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How many of you take a drive through your neighborhood looking at Christmas lights? We do it every year. And each time, a sense of nostalgia sweeps over me. There is something warm and inviting about seeing Christmas tree lights twinkle through the open windows; or watching the flickering of candles in the dark. This is the season where people open their homes to others, inviting them in for cookies and hot chocolate, or for conversation by the fire. So today, I am doing just that… inviting you into my home. So grab your hot cocoa and have a look around.
Simple Christmas Home Tour
Our Christmas Entry
We moved not long ago, and one of the challenges when you move is that the décor that worked in your old home may not find a spot in your new one. On the other hand, there may be a few “blank spots” around the house where you need a little something more. Decorating for Christmas has been a bit more challenging this year because we are finding that some of our old items don’t work in the new space, and some of the open spaces need a little cozy-ing up. I, however, have learned not to buy things just for the sake of filling a space. I want the things I bring into my home to tell a story; whether it’s a vintage item like my grandfather’s school books (pictured above), or a new blanket I buy for its warm texture.
My husband and I recently discovered the joy of online auctions, and for awhile our Saturdays were spent driving around to pick up all the items we had “won”. One such auction yielded two printer trays; and I love them! I used a thick piece of burlap to attach a wreath onto the tray with a wooden button.
Our Christmas Dining Room
Taking a quick right from the entry, you end up in our dining room. I can’t say I have ever decorated a tablescape before, but there’s always a first, and I love how this turned out. It’s simple, which is how I like things this time of year. Since I’m a complete bargain hunter, I bought the white plates at the dollar store, added a few gray cloth napkins from Home Goods, and then made scented wood slice ornaments for each setting.
The pitcher and table runner are constants throughout the year, but adding a few candles and white ceramic houses (found in the Target Hot Spot) adds to the feeling of the season.
I have built-ins that I recently painted, and I like to keep them simple by using the same items throughout the year. I did add a few burlap wrapped trees and winter greenery to ring in the Christmas season.
Our Christmas Fireplace
Heading downstairs, this is where we cuddle under warm blankets by the fire and watch all those Hallmark movies. As always… it’s simple. I found my red Coke crate after years of looking, and it’s filled with flocked trees (for now).
The artwork was created for just a couple dollars using prints from Blesser House and frames from Michaels.
While there are many more rooms around my home, this ends the Christmas tour for this year… three spots I know you would sit if you were to actually come over and sit with a cup of hot cocoa in hand.
I’m not the only one letting you into my home for a warm drink and conversation… head on over to the check out more amazing homes using the links below. A big thank you to Sherry at Savvy Apron, Carol at The Red Painted Cottage, Joy from The Aspiring Home, and Nicki of Sweet Parrish Place for hosting this home tour!
MONDAY
White Arrows Home| The Chelsea Project| Our Prairie Farmhouse|
Noting Grace| The Red Painted Cottage
TUESDAY
Celebrate and Decorate| Rain and Pine| Savvy Apron
WEDNESDAY
Curly Crafty Mom| Camelot Art Creations| Follow The Yellow Brick Home|
Mom Home Guide| Twelve on Main
THURSDAY
County Road 407| Art and Sand| Simple Nature Decor| Sweet Parrish Place
FRIDAY
Deeply Southern Home| First Day of Home| Life on Summerhill|
Lemons, Lavender, and Laundry| The Aspiring Home
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That chicken house is so cute! I also love your collection of ceramic houses, I just started to collect some porcelain and metal houses. I love that you have a dirt road that leads to your house and that you live on so many acres.
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
Erin, Thank you for inviting us into your new home. I really love the fact you have your grandfather’s school books and the simplicity of your decorating. I can imagine your chicken coop with cedar garland across the roof and a small window box you can change throughout the seasons. I’d keep it very simple, just like your house. Thank you for joining us for the Christmas Tour of Homes!
Hello from a fellow Minnesotan! 😉
Your home looks beautiful! I love the chicken coop! I would just add some white lights and a winter pot in addition to the wreath – simple and beautiful!
Happy Holidays!
Oh, and as for that adorable chicken house, I can’t help but think of large multi-colored Christmas lights and Snoopy and Woodstock somehow being involved…
Hi Erin! I loved all of the vintage finds in your post, like the printer cartridge trays and that typewriter sitting nearby. Your decor gives me a warm, nostalgic Christmas vibe that’s hard to achieve. So charming! Isn’t it great when you can pick up some items from Target’s dollar spot and the dollar store to create a simply beautiful tablescape? I’m really aiming for this aesthetic next year. So nice to meet you on this blog hop. Merry Christmas!
I knew from the very first picture I was going to love this tour. It’s perfectly Christmas without all the clutter – I love it! I really want this vibe next year. So peaceful. Glad we hopped together. Merry Christmas Erin!
I’d turn that cute little chicken house into either “Santa’s Workshop”, an Ice Skating Hot Cocoa Station, or a Reindeer Feed Barn…or one for Christmas and then one to changeover for winter…I love that you have your Grandpa’s school books…best of luck in your new home!
It looks like you found the perfect house and it is decorated so pretty! I love the chicken house and it looks pretty like it is with the wreath. Thank you for joining us this year!
Wow for the views! I would LOVE to be surrounded by 5 and 1/2 acres of wetlands and solitude. Sounds to me like you’ve found a slice of heaven. Love your tablescape, too. It’s so natural and earthy. Love… So happy to hop with you. Always a pleasure. ~~ Merry Christmas ~~
It was such fun getting a peek into your Christmas home! I’m dying to watch your progression with your new home. Thanks so much for joining us this year for the Christmas Tour of Homes!
Erin, we recently moved too and I completely agree with the challenges of finding places for your old decor. We opted for simplicity this year, too. I love your tablescape – and what a gorgeous view to have looking over your land! Thanks for sharing such great ideas!
Everything looks cute and festive. Perfectly done. That chicken coop is adorable. If you don’t have chickens I make it into manger scene with hay and all. Or just a cute holiday scene with lots of garland and lights, a couple of Adirondack chairs and a fire pit where you can relax during the winter with some hot cider. Maria