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Ho, Ho, Ho……Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays!
I am so excited to share my downstairs 2013 Christmas Virtual Home Tour with you. This has been such a fun week participating with 29 other bloggers in The All Things Home Christmas Tour. The entire list of bloggers is at the end of the post.
I'll try to keep my words to a minimum because I know you want to look at the pictures! Warning: There are lots of pictures! I'll be featuring various craft projects in upcoming posts.
Let's get started!
You will find that I love using traditional reds with a mix of burlap and golds. Many of our decorations have been with us for many years. With the addition of a few inexpensive crafts, a couple of small purchases and moving things around…….I hope to inspire you to create a “new” to you look! Lizzie welcomes you!
I had intentions of changing things up just a bit this year ribbon wise. I ordered new ribbon to use only for it to come in right before Thanksgiving WRONG! Grrr!! Back it went with the order cancelled. BOO!! It ended up being OK. I saved some money and just used what I had!
Last year I embellished these Dollar Tree snowflakes. It is so fast and simple. You can see the How-To HERE.
Welcome to our home!
I stored the snowflakes in the attic with sheets of paper towels in between each one in a grocery bag, and they held up perfectly! This year I used every one of them around the door with red shatterproof plastic ornaments and ribbon. I love using red outside. It really stands out against the light-colored brick. It just says classic Christmas!
I bought these metal tree stakes from Ballard about 4 years ago. I just love them. I have always used them in the pots with my English Boxwood, but they have grown a little too big now. I recently threw out my ferns from these black urns and usually place them under the house during the winter. I decided to just place the stakes in these urns and fill with the greenery from our Christmas tree that was at the bottom of the tree. They always cut limbs off of the bottom when you purchase your tree. Don't forget to take them home with you! They will even give you more if you ask. Just added a few twigs and a red bow at the top and that was it. Very easy!
In the past, I have used gold ornaments around the base of these Ballard topiary urns. This year, I decided to just collect pine cones from the woods. I like the look of the snowflakes with the pine cones this year….a little rustic glam.
Let's head on inside where it's warm! It has really been a cold few weeks in South Carolina.
This is the third Christmas for having this 9 foot artificial slim-line tree in the foyer. It was purchased to serve one purpose…..to showcase my growing collection of Lenox ornaments started by my Mother-In-Law many years ago. They are heavy and breakable! I am a member of their ornament club and get 1 per year automatically delivered. They used to be on the main real tree, but the weight of them and a wagging lab tail made me realize that they needed to be on sturdier branches in a less high-traffic area! This is the only large “decorated” tree in our house. You'll see what I mean in a bit. It has been decorated over the past couple of years with inexpensive plastic mercury glass look ornaments, snowflakes and homemade glittered pine cones from our woods.
They are just so pretty and a joy to open each year!
I just love this angel purchased on sale from Kohl's last year! She is a favorite of mine!
This is our formal dining room that is honestly only used a couple of times per year.
My bottle brush trees and white trees all came from World Market last year. I love them so I used them in the same way this year! I did add the faux greenery this year. I used all fresh from our woods last year, but just not wanting to fool with having to replace frequently……less stress and fuss this year is my goal! The little deer are actually the little plastic toys you can buy at the craft store. You can see how to transform them to look like this HERE.
By using a mix of different faux greenery picks, icy picks, ornaments and glittered pine cones, you can quickly put together a centerpiece.
Across the foyer is my hubby's home office.
The only thing decorated in here is the mantel. Just garland, greens and golden ornaments to go with all the antique brass fixtures.
I purchased these rustic deer just for this fireplace several years ago at Pier One.
Let's head into the family room!
My hubby and I will be married 24 years this month, so we have had many years to collect Christmas decorations. I try to mix them up and use them in other areas of the house. The angels and greenery for the mantel were bought for this mantel while we were building. I bought them all after Christmas at big discounts. I'm not tired of it, so I keep it the same. Everything else gets mixed up a bit. I did add the trailing greenery last year. Last year I made a Rejoice bunting that you can find HERE. I'm not using it this year. Instead I am using my giant peace letters!
I have been wanting to utilize this shelf area of the family room. I'll be sharing with you in another post how I created this quick and easy look with giant paper mache letters!
