 |
Welcome!
And Merry Christmas!!
I’m so pleased that you dropped by today.
Can you smell the spiced cider simmering? Here, let me take your coat.
Please, help yourself to some cider and sweets.
Now let’s get started.
One thing that I always love when I take tours is getting the behind the scenes details. And yes, I have a bit of that for you too.
But first, you’ll notice that there is a little theme going on here, for the most part. If you read my post yesterday, you may remember I mentioned how ‘JOY’ has become an underlying theme these past six months. That just might be the reason ‘Joy’ is very much a part of our Christmas decor as well.
We lease this humble home of ours. It’s the smallest house we’ve ever lived in. But, I can’t complain. When we were only married a few years, we had one of Good Housekeeping magazine’s Merry Christmas houses built. It was a saltbox. Since, I’ve discovered that I can make any home a Merry Christmas home. And you can too!
How’s your cider? It’s so easy to simmer it with a few spices. I could enjoy a cup almost every day.
You’ll notice several nativities. We have them scattered all over the house. They are little helpful reminders to keep the real reason for this celebration in mind. It really is easy to get lost in greenery, glitz, and gifts.
If you’d like a better peek of my sideboard vignette with the wreath and nativity you’ll want to click here.
We love to entertain. During my recent flurry of decorating and picture-taking we were preparing to host our small group. Though our home is small, we manage to extend our table to seat many people. That’s the beauty of a combined living and dining room. Or as I like to call it….a great room.
Over the years, my husband and I have often bought some bit of Christmas decor for our home instead of exchanging gifts. The print over the piano and the large white nativity are two very special purchases.
Christmas has always been our favorite holiday. My dad loved decorating for Christmas and everything about it. I am so grateful for the many great memories I have of Christmases past. I guess my love of decorating is a way of celebrating those happy memories each year, as well.
Aside from the free greens that we picked up at Lowe’s in a nearby town, a dollar pack of tiny red glass balls used to decorate the ivy and book page trees, and the $5 spent on Paperwhite bulbs, everything comes from my stash, or from the garden, or field. My husband and I lost our jobs a few years ago. He’s been back at work for the past year, but things will be tight for a long while to come. I’ve enjoyed the challenge of being creative with the things I have. It takes longer. But, it’s been fun and satisfying.
With my Swedish heritage and some Pinterest inspiration from a few Scandinavian blogs, I thought it would be fun to create a Swedish Christmas room in my sun room. One creative afternoon I got out some leftover paint and transformed an old cabinet, and a chair I picked from the roadside in my neighborhood. I even painted the chair seat. Those two things made my Swedish Christmas room come together. It also helped that a month earlier I painted the natural wood trim white. I promise I’ll share more about this project in an upcoming post.
May I get you a little more cider or a Christmas cookie?
Now that we’re living in the mountains and enjoy a great view, it’s a treat to eat in the sun room whenever the weather allows.
Though I’m not a fan of the strong aroma of Paperwhites, there’s nothing like their beauty in the winter and especially at Christmas.
For those detail-oriented people. I am quite aware that I have a Dutch cocoa tin decorating my Swedish Christmas room. It’s my nod to my mother’s Dutch heritage. And, um, it’s red!
Usually I decorate nearly every room….including the bath…which has a small nativity I made, some greenery, and an angel with a tree. Do you decorate just a room or two, or all? We were blessed to entertain out-of-town guests over Thanksgiving weekend. Rather than jumping into Christmas then, we chose to enjoy the season of harvest. I’m still working on the other rooms. My ‘studio’ as I like to call it, is next on the agenda to decorate. You’ll want to stop by again for that.
My kitchen is a dark room and not good for picture-taking. So, I only have one photo to share with you that is worthy for this tour. The message, though, says it all!
I hope you enjoyed your tour. If you did, would you kindly tell a friend? It’s so much fun to meet new people and develop new friendships. Please be sure to sign the “guest book” below (in the ‘Please Share Your Thoughts’ section at the end) and tell me what was your favorite bit of Christmas eye candy from this little tour. I read and reply to every comment.
