Hello friends!!
I’m posting twice in one day today because I wanted you to have a chance to check out the fabulous Best of the Nest features before making our way to the 12 Days of Christmas Tour of Homes.
Have you seen the beautifully decorated homes on the tour this week?
If not be sure to get caught up this weekend!
and
Today is my day to share some Christmas spirit from our home to yours!
Most of our home is really neutral and I decorate with simple touches here and there for the Christmas season.
This year has been a tough one for my family and so I’m intentionally seeking to make the holidays BRIGHT and JOYFUL. Sometimes you’ve got to fake it til you feel it. With that in mind I picked up some boxes of tiny colorful balls at Target, and they made our tree an explosion of color!
Yes – these crazy colors DO make our spirits brighter!
This tree is such a fun departure from last year’s color palette of white, silver, and natural elements like pinecones. (You can see our 2013 Christmas Tour here.)
So pretty by daylight,
but truly magical at night.
This is what’s under our tree – the only gift purchased thus far, for myself, but I’m giving my husband the easy way out of gift giving.
It’s this spectacular book by none other than Cyndy from The Creativity Exchange,
and I can’t wait to dive into it after Christmas! Isn’t Mark so good to me? 🙂
(Free printable gift tags from Shanty 2 Chic)
Our living room is in the midst of some long overdue decorating, so instead of stockings, it was the curtains that were being hung by the tree with care, in hopes that the rug soon would be there!
(And it was! At 4pm yesterday.
Nothing like cutting it close for a blog Christmas home tour or anything.)
My pretty new pillows haven’t arrived yet, so I “made” a Christmas pillow by turning over this watercolor fabric pillow from Homegoods and using the white fabric on the back to freehand, first with chalk, then with a Sharpie. Easy peasy and two looks for the price of one!
Our living room opens up to the dining room and between these rooms there are three bay windows that flood our house with natural light.
I hung itty bitty wreaths from Trader Joe’s from suction cups on each bay window. They are festive but don’t block the light or the view into the yard, which will soon be blanketed in white.
I carried the bright tree colors in here and it feels so happy and cheerful.
This is my Thankgiving tablecloth, folded as a runner. I’m currently crushing on blue in a big way, I love how it works with so many different colors!
Besides the tree, I don’t go too crazy decorating for Christmas, but I think little details make this time of year feel special.
Last year I made a cocoa station on our changing table-turned beverage cart, and the kids looooooved it. I sold the cart this summer, and the kids were devastated because in their minds the sole purpose of that cart was for cocoa at Christmastime – so clearly we needed another spot for the cocoa station!
I’ll just have one. Or two. Or seventeen.
(Yummy frosted gingerbread cookies from TJs. Black & white tray from Ikea.)
In the kitchen I hung another itty bitty TJs wreath above the window and cut some evergreens from our yard for next to the sink.
The graphic is a free Christmas gift tag from LindseyBee that I enlarged and transferred to the cutting board using this method.
(So easy! I promise you can do it too!)
Isn’t Lindsey’s lettering so lovely?
I love functional art, and this cutting board can be turned around to it’s blank side when it’s not the Christmas season.
We’re hoping to finally get our tv mounted over the mantle and spruce up the surround a bit before Christmas, so I went really low key with the decor this year (as in, it’s practically naked)…..
and the funny thing is I really love it with just a few simple greens and touch of red.
My kiddos’ gingerbread houses will adorn the shelves after we have our annual house making party with friends.
This is where we can be found, every night of the winter, feet up on the ottoman, burrowed under a blanket, watching TV and enjoying the fire. It’s really cozy and we love this room.
Lighted spikes that we used in our outside planters last year are perfect on the mantle (we have an outlet up there) and add so much Christmas cheer. Seriously, what is better than twinkly Christmas lights at night?? Not even frosted gingerbread cookies. I’m tempted to leave them up all year long.
That’s a peek of Christmastime at our home, now come sit down – let’s relax, pretend we have all our shopping done and have a toast to friends!
Thank you for visiting
and I wish you a very
Merry, Merry, Merry Christmas Season!
Next up on the 12 Days of Christmas Tour of Homes –
you won’t want to miss this one!!
See you Monday and have a wonderful weekend friends!
xoLisa
I’m linking up to the Nesting Place, come join me there!
Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says
you crack me up- the curtains were hung and they look fabulous!!!! i just love all the detail in your home!
Kris @ Driven by Décor says
I would love to come kick back and relax with you in your beautiful home! Love your curtains and those rugs my friend – they add so much to your rooms! And that cutting board is the cutest – some day I will find the time to make myself one of those. Hope you have a wonderful weekend now that you can just kick back and enjoy!
Denise Greenwood says
Everything looks lovely and festive Lisa! Love every bit of it! 🙂
Jenny says
Thanks for sharing Lisa! I love your colorful tree and your cutting board idea is perfection! Plus, I love the little wreaths – I'm such a sucker for wreaths anywhere, and those are just too cute.
pam {simple details} says
You've created such a beautifully, warm and bright home for your family, sweet friend! Your Christmas tree is the BEST, I would've never thought to choose that combo ~ it's so chic! I love the new additions, and can't wait to see more of the yummy neutral sectional! I couldn't help but notice your bookcases again, such a fabulous idea, I love how they frame the dining room. Your cutting board would be such a great gift, and how smart to turn it over (I would have stored mine with the Christmas decor). I had to go check last year's tour, just as beautiful! Enjoy!