My 14 year-old daughter absolutely loves decorating! She adds the gold plastic ornaments with fishing line each year. In case you are wondering……the chandelier is on a motorized crank which allows it to lower to the ground. Our amazing electrician recommended it when building.
I picked up this donated nativity scene at my favorite Restore in Southport, NC in early November for $4……only to get home to realize it was missing Baby Jesus! LOL! So I hunted on EBAY and purchased Jesus for $10! A little Annie Sloan Chalk Paint and they are like new!!!
This vignette is simply decorated with a brass Santa and sleigh set that we gave to my in-laws years ago. They have both passed away in recent years, and it sits fondly on this chest this year.
Quite a few years ago, I purchased a JUMBO pack of gold ornaments from Costco. They are used everywhere….the chandelier, the mantels, the trees and in bowls. The really old-looking ornament was given to me as a baby by my Grandmother. It is quite fragile now. Gosh….It looks really old vintage so that must mean….yikes!
So many more details to show you! I'll save them for another post because I still have my favorite room to show you…..our French Country kitchen!
The kitchen is the heart of our home. It is just decorated quite simply.
I just simply added a Christmas platter and added some greens to this shelf.
I've been collecting the yearly Southern Living Christmas book since 1989. I placed the three most recent years on the top with greens. The cheese dome was a $3 thrift store find with a red ornament and pine cone placed under the glass dome. The cloche sits perfectly on the thrift store pedestal. Just turn the cloche upside down and fill with a package of red ornaments from Wal-mart and pine cones and you have a fast decoration!
Regular taper candle holiday rings work perfectly on chandeliers. These are quite old, but used up higher above eye level look great!
I just painted these candlesticks. Annie Sloan Chalk paint can really give a fresh look to items that you may have otherwise given away!
Here I just removed a few of the faux green apples that rest in this dough bowl daily and replaced with pine cones, red ornaments and red beaded garland. Easy and inexpensive!
We went with a 9 foot Fraser Fir this year. It was much easier to maneuver than the 11 foot Leland Cyprus that we usually get. I probably should not say this, but this is the FIRST year ever that every strand of lights worked! I added some simple burlap ribbon that I already had on hand from last Christmas. It is adorned with collected and handmade ornaments through the years.
Simple thrift store tray with greens and thrift store Styrofoam tree forms are wrapped with webbing.
Here is a $1 thrift store tray painted with chalkboard paint. I love writing simple greetings on it! Mom recently gave me this lantern that belonged to my great-grandmother. Again, I've just mixed a couple of different faux picks.
Whew! This was a long tour! I hope you enjoyed it! I have always decorated lots for the various holidays even before blogging. My family loves it. Now that my daughter loves to help, it makes things a lot easier!
Please feel free to pin and share any of my images! I'd love for you to follow my blog through email. I still have the master bedroom, the upstairs, recipes and many craft projects to share with you this month!
Monday
Worthing Court
French Country Cottage
Atta Girl Says
Town and Country Living
Decor Adventures
Lilacs and Longhorns
Tuesday
Marty's Musings
Mom 4 Real
All Things Beautiful
Making Home Base
The Happier Homemaker
The Lily Pad Cottage
Wednesday
The Everyday Home
Craftberry Bush
Celebrating Everyday Life with Jennifer Carroll
AKA Design
Hymns and Verses
Our Southern Home
Thursday
Stone Gable
Adventures in Decorating
Newly Woodwards
Setting for Four
Back Porch Musings
All Things Heart and Home
Friday
Cedar Hill Farmhouse
Cottage at the Crossroads
Top This Top That
Domestically Speaking
Mommy is Coocoo
Shabby Art Boutique
Link Parties that OSH parties at on occasion!
Monday: Between Naps on the Porch, Boogieboard Cottage – Masterpiece Monday
Tuesday: The Scoop at Cedar Hill Farmhouse and Inspire Me Party at A Stroll Thru Life, Setting for Four – Project Inspire{d}
Wednesday: Savvy Southern Style
Thursday: From My Front Porch to Yours, 52 Mantels, Stone Gable, Home and Garden Thursday at A Delightsome Life, The Shabby Creek Cottage ,No Minimalist Here
Friday: French Country Cottage, My Repurposed Life, Miss Mustard Seed Furniture Friday, Common Ground, The Charm of Home, Rooted in Thyme,Imparting Grace, Keep Calm and Link Up, at the picket fence – Inspiration Fridays, My Romantic Home – Show and Tell Friday, Craftberry Bush – Inspiration Gallery Friday, SnapCreativity – Show and Tell
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Your home is very warm and welcoming!!
