My Christmas Home Tour ~ 2014
Santa’s elves have been busy at my house hustling and bustling to trim the tree and deck the halls. Well, actually it was one elf … little ole me! Today I’m participating in Jennifer Rizzo’s annual Holiday Housewalk and I’m so excited to share my Christmas home tour with you!
I’ll warn you now … there are a lot of photos!
I took literally hundreds of pictures and it’s really hard to choose which ones to feature.
If you’re coming over from Rusty Hinge … welcome!
I’m a HUGE fan of Maria’s home and she’s a tough act to follow, but I’ll do my best.
So please come on into my holiday home. I’ve been waiting for you!
This past summer my hubby and I painted the exterior of our circa 1875 clapboard farmhouse.
I was anticipating the day when I would decorate the front porch for Christmas!
I knew I had to have a vintage sled for my front porch.
I found this Champion Sno-Liner sled at Amazing Grace Antiques, just a few blocks away.
My flocked Christmas tree from Balsam Hill is just inside the front door.
The double windows allow passers-by to see the tree lights at night.
The leather strap with jingle bells on the front door creates a joyful, holiday sound.
The desk by the front door has a simple Christmas vignette.
Candy canes await any children that come to visit (there used to be a few more in the jar).
This year I didn’t put as many ornaments on my tree, so I’ve placed them throughout my home.
On the desk is a white ironstone bowl filled with a collection of new and vintage ornaments.
My favorite “Farm” pillow is nestled on the love seat in the living room with others.
Above the love seat, framed music sheets surround an old school penmanship poster.
A chipboard “Merry” banner provides the finishing touch on the mantel.
A collection of vintage aqua bottles populates the living room coffee table.
Lights from the Christmas tree twinkle in the background.
On the other side of the room, a smaller tree in an old tin can adds a bit of sparkle.
A new rustic wreath from Urban Grace adorns my painted shutters.
It’s a gorgeous new store with artful displays to inspire and make you never want to leave!
I found these pretty, turquoise glass ornaments at Carter’s Cottage, just 2 stores down from Urban Grace.
From the living room, you can see into the family room.
Stella takes a moment to drink in the view before terrorizing the Christmas decorations.
Do you see what’s new in this room?
It’s this gorgeous new-to-me sectional that I bought from Kris at Junk Chic Cottage!
Kris sent me an email saying she was selling her sectional and asked if I wanted it.
Um … YES!! I’ve been wanting a white sectional and the timing was perfect.
I struggled with what to hang over the new sectional, until I saw this gorgeous ceiling tin at Carter’s Cottage.
Christy had the mercury ornament garland draped over it in the store, so I took the whole vignette.
Above the ceiling tin I added an architectural mantel I had lying around.
For my Christmas home tour, I added a trio of boxwood wreaths and peppermint stripe ribbon.
Not only does my “new” sectional give the room a clean, crisp look, but it provides ample seating for guests.
I used festive pillows to add cheery Christmas decor in this room. The Joy pillow is from Target.
A dough bowl provides fun color while a fun holiday pillow by my friend Lucy at Craftberry Bush adds whimsy. She created the red car with Christmas tree design herself. She’s so talented!
I’m lovin’ the new sectional (thank you, Kris!!) and the new Christmas pillows.
Like last year, I hung my holiday stars in the windows, in lieu of wreaths.
Are you ready to continue my Christmas home tour and head on into the dining room?
I kept the Christmas decor soft and muted in my dining room.
I wanted to create a mood of elegance and magic.
A gold and white polka dot table runner set the stage for my holiday tablescape.
I found the reindeer candlesticks at our local flea market.
I paired my antique Meito China with my gold-colored Colin Cowie flatware.
I’ve had this China since I was in college and it remains my favorite dinner ware.
My DIY Santa picture takes residence above my flea market dresser turned buffet.
Last month I swapped my dining hutch for the dry sink in this corner.
My hutch is now in the opposite corner and I like it better over here.
All the white in this room reminds me of Christmas snow.
There’s only one window in my dining room so the white helps to bounce the light around.
From the dining room you can see into the kitchen, with its green Mexican tile floor.
Oh how I love my kitchen! It’s not fancy or modern.
But it has wonderful natural light and there’s no other kitchen like it.
I decided to add touches of red to my mostly white kitchen.
I found craft letters that spell JOY and painted them red.
Pomegranates perch on the window shelf above the sink.
I love this trio of windows … the light pouring in makes my kitchen a happy place on the gloomiest of days.