Thanks for stopping by my Merry Christmas house!
If you enjoyed this tour, you’re sure to enjoy the lovely homes of bloggers featured on Jennifer Rizzo’s Virtual Holiday Housewalk Party. That tour starts here. And if you still want more inspiration, please click here.
Wishing you the most extraordinary and joyous Christmas!
Diane
An update: If you love the trio of book page trees on the china cabinet the tutorial is here:
To receive bits of inspiration like this in your inbox or reader, subscribe now.
Sharing with Southern Hospitality + Elizabeth and Co. + A Diamond in the Stuff + The Girl Creative + Coastal Charm + A Stroll Through Life + The DIY Dreamer + House Honeys + Lil’ Luna + DIY Showoff + DIY by Design + From My Front Porch to Yours + The Trendy Treehouse + Cowgirl Up + Whimsy Wednesdays + Clean and Sensible + My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia + Savvy Southern Style + Ivy & Elephants + Primp + Stone Gable + No Minimalist Here + 52 Mantels + House of Hepworths + Live Laugh Rowe + A Glimpse Inside + Dixie & Dottie + Naptime Creations + The Vintage Farmhouse + Shanty 2 Chic + Funky Junk Interiors + Imparting Grace + Katherine’s Corner + Bloom + The Shabby Creek Cottage + Between Naps on the Porch + The Brambleberry Cottage + Colorado Lady + Faith & Crafts + Delightsome Life + Michelle’s Tasty Creations + The Charm of Home + French Country + Common Ground + At the Picket Fence + Redoux + Thrifty Groove + Craftberry Bush + Tidy Mom + Shabby Nest + The Inspired Home + Cottage Magpie + Saturday Nite Special + The Rose Garden in Malevik + My Romantic Home + Nifty Thrifty Things + It’s So Very Cheri + Cupcakes & Crinoline + Setting for Four + Three Mango Seeds + Alderberry Hill + The Tablescaper + The Dedicated House + Between Naps on the Porch + Our Sheltering Tree + Nesting Place Christmas Tour + A Cozy Little House + A Glimpse Inside + Southern Lovely + Art of 66 + A Thoughtful Place + A Delightsome Life + Simply Designing + Tatertots & Jello
Thanks so much for reading!
Please stop by Longaberger Lifestyle
Bless Family & Friends with Unique Handmade Goodness from Longaberger this Christmas!
Don’t miss out on the fantastic SALES every Tuesday & Wednesday!
|
that white chair with the red seat is so dreamy! i love the image its in with the eating nook, too!
It so is!
I smile, Cassie, every time I pass by that sweet chair vignette.
Thanks for stopping by the tour and ‘signing’ the ‘guest book.’
Merry Christmas!
Absolutely Lovely!!!
Thank you for sharing your gorgeous and heartfelt Christmas decor, and your home for this tour!
Yes, GLORY to God in the Highest!
~ Violet
Thank you Violet!
Wishing you an extraordinarily blessed Christmas!
Hi Diane,
What a lovely tour and beautiful home! Thank you for sharing it with us. It’s difficult to pick a favorite and best I can do is come up with 2: First, the little angel in your Swedish Christmas room and second, the table in your sun room. Perfect for 2 people, and I can’t imagine needing anything else while sitting in this room enjoying the food, view and love!
You are so kind, Jane. The Swedish Christmas room is a perfect place to start our day. Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to ‘sign the guestbook.’
Such a wonderfully magical tour! Enjoyed each moment of it and will be back again. I promise not to drink all the mulled cider and cookies! You truly have a gift and your home is extremely warm and filled with JOY!
You are so sweet Tracy!
I only wish that you could come in person. {hugs}
Very nice. Beautiful tree!
Thank you Bette! My husband strung all the cranberries for the garland. Good guy, huh?
Diane,
Thanks so much for sharing your Christmas house tour with us at NTT. You have a beautiful home that is full of JOY!!
Blessings,
Linda
Linda@Coastal Charm recently posted..Nifty Thrifty Tuesday No.143
Linda, I’m blessed to be able to hang out with the group at NTT!
