I love getting to sneak a peek in other people’s houses all decorated for Christmas. Heck, who am I kidding, I like a peak inside anytime. I often wish I could walk into my own house and see it how others see it. Wouldn’t that be cool?
There’s something special about Christmas decorations and the way they transform a home from everyday living to Christmas cozy. Today I’m sharing our home and the Christmas touches around it.
Once upon a time the main colors associated with Christmas were red, white and green, but these days, there are themes a plenty. This year I personally have fallen hard for black and red buffalo plaid, and I’ve added it to my tree, garlands and touches here and there. I’m not alone either. Buffalo plaid is everywhere in home decor.
I made the BELIEVE bunting a few years ago. I love these buntings and have them for several seasons. They are super easy to make and I have a tutorial here if you are interested in making one for yourself.
The large felt ball garland is new this year. I found it when Home Goods was starting to put out the Christmas things and snatched it right up. I love it! There are a couple of different versions ON SALE at TJMaxx online right now, and Amazon has some too. You can order them here??
I took poster board and covered it with wrapping paper as a backdrop for our bookcases. It makes a them just that much more festive.
I have a collection of these Santa’s (thanks to my mom?) and I love them for several reasons. They’re cute, and they make me think of home.❤️They are displayed throughout the bookcases.
It took me a sweet FOR-EVER to find the Christmas dishes of my dreams, but about 10 years ago I finally did. They are made by Lenox and no longer available. Insert sad face here. There are a lot of cute Christmas dishes out there though. I just saw some at Williams Sonoma yesterday that were super cute.
And you know my love for my new tiered tray is serious. To say I absolutely adore it is an understatement. I have a wooden one and a metal one and they are both decked out. I will tell you, the earlier you shop the easier it is to find fun things for them. I was in Hobby Lobby yesterday and the ginormous Christmas section they’ve had since the 4th of July is down to just a few rows. I mean, just since last week it’s been cut in half, and it was already considerably smaller then.
Here’s the metal one (but full disclosure, I moved it so I could take a pic without all the dinner shenanigans in the picture.)
You’ll notice our Elf Gretchen has made this her new home. Just like me, Gretchen loves her chocolates and her Barrington tote. She’s ready to go when ever duty calls. Thanks to Carrie’s inspiration, I found a few tobacco baskets left at Hobby Lobby yesterday to add to my tray. They are so cute. I had to dig for them, but persistence pays off.
I have a large collection of Department 56 village pieces from the North Pole collection. This is something else I have my mom to thank for. She would give me a piece or two every year after we got married for Christmas. When we lived in Richmond I had the perfect corner in the living room where I would put up a three-tiered table my dad had made. It was beautiful. In this home I don’t have a good place for the table, so I display a very abbreviated version.
And can I just tell you I’m smitten with all the buffalo plaid?! Last year I only had it in wrapping paper form, but this year I added ribbon…lots of ribbon. There are so many fun ways to incorporate it into your home and without making it feel too “country”. Our house has more of a traditional feel, but used the right way, anyone can likely add some touches of these fun print. I really kind of wanted the black and white, but was having a hard time finding it (for a reasonable price, remember who you’re dealing with here), but I was able to score this red and black as soon as our friends at Hobby Lobby put it out.
We are excited that we got to add another stocking to the railing this year. I was thinking about getting all new stockings, but Benny (who is averse to change) wanted to keep the old ones. That actually kind of made my mama heart happy.❤️
I gave in three years ago and bought a pre-lit tree. Oh how I love a real Frasier Fur tree, but putting over 1000 lights on a tree (by myself) took for-ever. With traveling every other year for Christmas, a pre-lit is the easiest solution and I gotta’ tell you, I haven’t looked back for a split second. I just burn a Bath & Body Works Fresh Balsam candle frequently and ba-da-bing, ba-da-boom, the house smells like a real tree. YASSS!
I use a large punch bowl to display ornaments on our dining room table with greenery. There’s a greenhouse in Minneapolis called Bachman’s that has beautiful faux greenery, and I got a great deal on some after Christmas one year. Yay me!
