Deck the Halls

This year, our Christmas decor has been relatively simple. My kids LOVE Christmas, and will watch the Grinch year-round. Where we live, the weather is hot from about April to October. On August 1st, my kids were already over the heat and asking to pull out the Christmas decorations... I was able to hold them off until November 1st.

Here’s a peek at how we decked the halls this year…

Our main color scheme is green & cream with pops of red. This year, we added some wooden accents, which gave it a little more of a rustic, country feel.

THE TREE

We have a gliterring frost flocked tree that has red sugared berries and pinecones throughout. We got this tree at Wal-Mart two years ago during their post-Christmas clearance markdowns, and I love it (now). I despise glitter, and the floor model of this tree didn’t have any (it had all apparently fallen off over time)… This one happened to be covered in glitter when we first got it, and I was really questioning my life choices. Thankfully, over the last 2 Christmases most of that has fallen off, leaving the tree with a lightly flocked look that I adore.

Our tree is decorated with shatterproof ornaments in cream and robin's egg blue. We also have popsicle ornaments that the kids made last year, along with some wooden snowflakes & minky trees that we picked up at Hobby Lobby last month. Though it's covered up now, the tree skirt looks like a cream sweater.

THE MANTLE

Our mantle decor is nearly all cream. This year I added two red candles to carry the theme from the red berries on the tree. I'm not sure if I love this look. Next year, I may do all white candles and some sugared berry accents along the bottom.

THE LIVING ROOM

For my living room area, I kept the decor minimal, only adding a red Merry & Bright pillow that I picked up at Target last month, along with a Christmas blanket that I found at Home Goods last year. On the coffee table, I added two little trees that I had from years past and a snowflake table runner to finish the look. I'm so pleased with how cozy and inviting this area turned out!

THE VIGNETTES

Elsewhere in our home, you will find small vignettes. From the kitchen counter, to the living room coffee table, the dining room, and the guest bathroom, there are sweet little touches throughout. It might be something as simple as a candle, a photo, or a wreath, but those small things can add big impact & character. Much of my decor have come from places like the Hobby Lobby or my favorite little local home boutique. Here’s a few snapshots…

I've had the father Christmas figurine for probably 15 years. The wooden block came from Hobby Lobby, and the greenery came from a home decor boutique.

There are 10 sprigs of various greenery in this arrangement. I layered them all (evenly spaced out) in a rectangle tray. Then, I added in three mini candles that I got from the Target Dollar Spot last year. I scattered throughout some mini red & white mini ornaments that I had on hand. Finally, I took two mittens ornaments and placed those on the ends. I have had those for several years and don't remember where I picked them up, but I think at the dollar store or target. With just a few simple supplies, you could easily re-create a similar look.

FUTURE PLANS….

Every year, I add just a little bit here and there until I feel like it looks complete. I’ve slowly changed out most of my decor over the years from a hodge podge of hand-me-downs to something a little more classic and cohesive in style. The indoor decor is mostly done. Next year, I would like to add a nice, faux greenery garland to our stairwell banisters. I think that would carry that space well.

Our outdoor decor for the front porch is still a little mix-mosh of styles, so eventually, I’d like to give that a more cohesive look with greenery and red sugared berries. A garland for the door and maybe some pretty wreaths for the front windows are on my ideas list too. I’m still brainstorming exactly what I hope for that space to look like.

What are your favorite ways to decorate for Christmas?

Kimberly