Christmas Home Tour 2014

I was so very excited to decorate for Christmas this year, especially because it’s the first one in our new home. Last year, we were packing and the only decoration we had was a tiny tree.  It felt very sad, not only did we not have any decorations, but we were leaving the home we put so much love into.  But, as sad as we were to move, we were excited for a crisp start.  A new neighborhood, a new school district and for me, I would be getting a start fresh with my decorating!   Especially, my holiday decorating! 

Decorating our new home for the Christmas season had one major challenge, where to put the tree?  Our old house had 20’ ceilings in the living room.  So finding a place for our very large tree was interesting to say the least.  Luckily, there was a place in the foyer that would accommodate it.  Not, my number one place for a Christmas tree, but it worked. 

After working around this challenge, I did have some bonuses that made my decorating so delightful (sorry for the pun).  One of the major selling features when buying our new home was the upstairs bonus room.  This room is used as the kids’ play room and was the perfect place for their Christmas tree!  Also, while putting in the lawn this summer, my husband installed spotlights on the house.  There are two spotlights that up-light the pillars on the front porch; I thought this would be the perfect place to showcase my holiday urns!

Okay, now I think it’s time for me to stop talking and begin the tour…

In years past, I’ve used animal print ribbon on the tree and mantel.  This year, I decided to retire the animal print and replace it with black and white stripes.  I really like the simplicity and sophistication of the ribbons.  Another addition to the tree is the chalkboard ornaments.  I think they added a fun whimsical touch to the tree.

The nighttime glow...

A closer look at the tree topper, ribbons & chalkboard ornaments…

Our countdown to Santa!

Mantel-deer-cor

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Now, we'll move to the outside...

A close-up on my holiday urn.

I started by recycling urns I already had from two outdoor Christmas trees I had from years past.  First, I filled the urns with tiny pebbles for stability.  I then added large sticks and gold stems to the centers.  After the stems were placed and secure, I added multiply types of holiday greenery for depth and dimension.  Then to add that the perfect holiday touch, I added berries, white dipped pinecones, red bells, large ornaments and large burlap bows and ribbon. 

For the wreath I wanted to keep it simple.  I found an existing artificial wreath (one that I've had for years, and has seen better days) and added the same greenery stems that I used on the urns.  To give the wreath a finished and coordinating look, I added berries, pinecones, a monogram, and long burlap bows adorned with stripped ribbon. 

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Thank you so much for stopping by for the tour!

Wishing everyone a Safe & Joyous Holiday!

Jodie




Joining This Wonderful Party:
A Glimpse Inside-Handmade Hangout
Tatertots and Jello-Linky Party Palooza
Chic On A Shoestring Decorating-Flaunt It Friday
Be Different Act Normal-Show And Tell
WhipperBerry-The Party Bunch
The Little Black Door-12 Days of Christmas Tour of Homes