My mother’s Waechtersbach Christmas dishes always come out at the holidays.
More painted letters adorn the open shelving and a vintage sled adds color in the corner.
And it’s not Christmas without poinsettias in the decorating mix.
More jingle bells adorn the back door in the kitchen.
I love the sound they make when people come and go.
My little Kale plant is still going strong,
so I turned it into a Christmas Kale after bringing it indoors.
Normally I’m not a red person but I’m really enjoying the energy it adds to my farmhouse kitchen.
Thanks so much for stopping by my Christmas home tour!
Stella was thrilled to have you here in our home, too!
See Part Two of my Christmas Home Tour!!
It’s been an honor to have you here and I hope you’ll journey onto the next holiday home!
Stop No. 15 is Finding Home, which you can tour tomorrow.
You can also visit Jennifer Rizzo’s blog to start the Holiday Housewalk at the very beginning!
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Your home is just gorgeous! I love it all!!!
Thanks so much Suzanne! I appreciate that!
beautiful!!
merry christmas!
Thanks Paige. Merry Christmas to you too!
What a beautiful Christmas home tour, thank you for the inspiration and for sharing with us. I hope you have a great week. 🙂
Thanks so much Debra! I’m glad you were able to stop by for a visit today!
Very pretty. Love all the blues and reds!
Thanks, Robin. I’ve always loved blue at Christmas!
I always ADORE how you decorate your home, Jennifer, with all your vintage goodness!! Always perfect! Loving that penmanship poster over your mantel. And the sectional looks right at home in your living room.
Mary Alice
Aw, thanks so much Mary Alice! It was fun decorating for Christmas but I’m glad it’s all done for now! 🙂
So pretty Jennifer! I love that mercury glass bulb garland!!!
Thanks, Anne. I had to have that garland when I saw it!!
So pretty. Your tree is gorgeous. I’m not a red person either, but for Christmas I love to add it to my decor as well. It’s just not Christmas without a sprinkling of red! Oh. Where did you get your poka dot table runner? I love it! Looks like kate spade.
Thanks, Carol Jane! I found the polka dot runner at Home Goods. I don’t remember what brand it is though. It was hanging with all the other runners though.
Thanks for the tour, Jennifer! One thing I love about your home is that the decor is soft and soothing, but there is a lot of color at the same time. I’m glad there were a lot of photos because it allowed us to see more of your beautiful home decorated for Christmas.
P.S. Being a cat lover, I’m glad the kitty made it into the tour, also. Hope she doesn’t wreak too much havoc on the decor. 🙂
Beth.
Thanks, Beth! So far my kitty Stella is being a pretty good girl. 😉
Your home is beautiful as usual. I love all of it but especially the mercury glass ornament garland. Such a pretty vignette. Thanks for sharing your lovely home with us!!
Thanks so much Angie! So glad you stopped by today!
Ohhhhhhhh Jennifer it is amazing. Just stunning my friend. Every room is a Wow factor. Love seeing the white sectional in its new home. I knew it was going to a great home! Love the architectural find over the sectional too. What a great statement in this room. Jennifer your home looks just beautiful. Great job. Love every room.
Kris
Kris, I was so anxious to have you see the sectional in its new home. I almost emailed you a photo in advance! LOL. I forgot to share the photo of us though. I’ll have to do that in another post. 🙂
I have to say I love your kitchen. My house has the usual sleek, modern look popular in kitchens today, but I decorated my lakeside cottage similar to your farmhouse kitchen and so many people just don’t get it – they ask why I didn’t do this or that when the kitchen looks the way I intended. I congratulate you for having the courage to do what you love and put it out there for us all to see!
Thanks, Janet. My kitchen doesn’t even have a dishwasher but I’m okay with that. I don’t really miss it to be quite honest. 🙂
I love everything……but I must say my favorite “thing” about your home are the three kitchen windows. I have saved your photos each time you change anything, my goodness I am a window stalker…………Happy holidays.
Thanks, Mary! I love those windows too. They kind of sealed the deal for me when deciding to buy our home! And it’s okay if you’re a window stalker! 😉
You truly “have” been one, busy elf … and, Stella clearly approves! Your holiday home is beautiful. I love the whips of garland over your doorways … your whimsical splashes of red in your kitchen are so pretty, and I love all of the vibrant ornaments adorning your tree! Thank you for sharing!
Thanks so much, Becca! The garland is part of my favorite Christmas decor this year!
Your home is so pretty! Love your Christmas decor 🙂
Thanks, Laura! I appreciate that you visited me today!!
