Welcome to my Christmas Country Home Tour! I’m so happy to have you join me today to kick off the first day of Jennifer Rizzo’s Holiday Housewalk. (This post contains affiliate links.)
Every year I look forward to this special week filled with blogger homes that are dressed in all their festive delight. You’ll find so much talent and creativity throughout the tour and it’s an honor for me to be included.
My tour was slated for Friday but due to a last-minute shuffle, I’m on the schedule for today. If you’re doing the tour from the start and working your way through each home, then you landed here courtesy of another Jennifer who blogs at Dear Lillie. Her home is amazingly beautiful and I’ve admired it for years!
Let’s get this tour started in my cozy (i.e. small) sitting room which was the first room I decorated after getting the tree up. The tree is always first because it sets the stage for everything else.
I’m using a combination of real and faux greenery this year. I miss the scent of a real Christmas tree but they’re too messy for me. So, a few real greens will need to suffice.
I found these pine branches during one of my early morning runs through the forest preserve. They were laying on the ground so I scooped them up and ran the rest of the way home with them. I knew they’d look wonderful in my Pottery Barn artisan vase.
A rustic wooden bowl holds a few pieces of greenery and painted paper mache ornaments on the coffee table. I found the ornaments a few years ago at Home Goods and haven’t seen them anywhere since then. Good thing I bought two dozen of them at the time – they weren’t very expensive.
The ornaments feel Scandinavian to me and I’ve always loved the way Nordic homes are decorated for the holidays
My pedestal reindeer bowl holds metallic ornaments and a few faux greens. Faux greens are easier to manipulate into place as opposed to the real thing. Their branches are bendy. That’s another reason why I prefer faux Christmas trees, too. You can bend and move the branches for better ornament placement.
My big cow painting is still in her place, along with the cow lamp. To keep the farm animal theme going, I added my little sheep planter and filled it with greens and more metallic ornaments.
SHOP THE LOOK
My vintage mantel also takes up residence in my cozy sitting room. This year I wanted birch logs with lights to mimic a fire.
Well, let me tell you – real birch logs are expensive. So I asked hubby to grab branches from our wood pile and dry brush them with white paint to mimic birch. Fairy lights add a finishing twinkle.
New to the Christmas decorations this year is a trio of white ceramic light-up houses that I found at Country Naturals, a local store in Geneva.
Let’s head into the dining room for the next part of today’s Christmas Country Home Tour. The dining room is adjacent to the entryway. I split this space into two sections – the entryway is on the east side and the dining room is at the west end. The room is long and awkward since it sits in the center of my circa 1875 house. I have to deal with traffic patterns and lots of doorways.
The dining buffet has a few festive vignettes and holds part of my white ironstone pitcher collection.
Christmas trees are my first love when it comes to holiday decorating. I found a small wood platter at Crate and Barrel to keep small green trees neatly coralled.
I chose a wood and dark green theme for my Christmas table setting this year. I’ll share more close-up pics of the table setting and centerpiece on Wednesday.
The dining room used to be the living room but due to the weird traffic flow, it made more sense to use this as a dining space. One of the first things I loved about this old home is the window at the bottom of the stairs.
The tobacco basket under the Antiques sign serves a dual purpose. It’s decorative, but it also hides the thermostat. Why do they always put thermostats in the middle of the wall where it becomes an eyesore? The basket is easily removed and replaced when you need to adjust the temperature.
More Christmas trees housed in a white enamelware serving tray decorates the console table A new felt snowman joins them for a little winter wonderland vignette. He stole my heart when I spied him at Cocoon – another small boutique in Geneva.
My newest Cedar and Balsam candle smells just like a Christmas tree. And when the candle is all burned, I’ll have a pretty vase left to use. I found it at Cocoon, too.
This year I kept the decorations fairly simple. I figured a lot of people wouldn’t be over so it’s mostly hubby and me left to enjoy them.
This is the first tree I put up this year. It’s tucked into a corner of the entryway side of this room. We live on a corner lot so everyone driving or walking by can see it through the double windows. I’m sharing my second true during the second part of my Christmas Country Home Tour which is next Tuesday.
SHOP THE LOOK
The tree wears primarily white ornaments, frosted pine cones, birch bark ribbon, and floral picks to give it a more realistic look. It took a couple days to complete. I kept eyeing it and adding to it until I felt like it was done.
