to hold ornaments in the pinks and blush colors of the dining room. West Elm coppery mercury glass votives look beautiful when lit at night.

Sitting on a stack of old books, the antique Virgin Mary statue is cherished in its oval domed cloche. Dried hydrangeas surround the base.

The pink/blush ornaments were a last minute find at Michael’s last year. But if you’ve been to a Michael’s store lately, nearly all the shelves are empty. I did find something close on Amazon here.

On the dining room table, a polished silver domed serving tray is flanked by two boxwood topiaries. My husband’s favorite Waterford candlesticks add more sparkle. Boxwood wreaths are gently hanging from the upholstered chairs with a pink silk ribbon. Originally purchased from Ballard Design, you can find ones here. If you are looking for boxwood topiaries, there is a great selection and various price points here. Mine are from The Enchanted Home but I don’t believe she carries them any longer.

On the nearby buffet, the silver tea service is shiny and bright, while festive cups and napkins are nearby. Resting on the chair rail is a Christmas tree painting I did several years ago. Glittery pinecones are just for fun.

Breakfast Room

Now this room is undergoing major transformation. You may recall that my “office” has been on the dining table in this room. You can see that post here (when the office is clean!). I love being close to the kitchen and this room has a wonderful fireplace that makes for cozy working in the winter. However, I am a slob. My desk space is always messy looking, though I know where everything is. Organized clutter is what I like to call it, which is similar to all the things going on in my brain.

Even though I tried to keep it neat, my office should never be part of the main flow of the house. Again, in my efforts to deep clean each room, I am in the process of moving my office elsewhere. And the breakfast room will become the breakfast room once again.

This year, with my theme of simplicity, I make dried oranges for this garland (I hope to share a post on this soon). With the playfulness of the oil painting by Janet Howell of an Italian street, I add wooden houses and garland. Extra dried oranges are stuck in the branches.

The wooden houses are a Target find from last year in the dollar section. You can get similar ones here.

I think this mantel is fun and cheerful and appropriate for a room right next to the kitchen.

Well, I hope you enjoy the holiday decorations to date. I am awaiting some amaryllis to be delivered so I can finish the living room. Today, the library is also on my list to complete. So more to come!

Sorry I’ve been absent for a few days. I am dealing with an injured muscle in my shoulder and neck which is slowing me down a bit. Perhaps a good reminder that I shouldn’t be on top of a wobbly ladder.

Happy Tuesday, my dear friends. Enjoy your day!