Welcome to my home! I’m happy to say this year, I’ll be HOME for Christmas! Yay! If you remember my long saga from the past couple of years, you’ll know how special it is to be able to say that!
For those of you who are new here, this is my new house after a two year long ordeal with my husband being without work and then us moving to a new state and our old house not selling for a whole year. Finally, we bought this house about 8 weeks ago! Happy dance.
We have lots to do to make it our own (like painting and curtains, for starters!), but it feels great just to know we can actually get settled!
Even though I am relieved to be HOME, I didn’t go hog wild with my decorations this year. This year it was all about simplicity and sanity. And no perfection allowed, as you will see. Real life. At my house, we are decorating for ourselves, not to show the world how perfect our home is (because it isn’t) or how magazine cover worthy every corner is (because CLEARLY it isn’t).
I’m not going to pretend to have it all together and expect you all to do the same. In fact, I hope you’ll have lots of imperfection in your holiday decorating too. That way we can all feel more hospitable and friendly and not overly impressed or overly stressed about our homes. That is just not at all what Christmas is supposed to be about. There are much more important things to be concerned about.
So, head up on the porch and you’ll find a little greenery and colored lights.
To the right of the front door I have my epsom salt candles, which I forgot to light. oops!
Welcome! Come in and get out of the cold! It has been about 4 degrees here at night and about 20 during the day lately. And we live in Washington, which is not exactly the mid-west. Brrrr…..
Come on in! Here is my ever changing apothecary jar display on the old familiar cabinet in the entry! If you have been to my blog before, I have shown this cabinet 10 million times now. And now you get to see this jar with the Christmas balls.
I skipped all the greenery on the stairs this year to simplify, but I did add a ball wreath on each post.
This is a peek at the living room, which is to the left when you enter. I got those mercury glass candlesticks at Costco! We’ll swing back to the living room at the very end of this tour.
This is a little table in the entry, the wise men are offering gifts.
Now, let’s head back to where we hang out most of the time before we head into the dining room…
I showed these shots a week or so ago, this is our family room fireplace and my refurbished cabinet doors turned shutters.
Pulling back a little, this is where we spend most of our time, all huddled up by the fire.
While I’d like to say that we are huddled up by the fire every day reading holiday classics or listening to Christmas music, here (and above) is the unstyled and realistic look at our daily life. But, this is a party so let’s pretend Sponge Bob on a big screen didn’t ruin it. Ok? Moving on.
Red candlesticks and some candy canes (which have almost all been eaten, eh hem) bring in a little red to the recently painted green hutch in the kitchen!
I just tucked in bits and pieces of leftover greenery here and there to make what I have already a little more festive.
And here, you can see how we view our tree from the kitchen and all the way from our family room! The perfect tree location, for our not so perfect but lovable tree! We cut down our tree in the dark one cold night, so once we saw it in the light we realized it came to us with its own charming imperfections. But it is a beautiful shade of blue green and smells heavenly!
At our old house our tree was in the living room but the only way to see it was to hike across the house and down a flight of stairs. I am loving this smaller house!
We are having a little get together at our house this week so I decided to put out the chargers to set serving plates on, rather than using a tablecloth. And that bird tree thingy in the middle of the table was a late night attempt at an easy centerpiece, using what I had on hand. I just hope no one thinks it is edible. I’ll be very embarrassed if someone tries to eat the moss.
This is my everyday dining room buffet display, with the addition of the snowflake garland and a jeweled glass ball on the candlestick.
We were excited to realize that if we put our tree in the dining room we could see it from just about everywhere on the main floor, and it was out of the way enough to make room for entertaining!
See the light wires hanging down on our tree? It is my husband’s job to do the lights and he was too busy this time. So, they are just strewn on there every which way. We might straighten them. Or, we might not. Right now, I’m thinking not.
I love my ornaments. I didn’t put everything I own on the tree this year — not all the lights, not the ribbons, but it is still pretty to me in its simplicity. It is hard to capture simplicity in a photo, but even without all the extra “stuff” a real tree is beautiful!
I gave the kids some of the memorable ornaments from way back when…and they are now happily residing on their own trees in their rooms!
After all my intentions of using a more unique container this year for my tree, I realized THIS tree drops SAP on the floor! So, a tree skirt, er quilt, DOES have its advantages!
