Christmas Home Tour with DIY and Thrifty Decor
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***Thank you so much to One Kings Lane and all our other friends who have shared gift packages for our readers. Please stay tuned for the giveaway at the end of this post and links to the other home tours from All Things Home.
Every time I start to put together a home tour post my heart starts beating quickly and I ask myself what in the world am I doing?
I don’t have a fancy house. It’s not large and it’s certainly not new.
Better Homes and Gardens has not come knocking on my burlap wreathed front door to photograph my Christmas wonderland.
I feel like I should apologize every time.
But the part of me that wants to encourage other women to make the best of their homes and lives takes a deep breath, relaxes her tense shoulders and jumps right in.
No apologies. No fears.
So here goes!
This is my home where Christmas is celebrated.
My DIY hubby is in charge of the outside decorating. We removed all the bushes and foliage in front of the big picture window when we had a large tree taken down recently. Yet another of my husband’s creative uses of fence board is the temporary fence he used to string garland and lights on.
(Just wait until you see the front porch we’re dreaming about!)
This little wooden reindeer was given to us sometime around our first Christmas and has reminds us of our 26 years living life together.
These lights are my husband’s pride and joy. Since there is less space to decorate, our house no longer looks an airport landing strip, but our lights do twinkle and welcome guests to our home.
Tim mainly bought a few strands of new lights, but he’s on a mission to discover the answer to the great mystery of why the lights go into storage and come out dead. Anyone know the answer?
I really do have a burlap Christmas wreath I made this year (Better Homes & Gardens, are you watching?) The chalkboard welcome fits perfectly!
As you come into the living room we welcome you to Dickensville.
Filled with houses and people collected through the years, our Dickensville village delights us throughout the day
and night.
I imagine stories of families working and playing together, sharing life much as we do ourselves.
Move a couple of steps into our living room and you can see how I decorate our modest home with things I love.
Just waiting for future grandkids (and great nieces and nephews already), my collection of lovable stuffed animals is a totally hands on exhibit!
My most favorite place to change up for the seasons is the top of my piano where I pretend I have a real mantel.
I love this old window that my clever husband sprayed with snow to look like real frost.
Making a rag wreath for my fall decor was so fun that I whipped up another one with Christmas colors and added a mini chalkboard “Joy.”
This grapevine tree was $1 at a yard sale, and with added lights for a bit of sparkle it also continues the tree theme on my “mantel.”
Ribbon wrapped candles and mini trees with new ribbons and ornaments also grace the top of my piano, as does scrapbook paper in a white frame.
Every year we bring out this Precious Moments nativity from our early days as a married couple and remember the holidays we’ve celebrated together.
This new metal basket was another $1 yard sale purchase. Filled with fresh greenery, pinecones and ornaments it adds a fun touch to the room.
This pallet shelf was one of our first repurposed wood projects. I scavenged around my seemingly endless tubs of Christmas knick knacks to find some new and old treasures.
The “Noel” letters were made by a friend of ours almost 25 years ago and still hold precious memories of years gone by.
One of my favorite tricks to fancy up my decor is to add ribbon and burlap to candles. Just a simple and unique touch.
I collected nativities for several years and still like to display at least a couple to remind me of the importance of this season.
The shining star of our living room is our real Christmas tree. Even though two of our children are now adults they refuse to entertain the thought of an artificial tree.
Each year we pick it out as a family on Thanksgiving evening and spend the next hours drinking Instant Russian tea, stringing lights, listening to Point of Grace music and reveling in what truly bonds us as family.
The burlap ribbon is new this year, and I had to fight with my family to make it work! My kids are very possessive of their tree, but the burlap won out over the red beads from years past. Red and gold sparkly ornaments and bows add the traditional touch.
There is truly nothing better than sitting in my rocking chair late at night, listening to praise and worship songs and gazing at this beauty.
One more little Christmas tree passed down from my mom sits on top of a $1 yard sale ornament wreath.
Even though I’m not big into Santas myself you’d never know it from my house! My kitchen contains all things Santa!
When my sister passed away suddenly in 2000 I gladly accepted part of her Santa collection and made it my own.