A rustic bark and twig star is the finishing touch. I’m short, so hubby always gets to place the tree topper – just like the abominable snowman on Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. I should start calling him my “bumble.”
I hope you enjoyed my humble Christmas home tour. Next up is Annie at Zevy Joy – another blogger who continually inspires me. You’re going to love what she’s done this holiday season!
Each day this week, visit Jennifer Rizzo’s blog to find the links for the bloggers who are featuring their holiday homes. You won’t be disappointed!
Now I want to wrap everything in adorable village boxes! SO cute! Also, I love love those ornaments you found and I bet you could DIY some with paper machier and white paint pen. They’re soooo pretty! Beautiful home, as always!
Thanks Cassie! I’m looking forward to your tour tomorrow – I know it will be gorgeous. This is my favorite blogging week of the year!
Jennifer,
Your home is so lovely and I love all the local antique finds. Your house is amazing and so is your talent. Thank you so much for being part of the Holiday Housewalk 2020.
Thanks Jen! Your Holiday Housewalk is always my favorite! It’s always an honor to be included. 🙂
Yay, my favorite time of the year is here! I always look forward to this holiday house walk and seeing all of the great decorations! Love your tree this year! I have birch logs by my faux fireplace – you’re right, they are expensive. I got mine on a really good clearance at Crate and Barrel one year after Christmas.
Hi Tamara! I always look forward to it too. I love the variety of homes and decorations that are included. Good idea to get your birch logs after the season is over. Hope all is well with you!
Your home is always so magical! I especially love the birch log and fairy light fire and those painted ornaments! Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Thanks, Kelly! I kept things a little simpler this year. Merry Christmas to you, too!
Everything looks SO beautiful Jennifer! Your tree is just gorgeous!!!
Aw, thanks Kristi! Hope all is well with you during the holiday season and beyond!
I also enjoyed your home. A warm wonderland of eye candy waiting to invite you to enter. May I ask where you purchased your buffet? You have a nice collection of cow and sheep art which I have as well.
Thanks so much, Bara! I found my buffet at Home Goods. At the time, they had it in both wood and gray finishes.
What a beautiful tour, Jennifer!! I absolutely love how you created a faux fire with the birch logs. I’m sharing this on FB today ♥️ Merry Christmas early!
Thanks so much, Julie! I’ve seen the log idea elsewhere over the years so I can’t take credit for it. Although I can take credit for the faux birch log idea. I think everyone else uses the real thing. 🙂
Jennifer, you’ve got me inspired! Tomorrow is December 1st, time to get after it!
I thought your “birch” logs with lights idea was brilliant!👍🏻
Cathie
Vancouver, BC 🇨🇦
Thanks, Cathie! I couldn’t bring myself to pay the price of real birch logs even though they’re so pretty. 🙂 Have fun decorating your home for the holidays! You live in a beautiful area.
Beautiful home and Christmas decorations! I like Bumble vs honey or sweetie pie:0) I just may have to try that one on this year. The paper mache houses are so darling and that snowman! I enjoy the season just to admire all the trimmings everyone chooses to make their home special. Makes me happy.
Thanks, Lori! Women all over America will be calling their hubbies “Bumble.” LOL. I too like to see how everyone else decorates for Christmas. Enjoy the season!!
Jennifer, your entire tour is PERFECTION! I love the birch log idea — Brilliant! Can’t wait to see the rest of the tour. Happy Holidays to you and Bumble!
LOL Thanks Miche! My poor hubby isn’t gonna live this down. 🙂 Enjoy your holiday season!
I think this may be my favorite Christmas tour of yours… it’s soooo enchanting and I loved each detail and vignette so much. I’m totally smitten and charmed!
Enjoy the holidays in your beautifully decked home!
xo Shannon
Awww, thanks so much Shannon! I actually did less this year. LOL. Maybe that’s the secret. Less is more. 😉
Your description perfectly describes your Christmas home; COZY! It looks like a Christmas decorated New England B&B.I love it!
And I agree, the idea of painting the logs was brilliant! I must admit that I have cut birch logs in half to look like more because they are, indeed, so expensive! Thanks for sharing your gorgeous home. I am constantly encouraged with your ideas and evolving decorating style. Mostly I love your transparency and allowing us to get to know you, your precious family and your inspiring life.
Blessings on you and yours this time of year as we celebrate the Reason for the season!
PS: Praying for the arrival of your newest rocking baby.
