It is great fun to decorate Bella Terra for the holidays. With a large front entrance including a 4 foot wide front door, there are many options to create holiday themes. Our 1910 Mission style home is filled with fireplaces, mantels and several outdoor places which allow for many holiday vignettes. Welcome to our holiday home!
The Front Entrance
Each year we try a different look to the holiday entrance. My husband always puts up his “forest”~multiple artificial lighted trees around the front door. Large poinsettia plants and lanterns with battery-operated candles light the way.
The Foyer
In order to have sense of continuity, I tend to use the same colors in the front hall as I do on the front door. The foyer is the middle space between the living room and dining room, with a sweeping staircase to the upper floor. Typically, the bannister is adorned with fresh greens and cheerful holiday ribbons. An antique petticoat table provides a nice flat space for more holiday decorations and artwork.
Occasionally, I will add battery operated candles on the staircase treads and string lights in the garland.
A small 7 foot tall artificial tree is in the corner by the front door, adjacent to the dining room, adorned with all mountain/cabin ornaments.
With white string lights, it adds so much joy and sparkle to the foyer. Fresh cedar garland purchased from the local Boy Scout troop (great price and very fragrant) is placed above the doorways to the dining and living rooms.
The Living Room
Christmas is the time of year we use the formal living room the most. Here is where our live Christmas tree stands and the deep mantel over the fireplace is heavily adorned. With the help of friend and fellow blogger, Chloe from Celebrate and Decorate, the mantel is a showstopper.
Each year we purchase fresh cedar garlands from the local Boy Scout troop, which are very affordable and fragrant. Resting atop the doorway trim to both the living and dining room adds a festive touch to the foyer between.
The Dining Room
A few years ago, I decide to decorate this room in the room’s colors, vs. red/green for Christmas. Not sure why I didn’t think of it years ago, because what a difference it makes. Using blush pinks, burgundy and green, this room becomes a bit of a fairyland.
Drawing from the colors in the area rug,
Not always, but occasionally we add a fresh tree to one corner of the room. I love the smell of a tree, especially when gathering around the table for dinner.
The Breakfast Room
Located off the kitchen, is the breakfast room with a cozy fireplace. Again, this is a wonderful place to decorate for the holidays.
Since this part of the house feels more rustic, garlands may be handmade, like the one above. Using dried oranges from our orchard, the Christmas 2022 mantel boasts those fruit slices.
The Kitchen
Since I spend many hours a day in the kitchen over the holidays, I look forward to decorating it every year. With a large kitchen island, you will find a small artificial tree with kitchen-related ornaments and a glass patisserie with a theme that changes year to year.
Even the coffee center gets a bit of holiday cheer!
The Family Room
This is the room we spend the most time at night with all our pets. Many years ago, I make a small investment in pillow covers from Pottery Barn. Since I only use them once a year, they are still in great condition and add color and whimsy to the room.
Each set of windows gets a faux wreath with berries and a plaid ribbon. With so many windows and French doors here there a view to all the greenery outside.
Other Holiday Touches
When the urge strikes, I will occasionally use plaid wrapping paper on books to make a cozy vignette on a shelf or table.
Not every year, but I will sometimes add the pretty wire and glass snowflakes to the kitchen windows if I am hoping for snow!
Many years ago, I created holiday artwork, which we swap out this time of year. This is an affordable way to create holiday focal points without breaking the bank.
Each year I try to paint a scene to use on our annual Christmas card. Some years I am better at accomplishing this than others.
The Outside
In the winter months, our back terrace is where we entertain the most. With a large stone fireplace, it makes a warm and welcoming spot for our family and friends. Another mantel to decorate, this one gets an forest and reindeer theme.
Our historic well tower has a big, beautiful wreath that is on an automatic lighting system at night.
I hope you enjoy this glimpse into our home during the Christmas holiday.