Stacey {steward of design} says
Lisa you did a great job decorating for the holidays! Your tree is so pretty and I need to run to TJ's to get those little wreaths! Your freehand on the pillow looks professional, great job. Cheers and Merry Christmas!
Vel Criste says
I love your "crazy colored" tree, it is so beautiful and filled with so much memories! Love how you decorated your candle sconce shelf as well!!! Everything is just so special Lisa, I am sure your Christmas will be wonderful!
marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says
Oh I love your decor, so pretty and I adore the tree. We use tons of color on ours too, just the way I like it. Beautifully done.
56steps says
Your house is beautiful. Simple perfection.
Debra
René says
Lisa, your home is beautiful and so full of natural light. I really love your dining room!
Cyndy Aldred says
I'm a little late getting to your tour Lisa but as I am looking through, I just let out a squeal when I scrolled down and read that my book is under your tree! That just made my morning Lisa!!! Thank you so much and yes, your husband is the best gift giver ever! 😉 However, the book works best mixed with a diamond bracelet or necklace as well, so you'll need to help your husband out and pick up one of those items as well! 😉 Can't wait for you to read it Lisa!
Your home and Christmas decor is so gorgeous girl and your tree is bright and merry and I too noticed your bookshelves and they are so awesome. I remember when you did that and was so amazed by how beautiful they turned out!
I am sorry to hear that this a tough Christmas and I hope that through all your beautiful holiday pops of pretty that it helps in some way.
Thinking of you and hope that you and your family have a wonderful Christmas.
Mary Ann Pickett says
That pillow and bread board are AMAZING. We are going to San Diego to my sister's for Christmas, so I wasn't planning on much…but this post has changed all that. That was a fun idea to add the new balls from Target. Great job all around!!!
SHERRY HART says
Lisa…..be u ti ful!!! U did a great job….the tree is fabulous along with everything else:). Hope u and your family have a wonderful holiday season!
Tiffany says
First off, I'm sorry to hear that the year has been a tough one. I can relate, but I hope it only gets better from here. As for your christmas decor? Love. The tree is so fun and cheery. Love the cutting board idea and the pillow. I always know that when I visit your blog I'll be inspired. You never fail me:)
Dana Frieling says
Good for you for pressing on despite the hard year! I love your intention of bringing joy into your home with bright colors. Everything looks great! So fun that the mantle is waiting for gingerbread homes.
Julia Konya says
SO so pretty and I absolutely adore the colors on your tree
Andrea says
Lisa, your home looks beautiful. The perfect amount of holiday cheer. Everything looks so cozy and welcoming too. I hope you guys have a blessed Christmas this year.
Kim says
Lisa, your home is so inviting and warm! I LOVE the cutting board and all the little touches you do!! Hope you have a wonderful Christmas!
Nancy {at} powellbrower at home says
It's gorgeous Lisa, and simple is often the best! Im trying to simply here as well. Have a wonderful holiday season and enjoy your beautiful home. xo Nancy
alissa {33shadesofgreen} says
Very, very pretty, Lisa! I love everything! Your home looks so warm and inviting. Wish I could come over and enjoy a cup (or 17) of hot chocolate with you!
Glamista Home says
Hello Lisa, I really enjoy the tour through your home. I love the details on your tree, the personal ornaments are beautiful. I love that you did not "over" do the holiday decoration, everything has a chance to shine. I like the simple rose and and candle on your coffee table. So many adorable decor elements. Thank you for sharing.
Calypso In The Country says
I love all your colors and pretty details Lisa! Your home is gorgeous!
Cheers! – Shelley
[email protected] says
Oh my gosh, how pretty!!!! I adore your simple approach to the season and need to make a mental note to calm down! But before I stop decorating, thank you for the reminder that I wanted to make a hot cocoa station (my guys would flip!!). Merry Christmas!!
Jane Bernard says
Your home all dressed up for the Holidays is beautiful!! I love all the details, and the ribbon on your tree is so light and pretty.
Elizabeth @ The Little Black Door says
I love it! Love it all!! You did such a happy job. Your tree is right up my alley. 🙂 What a happy Christmas you are all going to have.
Linda {Calling it Home} says
Lisa, this is lovely, warm, and really happy. I think I want a cup of hot chocolate, now. Great. Happy Holidays.
Gypsy Heart says
So beautiful! I love the bright colors ~ looks happy. My daughter uses a range of colors too and it's gorgeous. I think you've done a much better job of making this Christmas bright & cheery than I have. I know your kids love it! If my back had not been such an issue, I think I would have done more. I did put up a small tree…for Abby. 🙂 She would be very disappointed…this was her favorite holiday!
You did such a wonderful job on the pillow and the bread board! I will have to take a look at the instructions and see what I can come up with. I like to share baked goods at Christmas ~ wouldn't a loaf of homemade bread be awesome with the bread board? Lots of ideas from you, sweet lady.
xo
Pat
Julie says
Beautiful, cozy, Christmas home, Lisa! Love it all!
Melanie Robinson says
Everything looks so beautiful, Lisa! I'm sorry this year has been a difficult one & love your idea to incorporate bright & happy colors in your home to help promote Christmas cheer. I love your new curtains and how smart and creative you are to make your existing pillow work double time. Enjoyed your Christmas Tour, friend. Thinking of you and your family during this season! 😉
Melanie Robinson says
Love your Christmas tour, Lisa! The tree is just gorgeous with the colorful ball ornaments, love you new curtains,and all your pretty touches throughout. Sorry if you have like 3 comments from me- lol, I left comments, then didn't see them! 🙂 Hope your family's Christmas was filled with peace and joy!