Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Simply Christmas Home Tour~

The rain has finally stopped, the sun is shining, and I (and babygirl) survived the 12 hour car trip home from Texas!

So, I thought it was about time I gave you all the Christmas tour.

Ya'll Come On In (be prepared for picture overload)...

Welcome to our home~

Each year we buy live trees to place by the door, and then plant them in our backyard after the holidays. Our cedars from last year have gotten so big!
The skates belonged to our daughter, her 1st pair.
Swags on each of our porch posts.

Our entryway~

I love to use burlap ribbon for a bit of a natural feel.
A bit of red berries for some color.
This year I used a mix of burlap, plaid and red for a lodge style feel.
Love the mix of patterns and textures it creates.
A few wrapped gifts (or not...oldest wanted to know, guess she wanted to guess at what she got, truth be told-she knows her mom is crazy enough to wrap gifts just for show!)
The french doors leading to my office.  A monogram letter for each of us.

Our living room, turned library~

Our vintage white tree.  The tree is decorated with vintage Shiny Brite ornaments that my mother in law so graciously passed on to me.
A few of the ornaments...





My favorite rabbit decked out in his holiday finery, some evergreens, and Archipelago's Hope Holiday candle. Smells divine!
A sweet ivy topiary, a gift from a dear friend.  The shell mirror I diy'd a few years back.  Many a burnt finger from the glue gun on that one, but it was worth it!!

Our holiday village atop the piano. Love it lit up at night.

Our dining room~
A bit of glam, mercury glass, mixed with a bit of rustic, burlap and seagrass.






The kitchen, the heart (and stomach) of our home~

Merry Christmas banner from Target.  Super easy to assemble.

Boxwood wreath from West Elm. I have actually had this for a couple months now.  Just mist it every so often. It has held up really well.

Why be choosey?

Love my new Coton Colors Jolly platter.

And, every year they come out to play...our Annalee Elves.  And, fortunately for me there is no mischief involved with this crew.











Last, but not least, our family room.
Our 2013 Christmas Tree, and man is she a beauty!  All 14+ feet of her.  We had to buy a new ladder to reach the top.  Our youngest went with us to pick out a tree over Thanksgiving break.  I think going to school in Texas is wearing off on her and us.  You know what they say, EVERYTHING IS BIGGER IN TEXAS!!

A few wrapped packages.

Grab a cup of hot cocoa and relax

Our mantel.  A bit of faux greens, some real, some sugar pinecones, pretty ribbon and candles.

Found this fun bucket at Home Goods-perfect for holding those small packages you don't want to get lost under the tree.

Another tub I found at Home Goods.

A magnolia wreath with picked up at Whole Foods.  As it dries the leaves take on a pretty brown patina.  This can easily be stored and used again.

An early Christmas present from hubby.  I have wanted a Nativity for quite some time, but I wanted it to be something that was good quality and could be passed down eventually.  I chose the Willow Tree Nativity.  Funny story...I unpacked it all after Thanksgiving and realized the donkey was missing.  Of course, when I tell hubby he says, "your ass is missing?"  Oh how I wish it were mine! (this girl will admit to having a J-Lo booty!) LOL

A bit of winter white mixed with red winter berries.

Whew...how many times did you need to refill your coffee cup for that one?  Hope you enjoyed the tour.  I will be blogging on and off through the holidays as time allows.  These days I try to soak up all the time I get with my girls as it is not often!

21 comments:

Nancy said...

so pretty! happy holidays to you and yours :)

blessings,
nancy

Leslie said...

Wow! Your tree is gorgeous and I like those skates on your outside wreath. The elf on the shelf is so fun and I've seen some really funny photos of them recently. Happy holidays!

Christine @ Suburban Charm said...

Lauren your home is just beautiful! Love your outdoor decorations...what a great idea to buy the outdoor trees and then plant them. Also love your garland on the stairs and your vintage tree! Everything is perfect and now it's even more perfect with your baby girls at home!

NanaDiana said...

Ha! Only needed ONE refill to see everything. Your home is just beautiful and that Christmas tree is perfect-all 14' of it- xo Diana

Judy said...

Your decorating is so pretty and puts mine (or lack thereof) to shame. I've done our mantle, put some wreaths on the front windows and one on the front door and that's it! That's just not me but I'm sorta okay with it.

Don't you love those shiny bright ornaments, I have 5-6 old timey ornaments from my mom that I love and will always cherish.

Hope you have a very Merry Christmas!

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

teeeeeheeeee......the ass.....teeeheheeee

OH I could do without missing mine....

HELLO THERE MY DEAR! How is everything out there in TX? Your home is absolutely lovely and decked out properly and you too have a rabbit that loves to dress up? I do too!

Many wishes to you for a perfect reunion with your girls and entire family! Anita

Dixie Delights said...

Every single thing was lovely!! That tree is stunning! xo

Sixty-Fifth Avenue said...

Just beautiful Lauren! Pretty and warm touches everywhere. The family room tree is amazing!! Is that an owl at the top? Also, did you get a new ass? ha

Jennifer said...

What a beautiful home...I love all your lovely decorations!

emily said...

Everything looks so beautiful and festive!

Anne said...

Your home is gorgeous Lauren...hope you have a lovely christmas:)
~Anne

Vicki @ lifeinmyemptynest said...

Everything is so pretty I don't know what to comment on! I do love the ice skates on the wreath on your front door :-)

Laura said...

I love everything! Right down to the houndstooth wrapping paper! Merry Christmas!!

Lisa @ Texas Decor said...

It's all so beautiful! I love the Merry Christmas banner and your big tree is lovely! Love the Happy Everything plate too. :)

Allyssa said...

Wow! This looks gorgeous! I didn't decorate much for Christmas this year. I was meaning to, but I've been so busy that I just haven't gotten around to it.

Mike @TheIronYou said...

You're a decorating whiz Lauren, your house looks amazing and very Christmassy!

bj said...

What a happy, bright,
full-of-Christmas house.
Everything looks just amazing.
Merriest Christmas....

Kris @ Driven by Décor said...

Lauren, your house is so beautifully decorated for the holidays! Love the wreath on your front door, how you decorated your chandelier, and how beautiful all of your presents look. And that tree is impressive to say the least!! Merry Christmas!

Brandi said...

Your house looks amazing, Lauren. I bet your girls enjoy coming home to all the decorations.

Lisa Odom said...

You have done a great job!!! I love the elves on the light fixture. I have several elves and din't even put them out this, but I think I will tomorrow. I also will heading to Homegoods and looking for those buckets in the morning. I love them.

I am having red tonight!

Merry xmas! Enjoy the girls being home!

SHERRY HART said...

Lauren….you house looks very festive! Great Christmas tour:)