Thank you, for your encouraging words!
Oh my, everything is so pretty. I love how you have the whole house decorated. I hope you and your family have the Very Merriest of Christmas and a Wonderful Happy New Year. Thanks tons for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty
You are so sweet Marty!! The same to you!! Thank YOU!!!
Oh it looks so pretty around your home Diane!! I’m chomping at the bit to do more decorating, as soon as those painters are out of here I’m going to put my house back together and get festive again! HAA!
Melissa @ The Inspired Room recently posted..Painting the Kitchen! {Progress Report and Cabinet Hardware!}
Thanks Melissa!! Glad your painters could come and get the job done in time for Christmas. That’s a terrific Christmas gift for sure!!!!!!
Hi Diane,
I always love to see your decorations. Those glass ornaments bring back memories. I love the white chair vignette, but you know I love white! Love your sideboard, too! Hope you both have a wonderful Christmas!
Oh Karen, I wish you were able to see them in person. I miss our little Christmas get together.
Of course, I know you love all the white and creams. Guess you’ve had a little influence on me.
May your Christmas be extraordinarily blessed and joyful. {hugs}
Hello Diane,
As always you have done an extraordinary job decorating your home for Christmas. You have so much talent and decorating finesse. I love all the nativities you have placed around your home to remind us of the real reason for the Christmas season. Every room in your home looks cozy and inviting. I have three Christmas wishes for you. I Wish you and Pastor Tim a very wonderful Christmas. I Wish you didn’t have to move so far away. and I Wish we could spend Christmas with you both. I miss your small group studies and your end of the year Christmas party. So many happy memories. May God bless your Christmas and New Year with peace, love, and JOY.
Love always,
Jeanette
Oh Jeanette, you just made my morning!!!
We too miss you and all those wonderful times together and always will cherish the sweet memories in our hearts.
May God’s peace and blessing be yours in overflowing abundance during this season of Advent and in the New Year.
Love and hugs to you and each one in your family.
~Diane
Your house looks so wonderful for the holidays. Beautiful red transferware, beautiful and interesting ornaments, and trees. All tastefully and well done.
You are so sweet Carlene. Thank you for noticing the details that are so very special to me.
May you and yours have the most extraordinary Christmas!
I am happy my friend is doing something she loves and is good at, I miss her terribly. And I may not get to see first hand the beautiful, warm heartfelt decorations this year, the first time in more than a few years. There’s nothing like face to face, but the virtual tour sure does help the heart remember good times and a place of comfort. Peace to you my dear friend! Thank you for the memories, hospitality and love … Especially this time of year.
My dear Kim…your words of love mean the world to me. I’m so glad you came by for the tour. I know it isn’t the same.
I so miss having my dear friends over enjoying all the pretties while they make themselves at home with a mug of warm cider. {hugs}
What a lovely, warm home you have! Love the white chair especially. Thanks for linking up. We are so happy to have you!
Isn’t that chair so fun! It puts a smile on my face every time I pass it.
Thanks for your hospitality Doreen!!
Merry Christmas!
Love the tour everything is just beautiful….thank you for sharing at It’s beginning to look a lot like christmas Blog Hop.
You are so kind Tammy!!
Thank you!
Merry Christmas!
Hello Diane, Wow! How pretty…how did you transform it so quick? It’s a Christmas hug! Your creative side is in full bloom. Love what you did with the window….perfect over your couch…and I have to agree with the others…the little red chair is darling..I just love it in the sun room. Don’t have a favorite..just wish I could come back and see it and you!
Oh Rochelle…it wasn’t that quick getting start. After you left I did a thing or two and then I missed my friend and dragged my feet. But, then I made up my mind to be creative…and the day I decided to get out the paint and do the chair and cabinet things finally clicked. Yay! I’m so glad you love the window and the sun room….those spots just make my heart sing.
And yes…I wish we could just click out heels and transport ourselves between states. {hugs}
Oh your Christmas decorations are so beautiful… and so is your home! I love that little cat!!! Thank you for sharing all your Christmas joy at TUTORIALS TIPS AND TIDBITS!
