I am so excited to be a part of the Christmas Party Tour of Homes put together by my talented friend, Krista from The Happy Housie! This tour has 24 amazing gals who have decked their halls and are just as excited as I am to share them with you, so be sure to pay them a visit when you’re tour here is over. 🙂
Let me first say, “Welcome!” I am so glad you’re here! This is actually the very first tour of my home that I’ve shared. I have a lot to show you so I will be sharing my home in two parts. Part 2 will be available next Friday.
I am a bit more traditional when it comes to my holiday decorating, but I also like a touch of whimsy. I hope you enjoy the tour!
My downstairs is about as open as it can possibly get. Let’s start in the living area with my main focal point, the mantel.
My mantel is very shallow, so it’s difficult to show depth when styling it. The garland helps add a bit of depth.
I love these little elves I found at Michaels last year.
The Santa Picture came from Kirklands a couple of years ago. I tell my kids that Santa is watching!
All lit up at night…
This tray will serve as a point of reference for you…
The little green chair was a $5 yard sale find. This is how I found it… the color makes it perfect as a Christmas prop.
This is the sectional I destroyed and rebuilt, still going strong 🙂 You can see how open my layout is…that’s my kitchen in the background.
On the other side of the living area is our tree…
As you can see, it’s jam-packed! Like most, our tree is full of sentimental ornaments we’ve collected over the years.
We always bring back an ornament from each vacation as a reminder of the fun memories we’ve made.
This is from Disney!
My nieces have been making our family ornaments for almost twenty years and of course, my kids have their handmade ornaments on the tree as well, so we have a lot of ornaments!
I made a handprint ornament for each of my babies. It’s hard to believe this tiny hand belonged to my eleven year old!
These are probably my favorites, they were on my parent’s tree when I was a little girl. There are several, about five different styles. I love them all!
I leave my tree lights lit on Christmas Eve. I love to come down the stairs to the soft glow of our tree early on Christmas morning. (Not really the “early” part, but that’s a given with two kiddies!)
In between our living area and kitchen is this little spot where I like to curl up and read.
Brennan has claimed it for now…along with my iPad…
All my pillows end up squished because he sits on them! I guess that’s better than tossing them on the floor 🙂
A few pieces of leftover Christmas tree cut-offs added to these candlesticks creates a simple, but pretty display for my island.
My dining room is all set for entertaining. I found this dining table and chairs at the thrift store for $85!
More fresh greenery and some ribbon added to this lantern make for a pretty centerpiece.
I made this little thrift store snow man family into a whimsical arrangement using a tree and a cheese box I found at a yard sale.
A couple of kissing friends stolen from my Christmas Village make a sweet vignette.
This fella is new this year. I found him at a florist’s shop of all places and just had to bring him home. He’s glittery, but it’s tough to see.
Anyone else have a rather large plush woody doll and pile of crap stashed behind their island ?! That’s how we roll around here…at least on home tour day 🙂
One more pretty picture to erase that last one from your memory…
I hope you enjoyed my Holiday Home tour!
Be sure to come back next Friday where I’ll take you upstairs!
Update: Part 2 is here! 🙂
Lucky for you this is the last day of this tour, so all of these tours are available to see now! If the link doesn’t take you to the correct post, just click “Home” when you get there to find it easily 🙂
Tuesday, December 3rd
1) Krista from The Happy Housie 2) Laura from The Turquoise Home
3) Amy from Commona My House 4) Abby from Just a Girl and Her Blog
5) April from House by Hoff 6) Shayna from The Wood Grain Cottage
Wednesday, December 4th
1) Jenna from Rain on a Tin Roof 2) Jen from Migonis Home
3) Rachel from Maison de Pax 4) Jamie from So Much Better With Age
5) Molly from The Poor Sophisticate 6)Tanya from Twelve O Eight
Thursday, December 5th
1) Amy from The Blissful Bee 2) Heather from The Southern State of Mind
3) Candace of Vintage News Junkie 4) Lauren from The Thinking Closet
5) Amber from Averie Lane 6) Sarah from Life on Virginia Street
Friday, December 6th
1) Chelsea from Making Home Base 2) Aniko from Place of My Taste
3) Christy from Confessions of a Serial Do-It-Yourselfer 4) Corey from Tiny Sidekick
5) Patricia from Little Cottage on the Pond 6) Emily from Two Purple Couches
Thanks so much for visiting!
XO,
If you like what you see, there are several ways to follow along!
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I love to share at these awesome parties:
Krista @ the happy housie says
Wow Christy- gorgeous!! Your home is so warm and cozy and it lends itself so perfectly to your Christmas décor!! I LOVE the pile of junk behind the island… my junk usually ends up in the kitchen during photo time as well! lol:)
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Krista! I know everyone’s got a pile like that, but not everyone has a kind of creepy giant woody doll in their pile! 🙂
Chelsea says
HI Christy! I’m new to your blog and I’m so glad I’m on this home tour with you and had the opportunity to discover it. Beautiful home!! That first photo is just stunning you mantel looks incredible as does the rest of your home! Happy holidays!!