Thank you so very much!
Christy recently posted…Valentine’s Day Crafts
Your home is beautiful, Christy, and I love your style. I have six windows and a slider in my hearth room and have been looking for window dressings. Luckily, I am an experienced sewist and can make my own. I have selected the fabric and have been looking for the perfect style. I think I may have found them in your home. LOL! I LOVE the ones in your kitchen/hearth room. Did you make those yourself or have them made?
Thank you so very much!!! I had them made about 12 years ago. They are classic. Good luck with yours!
Christy recently posted…Weathered Farmhouse Basket Makeover
Can you share info about the hunt scene picture above your mantel? Is it a print or oil and do you know if it is available and where?
It is an oil and was purchased at Haverty’s on sale about 6 years ago.
Christy recently posted…Shopping Your Home {Three Month Challenge} Part 2
Your home is just beautiful………….I love your style, very similar to mine, but my home is not as grand as yours. I love your Christmas decor on your porch…..do you put a spot light on it at night?……I just love a home that looks great during the day, and just light it up at night with spot lights. You have put your Christmas together very well……Great job…….thanks for sharing.
Thanks so much Beverly! No, I don’t do a spotlight. We are way in the country off the road and we really don’t get traffic. I do white lights in the shrubs. You are just so sweet! I really appreciate you stopping by!! Hugs~Christy
Your home is gorgeous both inside and out! So classic and welcoming, I’m sure everyone loves hanging out there, and probably don’t want to leave! I can’t even pick a favorite thing – it all looks fantastic!
Jenny recently posted…Dude, Where’s My Car(d)?
Thanks you so very much!!!
Love your home and the decorations are darling. I have a collection of Chrystal ornaments from Waterford and they have the same problem too heavy. I like the idea of a dedicated slim tree in the foyer. I have been putting mine on those little wire ornament trees but they only hold about 20 each. I’m new to your blog and I already love it. So southern. I looked at your home and it is similar in the southern feeling to mine. I look forward to reading more posts. Thanks from Nikki in Ponchatoula Louisiana.
What a gorgeous home! I wish I was your neighbor and could pop in for tea. There are so many lovely details that create such a warm, inviting atmosphere. Love your burlap trees and the cute little toile tree! Thanks for the tour and Happy Holidays!
Twitter: artsychicksrule
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Oh my goodness Christy! I thought I had commented already on this post! Your home is gorgeous as always…but it is amazing with all of the beautiful Christmas decorations!! Just amazing!!!
Nancy
Nancy recently posted…My Holiday Home Tour – How to Decorate on a Budget {Part 2}
Oh, . My I love your kitchen!
Beautiful!
Sherry
Thanks so much, Sherry! Merry Christmas!!! ~Christy
Christy, everything is just stunning. I just love your home and it is especially pretty decorated for Christmas. Smart thing adding the ability to lower the chandy. Wish we had that.
What an absolutely gracious home and very inviting. I feel warmth in each room and space. It looks so festive for the holiday season!
Twitter: decoradventures
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Hi Christy,
So glad to be on this tour with you. Each room was just so lovely and they kept getting getter and better!
How nice that you display your mother-in-laws ornaments, that’s such a great focal point in that space. I think those slim trees are prefect for spots like that.
And I’m jealous your husband let’s you decorate his office. Mine won’t have it! Although I try each year 🙂
Thanks for sharing all the stories about your home, I hope you have a wonderful holiday season!
Jessica recently posted…Why I Went Back to Graduate School
Christy – Your home is so beautiful decked out in all of its Christmas finery! The entry is gorgeous – love the ginormous snowflake on the wreath. Each room is perfectly dressed and I totally enjoyed your tour.
Suzy recently posted…Hot Cocoa And Christmas Cookies Table
Wow, Christy! What a lovely home your have…decorated so very beautifully. Such a fun tour – thank you for taking us along! Cheers, Catherine (newest follower of your blogging adventures!) : )
Catherine recently posted…Vintage baby shoe Angel ornaments
Thanks so much, Catherine! I am so happy to have you here! Merry Christmas! ~Christy
Well this is beyond a doubt my favorite! Your home is absolutely beautiful inside and out with our without Christmas decorations! I enjoyed seeing each room’s details. The Lenox decorated tree looks wonderful and having a nice spot like this is a great showcase for it. Love your fireplace mantels- fabulous job! Your formal dining table knocked me out with the centerpiece- best I’ve seen! Those cute burlap trees in the kitchen are so unique. Your kitchen dining is a treasure- love the window dressings. Thank you for sharing!
