Crank up “Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer” and pour some eggnog — here are our holiday photos and a tour of this year’s decorations. First up, the tree. You might remember that we set it up in the office the first year we lived here, but this year we moved it to a different spot and we like the change even more.
We loved the lights reflecting in the bay window before, but having the tree in the living room makes Christmas morning feel cozier — it’s definitely nicer opening presents here than in a home office.
We’ve stopped trying to stick to a strict color palette and instead embrace a collection of meaningful and joyful ornaments: everything from a popsicle-stick Rudolph to a chihuahua in a sweater, and yes, an actual burger ornament. Lots of shiny, glittery things that make us smile.
Some of my favorites are the handmade ornaments, like the silhouettes of the kids (C’s on the left, T’s on the right). I also have their tiny hand-print ornaments traced when they were small enough to fit — those hold a lot of memories.
The mantel is simple this year — not fussy, but still cheerful. The ceramic houses and small trees bring a quiet, festive feeling, and we kept the snowflake stockings we’ve had for years, spicing them up with a string of elephant charms to add a little whimsy.
There are multiple elephants on each chain, which lets you cut one apart to embellish two stockings or make extra ornaments. Clara and Teddy are way more interested in their stockings since we added the little elephants.
In the foyer, our console table features my favorite feather tree and a quick, gleaming display: a handful of ornaments tucked under a glass cloche for an instant decorative pop.
Christmas Moose is back in the foyer this year, and we displayed our holiday cards by looping thin navy ribbon over the coat-closet door and taping the ribbon on the back. Tip: leave extra ribbon on the back so you can lower the front ribbon and free up space at the top for more cards as they arrive.
Our outdoor decorations are mostly the same as last year, with one fun addition: boots with the fir. I found these rubber boots secondhand for a few dollars and tucked them under the porch awning so they can stay dry and bug-free while still adding a playful seasonal touch.
That magnolia wreath on the door was made at a wine-and-wreath workshop at a local vineyard. We assembled small leaf bunches, wired them to a wreath form, and clamped it closed — it took about an hour with snacks and conversation, and the result is glossy and full.
I might try a magnolia garland for the mantel next year, depending on how this wreath holds up.
One more quick gift idea: Starbucks was selling black-and-white mug kits with porcelain pens, and we let Clara doodle designs for her coffee-loving grandmas. They make sweet, personal last-minute gifts and capture the kids’ artwork forever.
We’re excited to celebrate our first Christmas in the finished living room. Looking back at photos from last year shows how much has changed — the fireplace and rugs were still a work in progress and Teddy was so tiny.
This year we’re keeping holiday plans low-key while we work on some major home projects, but we’re looking forward to sharing updates as they come together. Wishing you a safe and joyful end to the year and a happy New Year — here’s to 2016!
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Update: check out our favorite holiday decor finds — many are under $15!