I just love the glow of our holiday home. During this time of year, even with all of its stress and obligations, I feel just a bit more peaceful when I’m at home. There’s something special about the twinkle of the tree and decorations; the lovely scents of candles and treats; the feeling of happiness fueled by the kids’ anticipation of exciting things to come.
It’s Black Friday and the tree has just gone up. We went out and bought a new one actually. It’s the first green tree John and I have had in 10 years. Our tradition has been a white tree, but the built in lights half died during the past couple of years and wrapping it in strings of lights just wasn’t the same. As we browsed the stores, there just wasn’t a white tree we liked. Actually most stores didn’t even carry white. I guess our tradition is a dying one!
So we picked up a really nice green tree with LED lights (YAY for less electricity!) that can actually change from rainbow to white. Ellie had to be talked into a green tree, but the rainbow lights sold her. Go figure! My rainbow loving girl. John and I prefer the soft glow of white, so when the kids are in bed, we’ll definitely be changing it up.
We had a fun night setting up the brand new tree and decorating. We finally are getting to use this angel tree topper that my Grandfather made, which makes it very special.
The other part of the downstairs that gets a holiday face lift is the dining room. I started slightly earlier than usual and did this part yesterday for our family Thanksgiving meal.
It was pretty low-key with just my brother, sister-in-law and their kids over (the kids insisted on a kids table and who are we to argue!) John’s siblings and other sister-in-law sadly were sick.
But we had a lovely day, and ate tons of fantabulous food (that’s a word, right?) and hung out by the lovely glow of holiday candles.
I created this center piece using a long metal candle holder that I thrifted for $6. Total score. I wrapped it in green garland ($1 at Dollar Tree) and then raided our holiday ornaments to fill it with red balls.
The holiday scented candles were easy to find in the air care section of the cleaning aisle at our local store. They’re actually more cost effective than the candles you’ll find in the decor section, and they smell so lovely! Since we have a artificial tree, a little evergreen scent makes it even more festive. Smells like holiday spirit!
My holiday place settings are so simple but really adds a nice touch.
I have had the chargers since we got married and I use them every year. It’s such a simple way to enhance a holiday table. Just this year I’ve seen some really cost effective chargers at many local stores, even as low as $1 each. I think it’s well worth the expense to add a little fancy to your table.
And don’t forget to dress the champagne! A little bubbly always adds to the holiday spirit around here.
For simple holiday wall decor, we hang stockings. We actually used these prior to getting monogrammed stockings on sale few years back for the whole family. We held onto them and started using them as wall hanging. Recycling at its best.
I’m actually sitting here writing this with the glowing warmth of the holidays all around me and it’s just so peaceful. I love it. I’m so glad we jumped on decorating right away this year. More time to enjoy the holiday spirit at home.
What is your favorite way to decorate for the holidays?
We just got a new tree with LED lights this year too, and Quincy, like Ellie prefers the color over the white!
It’s funny, Ronin came down this morning and turned on the white lights and said “the white is so pretty.” I think we can a convert. 😉
You are making me want to decorate! I just had to do Thanksgiving for family and I’ve been catching up on work. The kids keep asking me if we’re going to decorate today. I think we will! Thanks for sharing your lovely decor!
You should! I just love seeing everyone’s holiday decor. Come back and share!
Your tree looks very festive. I had a houseful of decorations before we moved into the trailer but I had to seriously downsize into that 400sq ft space. Since we were hauling everything we owned and had a weight limit I gave away most of my holiday decor. Now it’s very simple around here — the tree and few decorations. With four cats I really can’t have too many dangly things.
ps: I bought a pair of Lee jeans after reading your post and wow if they are not the best fitting jeans I have ever had. Thank you!
haha, yes definitely can’t have dangly things with cats! And yay, so awesome about the jeans. I really do live in mine. I’m so glad you found a great fit! 🙂
THAT IS pretty festive and awesome. And I love the prices – I really need to get my house into the Christmas mood
Wow, you guys go all out when decorating for the season! Even though that tree isn’t white it’s beautiful none-the-less. I especially love those few Owl ornaments you have 🙂 Each year is always different for us on the decorating front; of course the tree goes up but aside from that it’s just a matter of how much we feel like doing.
Great ideas! We celebrate Hanukkah and are starting to put decorations up!
I love the tree topper! Gorgeous! Our tree is only full or handmade ornaments that we have stitched it made over the years. And I love the use of the red ornaments in the candle holder. I have one just like it, with the garland, but never thought of putting the balls like that in the center. This week be on my table soon (although I might use purple and red balls)!
Your home looks amazing. I love your tree even if it is green.
I love that the Gloria Ferrer wine bottle has it’s own outfit! I guess I need to up my game. 🙂
Oh indeed you do Carin, indeed you do. 🙂 happy celebrating!