Thank you Yvonne!!! Your words mean a lot to me as I so admire the touch you have on your home.
May your Advent be extraordinarily blessed!
Diane, Your home is beautifully decorated for Christmas and I love the book page trees. Thank you for sharing your pretty Christmas decor at the Open House party. Happy Holidays.
Hi Sherry!
You’ll love this…I had guests coming and I thought that I needed something on top of the china…but nothing that would break if the cat jumped up there…which she does…but hasn’t yet. So I asked my husband if he’d sacrifice a book or two and fold the trees for me. Yup…I’m a lucky lady!
Thanks for stopping by and being such a wonderful hostess!
Best wishes for an Extraordinary Christmas!!
Thank you for being such a gracious host!!
Those little book page trees seemed to have put a smile on everyone’s face this year.
Happy New Year!
Your house and decorations are so beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing at our Countdown to Christmas link party! Have a great week!
http://dixie-n-dottie.blogspot.com/
Thank you sweet ladies!!
Christmas blessings sent your way!
You have a beautiful home, Diane! I love your Christmas touches throughout. Love that chest and chair you painted, too!
Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions recently posted..Joy To The World Pillow
Thanks for noticing Kathy! You just put a big smile on my face!
Hope your Christmas is Extraordinary!
Your home is just lovely decorated for the holidays. I love the combo of red and white used in your Swedish sun room. And I too like to place my nativities around the house to remind us all of the reason for the season!
Have a Merry Christmas
Thanks for stopping my and enjoying the tour. The Swedish Room just plain makes me happy. Who knew the joys of red and white?
Sue…May your Christmas be extraordinarily blessed!
Thank you for the tour of your lovely home and wonderful holiday decor, so charming!
Merry Christmas!
Sally, your words warm my heart!
Thank YOU for coming over!!
Wishing you an Extraordinary Christmas!1
Very beautiful! I love the “Rejoice” and “Joy” features throughout the home.
I’m stopping by from Katherine’s Corner blog hop.
Happy Favorite Things Thursday!
http://artpark78.com/blog1/i-made-my-2012-holiday-wreath/
Yona recently posted..I Made…My 2012 Holiday Wreath
Oh Yona….we need to have joyful hearts and rejoice…especially at Christmas. Yes?
Thank you for taking the tour! May you and yours have a blessed Christmas!
Gorgeous house tour…you are so festive and I love all your touches, big and small.
Debbie, you are soooo sweet! Thank you for stopping by the tour!!
I’m hoping to participate in one of your upcoming link-ups again.
Merry Christmas!!
Love the sweet vignettes throughout your lovely home. We downsized and now have a “great room” too. It’s wonderful. No need for a second tv for the dining area, and as you said you can set one big long table! all is just joyful! xo marlis
marlis recently posted..Advent Calendar 2012 – a decorated tree
Hi Marlis!
Thank you for visiting and for your kind words. Downsizing isn’t all bad….it just takes a bit of an adjustment and creativity!
May your Christmas be joy-filled!
Hello Diane! It’s so nice to have you join my party this week with your lovely decor! I can almost smell those paperwhites!! Lovely!! The mandolin above your piano is beautiful. You and your husband can count yourselves very proud on your wonderful job!
Blessings,
Doni
You are so sweet, Doni! Thank you for your kind words and warm welcome!
May your Christmas be extraordinarily joyful!
Your home is beautiful! I love being able to tour homes! Thanks for sharing! My favorite is your Swedish sun room! So cute! Merry Christmas!
Thank you Brooke! It is fun to tour different homes. So many styles and talents to appreciate! I think I love my Swedish room best, too!
May your Christmas be extraordinary!
You have a beautiful home filled with gorgeous Christmas decoration and a beautiful tree. Thank you for sharing your lovely post at the hop xo
Katherines Corner recently posted..One For You and One For Me Apron Swap
I fixed the typo Katie! It did make me laugh, too!! I hate it when I see after I comment that I totally messed up.
