Our Christmas decor has evolved in the past couple of weeks for a big surprise. Below, you’ll see our tree with my beloved tarnished star and mailbox to hold all of the cards we receive. Adalyn loves going through them daily!
This year’s gift wrap ensemble consists of kraft, red and gold. Click here for free printable gift tags.
I created Magnolia Garlands for both fireplaces. Click here for DIY instructions. As you can see, we don’t yet have a mantle {or shelves} for the fireplace below. After taking this photograph, I decided to make a couple of changes…
Above, you’ll also see an empty white frame from my Grandmother’s {to the left, a photo copy of my mom’s family Christmas card when she was just a few years old} and a ceramic platter she made years ago.
We removed the fireplace screen for an updated look and placed some birch logs in the fireplace.
My mom loved to ice skate. I hung a pair of her vintage skates in memory of her. I wish I had our old wooden sled as well-wouldn’t that look great?
Above, my mom’s book “Apples of Gold” with lots of great poems and quotes.
I found this wreath several years ago and am still drawn to it. I tied it with an ivory ribbon to complete the look. I look forward to decorating and sharing it with you soon!
While I’m far from having all of my holiday decor up, I thought I would share a few special elements with you. Below, you’ll see a book my Great Aunt Bess gave my mother in 1968 called “Apples of Gold.” It’s full of wonderful quotes and poems, perfect for the holidays. Joy{e}, coincidentally, was my mother’s name as well.
Last year, my sister in law passed along a tradition in her family to ours, making each of us a sequined ornament.
Our tree is full of photographs. I love remembering family during the hustle and bustle. Above, Chris, Adalyn and I at Adalyn’s First Birthday Party. Below is a photograph of Chris and his father at a Royals game. I restrung the ornaments on fresh ribbon this year.
The below quote is borrowed from the talented designer, Tad Carpenter. I love the sentiment! DIY to make your own using your favorite quote here!
Adalyn is almost two, which means she is very interested in all of the ornaments on the tree. I needed something safe to fill the lower branches. I recycled gift toppers {this felt snowflake from Anthropologie} as ornaments with the use of ribbon.
Did I mention I love the use of “Joy” during the holidays?
I purchased this snow globe at Restoration Hardware a few years ago. Adalyn loves to shake it up and see the snow fall over her.
I bought the mailbox below for use on our front porch, however, until Christmas is over, it will be collecting the cards we receive.
While our holiday decor is nearly complete, nap times are short and sweet. I’ll be sharing bits of our decor throughout the week. As always, it’s simple and mostly homemade with a few heirlooms. Nothing elaborate, just a few things that warm my heart and celebrate our lives. Each decor project took just 10 minutes or less.
We’ve designed our living room so we can feel warm and cozy all winter long. Luxe faux fur blankets and sweater knit pillows fill the room. Just before you enter it, I’ve hung a warm & cozy sign made from a scrap of kraft paper and a few pieces of greenery borrowed from our tree. Also in the entryway is one of the pew buckets from our wedding, filled with greens. The entryway is also home to our advent calendar.
Birch logs fill the fireplace adorned with a baker’s twine garland from which I hung black and white photos of our family from 2013 with miniature clothespins.
This photograph, taken by friend and photographer Rachel, is still one of my favorites!
To keep takedown easy, I keep our decor minimal, but thoughtful. My mom made my sister and I felt and sequin stockings, which we still have. She made them for my niece and nephews as well. Since she passed, my sister made each of the girls their own for each of their first Christmas’ to continue the tradition. I’ve hung them in their bedrooms.
Also in Adalyn’s room is the gingerbread house she and Aniston made earlier this month. While not much candy remains, Aniston loves to admire it!
I made pinecone garlands which hang beautifully from curtain rods in just a few seconds.
The pinecones are a pretty contrast to linen, don’t you think?
I can’t wait to share the rest of our home with you! Click here for more of this year’s holiday decor.
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