Christmas Home Tour 2020
Welcome to my first ever, very long, Christmas home tour! Those of you who know me, know that Christmas is my very favorite holiday by far! I decorate almost everything in the house! Let’s start outside.
I made this very large wreath (over 40” tall) from a wire wreath form, some inexpensive pine garland, ribbon, spray painted pinecones (found not bought), a string of 100 clear lights and a few plastic ornaments. Since I mostly used leftover décor from previous years, the whole project was under $30!
The two garlands over our front arches were also made from similar materials, so that they would match. My husband put large plastic-coated cup hooks into the stucco to hang the garlands on. The cup hooks are white so they blend in with the stucco the rest of the year.
I used plaid sheets to cover the bench cushion and pillows. Although we normally lounge on the lanai in the back of the house, I sometimes like to sit out here to enjoy my flowerbeds.
I love how the front yard looks at night with the Christmas tree showing in the window!
If you remember, I made my Christmas sign last fall. It has “Happy Fall Ya’ll” on the back. This sign works double-duty!
I am not able to put a pretty Christmas door rug out here. The storm door brushes the floor of the porch and crumples up any rug I put our here. ☹
Welcome to our entryway! Our home’s living room, dining room and entryway all share the same space so it is sometimes difficult to differentiate between the rooms.
Since this is the first impression you get of our home, I like to keep it as inviting as possible. I hope to get a coat tree and umbrella stand soon, but for now Harold, our heron, is keeping guard in this space. 😉
I made the “Joy” banner last Christmas at a friend’s house. We were having monthly craft days before the pandemic set in. There has been talks of starting this up again virtually if this virus continues much longer.
I really like how my trees turned out. They are made out of old hymnals found at the Goodwill Store!
The 2 large trees on the entryway table are from HomeGoods as well as the silver metal reindeer on the marble base. The other silver reindeer has been in our family for many years. I think the new one matches the other silver reindeer perfectly
I have so much fun buying new pieces each year! Some to match the old and some to start a new theme! Bargain shopping is my thing so I do not spend much. I usually just change out the ribbon colors or spray paint a new color on my pinecones and ball ornaments.
This sweet little polar bear was given to me by my son on one of our trips to the Toledo Zoo. I walked by him twice and just had to have him. Just look at that face! Polar bears are a perfect addition any Christmas décor!
Our living room Christmas décor this year is themed “winter wonderland.” White lights and snowballs decorate the tree along with ice blue and silver snowflake fabric draped at the trunk.
Our tree is quite old and is only 7 feet high. I built a platform 14 inches high to raise the tree to better fit our 10-foot ceilings. This also allows for bigger presents brought by Santa!
Next up is my first little winter village complete with silver trees and happy snowmen! I bought each piece separately over the years. The houses have battery operated lights inside and are actually Christmas tree ornaments! The shorter trees are from Pottery Barn. They have a hollow base so you can put a battery-operated tea light inside!
If you look closely throughout my home, you will notice that I have literally dozens of battery-operated candles throughout (inside and outside). On Christmas eve, we eat by candlelight and then read the story of Christmas from the book of Luke chapter 2.
My next little vignette is located on the other end of the bureau. There houses a large snow globe given to me by one of my co-workers. It lights up and plays “Silent Night.” 😊
The beautiful framed Christmas tree was made by one of my crafting buddies. She used vintage jewelry and a page from that old hymnal I was telling you about. Isn’t it stunning?
The third item (a good vignette has an odd number of items – 3 to 5 is best), is this adorable little silver reindeer. I have a few of these around my home. 😉
On the floor, next to the bureau, is this precious little paper-bag angel. This is by far the most treasured Christmas decoration I have! It was made by my son when he was in grade school and still has his name on the bottom in his own handwriting. He is a grown man now with a family of his own. This little angel has made the move to many homes along the way and always has a place of honor at Christmas!
The end table next to our living room sofa is where I placed one of my most treasured nativities. It was given to me by my youngest daughter while on a mission trip to Bolivia. The little sheep just warms my heart!
Next is our sofa and of course, any good sofa need lots and lots of Christmas pillows! Duh!!!
If you look closely, you will notice that my dining table is bare right now. I am planning an amazing tablescape, but that is for a later date. I plan on making a show-stopper centerpiece!
My buffet and dining room shelving are ready for their close-up, Mr. DeMille! I know, I’m old. (Gloria Swanson…Google it). Ha!
My second little snow village is here on the buffet. Each home has a battery-operated tea light. This little town came from Bed Bath & Beyond. The little trees and tea lights are included!
Here in Florida, snow is pretty scarce so we have to buy it in a can from the North Pole! 😉
Our guest room this year has been pretty lonely due to no one visiting. We hope to make up for this in 2021! But, until then, she is all decked out in her Christmas finest
New blackout curtains have been installed as well as this “No Wake” sign to remind you that you are on vacation and no wake-up time is necessary!
A new supply of postcards, reading materials and flip flops in every size are awaiting the weary traveler!
Now onto the lanai. Possibly my favorite spot in the house…or NOT in the house! Ha! Yes that is a Christmas tree you see! And remember that “Joy to the World” project? Here it is in living color!
I used a more relaxed style of Christmas décor out here. The tree is done in homemade coastal-style ornaments. Starfish, sand dollars and life preservers made out of curtain rings painted with stripes adorn the branches.
Along with the relaxed atmosphere out here I also like to insert a little whimsy.
My Peanuts nativity fits this perfectly! Who wouldn’t want a beagle for a shepherd and little yellow bird as the baby Jesus?
I wasn’t able to get a good picture in the daylight, but there are strings of clear Christmas lights following around the support structure of our pool screen. I will try to get a good picture at night to show you! We keep these up all year because they are truly stunning as well as good lighting for nighttime swimming. 😊
That wraps up my Christmas home tour for 2020. I hope that wherever you call home, it is as beautiful as you are!
