12.01.2010

Decking the Halls

As I mentioned yesterday I wanted to go for a more simple and rustic theme for this Christmas and this is what I came up with...



Last year we had a Charlie Brown tree, because I was quite under the weather for the season. This year I was determined to get a huge tree, so we did, 10 ft. I could not be any more excited.


Every year I get the kiddos each a new Krinkles ornament. I then label the box with their name and the year. When they grow up and have their own tree I then plan on giving them their ornaments to start them off right.


We were all home sick yesterday so we watched a lot of netflix hence Dora being on. I thought I would just be real. Ellie thinks the Mr. and I have ugly stockings and the nutcrackers were given to me by grandmother when I was just a child. I adore them.





This little display was made from the trimming of the tree. Cost effective and I rather enjoy it. Oh, did I fail to take a pic of the blow up snowman? So sorry, but it was raining, ha!


We already owned most of the decor I used, but I added fresh greenery and a  few other things. The key in keeping it simple for me is to also keep it budget friendly. I am sure I will add a few things here and there though. I also need to do the dining table up all pretty like, but that will be for another day. Did I also mention I am hosting Christmas dinner here this year? I feel so grown up.

65 comments:

Unknown said...

Christmas is here. What a perfect tree. I adore the gold ribbon wreath too.

Kera said...

absolutely gorgeous. makes me feel happy inside.

The Buzz Blog said...

I need a "sick" day to get myself ready and I hope you're feeling better. All your festive trimmings and that beautiful tree would definitely put me in a cheery mood! Looks wonderful.

Mary said...

Beautiful. Very festive, but not too much. I love it (and I like the non-matchy-matchy stockings!). :-)

Brooke @ Blueprint Bliss said...

I can't wait to host Christmas dinner one day!

Love the way everything looks. I'm going to decorate my house this weekend... getting ready for my Bible Study Christmas party next week. It's always nice to have something to 'get ready' for!

Erin Deegan said...

everything looks beautiful! i love the little wreaths on your mirrors!

Danielle (elleinadspir) said...

Everything looks perfect! Hope you guys are feeling better today!

Danielle Sigwalt Interiors said...

So dreamy...love your home, it looks welcoming and chic at the same time! Awesome job!!!

Joyce said...

Everything is beautifully placed in its magical spot.

I hope everyone is feeling better today. xo

Lissa Pierce said...

Gorgeous huge tree! And I love all your little wreaths all around.

Staley Mc said...

Everything looks so pretty!! I love it all!

Melissa Marie Head said...

Everything looks great - I am jealous as have had zero time to decorate and no clue when I am going to find said time. Oh well - its Christmas season so enjoy.

Laurel-Dawn McBurney said...

Wow Paula... I love, love those stockings! Also- those mini wreaths hanging over your mirrors are precious! The front door greenery is also fantastic- I like that it's something OTHER than a wreath... the wheels in my head are officially turning! Thanks for that :)

One more thing- did you make the little snowflakes made from branches hanging on your lamps? Love them, just curious!

abodelove.blogspot.com

Alex {Things That Sparkle} said...

Absolutely love it all. So gorgeous and festive. Thanks for sharing!

Lovin That! said...

Beautiful touches to your space!

I'm also hosting Christmas dinner (for the first time) it does feel very grown up and scary!! Good luck to us both :-)

Desiree said...

I have the same nativity set in the Dining room. I love all of your wreaths! everything looks lovely!

Katrina said...

Simple, rustic, elegant is my theme for this year. Our decorations are in the attic in Alabama, so I am tapping into the creative and making new ones.

Cannot wait for you to see! hope you will approve!

You have such great style!!

Melissa @ Veranda Interiors said...

I love the fresh greenery...and Dora in the background, LOL! Oh Dora, how your catchy songs just get stuck in my head. Now say Backpack! xo

The Hoppers said...

Love the fact you get the kids ornaments each year. We do too, from various places. Just whatever they are into that particular year. However, since Juju pulled the tree over, we lost a couple. Bummer. Love the tree!!!! Lawson wants a new house so we can get a 10 footer too. That is definitely a reason to buy. :)

Unknown said...

Love everything! I adore your little nutcrackers and your porch is so stunning. I love the whole rustic pretty theme and the sublte use of colour is so lovely. You take beautiful photos btw. Happy holidays!! xo

The Adventuresome Pearl said...

Your home looks beautiful and your decorations are fantastic!
I love the idea you have about getting your children a new ornament each year and then putting them away in their own box when the tree comes down.

My husband and I will have to do that when we have kids:-)

Thanks for the tips and keep up the good work!

Nicolle said...

love all your festive decor!

nicolle
visiting from
www.myjackandsalma.blogspot.com

Tash said...

So pretty!! And that tree, it's just perfect. What a beautiful tradition to give each of your kids an ornament, love that.

Laura Bear said...

Oh the greenery is just gorgeously arranged. love that. and what a beautiful tree!

christine, just bella said...

Everything looks great, subtle and chic - just the way I like it :)

I love that branchy snowflake!

Unknown said...

Oh Paula, it's perfect. I love to put cut branches out at our front door too.. I think it's my favorite thing! Seeing your front porch just gave me this oh my gosh I need to really meet this girl feeling.. one day :) xx

Trex decking said...