Oh, Liz…you are so sweet!!! Thank you so much for your wonderful, heartfelt comments! I’m blushing! Have a lovey Christmas, friend!! ~Christy
Twitter: astrollthrulife
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Oh you know how much I love your home and your Christmas decor is so beautifully done and so exquisite. Hugs, marty
Marty recently posted…Show Off & Inspire – Our Southern Home
Thanks Marty. It is always such fun and a joy! Merry Christmas! ~Christy
My husband and I have been married 42 years we have tons of Christmas a Decorations. Your home is lovely.
Pamela
WV
Thanks so much, Pamela!!! Congrats on so many wonderful years together! Merry Christmas! ~Christy
Twitter: PaulaVirginiaSP
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Could we be sisters separated at birth? I love, love your home – It’s the exact style that I love. Your Christmas decor is stunning. I oohed and aaahhed over every picture. I can only imagine how many hours you spent decorating and will have to say that every hour was well spent as your end result is spectacular.
Paula recently posted…Throwback Thursday #13
Oh, Paula! I wish we were sisters! We’d have such fun! So happy to have met …just wish we lived closer! Thanks so very much! ~Merry Christmas! ~Christy
I am in love. What a beautiful home and I love how things from Christmas’ past mean so much to you!
Sandra
The Adored Home
Sandra recently posted…How to decorate your Christmas Tree Like a Pro With Kirkland’s
Thank you so very much, Sandra! I am a sucker for tradition. I hope my kids appreciate it when they are older and have families of their own! Merry Christmas! ~Christy
Beautiful. Really, it’s just stunning. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas.
Thanks so much Amanda! Merry Christmas~ Christy
Can I just tell you how much I love touring your home. each time is better then the last. you have created the perfect holiday home with all of your details and special keepsakes. Gotta give your electrician an A+ on that recommendation. I wish I had one that brilliant when hanging mine. Happy Holidays to you and your family!
laura recently posted…Deck The Halls Holiday Inspiration Tour
Thanks so much, Laura. It is definitely a joy for me. Merry Christmas sweet friend! ~Christy
Great job, Christy! I love using red as well, especially on the outside. I love the gold and bling, as well. That formal dining room is absolutely a dream!
Thank you so much for joining us on our tour!
Thanks, sweet Marty and Merry Christmas!!! ~Christy
I think your home is so beautiful. Every detail is just perfect. Especially Lizzie.
Thanks Sheryll! Lizzie is like a child. I swear she doesn’t know she’s a dog! LOL!! I hope you have a lovely weekend! ~Christy
Wow! Everything is gorgeous – like something out of the pages of a magazine. And that front door and porch is positively spectacular. So much glitz and those pops of red! I love it!
Thanks so much, Kim! It is a joy each and every year! Merry Christmas~ Christy
Twitter: lilacslonghorns
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Just beautiful, Christy! I love your home and you did such a fantastic job making it even more beautiful and inviting for Christmas. Loved your tour!!
Julie {Lilacs & Longhorns} recently posted…My Christmas Virtual Home Tour {Home for the Holidays}
Your home is gorgeous! You can tell you really enjoy decorating for the holidays. Everything is just lovely.
Patty at Home and Lifestyle Design
Patty Rumaker at Home and Lifestyle Design recently posted…Blue Christmas by Mary Kay Andrews
Twitter: richellaparham
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Everything looks just beautiful, Christy. You’ve done such a lovely job. I’d love to come and sit with you in your gorgeous kitchen! 🙂
richellaparham recently posted…A show-stopping Christmas
So pretty! Love the chandelier with the ornaments, the mantel, everything! Oh and those cute webbing trees!
Twitter: domesticspeak
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What a warm and inviting home you have! Love all your wood. Your giant Peace sign over your mantel is awesome! So thrilled to be on tour with you!
Maryann recently posted…String Art Christmas Tree
Fabulous home so well decorated. Enjoyed your tour very much.
