Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Decorating for Christmas - The Living Room

I must have 8 or 9 big plastic tubs of Christmas decor....plus some cardboard boxes, bags, and even more items that haven't made it to any of the bags or boxes! I'm a Christmas nut....always have been. My younger daughter is just like I was back in the day....she gets so excited about the sights and sounds of the season.....it's nice to watch her enthusiasm and reminds me of how I used to be. 

When I was younger. Before my ex husbands both did things that nearly destroyed Christmas forever for me. 

But those are stories for another time. 

We have a tradition in my house that we decorate the Friday right after Thanksgiving. It started when my older daughter went away to college....she would be home for Thanksgiving and then not again until Christmas so it was the only time we could all be together to decorate. 

That meant going to an artificial tree from a real tree. I fought it kicking and screaming but it made the most sense with this new decorating schedule. Leaving a live tree up for over a month just doesn't work for me - I worry about the fire hazard and also holy smokes all the needles!!

And after the divorce it made even more sense to use an artificial tree since I'm not too keen on lugging a live tree into the house....cutting off the bottom....cleaning up a bazillion needles....etc. 

So this past weekend out came the boxes and bags and bins and we got to work...although it was tough to get in the spirit with temps in the 60's - what the heck? Where's my mountain top snow? This is just weird!!

But we put on some nice Christmas music and soldiered on. 

And here's a peek into our new home all decorated for it's very first Christmas with us!! 

These photos are of the living room only.....I'll share more in another post. 


I don't feel the mantel is quite finished just yet...I'd like to add some greenery up there. I'm still mulling it over. I posted some options here and looking back they all have greenery  that finishes them off nicely. We'll see. 


My tree is a hodge-podge of ornaments I've been collecting since childhood - and I love it. 


My stocking hangs next to the furbabies' stocking. They get so excited on Christmas morning to open their treats and new toys! Santa's always good to the babies!!


Of course the girls have their stockings together on the other side of the fireplace....Santa's pretty darned good to them, also!

At what age does Santa move on??? I'm curious....


I love this wooden wreath - I got this years ago from Gardener's Supply and this past year I added the matching two red trees on the mantel. The green trees I've had for about 15 years now. The mirror was from Joss & Main


My living room is long and narrow with a pathway behind the two swivel chairs....I knew I needed a skinny tree for this house. I picked one up a few months ago from JC Penney through one of Brad's Daily Deals

Love Brad's!!

My previous tree went down to the lower level for the girls to enjoy in the family room. 


Another change of pillow covers for the holiday season - I just love that I can swap them out any time I feel like it!! I'm telling you, Pottery Barn pillows are awesome!! Feather/Down inserts with a multitude of different covers....it just makes sense!

I picked up the red ones on my recent trip to Vermont and the jingle bell sleigh one I bought last year after Christmas in a super sale. 


The cheetah print fuzzy pillow covers go so nicely with the fur trim on the red pillows and can stay out all winter long.....or until I get sick of them and swap them out for a change of scenery. Chances are that will happen at some point!


This little metal tray and teapot were both gifts from my mom ages ago. The metal stand that holds the tray I got from Decor Steals a while back - it's awesome, totally adjustable for different paintings, chalkboards, artwork, etc - I just love it!

And of course a candle.....this one is a Kringle Candle - Snow Capped Fraser - smells just like a real Christmas tree! The shade is from Yankee Candle and I love the way the berry branches complement the cardinal tray. 


My bookcase holds another seasonal display - some favorite Christmas books with a variety of cute little holiday items I've had forever. 

And in the center is my new cake stand from World Market. I blame that purchase on Sarah from Thrifty Decor Chick. She shared this cake stand when she gave all the sources for her kitchen reno and I fell in love....not only with the new kitchen but also with this wood and marble cake stand. I was looking for one for a while and this one was a fantastic price and exactly what I wanted!!  Thanks, Sarah!!

Anyway....that's our Christmas Living Room! It's nothing fancy or trendy but it's a collection of items that I have been decorating with for many years mixed with a few new pieces for my new home. 

Now picture it with the candles lit, Christmas music playing softly, and me holding a cocktail and laughing with family and friends. 

Perfect!