Here you can see the tree from the living room. Notice how the photos in this post go from day to night outside, and then back to daylight and back to night. Fancy.
I made some felt garland this year, every year for the past few years I’ve made an easy garland for fun and this was it this year. I saw something similar in my Christmas book from Country Living. Very simple (here is a tutorial!)!
The green glass jars are always on the living room window sill, but I just added a glass ball wreath to make it a little more holidayish! Just a quick peek upstairs and we’ll be done for now! …
This is our little bedroom tree. I’ve always wanted one and this was the year! I kept it simple and just added a sparkly monogram ornament for each person (and Winston, of course) in our family.
Thanks for stopping by!
For more Christmas posts click here!
Melissa, I am in LOVE with your style! So simplistic and calm yet drop dead inspirational.
I have the same wreath as you do over your fireplace! I have it in my white trash bedroom! Isn’t it the coolest most rustic artifact ever?!?
http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/2009/11/bedroom-makeover-part-3-reveal.html
Now, to the things I love that I just must share. I love your tall skinny natural tree. It’s so different than the fat perfect ones you see nowadays. Yours has unique character.
I didn’t want a sideboard until I saw yours. The mix of the silver and whites is right up my alley and would look gorgeous in my own home. WANT! Bookmarked for future reference – check!
The real greens over your outdoor rail? I’m throwing my fake stuff out. Today.
And the bird tree thingy?!? Well, that’s simply genious. It’s like a little fantasy party for the eyes.
And I LOVE the overloaded white stocking mantel. There are only two in my own home but I’d totally do this to my own fireplace if I had the right stuff.
I didn’t feel much like decorating for Christmas this year because I just didn’t have the right stuff, so I just did the tree. But you’ve helped encourage me to make what I desire happen. Somehow, someway.
Can we please extend Christmas well into January so I can get going here?!?
And thanks for mentioning my little tree gathering at my blog. That was very cool of you.
(can’t remember if I’ve already thanked you.. my mind is reeling)
Donna
.-= Funky Junk Interiors´s last blog .."Myyyy Christmas Treee…" (link yours up too!) =-.
your house is beautiful
I love the neutral colors in some of the rooms. After seeing your mantle I wanted to take mine apart and redo it, but after Christmas I’m going to put up some old doors I have. Thanks for the inspiration. Linda
.-= Linda´s last blog ..15 Days Til Christmas-Santa Collection and Christmas Memories =-.
Looks fantastic!
.-= Jocelyn Stott´s last blog ..Maddie My Love =-.
I like the picture of your tree best thanks for showing us your house
Your new home looks stunning, not over decorated but just perfect. I especially love your felt garland.
Gorgeous! I absolutely LOVE your style. I hope there is a felt garland tutorial on the way (not so subtle hint, hint)
I would love to make it either this year or next! Thanks 
.-= becky @ our sweet peas´s last blog ..What they are capable of: =-.
You inspire me! What a beautiful home. I wish you and your family many happy memories within its walls!
I am so thrilled for you that you can finally feel at HOME!!!
Your Christmas decorations look absolutely divine, I loved seeing your tour! Many blessings to you 
,
Stacey
.-= Stacey @ The Blessed Nest´s last blog ..Pretty {Christmasy} in Pink =-.
Okay seriously, what a dummy I am! I didn’t even notice the warning that MckLinky stripped the html out. Can you delete my link and I’ll do a new one? lol.
Your home is absolutely lovely!! And I truly ♥ what you said about not making it perfect or trying to pretend that you are. Amen girl!
.-= Amber´s last blog ..★ Our Home at Christmas ★ =-.
I’m so glad you are home – safe and sound! How wonderful for your family.
Love the tour, wish I could come over for morning coffee!
Love you friend!
.-= Sandy´s last blog ..Some Traditions are the Best! =-.
Melissa, your house is beautiful! Thanks for the tour and I love a simple Christmas.
.-= Tiffany´s last blog ..Liliash Giveaway =-.
I love your original decorating ideas. I admire the simplicity, too, and your tree is to die for!
.-= Elizabeth´s last blog ..Favorite Ornaments =-.
Lovely! isn’t it nice to be HOME for the Holidays?!! It’s our first too.
.-= gina´s last blog ..clever… =-.
