I love it when Deb Raney blogs about home decor! I was inspired by her recent post to offer up a holiday home tour of my own (especially because a great deal of cleaning wasn’t required). Come on in!
Cyclamen in pots do wonderfully well for me during our Texas winters and add a festive pop of color. When a neighbor gave us the nutcracker standing beside our door many years ago, the kids named him Simon. So Simon is on duty, greeting guests. Simple wreath of real greenery. Simple, lit garland of not-real greenery.
I prefer Christmas decorations that offer a cozy, slightly rustic, home-spun feel. In recent years, I’ve started adding banners to this sofa table each holiday. I picked up the reindeer and trees on top the table on a trip. Christmas decorations are my favorite souvenirs because they’re useful and because I remember my travels each year when I unpack them.
Instead of placing our tree in our front window, I place it where we spend the most time — the sitting area near the fireplace and TV. It’s covered in ornaments that date back to the start of our marriage and tell our family’s story. I always try to write the year that I acquired each ornament onto its back in permanent marker.
I have several nativity sets but the one in the foreground of this photo is my new favorite. My youngest daughter attended “Christmas art camp” for a few hours each of the past four weekends, and this was the result. A nativity set that she handmade! In the background of this photo, on top the bureau, you’ll see groupings that include Santas, angels, trees, and more. I’ve found that instead of scattering unrelated items all over the house, I prefer to bunch them together into a sort of “collection” for more impact.
My Department 56 Dickens Village spans the length of our dining table. The light spilling from the houses is cheery and eye-catching. Plus, the display is a kid favorite.
I picked up a set of snowflake plates years ago. I’m so glad I did! We use them every December. More recently, I was given a set of small plates with holly around the edges. They’re about the size of a saucer and each plate has different artwork and a different saying. I’ve been eating very clean (following the Paleo diet) for several months now. But these plates make me feel as though I’m splurging when I have a slice of Paleo pumpkin bread for dessert.
This advent candle is a new addition this year. My sister sent one to me, one to my other sister, and one to my mom. Though we live far apart, it’s fun to know that we’re all burning down our advent candles together as the month progresses.
My mom made a felt calendar just like this one when my sisters and I were small. A few years ago, she made three more — one for each of her daughters — so that we could continue the felt calendar tradition with our own kids. This is one of the best Christmas gifts I’ve received from her. Thus HOT TIP: Christmas decorations that your kids loved when they were little make great gifts when they’re grown.
I have more ornaments than space on my Christmas tree, so I decided to display all of the photo ornaments that my kids brought home from church and pre-school on our refrigerator this year. Not only did this brighten up this area of the kitchen, but I get a glimpse of a sweet little face every time I open my fridge.
I’m heading to California to spend Christmas with my side of the family, then to vacation on the ski slopes. I look forward to a 2018 filled with good friendship and good books here at Inspired by Life.
May you experience the peace and hope of our Lord Jesus Christ this holiday season. Merry Christmas!
Becky Wade
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I loove this.
Thanks, Marti!
Last year I decided less was best on my tree and some of the decorations I had bought I still liked but didn’t really need so I gave them to one of the charity shops. I have quite a few I have either bought overseas on trips or be given and a few older ones I kept. Same with the tinsel I gave it away so someone who has nothing could enjoy it.
I really want some of your people from your village. I have a village (Not expensive) but it lacks people.
Giving away excess ornaments to a charity is a great idea, Jenny. Merry Christmas!
Becky, your home is beautiful! MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Thanks, Caryl! Merry Christmas to you. 🙂
Thanks for the tour, Becky. Loved it! Have a wonderful Christmas!
Thanks, Lynn!! Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Your Christmas decorations are wonderful! I have several of the same village pieces – the Dickens church, a couple of the houses, some of the people. I display some of them on top of my piano and others under the tree.
Enjoy your family and ski vacation. Merry Christmas!
It’s nice to connect with another Dickens village person! Merry Christmas, Betty. :))
I LOVE the advent candle!! What a great idea!
We enjoyed it!
Thanks for sharing! It’s nice to be able to put a face and place to you while reading your books. Merry Christmas!
Loved your house tour! You are so right about giving favorite childhood decorations to kids when they get older. One of my favorite Christmas things is a nativity set just like the one my parents had when I was growing up. My mom found it at a garage sale and it’s a little battered, but I love it! Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Your daughter’s nativity is the very best!! Thank you for sharing J*O*Y
Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
I somehow missed this tour, Becky, but I loved it and am honored by your mention! I just bought a pot of cyclamen for the window ledge by our soaking tub. They are just exquisite! I’m a little envious that you can leave yours outside this time of year! Always love your posts, and I’m going to copy one of yours (again!) later in January! 🙂
You have such a lovely home that it makes me wish it’s Christmas all year! I love your front door it looks as if you are about to enter a fairy tale.