Bonnie Morgan recently posted…Christmas Past
It’s all so wonderful! Beautiful decorations and they compliment the decor so well.
Wow Christy! Your home looks beautiful! I especially love your porch – it’s breathtaking and so magical!
Chelsea recently posted…My Holiday Home Decor: A Home Tour
I follow you on Instagram and LOVE your stuff!!! This post did not disappoint either! I love how classic your style is with stylish accents splashed throughout! I would love to collaborate with you sometime! I love seeing all of your festive posts!!! Please keep them coming! 😉
WOWZA, Christy … you outdid yourself! Your holiday home is incredible with pops of tradition, glam and rustic all rolled into one spectacular ball! I “want” your giant PEACE letters, and, of course, to come cook or bake in your gorgeous kitchen!
Becca recently posted…In the Bloglight at Hometalk!
This is gorgeous! Your home has so many wonderful architectural features and your Christmas decorations really bring out their beauty ! I love all of the trees and lights and ornaments used in vignettes! I was going to pin a few pictures but the entire tour is so lovely, I’m going to pin the whole page! Thank you for sharing! Hugs, Leena
Leena Lanteigne recently posted…Winner! Winner! Chicken Dinner! Gift Card Drawing!
Beautiful home decorated so well.
Twitter: stonegable
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Christy, you make me want to be southern soooooo bad!!!! I adore your upscale traditional style and sensibility! What an amazing home to decorate at Christmas…. and you decorate it to show it off at it’s best. Just stunning and so so up my alley!!!! I can just smell the cookies baking and hear the Christmas music wafting through the house! Wonderful tour… any time of year… but especially this time of year!
Yvonne recently posted…CHRISTMAS IS IN THE AIR~ SIMMERING POTPOURRI
Oh my goodness, what a gorgeous home you have. You did an amazing job with your decorating! So many details…Merry Christmas…xo
Your home is simply gorgeous! Thanks for all your help with the giveaway – what an amazing gift for one of our readers!!!
I LOVE IT ALL Christy!! Beautiful!
Martina recently posted…Moving things around
Wow, Christy. Your home is so pretty. I always love your porch decor, and you didn’t disappoint for Christmas.
Your home is truly magazine worthy! So honored to be on this tour with you.
Atta Girl Amy recently posted…Easy Crafts for Kids: Felt Santa Napkin Ring
Twitter: The Everyday Home
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Christy- I KNEW it would be spectacular and it WAS!!! I can see why you are so tired. Oh my! And you Kitchen! You say “simple” but I say breathtaking. I have always been one of your biggest fans and this is the reason why! Thank you for sharing your home as part of the All Things Home tours. xxoo, Barb
Sp pretty Christy!!! Love it all!
Courtney recently posted…Decking the halls ~Holiday Housewalk Home Tour
Fabulous! Your home is absolutely fabulous!! Love it decorated or not! Merry Christmas! I bet a whole lot of other people would enjoy seeing this, why don’t you link up to our All Things Christmas Link Party going on right now!! Trisha
Trisha recently posted…All Things Christmas Link Party #3!!!
Twitter: astrollthrulife
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I absolutely adore your home and everything about it and your Christmas decor is stunning. Thanks so much for the tour, it was grand. Hugs, marty
Marty recently posted…Swapping Tables
Christy your home just takes my breathe away and I am not exaggerating. I just love all of your touches in your home. They are gorgeous. I pinned several things. I would love for you take a look around Cloches and Lavender. We are in the process of building, you read my story as to how that came about. I hope I can achieve the look in our new home as you have here, I drool every time I see your kitchen and the rest of your home.
Cynthia
Cynthia recently posted…New Items – So Excited!!!
Beautiful Christy, just beautiful!!!
Blessings,
Cindy
Twitter: JenniferZuri
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I’m in love with your hubby’s office!! It’s so warm and elegant! Also love your family room fireplace! Loads of Christmas cheer in your home! 🙂
Jennifer recently posted…Welcome to My Christmas Home Tour!
As gorgeous as I knew it would be, Christy!
Merry Christmas!
Pat recently posted…Jolly Old Saint Nicholas
Twitter: SonyaLBarker
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I love it all Christy! GOLD is so classic and beautiful. Can’t wait to see the rest of the tour ~Sonya
AtHomeWithTheBarkers recently posted…Christmas Home Tour