Christy K. James says
Aw thanks, Chelsea! I’m just sitting down to check out tonight’s homes…looking forward to seeing yours! 🙂
Abby @ Just a Girl and Her Blog says
What a gorgeous tour, Christy! I really love your style! Everything flows so well in your open layout, and I’m glad I’m not the only one who is stashing toys behind things on home tour day! 😉 Thanks for sharing with us!
~Abby =)
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Abby! That pile kept getting bigger and bigger lol! 🙂
Jen @ Migonis Home says
Hi Christy! LOVE your Love, Joy, Peace pillow and your stairway! 🙂
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Jen! I’m so glad you stopped by! Have a great weekend 🙂 XO
Corey @ TinySidekick says
Hi Kristy. It is so fun to be in this tour with you! I love that Santa painting on your mantel. It all looks so pretty. And you aren’t the only one with a crap stash. I had to move all of my kids toys around to take pictures 🙂 You have a lovely home.
Christy K. James says
Aw, thanks Corey! I just visited your gorgeous home…I wondered where all those toys were hidden! 🙂
Amber says
A + amazing! I love your house! And I’m totally cracking up over your kitchen pile…So much fun seeing the behind the scenes! My kids had toys all over, but I managed to take photos without you all knowing. I feel like I’m living a lie! Haha! So honored to be a part of this tour with you!!
Amber @ Averie Lane
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Amber! Yes when I feel the need to see my house clean for the sake of my own sanity, I’ll pull up my house tour lol! My kids always have their toys scattered throughout! 🙂
Ellie says
Beautiful! Love your front entrance. Just once in my life I would like to have that much room! BTW, in your “junk” pile I saw a Woody lying there…have you had him for a long time…I’m looking everywhere for one for my grandson…no luck 🙁
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Ellie! We actually found that woody at Toys R Us this summer. He was in the section where all the toddler beds were 🙂
Laura @ The Turquoise Home says
I love the trash pile. Bravo to you for showing what ALL bloggers have on home tour day, or every other day for that matter. 🙂
Your home is very lovely!! Thanks for sharing it with us!
Laura @ The Turquoise Home
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Laura! No shame in showing what really goes on, right? Lol thanks for visiting 🙂
tricia@littlecottageonthepond says
Your staircase is stunning! I adore the tree and your dining room too. Love that you put a “real life” shot in for good measure 🙂 Lovely holiday home!!
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Tricia! I loved your silly family photo too 🙂
Stephanie @ Simply Swider says
It all looks so pretty! I had dreams of layering candles and garland on my mantle, but like yours it’s pretty shallow so it didn’t work out. I might have to try swagging my garland like yours to get a little more room back on the mantle.
Christy K. James says
The mantel was the last thing I decorated. I struggle with it every year because you can’t create any depth up there! Oh well…swagging the garland does help. I bet you’re enjoying decorating your new house! 🙂
Aniko@PlaceOfMyTaste says
Christy, Your home is warm ,cozy and so Christmas-y with all the little red touches!Thanks for sharing with us!Have a great weekend.Xoxo
Christy K. James says
Thanks so much for coming to check it out, Aniko! 🙂
terri cote says
How beautiful. I have not one Christmas decoration up. I feel ashamed! You ladies all make your homes elegant but oh so inviting. Could visit all day! Thank you for sharing.
Christy K. James says
Being invited to do a home tour has a way of lighting a fire under your behind ha ha! Thanks so much for checking it out 🙂
Tanya says
You have such a beautiful home Christy! Yes, we had a pile of crap hiding behind the kitchen island on home tour day, lol. Glad to know I am not alone! I love what you have done, and the vintage ornaments are lovely. Pinning- xo
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Tanya! That pile of crap is usually ON the island…it’s like a magnet for clutter! Thanks so much for visiting 🙂
Luisa says
Well…my hubby squishes all of our pillows on the couch and for some reason our minipoo Jenkins is the one that likes to knock them on the floor. Every. Single. Day.
Your home is stunning. Love your non-creepy elves on the mantle. Can’t wait to see part two!
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Luisa! I’ve never posted a tour before because I hate our floors…holding out for hardwood, but I’ve been waiting a year, so I finally succumbed lol. That baby of yours will be knocking pillows everywhere before you know it! I bet you’re belly is getting so big 🙂
Jamie says
So glad I’m in this tour with you, Christy! Your house is gorgeous and you know how much I love all your DIY projects 😉 Love your beautiful tree, decor and bannister decorations! Sharing on my FB page today.