Thanks so much, Deb!! Funny you mention New England. In the recent issue of Country Home Magazine there’s a spread on a New England home and I thought, that’s the style I’m aiming for! Thanks for being an encouragement to me. Baby Cove was born on Thanksgiving Day – I plan to share a pic of him on Friday. 🙂 Hope you enjoy this holiday season!
Everything looks so cozy and peaceful. Exactly the way I want it during Christmas. Great snag on the ornaments from HG. I wish they’d bring them back! Merry Christmas
Thanks, Cindy! I get asked about those ornaments a lot. Cassie Bustamante (first comment) had a great idea about making your own. I may have to try it. Enjoy your holidays!
Everything in your home is beautiful, warm and cozy! I love those painted paper mache ornaments! Wishing you a merry Christmas!
Thank you, Kristin! Looking forward to your tour on Thursday!
Your home is absolutely stunning. I love your elegant rustic vibe this year. Gorgeous. Those Scandinavian ornaments are so beautiful and I always love seeing your fabulous cow painting.
Thanks so much Marty! I’m looking forward to next week’s tour with you!
Your home is just perfect! I love everything. Can’t wait to see the rest of your house. Merry Christmas!
Thanks so much, Christine!
Love all the cozy warm colors you used this year, Jennifer! Thanks so much for inviting me inside. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Thanks, Courtney! I’m looking forward to your tour on Wednesday!
Jennifer, I love all your vintage and rustic finds. A perfect country Christmas tour! What a clever hack for the birch logs. Love how that looks with fairy lights.
Thank you, Danielle. I’m excited to see your holiday home tomorrow!!
Jennifer what a gorgeous tour…Your home is so welcoming and cozy… And your tree is stunning! Loved it all, xo!
Thanks so much, Annie! Loved your home tour, too.
Everything is so beautiful!
Thank you, Debra!! So glad you stopped by for the tour!
Thank you, Jennifer, for the lovely Christmas tour. Your home is gorgeous and so cozy and inviting. Wishing you the merriest Christmas and a joyful NewYear.
Thanks so much, Joyce! Hope your holidays are peaceful and special!
Absolutely beautiful, Jennifer! I love every inch of your home! Merry Christmas!
Thanks Jennifer! I love seeing everyone’s home this time of year!
Jennifer, love the winter white tree and all the organic and natural touches in your beautiful holiday home! Enjoy the holiday season.
Thanks Laura! Your colorful tree blew me away!! 🙂
I enjoyed your tour and always enjoy your home and talent for decorating. Thank you and have a great day!
I love visiting your home, and this Christmas tour is no exception. There’s so many different things to take in. I’m scrolling up and down the post, enjoying each area of your home:)
Aww, thank you Rachelle! I’m so glad you enjoyed it.
This is lovely. I became obsessed last Christmas with sheep when I saw a photo of vintage sheep under a Christmas tree in a magazine. Sheep are the perfect animal for Christmas (shepherds watching their flocks by night, and Jesus being the Lamb of God) Anyway, I spied sheep ornaments on your tree and 3 sheep framed art. Are there sources for that? Thanks for sharing.
(love the cows too–grew up on a Midwestern farm)
Hi Trudy! When I decorated for Christmas, I didn’t even think about the parallel between sheep and the Christmas story. Thank you so much for pointing that out though. You just gave new meaning to my decor!
The furry little lamb on the tree is from Joanne’s a couple years ago. The glass lamb ornament is from a local shop. The black and white sheep art is from Kirkland’s. I have a sheep oil painting that my daughter found at a vintage resale shop. The sheep planter is also from a local store but you can get it on Amazon, too: https://www.amazon.com/Creative-Co-op-DA7782-Planter-Distressed/dp/B06WD5RQKV/
You’re lucky to have grown up on a Midwestern farm!
Your home is so cozy and warm. I love all of your details. Those ornaments and the mantel with the wood and lights. So pretty! Thanks for sharing it with us!
xoxo
Everything is so beautiful and cozy Jen! I love your little white Christmas houses and your tree is gorgeous! Wishing you and your family a wonderful Christmas season.
So pretty! Im obsessed with your holiday dining room! Would love to have Christmas dinner there! Sarah
Your holiday home is so cozy and charming. I just love all your vintage touches!
Jennifer your home looks absolutely gorgeous! I love all the neutral colors, bowls of ornaments, bottle brush trees – all of it! That first shot of your tree is perfection!
Sheila
xo