Decking the Blogs: A Modern Christmas Home Tour

Christmas has always brought such a smile to my face. Now that I have three children, Christmas brings out such a new meaning to me. I love the traditions- gingerbread house making, decorating the tree with ornaments from years past and having our annual elf breakfast. The excitement from my kids just lights up our home more then our three Christmas trees. Christmas means family to me, time together and memories made.

Put up your feet, grab a hot cocoa (the kind with milk, marshmallows and peppermint whipped cream) and enjoy my Christmas home tour.

Living room

Let’s begin in our living room. This is the place to be. It seldom looks like this, but then again this house is a home and we live here. I grew up with the traditional red and white decor, but I just love greens with brass. It speaks to me. I love the elegance. I curated this look through our Christmas tree and our mantle.

Let’s have a quick moment of silence for this mantle of mine. It has been changed three times this season. Not because I wanted to, but because it fell three times. I used eucalyptus stems, which have since dried and it made for a huge mess, but I was able to salvage most of them and I still think it looks quite beautiful. Third times the charm and I have always wanted to make my Garland have a swag to it. I have never been able to achieve the look and I finally did.

I added my decorative stockings, Merry Christmas brass garland and wood beads for some extra charm. The kids have their pottery barn stockings they have had since they were babies. We lay them out on Christmas Eve and wait for Santa’s arrival.

Dining Room

Onto the dining room. Each season I change out my artwork to go with the decor. This season, Collection Prints did not disappoint with their winter collection. One of their prints has gold on the trees- it’s just stunning. Their collection is throughout my home from the living room to the kitchen, dining room and even my bathroom.

To set the table, I used a beautiful woven runner. I usually use garland down the table, but chose a wreath this year and offset it with brass candlestick holders and trees. I love the use of burgundy on the table, don’t you?

Kitchen

Our kitchen is nestled right next to the dining area. This is where we have our long chats. Christmas Eve I always make a stuffed apple French toast to throw in the oven on Christmas morning right before we open our gifts (and I throw on a carafe of coffee so my husband and I can function).

I surprised the kids one morning with this canister of gingerbread men. It is nearly half eaten. Oh well, I guess I’ll have to make another trip to Trader Joe’s. I also have these adorable Christmas cookies on a white platter. We are going to enjoy them at our Gingerbread party as well.

I love the garland on the window. I actually dried the oranges and strung them myself to add some color to the greens.

Entry

I used faux garland to cascade down the stairs. I then added eucalyptus branches and let them dry. I tied portions of the garland to the railing to secure it. I am just loving the color burgundy for this season. Our entry looks so much brighter with our new floors and the decor is able to pop.

Master bedroom

My design style has really changed over the years. I love the simplicity of my style now. I transition out just a few pieces for the season and it creates for a refreshed look. I switched out my artwork for a wreath with ribbon. Using pillow covers can change out the look and it is cost effective as well.

I decorated my floor mirror with faux garland. I also added in some eucalyptus.

The girls Room

This is the first year that the girls have their own room together. I wanted it to be magical. I began with their arch mirror and added garland cascading down it. I then added in gingerbread garland and wood bead garland. The White House’s were a purchased from target dollar spot a few years ago. I put yarn trees in between each one. I literally scouted Walmart for weeks until they got the yarn trees in.

The girls got new beds this year. They took nearly three months to come in, but were so worth the wait. Their bedding is from Beddy’s bed and marries together so nicely with the decor. I also used Beddy’s coverlet. I highly recommend getting the minky, it is incredibly soft and comfortable.

The girls have beautiful brass lighting over their bed and I wanted to accentuate it with the pre lit wreaths. I also added pink chiffon ribbon to the wreaths.

Their tree are what dreams are made of. I love all of their whimsical ornaments. I really wanted an Anthropologie vibe to the tree and I found that look for less from Walmart. Their holiday decorations are really on point for this season. Instead of a traditional tree skirt, I used a very soft blush blanket.

Sons Room

This is the first year my sons officially has a boys only room. The decor in my sons room used to be red and blue. I wanted his Christmas decor to be rustic. His tree has all of his childhood ornaments and he added a Santa’s hat to the top.

His bedding is from beddys bedding. My kids just love it because it’s like they are sleeping in a sleeping bag.

I am so happy with the simple decor for this season. I have really started to simplify over the years. I like the cozy layered elements in the living room, warm feel with the candles and fire lit. I am already thoroughly enjoying this season.