Those are all elegant decorations. That is more my style. Nice work!

Marianne said...

Everything looks so beautiful! I love decorating my front porch as much as the inside. Great style!

Lindsey said...

your house looks great - i love the rustic simple look (and on a budget).

thanks for sharing!

Tanya (a Taste of T) said...

I'm loving the rustic look for Christmas decor this year :)

coolkids said...

looks great Paula! Very inviting. I like your stockings.;) thecoolkidsblog.com

Aimee@ the Functional Space said...

Everything is lovely. I especially like the little wreaths with the gold ribbons on the mirrors. Love!

Tricia said...

Coming to you via Seleta's post today. Your holiday decor looks great and I love your home!
I'll be back.
xo~
T

Truly Smitten said...

your home is SO beautiful! Can I come over for a cup of tea? =)

Julie said...

You really know how to deck the halls! Love your style... and your front porch is beautiful!

la la Lovely said...

Everything looks fabulous...as always. Love how you did you're decorations.

I like the different stockings. Mine all match and I don't like that. I'm on the lookout.

Where did you get those sparkly snowflakes on you're lamps? Love them.

Anonymous said...

Looks great! Where did you find Krinkles ornaments? I live in Birmingham also and cannot find them. Thanks!

Cassie said...

10ft tree - I am very jealous! Oh how I wish one that size would fit in my house. Your home looks very stylish!
Happy December
xx

Gracie said...

I love your decorations. It's like it's just a part of your house. Your tree looks wonderful! It makes me realise that I need more lights!

And the Nutcrackers soldiers. I really want one :)

Hello Lover... said...

Love the beaded gold chains and all of your wreaths!

Jackie said...

Very pretty Paula. And your front porch gets me every time.

Emma at The Marion House Book said...

I'm with you - simple and natural is best. I love the gathered cedar boughs on your front door. A nice change from the usual wreath.

Monique said...

I adore the tiny wreath tied with the yellow bow on that fabulous mirror!

paula said...

the snowflake ornaments are from the shop two doors down form At Home in Homewood, can't remember the name for the life of me.

I used to get my Krinkle ornaments from swoozies at the summit for 50% off after Christmas but they have since closed down so I will either buy on line or I hope I can find another local spot. I rather like/need that discount.

The Art of Family said...

Beautiful!

angela hardison said...

i love the wreaths and ... well, everything. great job.

Sixty-Fifth Avenue said...

Perfect touches everywhere! I love the sway on the door, very pretty.

Devon said...

Fabulous. And hilarious about the grown up comment. It's so true, isn't it? What is it about hosting a meal at your house that kicks your rear out of your teens and firmly into adulthood? Perhaps it's the cleaning up afterwards until midnight (because we want to wake up to a clean house) that really does it? ;)

My Interior Life said...

I love your decor. It looks so fresh and simple, but personal and obviously well-thought-out. We decorated our tree the other day (you should check out my husband's time-lapse video), but I'm kind of "blocked" on what to do elsewhere. You've inspired me to get cracking!

Wahzat Gayle said...

lovely all of it

Leigha said...

Such a beautiful space. Both your blog and home are lovely. So glad you visited me so I could find you!

Wishing you a lovely December dear.

Leigha

Michelle @ Ten June said...

All I can say is, wow. Seriously. You've totally inspired me in the "less is more category." Where do I start? The tree is absolutely gorgeous. Lots of colors but not "junked" up. The mismatched stockings are adorable. And the yellow ribbon on the wreath? Incredible! Seriously in love.

alison giese Interiors said...

Oh, Happy TREEEEE!!!

P.S. - Your whole house is pretty darn awesome, and I'm glad to see Dora is a full-time resident, as well!

Pink Wallpaper said...

so pretty...love your door! what color did you paint it?!

Anna said...

Beautiful.

(wreaths + mirrors = love)

Eden Lang said...

looks amazing! so festive!

Allison {Live Love Small} said...

love your decorations and your home is lovely!

Unknown said...

Paula, it's gorgeous! I love the rustic look & all of the fresh greenery!

(You can find Dora on at our house often, it's my 3-yr-old's favorite.)

Anonymous said...

I agree that to keep things simple, it should be budget friendly. My wife often says that, and I just nod and agree with her. We have done some remodeling (Minneapolis-based) of a house and remodeling (Minneapolis-based) of an office and the owners were delighted. We were not the real team behind but we help facilitate. We are happy to share the views of being thrifty and creative, especially at this time. I love the way you do it in your home; reminds me so much of my wife.

Splendid Willow said...

Paula, so simple beautiful. Your sense of design must resonate very well with the Swedes. (They like quiet, interesting, beautiful and meaningful design). I know it does with me (and I am Swedish!)!

ox, Mon

LindsB said...

Beautiful, just beautiful!! I love all of the wreaths you have and how you hang them, seriously everything is so so pretty!

Through Rose Colored Glasses said...

Love your simple and beautiful holiday decor!

shopgirl said...

These are all so great Ellie! You have a beautiful home and an excellent eye! I, especially, like the tradition that you have with the kids and the ornaments. It makes Christmas truly special for them, I'm sure.

xo

Anonymous said...

So simple and chic. Love your look!

amanda jane said...

you have such a lovely home.