Hi friends! Tis’ the season for holiday home tours all around blogland, and today I’m bringing you another one, mine!
I’ve known about this tour for about 3-4 weeks, and in an instant my mind went from a logical, semi-normal person to crazy blogger lady.
Seriously…Thoughts like “OH EM GEE…I NEED ALL NEW FURNITURE RIGHT NOW, LIKE RIGHT NOW!!” and “HOW MANY CHRISTMAS TREES CAN ONE PUT UP BEFORE LOOKING COMPLETELY INSANE?” have been spinning around in my head for weeks.
My husband deserves a medal. Seriously. I’ve been a basket case of emotions, happy, angry, giddy, goofy…3 more and we’d have a Disney movie!
This is why I don’t do home tours! I can’t handle the pressure… It’s too much! 😉
So instead of stressing about my less than Pinterest-perfect holiday home. Here’s my house decorated for Christmas, you know…in real life, where it actually matters. 🙂
When you walk through the front door to the right is our formal dining room. We very rarely use this room, but for holidays I like to dress it up a bit. Right now it’s in a post-Thanksgiving semi decorated state, and since we’re being honest… Those chairs actually belong in my kitchen, I still don’t have chairs around this table normally 😉
Our buffet/bar has two tall nutcrackers standing guard over the booze 😉 Can you believe we got those for free?! The hotel where my husband works was just going to throw them away after Christmas last year, so he asked if he could take them home! I just love them 🙂
This little corner is probably one of my favorite spots to look at. Virtually everything is handmade by me, from the pet portraits, to the cranberry balls, and those vases? Those are the gold faux bois vases I made last year. This year I gave them a coat of glossy white.
Along with natural and handmade elements, I love decorating with edible things too! You can find a jar or bowl on almost every table in my house filled with either nuts or candy!
Staying on the subject on sweet…my daughter’s room gets sprinkled with a bit of Christmas magic too 🙂 Instead of an Advent calendar, we do an Advent tree. You can read about that tradition here.
Our family room is where we spend the most time on Christmas morning. Opening gifts, eating breakfast, watching parades and movies. This year I decided to “make” a fire in there too with this chalkboard fireplace.
This is also where I replaced our art with the free printable my daughter and I created…
And of course…Our tree…
Every ornament on this tree has a special meaning or story to tell. I’ve only bought a few, most I’ve inherited, and I just love being able to look at them every year and be flooded with emotions and memories.
I hope you enjoyed this little tour around my home all decorated for Christmas. I so enjoyed sharing it with you!
For the next two weeks, my friends will be sharing their decorations, crafts, and homes too! So make sure you stop by for those as well!
Monday DEC 2nd: FIRST HOME LOVE LIFE & DIO HOME IMPROVEMENTS | Tuesday DEC 3rd: AT HOME WITH THE BARKERS & RESTORING OUR 1890 VICTORIAN | Wednesday DEC 4th: FRESH IDEA STUDIO, THE GOLDEN SYCAMORE & HOUSE ON THE WAY | Thursday DEC 5th : CURB ALERT & PETTICOAT JUNKTION | Friday DEC 6th: ARTSY CHICKS RULE & RAPPSODY IN ROOMS | Saturday DEC 7th: SIMPLY FRESH VINTAGE & COUNTRY DESIGN STYLE | Sunday DEC 8th: MRS HINES CLASS & SNAZZY LITTLE THINGS | Monday DEC 9th: JUST PAINT IT, THE RUSTIC PIG & JUST A GIRL AND HER BLOG | Tuesday DEC 10th: OUR SOUTHERN HOME, VIRGINIA SWEET PEA, MEEGAN MAKES | Wednesday DEC 11th: SOPHIAS DECOR , A LITTLE CLAIREIFICATION & GIRL IN THE GARAGE | Thursday DEC 12th: MOMMY IS COOCOO, LITTLE MISS CELEBRATION & INSPIRATION FOR MOMS | Friday DEC 13th: MY SOULFUL HOME, CONFESSIONS OF A SERIAL DIYer & LILACS AND LONGHORNS
And I leave you with this. The holidays aren’t about who has the most spectacular home on the block (or blogosphere) for that matter. We blog to inspire you to create beauty in your own home, not to make you feel guilty or bad about yourself. So enjoy the season! Absorb the smells, sounds and feel of everything and everyone around you, because in the whole scheme of things, that’s what truly matters! 🙂
As always I’d love for you to stick around, so follow me on Facebook so you stay up to date with whats happening around here, and for more holiday inspiration-check out my Christmas page under the Holidays tab!
Talk to you soon,
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays my friends!
XO
Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule says
I love your “not so pinterest perfect” home tour!! I think it IS perfect. You have captured what really matters most!