I love your home and all dressed for Christmas it is even more beautiful.
Thanks so much Marty! I’m glad it’s all done and I can enjoy it for a while before having to take it all down! 🙂
You HAVE been busy, so soft and beautiful, Jennifer. love that little hanging sheep in your doorway!
Thanks Debra! My daughter doesn’t understand why I have that sheep hanging there. I just said, “because it’s cute.” 😉
Christmas splendor at its best! Enjoyed it so much! HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Thanks, Debbie! Hope you enjoy your holidays too!!
Everything is just gorgeous!! Would you mind telling where you found the blue/green clock over the sofa? Thanks!
Thanks, Tammy! I found the clock on sale at Hobby Lobby this past summer. I don’t know if they still have it or not. You could always check their website though. 🙂
Oh Jennifer,
It feels like Christmas here, love your whites and brights….as for your not fancy or modern kitchen I LOVE it TOO!
I love the bright window light and the sweet old fashioned kitchen door, reminds me of our home when we lived in Washington state with a kitchen door off to a service porch. Best of all I am totally taken with you apple green tile floors, they are the kind of floors no matter how many cracks of chips they may take on they will still look super cool.
I have a French chest in my front room that use to be that colour, kicking myself every time I see this colour for removing it from my chest. Tracy Porter had a resent shoot with Fifi and her chest with this amazing apple green is in the kitchen shoot.
You my dear have a cottage farmhouse kitchen to love.
A Joyeux Noël
Xx
Doré
See you soon and all you inspire.
Thanks Dore! At first I wasn’t sure about those floors but I’ve grown to love them. The best part … they’re easy to clean!
Love the flocked tree, the turquoise ornaments & the use of red/blue throughout your house, especially the kitchen.
Thanks so much! I’ve been trying to add more color to my home lately. 🙂
I’ve been MIA lately and happy to be back and so, so enjoy seeing all the special touches you did for Christmas. Against all the white, the red and turquoise are stunning.
Thanks so much, Sue. White really makes other colors pop, don’t you think? I didn’t realize it so much until I was looking through the photos. I guess you get used to seeing it every day. Thanks for stopping by!
Great job! I so enjoyed seeing all the lovely decorations you did. Thanks for a moment of “respite” from this busy holiday season!
Thanks so much, Marian. So glad you could stop by for a little holiday cheer!
I always enjoy seeing your home dressed for Christmas, Jennifer. It is so beautiful and there is so much inspiration there for us all. Thank you for sharing the tour with us.
Thanks, Pamela! I’m so glad you could stop by and enjoy my holiday home!
Everything is just stunning!
Thanks, Kristin! 🙂
I saw your home featured at Anne’s blog. I liked your Christmas farmhouse there, and I like what you’ve done this year, too. Your home reminds me of the farm houses where I grew up. I recall that almost every farmhouse kitchen had the built-in hutch like yours. I’m glad you appreciate that wonderful architectural detail. ~ Nancy
Thanks, Nancy! I’m a huge fan of old farmhouses! 🙂
Your house is gorgeous and very festive without feeling cluttered. Wish you could come to my house and help me out! Merry Christmas!!!!
Aw, thanks Jo Ann! That’s so sweet of you to say!!
Your home looks wonderful and your dining room looks so inviting. Merry Christmas and love the kitty cat 😉
Thanks, Jessica. My kitty Stella says hello! 😉
Jennifer: I am sure you could “hear” me reading your blog! Every time a new picture came up I gasped or oooh’d or ahh’d and loved every last one of them. Thank Kitty for allowing your to take pictures of “her Home” that she permits you to live in! I had those same dishes for years and loved them…now passed down to my daughter. Your home is lovely!!!
{{HUGS}}
Joy
theoldefarmhouse.blogspot..com
You just made my day, Joy!! So glad you enjoyed the tour. You’re the first person I know to have had that same Meito China pattern!
My goodness you must have been crazy busy…it’s looks like you went all out this year. I love everything that you have done! I have been waiting to put up my tree and have been planning on using my old washtub as it’s stand this year, too. I can’t wait to get mine done!
Enjoy the season in your beautiful home!
JP
Thanks, JP. My tree just barely fit in that old washtub!!
Jennifer, your home tour is just gorgeous. Thanks for joining Wow!
Thanks, Kim!! 🙂
Hi Jennifer! Your farmhouse looks stunning for the holidays! Every room is gorgeous and completely decked out. The white sectional you purchased looks so comfy and perfect in that corner! So pretty!