I think I should dedicate this post to my mom. When we were growing up she had a set of Byers Carolers and I always loved them. One year for Christmas that’s what I asked for, so we went together to a specialty store in Richmond that carried them, and I picked out a set to match our family. A blonde mom and little girl and dark headed dad and little boy. Yet another set of things that I love to pull out at Christmas and bring back lots of warm memories.
Eventually I’m going to get a post done on Christmas cards. What do you do with all those beautiful cards once Christmas is over? I think I found this idea on none other than Pinterest, about putting them on rings and making a “flip book” out of them. I’ve got two done and another 2 stacks that I need to do. They are so fun to go back and look at and compare how families have changed.
And last but not least is this little snow globe. Would you believe my mom gave it to us. LOL. I think it was the first Christmas we were married, and it’s been on display every Christmas for 26 years. I wonder if she knew when she bought it, what it would mean and how special it would be. My house might be naked if it wasn’t for my mom. THANKS MOM!!!!
I hope you enjoyed this little look into our home and the decorations. I can’t believe in two weeks, Christmas will be over and the countdown will be on once again. For now, I’m going to try to make the most of the next two weeks and enjoy it as much as possible…starting today by picking my girl up from the airport before lunch. Big smiles all around!!!
Kellyann says
Your Christmas home is so beautiful and you have done a great job! You are so creative in your displays and I love that so many pieces have special meanings. I am super happy for you that your precious girl is coming home today!!!
Love ya!
xo,
Kellyann
Laura says
L I S A A A A!!!! Oh my goodness, girl! Your home looks FABULOUS! I just love your style of decor and didn’t we already have the discussion that my bookcase is lined with paper, too? If not, mine is black and white chevron and I’ve had it up for years. It’s actually probably time to replace it because I’m sure it’s faded. And just look at Erin’s stocking this year! EEK!! A new family member (aka “daughter”) is going to make your Christmas even more special this year! Have a happy day with Katie today!! Love you!
Living on Cloud Nine says
SUCH A GREAT JOB!!!! It looks like a professional decorated it all, well, a professional did: named LISA!!!! The tree is the shinning star but the mantle and table scapes and trays are spectacular!! Oh how I need mini tobacco baskets, lol!! Katie is going to be so excited to see all moms GREAT, festive work. Have a super sweet reunion my friend! Loves ya xo
Gina Daily says
Ah you have SO many cute decorations! The Christmas mugs are especially adorable – I like how you have them out on display!
Gina || On the Daily Express
Kim Taylor says
Ok the mini barrington tote?? LOVE! I am so thankful that my kids didn’t grow up with that dang Elf but what a cute idea to put him in your tiered tray. I may head to Hobby Lobby today to see if I can find any of the tobacco baskets! Did you find them among the collection of ornaments? Your house looks fabulous but I am not surprised! You have a knack!
Lisa Richardson says
Aw, thanks so much Kim! Last year Barrington did 3 giveaways of the mini totes and I was lucky enough to get one. Then they did a contest where you showed it on your tree or with your elf (which is why I have one. I had to go out and get her, but she was a good investment), etc…for a chance to win a life-size tote. Guess who won? SOOOO EXCITED (I’ll send you the pics I submitted.) Anyway, I love that bag, but you already know that.
The tobacco baskets were with the ornaments and I found 5 (only bought 2). They were on the very bottom in the back (almost like someone was trying to hide them…spoken like a true hider). Fingers crossed. XOXO
Kim Taylor says
Oh yes, I know ALL ABOUT HDING….LOL ok good to know. I will see what I can find and YES I would love to see the pics you submitted! I love all of my Barrington totes! They are the best bags ever! I will let you know if I find any ornaments at HL!
Lisa Richardson says
Too funny, Kim! I’m so happy you found some. They only had “noel” left at ours. I love the “joy” one. I put the pics of the elf on the last email response, but I guess they didn’t go through. I’ll email them separately. Have a great weekend!! XO
Laura says
Your home is so beautifully decorated! I love the bunting and pom pom garland on your fireplace!
Lisa Richardson says
Thank you Laura!!! XO
Tanya @Other Side of the Road says
Oh my, with each new picture in this post I was just smiling! I just love your holiday decor. It is the perfect mix of sentimental favorites with new accents. I especially like the felt balls, the tiered trays, the carolers, and the stockings! I would love to get a set of Christmas dishes someday. I’m so happy for you that Katie is back home for the holidays. enjoy!