As always, thanks for your warm hospitality and for your encouraging remarks!
Blessings!
Wow.
WOW!
It’s all the little details, yaknow? I especially live the red snowflakes and the bare branch in the window–but I’m a sucker for red and white. The wee kitten on the door and the antique ornaments…….excellent.
It really is about the little details for me. It makes everything personal and meaningful–which makes for a warmth from the inside out.
Well done!
And how nice the kitty slept through the tour. LOL
Thanks Mel!! That’s Taylor kitty’s favorite spot….in the way, but a spot where he can keep an eye on most of the house. He thinks he’s a watch dog.
I love it when the details are noticed….I’m all about those too. But, then I guess that’s obvious. You noticed the branch and snowflakes. This morning the sun was out and I got a good picture. I might do a mini post on those later. It’s not my usual style…but soooo fun!!
Thank you for sharing your lovely home with us Diane! You are a blessing.
Merry Christmas sweet lady!
Melissa @ The Inspired Room recently posted..Christmas House Tours {2012}
Melissa…I may have told you this before…but it’s a dream come true for me.
You and your blog have been wonderfully inspiring to me. So…thank YOU!!!! {hugs}
I love the rejoice on the frame…everything looks so festive! Dianntha
Oh thank you Dianntha! It makes me smile big every time I glance at it!
I love your collages … and what an inspiration you are as you share that even though you’ve been unemployed, you’ve been able to decorate with what you have and what you find. True genius!
Warmest blessings …
Linda Stoll recently posted..Helping Children in Crisis
Oh Linda, you are so kind. Thank you!!
Merry Christmas!!
Your home is so very beautiful. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Thank you sooo much Sandy! I’m blessed that you would take the time to stop by for a tour!
Wishing you the most Extraordinary Christmas!
What a lovely home you have ~ thank you so much for the tour and for linking up at this week’s party! Have a joy-filled week.
Mary Beth @ Cupcakes and Crinoline recently posted..Linky Party Week of 12/16/12
Thank you for so graciously hosting, Mary Beth!!
May your Christmas be truly extraordinary!
I love your book trees!!! If you have a post about them I would love to read about them. Did you make them? and what are they sitting on?
Anna, you just put the biggest smile on my face!
I don’t have a post…YET…expect one in a few days. I have the photos…just need to put it together. P.S. Very easy to make…my husband did the work for me. 
Stunning – your guests won’t want to leave!
Kelly
Oh my goodness Kelly, your words cause me to blush!
Thank you!!!
Absolutely wonderful job Diane, I love your Swedish sun room ~ every inch is perfectly styled, warm and lovely!
Pam @ Simple Details recently posted..Christmas 2012…home tour
I’ve never had anyone say “perfectly styled,” Pam!! Your words are a Christmas gift to me!
Thank you!!
May your Christmas be extraordinarily blessed!
You’ve given me an “itch” to use words in my decor. Tomorrow, out comes the cricut machine and I’m cutting “grace”, “joy” and ” winter frolic”. Thanks for the inspiration.
Also, I am copying your idea to use a Longaberger basket as manger scene backdrop.
Oh Gail! You made my day!! I love it when my little bits can be inspire another’s creativity! Have fun with it all!!!
I have never ever seen JOY made with the two angels and the Christ Child in the O before. Would you mind sharing where/when it was purchased? I am so impressed by it as Jesus is the reason for the Season and I loved all the creche scenes. Have a Mary Christ Mass and a Holy and Blessed New Year…2013…
Sylvia Faye
Hi Sylvia! The JOY nativity was a gift quite a few years ago. It was made by Roman Inc. Item #42779 from their Milllenium series. I hope it helps…maybe there is another available online…I checked Amazon….and Roman only had a Santa in the joy…not quite the same. This one is surely the nicest I’ve seen and I love putting it in my secretary. Thank you for loving it too!
May your CHRISTmas be joyous!