Sally
Thanks, Sally! I’m lovin’ the new sectional!!
Oh Jennifer – everything looks so amazing – and your tree? Absolutely fabulous – my favorite !!!
Your new to you couch looks perfect in your living room – all of it is just perfect!
Off to pin!
XOXO
Thanks so very much Suzan!!!
OH and I meant to tell you how envious I am of those pillows !!!
Your holiday home is perfection, Jennifer! I love every pillow and vintage decoration, your tablescape, and your beautiful NEW sectional! Everything is beautiful!
Thanks, Laurel. It was a true labor of love doing all that decorating! 🙂
Your house is so soothing and full of light !
I love your decor . So many beautiful things in every room, I didn’t know where to look 😀
I’ve just pinned gazillion of your pictures haha 🙂
And small tree in an old tin bin is so darling.
I would love if you share your house tour with my Big Christmas Link Party ! 🙂
http://milaslittlethings.com/2014/11/big-christmas-link-party.html
xx
Mila
milaslittlethings.com
[email protected]
Thanks, Mila! So glad you enjoyed the Christmas home tour!!
Very, very pretty! Your home looks so joyous! I love the reindeer candlesticks and wish I could buy a set like them–they are adorable!
Thanks, Pat! I was really happy to find those candlesticks at last month’s flea market! They came in a set of 5.
Looks so fun and festive! Love the touches of red and your kitchen is so cheery – love the green floor!
Thanks, Kelly! I enjoyed being on the tour with you this year!
Ohhhhh……I just LOVE your home! It is so warm and inviting. I think your tree has to be my favorite part – love all of the colors against the flocked tree!
Thanks, Jenn! The Christmas tree is always my favorite part of the decorations, too!
Jennifer I love your decor and how you changed it up! Thank you so much for being a part of the tour!!
Thanks, Jennifer! And thanks too for having me on the tour this year. It’s so nice to have the decorating done early!
So gorgeous, Jennifer! I absolutely love your house and style. You always do such an amazing job. I’m sharing on my FB page tomorrow 😉
Hugs, Jamie
Aw, thanks Jamie! That’s so sweet of you!!
Your home looks amazing! So festive and pretty and bright. 🙂 Julie
Thanks, Julie! So glad you stopped by for a visit!
This is just in a league of its own. Perfection.
Thank you, Karen!! That means a lot to me!
Jennifer- holiday perfection. you have done such a wonderful job integrating your new to you white sectional into your beautiful home. ha about stella! Happy Holidays!
Thanks, Laura! I love that new sectional! 🙂
Oh my gosh! Jennifer! Everything is so beautiful! I love love love it! All of it!
Thanks so much Sherry!! So glad you came by for a visit!
Beautiful Jennifer!!! LOVE!!
Nancy
Thanks, Nancy!! 🙂
I knew you would not disappoint Jennifer! I have been so excited to see yours and now I need to scroll back up and go through slowly to soak in all the details. I absolutely love your new sectional! Your home is always so warm and inviting and your photos make everything look whimsical and magical. Love it all!
Thanks, Alice! It was fun being a novice on the tour with you this year!! I’ve been enjoying each day’s worth of tours.
Can you tell me what type of tree stand you used to hold your tree in the galvanized bucket?
Hi Nancy! The tree stand came with the tree, which is from Balsam Hill. It just barely fit in the galvanized bucket.
Jennifer,
So much to love, especially all the white,including that gorgeous basket of white poinsettias atop your corner hutch. Somehow I missed seeing your green Mexican tile kitchen floor before, and I love it with all your white cabinets. The touches of red with the green floor SHOUT Christmas! It is such a nice shade of green, I can see it with spring greenery/flowers, soft blues, subdued yellows,… Oh, the possibilities are endless. Great look, Jennifer. Great Christmas home tour.
Judith
Thanks so much!! I never thought about that floor being the perfect shade of green for Christmas. So glad you stopped by today!
Pretty! Pretty! Pretty!
Thanks, Rosemary!!
Your pictures are stunning!!! Your home is stunning!!! It looks magical Jennifer! beautiful job! XOXO Jen
Thanks so much, Jennifer! That really means a lot to me! 🙂
Jennifer, You have such a pretty house. I adore your table setting. Sarah Macklem
Thanks, Sarah! So glad you came by for a visit!
Your Christmas Tour is beautiful! Your kitchen is my dream farm kitchen. Those little reindeer candle sticks are adorable! I always drool over your hanging sheep. And your tree is gorgeous! Merry Christmas!