I really love the nature with some bling thing you have going on- my favorite is the tiered centerpiece on your dining table- it sums up your look perfectly- and is so unique- yes, your home is just lovely! >sigh< I think I may go nature with bling next year…
.-= gina´s last blog ..Kindle and the likes… let’s discuss. =-.
LOVERLY….BEAUTIFUL….Melissa congrats on settling in! I am sure if feels wonderful to be able to call your space “home”. Thank you for providing a space for all of us to share inspiration, beauty, and ideas. Merry Christmas!
.-= Shawn/Lifeatbuttercupfarm´s last blog ..Nine =-.
I love your house! It’s so beautiful!!
We are going away for Christmas, plus I’m finishing up a course at school, so we didn’t put up ANY decorations….which feels really weird.
Totally off topic…but…we just got a 46 inch tv…way tooooooooo big for my liking. It’s in our living room,because our tv room downstairs needs renovation. It’s driving me bonkers. All I can think about when I sit in my calm and serene living room is “forget the fireplace, the focal point is the TV!!”…grrrr…Hubby on the other hand thinks it’s “beautiful”…
.-= Jenny´s last blog ..Gavin-Isms =-.
^^^^
I forgot to add that I was relieved that you had a similar sized tv in the family room…LOL…
.-= Jenny´s last blog ..Gavin-Isms =-.
Thank you so much for the generous peek into your private world.
Hope you have a beautiful weekend!
Shannon
.-= Shannon at Old World Charm´s last blog ..Here’s to a Happy, Spirit-filled, and Stylish Season =-.
Well, you certainly don’t have anything to apologize for! It’s absolutely beautiful!
.-= Holly´s last blog ..Second Weekly Thrifty Gifty Round-up and Linky Party =-.
Beautiful home! And congratulations on starting to become settled. I think your decorations are PERFECT!
even though you say they are not. Everything is warm and cozy and that is excatly what Christmas decorations are meant to be!
.-= Jen @ After The Alter´s last blog ..Yes, Virginia and Macy’s First National BELIEVE DAY! =-.
What a beautiful post, Melissa. Thank you for letting us into your home. Lovely.
.-= Bonnie @ Savoring Simplicity´s last blog ..Jingle Bell Place Settings =-.
Hi Melissa, thanks for hosting and for sharing your home tour. I hope to finish my photos this weekend, so for today I linked our bedroom.
I have commented before on several of the photos you shared today, but it bears repeating. I L.O.V.E. your front porch entry. The wood door, the texture and detail make my heart sing. Your mantel is gorgeous, the 3 doors are so unique and interesting.
The wool garland looks so simple and yet fun. Thanks for sharing it all.
Elizabeth @ BlueClearSky
.-= Elizabeth @ blue clear sky´s last blog ..Christmas Tour of Our Bedroom =-.
Oh, I forgot, I really liked your point “In fact, I hope you’ll have lots of imperfection in your holiday decorating too. That way we can all feel more hospitable and friendly and not overly impressed or overly stressed about our homes. ”
I love seeing the ‘real’ homes and ideas of other bloggers.
.-= Elizabeth @ blue clear sky´s last blog ..Christmas Tour of Our Bedroom =-.
Thanks for inviting us into your home. Everything is so beautiful and I absolutely love the three wise men. Merry Christmas!
.-= Melissa Burford´s last blog ..Holiday Home Tour =-.
Your home is beautiful. Merry Christmas to you and your family in your new home. God is good.
Norma Lee Good
.-= Norma Lee Good´s last blog ..Welcome to our home! Merry Christmas =-.
WOW! I am so impressed. You have quickly made your new house….your new home! Your family must be so proud of you and your spirit and verve! Wonderful job!
.-= Donna´s last blog ..A Christmas Check-list =-.
Looks like you are having fun decorating the new house for the holidays. 3 Cheers for being real with decorations, we only have so many hours in the day and they should be more about having fun!
.-= Pearl Maple´s last blog ..Sky Watch Friday =-.
I just love your home and the decor you’ve chosen this year. I am amazed that you have done so much and still have had the time & energy to decorate at all! LOVE the little tree in your bedroom! I have a small one in my bedroom too ~ it’s so peaceful to me to have all lights off and just the little tree lit. Thanks so much for sharing & Merry Christmas to you and yours!
.-= Pat´s last blog ..~ Elvis & Martina McBride sing "Blue Christmas" ~ =-.
Oh dear friend….at last…..lovely!
