Welcome and come on in! Since this is our first Christmas in Fayetteville, I thought I’d take you on a Christmas home tour and show you a few of my basic decorating tips. I’m keeping things simple this year (and not stressing over my lack of outside lighting). The only decorations I’ve pulled from storage tubs are those I absolutely adore which brings me to my first tip–decorate with items that fill your heart with Christmas spirit. Handmade items. Old things with history. Don’t let yourself be the oldest decoration in your house. Know what I mean?
When decorations feel right and easy, you’ll know.
Incorporate everyday items not specifically Christmas-related, like pottery and books. Work with what you have.
It doesn’t take much effort to place vintage ornaments in a bowl. I’m loving the look of turquoise McCoy pottery combined with red ornaments.
Here’s a mix of vintage and new-ish ornaments in a glass compote that normally holds a few marbles. (The marbles are underneath the ornaments. Easy decorating, I promise.)
You probably already know about my collection of bottle brush trees. This year, I arranged my favorite trees on vintage serving platters and placed them throughout the house for simple Christmas touches in each room.
bottle brush trees, ornaments, candle atop a flea market serving platter
Hang stars or other ornaments from branches and dried flower arrangements.
Display old Christmas photos.
My imperfect (yet perfect) Frasier fir is loaded with kid-made ornaments and family memories.
Don’t forget your porches and outdoor space. My front door winter wreath isn’t holiday specific, so it will carry me into spring.
Frosty’s been with us for years.
Place inexpensive “permanent” trees in vintage flower pots to give them stability and a little extra oomph.
I would be remiss if I didn’t show off my favorite tree, the tree my parents bought the year I was born. We lived in Wilson, Arkansas on Washington Street. And guess what street I live on now? Yes, Washington Street. A fun factoid. At least I think so.
My final tip: buy one new (or old) decoration at your favorite after Christmas sale and pack it away for next year. I’ve amassed quite a collection of decorations this way.
That’s it for my Christmas home tour and simple decorating tips. Happy decorating! Happy Christmas!
Grace Grits and Gardening
Farm. Food. Garden. Life.
[tweetthis url=”http://wp.me/p58902-19q”]Don’t let yourself be the oldest decoration in your house. Holiday decorating tips! [/tweetthis]
Musical Pairing:
It’s Beginning to Look A lot Like Christmas, Johnny Mathis
Great blog Talya! I love the idea of using old Christmas photographs….will be using that one.
Thanks and have a Merry Christmas!
Thanks Kathy! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Talya, I love your simple decorations,,we tend to over decorate at Christmas, we over do everything at Christmas, and that’s not what it’s all about, the older I get, the less I decorate, simple for me,,, JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON..
Thanks Linda!! Yes, lots of things are overdone these days.
That was a fun tour, Talya! You have some great ideas, and the vintage items make Christmas so special and personal. I love the silver tree from your childhood, what a keepsake! Thank you for sharing.
Thanks Anita. The silver tree is priceless:)
Enjoy reading your blogs,,,keep up the good work
Thanks June. Keep reading:))
What a fun blog. Love your door wreath. You were meant to live on Washington Street and what a lovely home you have.
Thanks Colene and Tom. I am loving this neighborhood and street!
I couldn’t have done it better. It’s Christmas home perfection. Merry Christmas
Well, I wouldn’t go that far Mark. YOU are the decorating expert!
So creative and lovely. Especially the tree you’ve kept from your family…love!
I love your Christmas decorations, especially the vintage pieces! I will be using your idea of displaying old Christmas photos!
Your decorations are beautiful, I love this time of the year!
That doorknob is a decoration in itself. Love seeing your Christmas decor. As always, very simple but classy.