Hey there, thanks so much for linking up to our Countdown to Christmas link party. We’re excited to tell you that you were the most viewed link last week featured! Stop by and grab our feature button! Hope you’ll continue to link up with us! Merry Christmas!
http://dixie-n-dottie.blogspot.com/2012_12_17_archive.html
Shut the door!! I’m totally amazed! Thanks ladies for hosting and for all the love.
May your Christmas be truly extraordinary!
Very Beautiful! More so because your circumstances did not allow you to go buy lots of things to make your home beautiful. God Bless You and your family. Glory to God in the Highest! Merry Christmas.
Jeannie-JB recently posted..Merry Christmas! Changes in 2013
Thank you Jeannie for your kind words and for taking the time to stop by and leave them as well!
This has been a very good adventure for me. It’s interesting how we often think we need new things. But, we really don’t.
May your Christmas be extraordinarily blessed!
Beautiful! Classic and traditional. So warm and welcoming! Merry Christmas, Diane!
Roeshel recently posted..DIY Christmas Card Tree {card display/holder}
Oh Roeshel…that’s so nice of you to say. Thank you!!!
May your Christmas be truly joyous!
Love your Swedish room! I love the red pops of color. Love the red and white chair and the Rejoice sign. You sure have a festive home. Love your photos.
Thank you soooo much Joni!! I really had a lot of fun playing with old things in a new way.
Merry Christmas!!
Thank you soooo much Joni!! Red is one of my favorite colors, too. It was fun playing with old things in a new way.
Merry Christmas!!
Well, I am just i love with all of your holiday decor! So fun and pretty. And the cheerfulness makes your home feel very welcoming! Thank you for sharing at TTF last week. I hope you join again!
Diann @ The Thrifty Groove recently posted..The Cowardly Judge! (Susan Hubbard)
Oh Diann you just made my day! Thank you for your warm and encouraging words…and hospitality too!
Wishing you the most Extraordinary & Blessed Christmas!!
Diane,
First time visiting your blog. What a lovely post. I shall go exploring more, now!
Merry Christmas!
Welcome Carol!! I’m so glad you enjoyed the tour! You make me feel like all my efforts are worthwhile…thank you!
Wishing you a Blessed and Joyous Christmas!
Your home is beautifully decorated! I love the window above your couch! Your dining areas are pretty. Please don’t feel you need to apologize about the size of your home – your home looks really lovely, and to live in the mountains – how cool is that!!!
Merry Christmas!
Beth
Oh Beth….you must have the gift of encouragement. Thank you for your kind words!!! The window was given to me by a friend. It hung in her old sunroom where we made lots of great girlfriend memories.
Merry Christmas to you too!
I do love your house and all the decorations! This is the place to tour for great ideas and the why didn’t I think of that! Your house appears large in the photos and the photos are so gorgeous because your house is gorgeous! The image of a cottage is the perfect theme. The sun room is wonderful with the Swedish feel and I love the chair and cabinet for they are so pretty and thrifty. You are so fortunate to have a beautiful home and the kindness to share it with us. I could point out many different parts that are lovely but I will just say it is is all great!
Thanks, Pam
Oh Pam I could give you a great big hug….unless you prefer your personal space.
Thank you so very much for your very encouraging words. They are like honey to my soul.
May you and yours have the most blessed and extraordinary Christmas!!
Thanks so much for sharing your stunning home tour at It’s Party Time linky party last week! I am featuring you today on my blog – stunning home you have
…Merry Christmas!!!!
http://www.settingforfour.com/2012/12/features-its-party-time-12162012.html
Heather recently posted..Features – It’s Party Time 12/16/2012
Thank you for the feature and for saying the most amazing things!!
Wishing you the most extraordinary Christmas, Heather!
It’s all so pretty! You will be one of the features at Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House. Hope to see your prettiness again at the party. Wishing you a Merry Christmas. Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse
Kathryn Griffin recently posted..Head on over to SaltTree
Thank you Kathryn!
May your Christmas be filled with peace and joy!
I am moving in!
Haha!! I wish you were close to have come in person for your visit!
Thanks for stopping by Karin! You put a great big grin on my face.
{hugs}