Holiday Home Tour 2022
Although tweaks occur on a daily basis, most of the holiday decorating is complete. Last week, I shared our driveway entry gates and front porch and today, I welcome you inside our home for a holiday home tour.
The Front Hall
The front hall is full of fresh cedar garland and red plaid ribbons. In previous years, the garland on the bannister was wrapped with string lights and this year I chose not to do so, changing it up a bit.
In a corner beside the front door, a 7 foot tree is decorated in all things forest/outdoors~from owls and bears to pine cones and hiking boots. This small tree provides lots of sparkle at night and sets the mood for the holiday.
My husband has all the holiday lights on a remote control so within seconds we can illuminate several rooms.
The Living Room
The large fireplace is the focal point of the room. A deep mantel allows for lots of material. I combine fresh cedar garland, magnolia leaves and faux greens and berries. Since the living room colors are cream and blue, there are blue and white pots that hold bright red amaryllis on each end.
As we get closer to the 25th, the tulipieres on the coffee table will be full of fresh red roses and carnations.
Several battery operated candles and strings of lights provide a warm glow.
A fragrant Christmas tree stands in the corner, but as of yet, it is not decorated. This generally happens around my husband’s birthday on December 13th.
The true meaning of Christmas is reflected in the Nativity scene located on top of the baby Grand piano. Baby Jesus makes an appearance on Christmas morning.
Here’s the view from the foyer into the living room. Fresh cedar garland and red plaid ribbons adore each doorway.
The Dining Room
For years, I struggled with using Christmas colors in the dining room. When I finally make the decision to work with the colors in the rug, I now love the tones of blush and greens here.
Various bottlebrush trees in blues, greens and blush give height to the mantel. These were purchased from Pier 1 Imports a few years ago. The faux snowy tree is in a coral orchid pot from Dear Keaton. It is also available on Overstock for a few dollars less. I love the vintage Virgin Mary in the oval cloche stand which is a thrift store find.
On the buffet, the silver tea service sparkles with blush ornaments tucked about.
Nearby on a pedestal dish is a set of Christmas coffee cups.
Upholstered slipcovered chairs are adorned with preserved boxwood wreaths and a satin pink ribbon. Wreaths are from Ballard Designs and worth the purchase as you can use them year after year.
The Breakfast Room
If you missed my post last week, here is a picture of our breakfast room fireplace. Christmas art replaces the oil painting that hangs above the fireplace the balance of the year. Lighted trees, garland, pinecones, red ornaments complement the red/white beaded garland with tassels.
Family Room
Each year we hang artificial wreaths on the windows using a grommet system my husband created (you can see that post here). Behind the sofa we add two lighted trees which are really stunning at night. A lucky after season purchase, these trees are heavily discounted. With the newly reupholstered sofa (and a dog and cat that love sleeping on it), I use a holiday quilt to protect the new fabric.
All these layers remind me a bit of an English cottage feel~plus the cover keeps the sofa clean. Holiday pillows and quilt are from Pottery Barn
Last year, I did a holiday painting of our cat, Donovan. It sits on a brass art stand on the end table near the sofa.
On a nearby chest a holiday vignette of books wrapped in plaid paper, silver beads and a white pitcher with greens, adds more Christmas to this room.
The same plaid wrapping paper is on small boxes under the faux tree. The decanters on the brass tray have bells, pinecones and holiday greens. I love small lamps tucked into various places to provide a warm ambiance to the vignette.
The Kitchen
I certainly have way too many holiday towels, but it’s fun to hang them on the handles of the double ovens.
Above the gas range, the small shelf is ideal for decorating with Santas and artwork.
On the kitchen island, is a glass two tiered bakers display. It is fun to decorate it seasonally and each year I change it up a bit. By its side, is a short frosted artificial tree that is full of kitchen related ornaments.
I hope you enjoy seeing a bit of our holiday home. Thank you so much for joining me today. Happy Tuesday!
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Stunning decorating. Your husband is very handy and works with you which is so nice. The forest of trees at the front door is outstanding. My husband has the same birthday! In our early years of marriage we didn’t even start decorating until then, yikes that was a rush. You have many talents including painting. Your cats portrait is so sweet and beautifully executed. Do you paint often? So many yummy things for inspiration. Thank you for a lovely stroll.