Lisa Richardson says
Aw, Thank you so much Tanya! That’s so sweet and makes me very happy. I hope you have a wonderful weekend!! XO
Maureen O says
OMG! What a beautiful Christmas decor! Gosh, I love your tree and how cool that it is pre-lit! Nice. 🙂 Your mom is amazing for adding to your multiple collection of Christmas items. And those tiered trays, I am a fan. I just love how it looks when filled with goodies. So pretty! Great job Lisa!
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
Lisa Richardson says
Well thank you so much, Maureen! I’m very lucky to have such a sweet mom with good taste. Have a great weekend!! XO
leaculp says
Lovely, lovely! I especially like the buffalo plaid and your tree is beautiful. It truly is beginning to look a lot like Cmas!
Lisa Richardson says
Thanks so much Lea! Give me all the buffalo plaid. It’s hard not to go overboard. Have a wonderful weekend!! XO
Sarah Shaffer says
This was so sweet! I know your mom just loves that she’s given you so many special things. I love your house at Christmas time. Well, all the time really, but you always have a picture perfect tree! I am in love with those carrolers. I guess I hadn’t noticed those before. I’m putting them on my list! 😉
Lisa Richardson says
Aw, sweet Sarah! So happy to have a comment from you. Just wish your gang could come over and hang with all of us on Christmas Day again. That was so fun!!! Miss you! XOXO
Ruthyannie from MyLittleNest says
Your home is so cozy and perfectly festive! I love the buffalo plaid and that cute banner on your fireplace. You definitely nailed it!
http://www.mylittlenest.org
Lisa Richardson says
Thank you Ruthyannie! Have a wonderful weekend! XO
Annie says
Your Christmas tree is decorated beautifully. I especially love all the plaid touches. So cozy and festive! Thank you for sharing, darling <3
Xo, Annie | TheAnniePursuit.com
Lisa Richardson says
Thank you Annie! I always tell my husband that with trees the more the better when it comes to decorations. Have a wonderful weekend! XO
Carrie @ Curly Crafty Mom says
Your home is beautiful, Lisa. I love the buffalo plaid tree and how you did the ribbon on it. Doing the ribbon on my tree is my least favorite part of the tree! Ha! Yay! I am so glad you found the tobacco baskets at Hobby Lobby! Your 2 & 3 tier shelves are gorg! I love that little red milk carton. I didn’t know there was a 2 tier wooden shelf out there, the 3 ones are just too big for my kitchen! I love the pop of red from the wrapping paper on your shelves and your Santa collection! 🙂
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
Lisa Richardson says
Thank you Carrie! I agree ?that doing the ribbon is a pain. The spacing and all that is not effortless as one would maybe think (hope). The red milk carton is from Home Goods along with the other little red box. I thought they were perfect for those trays. Have a great weekend! xo
Mary says
YES YES YES!!!! Love your decs.
I’ve put myself up for adoption with Andrea but if she won’t have me, please can you and Kent take in a Pout for Christmas!!
Love your Santa and sleigh, and love you had your mum hunts them out.
Well done,
Mary, x.
thepoutingpensioner.blogspot.com
Lisa Richardson says
Thank you Mary!!! Andrea and I can share custody of you. LOL Have the best weekend!
Jenifer says
great post! you have the cutest decorations!
xx Jenifer
https://www.theevolista.com/
Lisa Richardson says
Thanks so much Jenifer! Have the Merriest Christmas!! XO
Jessica says
Sooo lovely dear. My fave has gotta be the Christmas village! Brings back so many childhood memories.
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
Lisa Richardson says
Thank you Jessica. I hope one day to display the whole thing again. Merry Christmas!! XO
Shaunacey says
what a gorgeous tree!
Lisa Richardson says
Thank you so much, Shaunacey and for sharing it on TBB!!! Merry Christmas! XO
Gina Daily says
So fun and festive!! I love the holiday card Pinterest idea. I usually end up saving the cards for awhile…then throwing them away and it does feel kind of sad. It would be fun to look back on them if I had saved them in a smarter way!
Gina || On the Daily Express
Lisa Richardson says
Thanks Gina! Well it’s never too late to start the card saving. I had thrown away years and years before I finally started this. Happy Friday! XO