Thanks, Peggy! So glad you enjoyed the Christmas tour!!
Jen, I love your whole Christmas home! Every room is so cheery and pretty!
Thanks so much Kristen – so glad you stopped by today!
I love your garlands, can you tell me where you got them?
Everything is so beautiful…just enough to envolk the feeling of Christmas…without over doing it.
Hi Deb! I got the garlands from JoAnn Fabrics. I really like them because they’re not stiff, which means they drape easily!
Your home is absolutely beautiful & charming! And has to be the most cheery I have seen for the holidays, just love it! Loved seeing Stella. Our kitty and our pup always find a way into my photos too.
Hugs,
Tammy
Thanks so much Tammy! It’s always a challenge to get the kitties to sit still for the camera! 🙂
Absolutely gorgeous Jennifer. So light and bright and airy and fresh – a perfect Christmas home! Thanks for the standing tour!
Thanks, Krista! Your use of color in the home inspired my Christmas decorating this year!! So thank you for inspiring me!
Jennifer, It all looks so amazing. Love the ceiling tin and your new wreath too. I love it all. So cheerful and whimsical. x
Thanks, Danielle! I’m anxiously waiting to see your holiday home tour!!
Everything looks so gorgeous even down to those beautiful wood floors!!! Where are all the Christmas pillows from?
Thanks so much, Tiffany! The Joy and snowflake pillows are from Target. The red buggy pillow is from my sweet and talented friend, Lucy over at Craftberry Bush blog. You’ll find her pillow for sale online at http://society6.com/craftberrybush/pillows.
Absolutely beautiful in every way Jennifer! What a festive home you have created! I love every photo and every detail!!!
Thanks so much June! Wishing you a Merry Christmas!
Wow I really love every single inch!!! My favorite part is your kitchen oh my it is beautiful!! Love all the windows!! Love those turquoise ornaments to!! Does she sell online??
Thanks so much Elma! I’m not sure if Christie sells online or not, but you can contact her and see if she would ship them to you. You’ll find her website at http://www.carterscottageinteriors.com/.
You did it again….you made me smile! I love your decorating and you are such a good writer. I love how simple you describe each picture!
Thanks for brightening up my day!
Thanks so much, Cyndee! You always say the nicest things. Hope you have a wonderful holiday!
Just now getting around to seeing Part 1 and omg…. this time its the door colors that are turning me on!! 🙂
Thanks, Nikki! It was a bold color choice (something I normally don’t do) but I love it!
Your home looks beautiful Jennifer,love your gorgeous tree!
Thanks so much, Anne! 🙂
Jennifer he disfrutado cada una de tus fotos y hubiera querido entrar y quedarme ahi es realmente preciosa hermosa bella en fin no se puede describer en una sola palabra tienes mucho talento me encanta todo y siempre disfruto tu blog. Feliz Navidad!!!!
Muchas gracias a mi amiga! Feliz Navidad!
Jennifer,
Blue is a soothing and calming color and pairing the Christmas decor with your room colors and pillows etc. just makes the decor stand out without screaming that Christmas is here. Your Balsam hill tree is a beautiful collection of blues, reds and ornaments that are repeated throughout the house . I love your kitchen too! The shelving is a fabulous idea and the composition sitting on it brings in the neutrals but also height . Great job and thank you so much for being part of the Housewalk.
I absolutely love your home and the Christmas decorations make it even more charming! How lucky to have the chance to purchase Kris’ sectional! It fits the room like it was made for it! She’s such a doll! All of the little touches from the ornaments to the garlands to your gorgeous tree are enchanting! I have a sugar bowl and creamer that match your mom’s Christmas dishes! I have no idea where or when I got the set but when I saw your dishes, I knew they looked familiar! Thank you for the wonderful tour of your lovely home! Hugs and Merry Christmas, Leena
I absolutely LOVE your home! It is so full of charm and cottagey goodness. I feel like I’m looking through he pages of Cottage Style magazine! I too dream of a white sectional…covering mine is on my to-do list this year! Have a great new year! XO
Hi Jennifer, thank you for stopping by and participating in our 2nd annual link party at our Design Happy blog. You have such a lovely, warm and creative home. Happy New Year! Your friends at HomeGoods
Your home is very beautiful. I love the burlap curtains. Did you make them? My sister made my kitchen curtains which are burlap also with black polka dots. Your home is very festive for the holidays. Thanks for sharing.
I love EVER SINGLE THING you used to decorate for the holidays. It’s just my style!