Pamela, thank you so much for your sweet comment. Regarding painting, I used to take a class twice a week before the pandemic. Then that class stopped and I just paint occasionally now….always wish to do more as I truly enjoy it. I was also subscribing to an online class every Friday (not painting every Friday but when I could squeeze it in), and then the artist raised her rates so much (from $20+ a month to $200 a month), so I quit my subscription there. Maybe 2023 will bring more time and discipline!
Mary,
Your home is amazing and I loved seeing it decked out for Christmas. Beautiful job.
One thing is for sure, your decorating never disappoints! Silly question, but do you hire outside help? My guess is no, as your touch is all over these rooms; which is why I just love them!!
Merry Christmas to you, Scott and “the kids”!
Karleen, no we do not hire outside help. I think one year I inquired about that and it was so expensive and didn’t have the look I wanted. Would be nice though, as it does take us some time to put it up and then take it all down on Jan.6th! Merry Christmas to you too! Got your lovely card, thank you! Ours are going out this weekend as we are traveling this week.
Your home looks fantastic every season, but this is my favorite. That living room mantle is breathtaking! Also love the dining room. Great job, Mary!!
Janie
Janie, coming from the queen of Christmas, thank you so much! Looking forward to seeing you soon!
Your home is so lovely Mary – and even more so now! Thanks for giving me these few moments of Christmas in my day! 🙂 Happy Holidays my friend!
Barbara, thank you so much. Did I tell you I left your Christmas mantel up in my art room for nearly the entire year~that’s how much I loved it! Happy Holidays to you too!
This is all absolutely stunning, Mary! I could sit and take it all in for hours. And, that painting of your cat is wonderful! Thanks so much for sharing all of this holiday beauty.
Pam, thank you so much for your sweet comment! Merry Christmas to you!
One word to describe, “majestic”
So inviting and lovely.
I always look forward to reading your blog.
Merry Christmas to you, your family, and your loved ones.
Diana, you are so kind! Merry Christmas to you and yours too!
Beautifully done! Love your sense of style and how well it fits your historic home. I worked for many years in downtown Phx with a large bank, and love the older homes in the Phx CC area, Encanto, Story, and around the Heard, Thank you for sharing! Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Lee, Not sure where you are living now, but if you are ever nearby, please reach out! Thank you for your sweet comment. Merry Christmas to you too.
Wow Mary, it looks beautiful. I love the plaid wrapped books. There are so many pretty details. Kudos to Scott for doing his part. My husband’s part is Scrooge.
Andrea, I am still laughing over your Scrooge comment…you are too funny. Thank you for your comment.
Mary, Thank you for sharing your beautifully decorated home! Your creativity and details are so inspiring. Love the artwork of Donovan! Everything looks so warm, cozy and inviting. Scott did an amazing job with the front porch too!
Melody, thank you so much. I was just thinking about you and Sam and the time you were in Phoenix over the holidays. If you are ever in the area, please let us know. Would love to see you! Merry Christmas.
Your home is so bright and festive, Mary. I love all your details. Merry Christmas to you and all your family.
Carol, thank you so much. Merry Christmas to you too.
Beautiful home that reflects you! Love all your work.
Blessings,
Virginia, thank you so much for all your wonderful comments. Merry Christmas to you!
Your holiday home is so enchanting and filled with such love…Merry Christmas❣ ❣
Sue, thank you so much. Merry Christmas to you..
Love your Christmas cat painting. Along with everything else. Also appreciate that you do you and don’t particularly follow the pack.
Kathie, thank you for the best compliment ever!
Oh Mary, just spectacular, every detail is truly amazing!
What a talent you are!
We’re in Cabo so will be missing out on many festivities.
Will be in Scottsdale next month, would love to see you. Cheers!
Merry Christmas!
Bev, we love Cabo and how wonderful to spend time there. Yes, please let us know when you are in Scottsdale~we’d love to see you!
Absolutely beautiful, Mary!!
Karin, thank you so much. Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas!
Stunning and Magical – love, love, love the Santa artwork! Thanks for sharing!
Jeanne, so good to hear from you! Thank you so much. Have a blessed holiday.
Just gorgeous!
Cynthia, thank you so much!
That was decorated so tastefully & still so charmimg…”welcome” to Christmas! Thank You! franki
Franki, thank you, sweet friend.