Nancy
Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule recently posted…“12 Days of Christmas” Holiday Home Tour
Christine says
Thanks so much Nancy! XO
Dria says
OMG LOVE!!!! First I have to start with your dining room so in love with the decor and colors that room is stunning! What an awesome find on the nutcrackers too! Love the chalkboard fireplace how adorable is that? I have already been drooling over your daughters tree it is gorgeous and how can you not love that it’s an advent tree???? Genius! And I love how all your ornaments have a special meaning, I have boxes from growing up full of ornaments I so know the feeling of that flood of memories and FYI I think your home is pinterest perfect 🙂 Beautiful job on your home and I couldn’t help but laugh at your emotions on doing the tour I think we all share those with you!!
Dria recently posted…12 Days of Christmas Tour
Christine says
Oh you are THE SWEETEST Dria!! Thanks so much!! I’ve got to admit, when I went to your place this morning…I was like…”WHOA MOMMA! I have to follow that act?!” So happy to be sharing along side of you this year! XO 🙂
Meegan says
Oh my goodness! Your home is cozy and wonderful! I love your style and your Christmas decor. Thanks for sharing it and inspiring me 🙂
Pinned…
Meegan recently posted…I’ve Got The Monday Blues For A Little Christmas Shelf
Christine says
Thanks Meegan 🙂
Jen @ Girl in the Garage says
Everything is so gorgeous Christine! I actually think it’s a very Pinterest worthy tour! Your dining room, chalkboard art, tree, and nutcrackers are all amazing – I can’t believe you got the nutcrackers for free! Pinning and sharing. xo Jen
Jen @ Girl in the Garage recently posted…November in Review
Christine says
Aww thanks Jen! Appreciate that!
Cindy Eikenberg says
Everything looks beautiful Christine! I just love your holiday printable so much and the Advent tree in your daughter’s room is absolutely wonderful! Thank you so much for sharing your holiday home with us!
Cindy Eikenberg recently posted…All Things Christmas Link Party! {Week 3}
Christine says
Thank you Cindy! Thanks for popping over! Looking forward to yours! XO
Kathy, Petticoat Junktion says
What a great tour. Thanks for showing us your home. I don’t know why you were so nervous!! I love the blackboards!
Kathy, Petticoat Junktion recently posted…Button Snowmen DIY
Christine says
Thanks Kathy 🙂 Not nervous, just unprepared! I was originally going a week later, so I was scrambling this morning to put a few more things together and that’s when I just mentally said “ENOUGH!” and went with whatever was done 🙂
Cheryl @ The Creative Me and My McG says
I LOVE to keep things real and really appreciate seeing other bloggers who do the same…let’s face it – we don’t live in a magazine…Your home looks great and whether you think so or not, is definately pinterest worthy!
Cheryl @ The Creative Me and My McG recently posted…Finally…We are starting to decorate for Christmas!! (And a sneak peek of some new colors…)
Christine says
Seriously THEE BEST COMMENT Cheryl! Yes…Keeping it real! You totally got the moral of the story!! 🙂 Thank you so much!
Leslie @ House on the Way says
Lovely Christmas decor! Love your table setting!
Leslie
Leslie @ House on the Way recently posted…Burlap Christmas Tree Skirt with Ribbon Trim
Laura from Inspiration for Moms says
Christine! I love all the chalkboard!!! OMG! The fireplace is awesome but the chalkboard wall behind the Christmas tree is so cool too! You decorated your house fabulously! 🙂
Laura from Inspiration for Moms recently posted…12 Days of Christmas Tour
Christine says
You’re so sweet Laura! That chalkboard hasn’t changed in 6 months…haha 😉 Just added a few snowflakes to “Christmas” it up! Thank you!!
ColleenwithJustPaintIt says
No offense but . . . you’re NUTS!!! “Anti-Pinterest”??? hahaha. Girl, you’re home is gorgeous. I love all the decor, just the right touch here and there.
And, btw, I just pinned it. 😀
ColleenwithJustPaintIt recently posted…Monday Funday! 1 Link–7 Blogs!
Christine says
LOL! Shhhh..don’t announce it to the world when I was keeping it under cover so well! Thank you Colleen! Can’t wait to see yours!!
Victoria • Restoring our 1890 Victorian says
For the record, the number of trees you can have before looking insane is totally dependent on whether you are a blogger… I think with a blog, all normal Christmas-related thought goes out the window.
I love, love, love your fireplace chalkboard. Adorable.
Victoria • Restoring our 1890 Victorian recently posted…Christmas decorating war zone.
Christine says
I so agree with that statement Victoria. You get me <3 Thank you!!
Allison @ The Golden Sycamore says
I love that you just did your own thing! I was freaking out about decorating this year, too, and totally went against what I usually do. I have enjoyed the results, but it definitely wasn’t as fun. And I don’t have all our sentimental ornaments on the tree this year, so that’s not as fun either! (Maybe I’ll put them up after my post!0 😉
Christine says
Sometimes just being “normal” is the best thing. I had BIG plans, but as always life moves faster then I can keep up with so I just let it go. Far more important things to stress about this time of year! Looking forward to seeing your decor! I bet it’s lovely!
Abby @ Just a Girl and Her Blog says
Christine! I think your home is absolutely beautiful! You have so many gorgeous touches! I think my very favorite is the printable you and your daughter created together– what a special project! Thank you so much for sharing your lovely home with us!
