Do you dream up a different decorating theme for your holiday decor each year? My holiday look or “theme” doesn’t tend to change much year to year. A few years back I named our holiday style “forest and sea” and that pretty much still sums it all up! I just periodically add a few new pieces to the sentimental, which keeps it all feeling fresh and new.
This post is in partnership with World Market.
I use twinkle lights and candles (battery operated) everywhere, add in garland, use big and little trees and incorporate our sentimental favorites, such as our coastal style ornaments and the woodland Christmas tree ornaments, too.
In just one week we have family coming to our home for Thanksgiving. I think I will have fourteen here this year for dinner! With Christmas coming up so fast right after Thanksgiving and a book writing deadline, too, I wanted to make sure I’m prepared.
Do I have the full menu prepared and shopping done? Is my house clean and ready for guests from top to bottom? No. The answer on that is no. :)
But I did set a table and mood ahead of time, so I’m feeling pretty accomplished! And at least I know if nothing else, our home will feel festive, warm and welcoming! You know I have my priorities straight, people. (Don’t worry, I know we’ll somehow pull some tasty food together and no one will go home hungry!).
A few weeks ago I decided that a full guest list for Thanksgiving dinner was enough of an excuse to start fresh with some new white plates paired with black and white buffalo check cloth napkins and slate blue/green woven placemats.
I always find the best stuff at World Market. Usually I just use a mix and match set of collected white plates that I’ve gathered over time, but when I saw World Market’s white textured stoneware plates on sale I knew they were exactly what I wanted. I love that there are four different subtle patterns, too, so they still have a more “collected” look.
While I was shopping I also found the cutest ruffled light up paper trees, wood tree/pinecone string lights and snowflake votive candle holders! While I didn’t technically need them for Thanksgiving, I knew they’d be fun now through winter and fit right in with our other winter decor.
I can easily move the festive tabletop trees to another area of the house when it’s time to serve dinner if we need more room on the table. They have battery operated lights in them so they glow! So pretty at night, they feel like you have a winter wonderland on the table!
Another thing that caught my eye while I was at World Market are these new candlestick wall sconces! I’ve been looking for something like this forever. I couldn’t be more pleased with how much character they add to our home.
Gathering sentimental pieces and adding something fresh and new makes the most interesting combo, don’t you think? I feel the same about furnishing my home. Sentimental pieces tell your story and bring back memories, but new brings in a layer of joy discovered in the present.
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Would you please share the source for the twinkle lights that are draped over the black and gold cupboard with glass doors?
The overall feel of your home is so warm and inviting.
Thanks so much, Beverly! Yes, here is the link to those string lights :) >> http://bit.ly/35jqrqp
Those white trees are so pretty! They remind me of bottle brush trees, my favorite!
Beautiful! I may drop by my local World Market today while I’m out running errands…. ?
I love the down to earth and cozy feel of your home. I’ve watched you put it together from day 1 and your sentimental and new items fit together seamlessly, creating what must be a place to enjoy each and every day. I also have a ranch-style home, shared by me and 2 dogs, but smaller than yours since I have no lower level. Your decor and suggestions for living continue to be an inspiration to me. Thank you.
Awe, Pat, what a sweet comment! I appreciate that. Thank you so much.
Lovely home for Christmas. The whale ornaments are too cute! Your family is blessed to be at your home for the holidays..warmth and beauty!
Love that little tree in the basket!
I keep trying to figure out if your striped settee and rug in the dining room are navy or black and white? I love the look, whichever color they are.
They are navy! :)
Nice stuff. We need to buy directly from companies instead of Amazon if we want to keep quality from smaller companies in this world.