Holiday Home Tour 2015

It’s that time of the year again folks! It is time for a walk through our somewhat decorated Christmas home. I know I am behind with this post in the blogging world but you know what, I am OK with that. Everyone has different responsibilities on their plates. In fact, I debated whether I wanted to do a tour this year or not but I finally settled on doing one. Not sure how long I could keep up with these tours because they are a lot of work but I do love them, though. Plus trying to keep a house looking possible with three little ones while I take photos is not the easiest. This post was weeks in the making. Eventually, I bribed my kiddos with an Oreo cookie while I take photos and even then, I could find a kid or two showing up in photographing areas and destroying everything in their paths. But now, I think they have gotten used to the decor and things stay in their place, for the most part. Or go ask the baby – he’ll probably tell you differently!

Most of my decor this year are either DIY, re-purposed, or frugal sale finds. At first, I did not know how things were going to come together. I wanted to do all neutral with gold, green, and specks of silver. But my stash said otherwise. So red became part of my decor, too. And since I did not want to go out and spend a ton on Christmas decor, I figured I would work with my stash for one room and do neutral for another room. I am loving the red pops among the green and gold. Christmas and red go together!

This B.E.L.I.E.V.E. sign was one of my DIYs this year.

Now that you have seen the front porch, come on in and let me show you around. There are lots of photos to go around!

I have no formal separate entryway, so I added a few items to make it work for us. I am loving this little ottoman we recently purchased as a sitting area for putting on and taking off shoes. It is a great storage piece, too. 

And I set you a plate of Winter Oreos and a jar of milk because you may be hungry by the time you are finished with this tour. You are welcome!

Here is another DIY chalkboard piece I did a few months ago. 

I added a few other nick-nacks and this entryway was Christmas ready.

Most of the items on this side of the room are frugal finds. Well, the TV stand is probably the only thing we paid full price for last year. The TV itself (40 inches) was a win from one of my husband’s business travel conference raffles.

I still have not gotten around to refresh the photo gallery yet. Our newest addition as of last year is still not on this wall. These are photos of the girls the past three years.

I am loving those little $3 trees from Target that frame the TV.

Moving on to other angles of the living room. The lighting in my home is never the best you all. Pretty much, there are no installed lights in the living room; I use only floor lights. Who does that?! Some people need to put more thought into building homes…Or maybe we needed to put more thought into buying:)

My Hobby Lobby sale find from last year, for less than $5.

I already had most of the items on here on hand. The lanterns I recently bought at Target for $3.

Also, this little end table along with two other matching end tables were repainted white a few weeks ago.

I am loving the deer themed pieces this season, too.

I ordered this deer head pillow cover along with another one via Amazon earlier this Fall. Both pieces cost about $7 bucks total because they are from China. They are well made and had very good reviews. Plus they got here faster than I expected. 

I found this mirror at At Home stores – on sale, of course!  This wall needed some decor.

Remember this DIY centerpiece I shared a few days ago? So simple, frugal, and yet so elegant!

We love our new Christmas tree. It is probably the most expensive investment we made in Christmas decor this year. Well, expensive like way less than $100 on sale at Big Lots. I was tired of just all green trees plus I felt like the one we had last year – well let’s just say I gave it away! Oh, and that large coffee table? For $22 at IKEA earlier this Spring, I’d say we did well. It was sold “as is” for two missing screws which my husband added in under a minute. And don’t forget to check out my 4 easy tips on how to beautify and old chair!

And our Thankful Tree we made during this Fall was spray painted white and is re-purposed here to hold tiny stockings. And these photos are from early February with our new addition to the family. (He is all grown now of course, and almost one)! This season’s family photos have not yet made it to our decor – I still have to work on those.

Some of the ornaments on this tree were from last year but we each chose a piece that we like this year to add to it.  These snowman are a couple of what my kids chose. Their handprinted ornaments that they made last year is going on another tree for their room. Along with several other new and older ones they made.

I chose this buffalo plaid gift box but one of the girls seems to love it more than I do!

My reindeer find from TJ Max/Home Goods last year made it’s way under the tree again.

Let’s move on guys into the kitchen and family room. You know what, I think I am gonna stop talking and just let you view the photos. It’s late and I am tired. If you have any questions about an item let me know in the comments. I’ll be happy to give you a reply.

But first, grab some hot coca from this hot coca bar! And no, I did not paint the tray. I found it on sale around $7 at Ross during the Spring. I had not realized that the black was actually chalkboard until I was decorating for Christmas and decided I need something to write on. 

Even the kids play kitchen area got a little decorating.

I said I would stop talking but if you sent me a Christmas card in the past or now, you may just see your photo on this frame here or in the basket below. It is such a fun piece to look at – oh the smiles and happy faces of each family!

Don’t even ask how this reindeer over the moon looking thing came together. At least that is what the kids say it looks like. And I have to agree. But it was totally not intentional.

I sure wish my photos were much clearer. But with poor home lighting and not so great of a camera we take what we could get. 

Here is my favorite photo of all – at least they are all looking in this one! Hope you had a wonderful time view our Christmas home and merry wishes for the season!

It’s your turn. Do you decorate much for Christmas? What are your favorite colors to use? I would love to know your thoughts in the comments.