Hugs,
Jamie
Christy K. James says
Aww thanks, Jamie! You are so sweet 🙂
Molly Branstetter says
WOW, your home is absolutely stunning and so cozy!! I love it! So glad I got to do this tour with you, you have crazy talent!! Have a blessed Christmas!! xo
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Molly! The feeling is totally mutual! 🙂
Emily @ Two Purple Couches says
Absolutely lovely! We have an open-concept, too, and it can be tricky! Yours looks so cozy! Love the sparkly reindeer head!
Christy K. James says
Thanks so much, Emily! I have a love/hate relationship with my open concept. Sometimes we have to agree to disagree lol, but it came together in the spirit of Christmas. Thanks for visiting 🙂 XO
Cristina says
Your home is gorgeous! It feels so warm and inviting! Love the reindeer head wreath and the staircase is amazing!
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Cristina! I’m so glad you liked it 🙂
pandora's box says
Lovely home – Love your mantle! I also have some of the Shiny Brights from the tree when I was little. They are so fragile that I am always nervous they will break!! Enjoy the holidays!
Christy K. James says
Thanks so much! Those ornaments are my favorites…some still have spray snow from when my mom used to spray the tree! Have a wonderful Christmas! XO
Liz @ Infuse With Liz says
You have a pretty home! Love your holiday decorations. The mantel looks wonderful- I like the ornament filled glass pieces- they look so festive! Love your big Christmas tree- I’m thinking of going back to a fuller tree like that again. Thank you for sharing the tour of your ho me! Happy Holidays!
Christy K. James says
Thanks so much for visiting, Liz! I’m glad you enjoyed the tour 🙂
Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule says
Gorgeous Christy! I love your home and decor. Those chairs are lovely! The color is perfect! 😉 And your mess is small compared to what I was shoving in and out of my photos! lol
I love the “Santa is watching” print! 😉
OH, and your staircase….the woodwork is stunning. Beautiful home..thanks so much for sharing it!
xo
Nancy
Christy K. James says
Aww thanks, Nancy! Thanks for coming over it check it out! 🙂 XO
Elizabeth@ Blue Clear Sky says
Your home looks so pretty decked out for the holidays. I love your staircase and know all about squished pillows and pillows tossed on the floor lol. Awesome deal on the dining set too.
Christy K. James says
Thanks so much, Elizabeth! I’m glad you enjoyed the tour! Yes, it’s hard to keep things picture perfect with little ones, but I wouldn’t have it any other way 🙂
Suzanne J Dean says
First of all your home looks beautiful in its holiday dress..gorgeous! Secondly, THANK YOU for the pic of the stuff stashed behind the island…bwahahaha…I think we all do some of that eh? I’m a new follower & thanks for posting about my photo ornaments today, that was very sweet of you. I’m not on a house tour, but my own holiday home tour is here if you wanted to see http://tinybitzofme.blogspot.com/2013/12/our-holiday-house-tour-part-1.html (note: I didn’t take a pic of my hidden stash..yet..LOL)
Merry Christmas,
Suzanne J Dean
Christy K. James says
Thanks so much for the sweet comment, Suzanne! I couldn’t resist sharing that photo…everyone has a one, right? Ha ha…heading over to check out your house now 🙂
Andi says
LOVE! I need to do my Christmas tour. It will consist of one photo. But it makes a statement….
-andi
Christy K. James says
And I’m sure it will end with me spitting something I’ve just sipped, across the table 🙂
Allison @ Dream a Little Bigger says
Your home is gorgeous and so beautifully decorated for the seasons. I am in love with your wreath with the deer in it! 🙂 Thanks so much for sharing at Link It or Lump It this week!
Lauren @ The Thinking Closet says
Christy, there are SO many gorgeous decor items in your home…so many cozy corners…goodness, I think if I were you, I’d just snuggle up on that sectional and fall asleep with visions of sugarplums, for sure! Thanks for inviting us in. And I love that you kept it real with the crap tucked behind your island. Ha ha. I definitely had some junk stashed behind our Expedit that I didn’t photograph…but now I’m wishing I did! Beautiful, beautiful work!
Christy K. James says
What a sweet comment to wake up to, Lauren! Thanks for visiting! 🙂
Danny says
I just wanted to say what great display you had done for your home, so warm and cosy feel, love santa picture frame above fire place, and the reindeer with wreath, fab display and thank you for sharing with us. Happy Holidays
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Danny!
jeannie panza says
Okay I did it….I took the tour and girl, you are AMAZING. Love your house, love the warmth and the spirit and so sorry I was not able to see it in person. Nice to chat yesterday and as always, you warm my heart and make me smile! Miss you! hugs – jeannie
Christy K. James says
You are too sweet to me! Thank you 🙂 I’m glad we got to catch up a bit too! Looking forward to an adults-only lunch date! 🙂