~Abby =)
Abby @ Just a Girl and Her Blog recently posted…Ornaments and Cookies and Home Tours, Oh My!
amanda @ mommy is coocoo says
Beautiful! I love, love, love this post. I’ve pinned several things. I am following you now on google+ and sharing. You did a great job!
Lisa @ Creative Raisins says
I am in love with your home. I love the blue color on the wall and your tree is fabulous
Lisa @ Creative Raisins recently posted…Livingroom update with Curtains
Christy @ Our Southern Home says
Love your tour, Christine! Your chalk art is fabulous. So into it right now! Where did you get the dining chairs. I need one for my son’s desk that I painted. LOVE! Pinning your very pinnable tour by the way! 🙂 ~Christy
Christy @ Our Southern Home recently posted…Creating Holiday Birthday Smiles with Hallmark Cards
Paula@SweetPea says
I love the way you’ve decorated your home for Christmas and just can’t pick a favorite thing. The first thing I admired was the greenery around your dining room window – I love that look. I really love the chalboard art you have beside your tree and also your chalboard faux fireplace. Both are clever touches. I can’t wait to get home from work so that I can pin and share your wonderful decorations!
Paula@SweetPea recently posted…Peppermint Candy Twist Centerpiece
Melissa @ Keep Calm and Decorate says
Your home is gorgeous! I think my favorite room is the dining room. I love the gold and silver trees. Also, love your chalkboard fireplace with the stockings! Your home is totally pin worthy! 🙂
Melissa @ Keep Calm and Decorate recently posted…Monogrammed Pinecone Turkeys
Megan @ Rappsody in Rooms says
Your home looks AMAZING! For some reason your dining room really stood out to me. It is so dramatic and stunning! I love how it just seems to sparkle – along with the rest of your home as well!
Megan @ Rappsody in Rooms recently posted…Gilded Succulent Gifts
Rosenda V says
I love your fireplace idea! I share the same feelings about having a fireplace during Christmas, but it doesn’t work too much in warmer climates. I’m so excited about this idea because I can still have my fireplace!
Also, could you please tell me where or what kind of stores can I find pretty glass jars that hold your candy canes and peppermint candies? I’ve been searching in stores, and I don’t find them. Thank you for a lovely post!
Rosenda V recently posted…Holiday Glam Make-up Looks
Sharon @ Life After Empty Nest says
So who said your home wasn’t Pinterest Perfect…I think it looks AMAZING. So cozy and filled with holiday cheer!
“PINNING!” (because it is worth it!)
xoxo
Sharon @ Life After Empty Nest recently posted…Merry Moolah Giveaway
Runt says
I love that blue wall you have in your dining room… it’s seriously the perfect dark blue! I also really love the tall nutcrackers! I’ve heard that Bath and Body Works will toss their decor when they’re done with it too, so if you go when the season is over and ask if you can have their decor pieces (if you’re interested), they will gladly give it to you! I also really love those vases you made! I may try to make them one day… =]
Runt recently posted…DIY Fabric Wrapped Ornaments (On a Budget)
Claire @ A Little Claireification says
Finally have a second {but only one!} 😉 to breathe after this crazy week and start touring! Your home looks amazing, Christine! And I hear ya – the stress we bring on ourselves is the worst and not worth it!! Pinning now and thank you for letting us in to your lovely home!! xo
Claire @ A Little Claireification recently posted…Creamy Cheesy Corn Casserole & More | Best Of The Weekend Party
Kelly says
Really really lovely! Thanks for kicking off the tour!
Megan @ The Brick Bungalow says
I think your house looks great! I love your dining room, it’s just beautiful.
Megan @ The Brick Bungalow recently posted…{Nate the Great} Christmas Photo Shoot
Christine says
Thank you so much Megan!! Happy Holidays!! XO
Mary Jo Truax says
I really enjoyed this tour … thought it was so sweetly presented & loved your humor & humility (what? looks perfect enough to me!)! ALSO – thanks to you & your daughter for the gorgeous printable.
Christine says
Thank you so much Mary!!! Enjoy that printable! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! XO
Dalia says
What? Your home looks fabulous!! This post should be on my home tour,because all I decorated was my tree and mantel, oh and my dining table has a candle. Well I just threw everything on without thinking of anything. I planned nothing this year. Why? Because after trying to plan it all out in the summer, yep crazy me, it all went out the window when I remembered the true meaning of Christmas. Love your tour!
Christine says
You’re awesome Dalia! Thank you so much! XO
Candy S says
I love the nutcrackers! Curiously I found them on Pinterest, therefore, you must be Pinterest worthy. Your home is really quite charming, I love the Advent tree and the chalkboard with the snow falling.
Candy S recently posted…Santa Claus Is Coming To Town – A Red and White Tablescape
Christine says
haha! Thanks so much Candy! I love the nutcrackers too! I can’t believe the hotel considered them trash! I wonder what treasures they’ll throw away this year 🙂