Just barely in time for the big day, I thought I would do a quick post on how we make our home festive for the holidays. My mom was in town over Thanksgiving and lent us a hand at making everything feel Christmasy even if it was 80 degrees out, but first, check out how cute Butters is playing in the snow.
I know. He is having such a blast bouncing around the winter wonderland here at my parent's house in Kansas City, MO.
But back to decorating! The first thing we, did (and the most important) was our tree. My parents started the tradition of giving my brother and I a glass Christopher Radko ornament every year since we were small. Some are fun with Santas and snowmen, but most are representative of an event from that year. For example, when I studied abroad in South Africa I got a zebra ornament!
Jay's family ornaments are still at his parent's house, but he provided the tree and the beads, as well as some big shiny filler ornaments. I like to put those inside the tree near the stump to give it more dimension.
But back to decorating! The first thing we, did (and the most important) was our tree. My parents started the tradition of giving my brother and I a glass Christopher Radko ornament every year since we were small. Some are fun with Santas and snowmen, but most are representative of an event from that year. For example, when I studied abroad in South Africa I got a zebra ornament!
Jay's family ornaments are still at his parent's house, but he provided the tree and the beads, as well as some big shiny filler ornaments. I like to put those inside the tree near the stump to give it more dimension.
Okay so two of those boxes are staged (Jay's idea) but the big one is legit, I assure you. Next is just a quick view of the living room looking towards the dining. Love the snowflake pillows my mom found at Kohl's and Target this year. The star hanging over our dining table is from Ikea and we just plug it into one of the pot lights using a light-socket plug adapter.
The main colors in the living room were silver, white and aqua, although my green vases are incorporated into the mantle year round. Those mercury glass and aqua Christmas trees are from Target too, and I was thrilled to find them because Anthropologie had a similar version last year for $80-120 per tree! We have a very reasonable "no Christmas decor item for more than $20" budget so those were way out. I was happy to see Target knocked them off this year for $10-20. Perf. The sparkle snowflakes are from a local Kansas City store call Nell Hills. Our very talented designer friend Rich works there, so if you stop in be sure to say hi!
Never mind all those dog toys...
One last look back at the living space before we move on to the dining room. I loved being able to highlight the architectural arch detail in our home with this swag. And the Santa Belt ribbon from the Container Store is my hands down favorite.
Hey Butters.
The pine cones are in my former succulent planter since the plants only made it a few months. The pretty red runner is also from Target and makes such a HUGE difference. I was feeling like the dining room was so blah and my mom pointed out a lack of Christmas linens. They absolutely transformed the space for very few dolla billz.
This view gives you a better look at our star. The bar tablecloth was replaced by a sparkle white one and I put a few more mercury glass trees, a little fake tree and Jay's German Weihnachtspyramide that his dad got at the Christmas market in Munich. When you light up the tea lights the people spin around.
So that's how we transformed our little house for Christmas. Oh and of course there were big lights outside but I forgot to snap a pic before leaving for the arctic! You'll have to take my word for it that they were very colorful. And to end this Merry Christmas post, another pic of my Abominable Snow Monster.
I hope you all have a holly jolly Christmas and a great new year!