.-= lylah ledner´s last blog ..I’ve Been a Little Slow . . . =-.
Melissa, thank you for hosting this fun link up!
Your house looks wonderful! Merry Christmas!
Michelle
.-= Michelle @ Sweet Something´s last blog ..Holiday Tour: Christmas 2009 =-.
I’m so impressed with how much you’ve gotten done in your house in such a short time and decorated too? It looks beautiful Melissa
rue
.-= rue´s last blog ..Historic Holiday Home Tour~ part two =-.
That jar is so gorgeous. Love how you filled it with ornaments. I have a hurricane lamp that I use for decorating.
.-= Melody @ Party Cupcake Ideas´s last blog ..Ice Cream Sprinkle Cupcakes =-.
Melissa, your home looks so loved and comfortable and beautiful! I love your tree you cut down in the dark. And I like your notion that there is no reason to think we must have perfection. That is a notion, not a reality. I am soooo very happy you have your home now and don’t have to worry about that anymore. You guys have a very happy holiday!
Brenda
.-= Brenda Kula´s last blog ..Little Holiday Decor Tips =-.
I love those wise men candle holders where did you find those!!!
Erika
Oh it’s just all so lovely – thanks so much for sharing !
Kate
.-= Kate at Centsational Girl´s last blog ..Deck the Halls =-.
Gorgeous christmas decor! Thanks for sharing & so glad this christmas will be so special for you!
chris
.-= chris glynn´s last blog ..Holiday Decorating…….. =-.
I am late to the party, but I’m here!!!
Your house is lovely and I adore your tree. I always liked finding one with a lot of space to hang goodies!
Thank you for hosting this fun event.
Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Rhonda
.-= Rhonda´s last blog ..The Last Day of 12 Days of Christmas =-.
It’s all gorgeous Melissa! Hope you have a great Christmas. And a Happy (and less stressed) New Year too!
.-= Dawn-Hydrangea Home´s last blog ..Christmas – The Home Tour =-.
Your mantel is gorgeous! I just love all your decorations! MERRY CHRISTMAS!
.-= Allyson Blackwood´s last blog ..Old No 7 – Jack Daniel’s Distillery =-.
Gorgeous Decor! I love the little ball wreaths!
.-= Myra´s last blog ..Finally Decorated Christmas 2009 =-.
Wow! I love your new home and all your Christmas decorations! I especially love the wise men, the felt garland you made (I may try making one myself!), and the initial tree! You have really inspired me! Patti
.-= Dreams and Decor´s last blog ..PEACOCK ROOM ON CHRISTMAS HOME TOUR =-.
Beautiful! You put so much effort into decorating! Also thank you for hosting a tour of homes – what an awesome way to meet new people.
.-= Kelleyand´s last blog ..Christmas Cheer =-.
Your home is SO beyond wonderful!!! I can’t even imagine how you are so organized already! It is all soooo lovely — AND inspiring for sure!!!
.-= Janice (5 Minutes for Mom)´s last blog ..Christmas Tour of Homes 2009 =-.
Oh Melissa, your home is just beautiful! I adore the felt garland and epson snow. May many wonderful Christmas memories be made within its walls.
Our home is having an old fashioned handmade Christmas this year. I hope you will stop by.
.-= Laura Ingalls Gunn´s last blog ..It’s beginning to look alot like Christmas…. =-.
Melissa, everything is JUST gorgeous. You’d never know you just moved in! I love all the white and silver throughout your decorating. It’s just so pristine and clean.
.-= Musings of a Housewife´s last blog ..Christmas Tour of Homes with The Nester =-.
Melissa, I loved seeing your home at Christmas. I had joined in with The Nester not realizing that you were also doing a tour of homes for Christmas. So I may need to modify my post and link up with you too.
Blessings and love,
Debbie
.-= Debbie´s last blog ..Christmas Tour of Homes 2009 =-.
Your decorations are so classy. I love the white and silver theme. Just lovely.
.-= Darlene´s last blog ..An Heirlooms and Traditions Christmas =-.
Your home is simply stunnning!! Everything is beautiful and I love your attention to detail! I am wowed!! Love it!! Merry Christmas!
Melissa everything is just beautiful!! So warm and inviting!! I love your colors!!
~TidyMom
.-= TidyMom´s last blog ..The Halls are Decked! =-.