What time can you be here? 


~~~~~
Happily sharing at 

Christmas Open House Link Party

and 

Art and Sand








46 comments:

  1. Your home is beautifully decorated. I am totally in love with the tray that your mother got you. My grandmother and mom both have a thing for cardinals and so do I. I have recently been on a cardinal collecting jag and it has been hard to part with some of my treasures but I do love to surprise my mother with them :)

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    1. Thank you, Debbie!! I love cardinals - I have yet to see even one at my new house but I'm hoping they will eventually find my feeders. I'm also hoping the bear will forget where my feeders are!!!

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  2. Your home is beautifully decorated. I am totally in love with the tray that your mother got you. My grandmother and mom both have a thing for cardinals and so do I. I have recently been on a cardinal collecting jag and it has been hard to part with some of my treasures but I do love to surprise my mother with them :)

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  3. I love it all. Your couch reminds me of the one I saw at Pottery Barn this weekend.

    Hugs from Oklahoma,

    🍒 Valerie
    Cottage Making Mommy

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    1. I checked out the sofas at Pottery Barn also when I was buying mine....I went with Ethan Allen but same concept, with a machine washable slipcover. I love, love, LOVE it. To be able to basically throw your sofa in the washing machine? Priceless!!

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  4. Love your Christmas decorations! I haven't even started my decorating yet. Have you looked at some of the faux greenery garlands for your mantel? That's what I use and I love them. I add something to them every year--sometimes berry and pine cone picks, sometimes ornaments, Oh, and I can be at your house for drinks any time!

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    1. Cool - you bring the snacks, ok? :)

      I have considered the faux greenery, I even used to have a garland but I don't know what happened to it - I didn't see it in any of the bins. Maybe I should look again!

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  5. Your Christmas decor is lovely in your beautiful room...love the fireplace and the wood wall...

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    1. Thank you, Linda! I fell in love with both the fireplace and the various wood walls in the house when I toured it - the house has very much a cottage vibe which is totally right up my alley!!

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  6. Debbie, I think it all looks so beautiful! We have the skinny tree also and always decorate right after Thanksgiving...been a tradition for years! Can't wait to see the rest of your Christmas decor! Hugs!!

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    1. This is my first year with the skinny tree and I have to say it works just fine to bring in the Christmas spirit....without taking up my entire tiny living room! xo

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  7. It's looking beautiful at your place! Warm here too. Been sweating as I try to decorate.
    Brenda

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    1. Thanks my sweet friend....can't wait to see Christmas at your cozy house!

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  8. Love your cute decorations. My family decorated the first week of Dec. because that is my oldest daughter's birthday time . We would have a chili supper and all my daughters would help decorate. I sure miss my sweet helpers. They are grown and married and decorating their own homes. Blessings to you and yours, xoxo,Susie

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    1. Awww, Susie, that makes me want to go home and hug the heck out of my two sweet daughters - thank you for that lovely reminder that my time with them is fleeting!! xo

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  9. Your tree and room look lovely! I really really love those red pillows. I am still searching for some new pillows for the leather sofa....and don't know if I will find what I want before Christmas. ha. Limited shopping with living in the country. Enjoy the season with your girls! Sheila

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    1. Pottery Barn, Sheila! They would go great with your leopard pillows for sure!! Yes, I hear you about the limited shopping....what did we do before the internet and FedEx?

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  10. I LOVE your room! It looks like a REAL family lives there with ornaments collected over the years and comfy couches to sink down into. I could see sitting there with family sipping a cup of fresh hot coffee and smiling at how pretty everything looked around me. Love it all -from the tree to the mantle to the cute sideboard pieces. You did a wonderful job. Those exes can't spoil things even if they try! xo Diana

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    1. Thank you so much, Diana!! I sat there with my coffee this morning enjoying the rain coming down outside and the tree sparkling next to the fireplace!! It was the perfect way to start my morning.

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  11. It is absolutely perfect!! I also enjoyed yesterday's post with all your pretty and special ornaments!! you have that place looking so holiday bright!

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    1. You're so sweet, Debbi! If only we would get some snow now instead of rain things would truly look holiday bright!!

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  12. It is absolutely perfect!! I also enjoyed yesterday's post with all your pretty and special ornaments!! you have that place looking so holiday bright!

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  13. It's Christmas at your house!! It looks great, love all that red!!

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  14. Replies
    1. Thanks, Deb - one of your quilts would make it even cheerier!!! If only I had your talent!!

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  15. oh come on. knock it off. Youre teasing me now. I can be there in a day ;)
    XO Ellen from Ask Away
    www.askawayblog.com

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    1. Let me know what time, Ellen, and I'll have the cocktails ready!! xo

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  16. So pretty inviting and cozy. Love your festive decor. Love all the traditional colors.
    Kris

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    1. Thanks, Kris - very different from your beautiful serene home yet both are cozy and welcoming!

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  17. I love your style and the tree with all of the 'family' ornies on it. It's full of life, love and joy.

    Happy Holidays ~ Love & hugs ~ FlowerLady

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    1. Thank you so much, Lorraine - that's so sweet!! Live, love, and joy - I love that!!

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  18. Loved seeing all of your Christmas decorations! So, so pretty! I am a bit Christmas crazy too, I don't think I have ever counted all my tubs, but there are a few! ;)
    I love that your tree is full of all different ornaments collected over the years!
    And that cake plate stand is awesome, just sayin'! ;)
    Kimberley

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    1. It truly is awesome, Kimberley - It's already held fall decorations and now Christmas - no cake yet, though!! :)

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  19. Your Christmas decor is beautiful.

    Kathy

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  20. Your home and decor is just beautiful. Love the stockings and the mantel. SO much eye candy!

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  21. LOVE that red wreath above the mantel. such a stroke of genius to use it over a starburst mirror!

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    1. Thanks, Debra!! The wreath on it's own would have been too small but over the mirror it just works perfectly!!

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  22. I love your stone fireplace and how everything looks so homey and comfy. Even our Miss Molly has her own stocking and Santa always makes sure she's taken care of in special ways.

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    1. I have no doubt!! My babies love their new toys - and I adore watching them go crazy with them!! We can't even put the toys into their stockings until Christmas eve after they go to bed because my older dog can smell them and will stand under her stocking sniffing and barking and whining for HOURS!! :)

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  23. For many years, our family rented houses at Lake Tahoe for skiing at Christmas. Your home is a combination of two of the houses we rented. Thanks for the sweet memories your post evoked.

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  24. For many years, our family rented houses at Lake Tahoe for skiing at Christmas. Your home is a combination of two of the houses we rented. Thanks for the sweet memories your post evoked.

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    1. That's fantastic - I'm so glad I brought up some lovely memories for you! I have never been to Lake Tahoe but it's certainly on my list!

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