I celebrate the life of my sister by embracing her love of all things Santa.
In this chalk painted hutch my Christmas china blends with the everyday, ready to host a gathering of friends at a moment’s notice.
On the opposite side of the room additional Santas grace another shelf or two.
Last year my fence board Christmas tree was a hit for my readers, and it was a joy to bring it out again this year.
New for 2013 is this fence board Joy sign, yet another of my hubby’s creative use of fence board.
This tablescape is one of my new favorites, with the rustic wood chargers blending in with Christmas china and seasonal glasses.
I love to mix and match fine china with casual serving ware.
The centerpiece is gold fabric underneath a large glass bowl filled with greenery, natural elements and vintage ornaments.
These angel napkin rings are years old but still make me smile.
Moving into the den I have another opportunity to practice my vignette skills on the top of our entertainment unit.
My husband dragged out these shutters for me, and I placed them behind our smaller village.
One of the easiest ways to dress up your home for Christmas is by mixing inexpensive ornaments with natural elements in a glass jar.
Again, my trick to dressing up the ordinary? Burlap and ribbon. What could be simpler?
When we put up our Christmas tree in the living room our window table moves to the den. The candle set below was $2 at a yard sale, fresh out of the package.
Since I definitely need a few more twinkling lights I asked Tim to use battery operated lights inside the table. Love it!
One project I hope to share you with soon is a mini scrapbook album I made with pictures and the history of all our favorite ornaments. This is a simple yet precious momento for my children to have one day.
This Christmas my family will count our blessings and enjoy meals, traditions and treasured moments (including a hot cup of Instant Russian Tea).
Thank you for stopping by for a visit. From my home to yours…..
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I hope you’ll visit the other beautiful Christmas homes on our All Things Home Tour:
Monday
Worthing Court
French Country Cottage
Atta Girl Says
Town and Country Living
Decor Adventures
Lilacs and Longhorns
Tuesday
Marty’s Musings
Mom 4 Real
All Things Beautiful
Making Home Base
The Happier Homemaker
The Lily Pad Cottage
Wednesday
The Everyday Home
Craftberry Bush
Celebrating Everyday Life with Jennifer Carroll
AKA Design
Hymns and Verses
Our Southern Home
Thursday
Stone Gable
Adventures in Decorating
Newly Woodwards
Setting for Four
Back Porch Musings
All Things Heart and Home
Friday
Cedar Hill Farmhouse
Cottage at the Crossroads
Top This Top That
Domestically Speaking
Mommy is Coocoo
Shabby Art Boutique
Marcy, I think the comments posted here pretty much some up what most of us feel…..you don’t have to have a huge home or tons of money to decorate your home for Christmas. I too was feeling like my home wasn’t quite measuring up, but in reality what I was doing was trying to be something I am not. Spending money on things I don’t need and trying to keep up with the Jone’s. The Bible says we are to be content in whatever situation we find ourselves in, so I am taking that to heart. I look around at my home and see the beauty of the simple things in life..things my husband and I (more me, LOL) have collected over the years. Handmade ornaments made by my children and grandchildren adorn my tree. My heart smiles as I look around my home and travel back in time and remember all the wonderful Christmases of years gone by. So, my friend, enjoy your home and celebrate in all the Lord has provided… and most of all let us remember it is not about the glitz and the glam, but the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. BTW…I love your home! Merry Christmas
It would have helped if I had spelled your name right. UGH!!! Sorry. : )
Hi, Shirley. Thanks for your comment. I know exactly how you feel about measuring up. That’s one of the reasons I blog, to hold myself accountable and to share simple ideas that don’t cost much or are free! I’m a die hard yardsaler, and I’m just learning how to mix and match things that I already have. We lose focus on Christ when we focus on ourselves. Have a blessed Christmas!
Thank You for the Christmas tour. Your house is beautiful and lovely decorated. I also like the outside all decorated with lights. Your hubby did a great job.
Thanks so much, Deemarie! This season has flown by and I’m glad I decorated earlier than normal. Have a blessed Christmas!
Awe, your home is so inviting! I was nervous posting my home too, but it’s all about remembering the real reason for the season and spreading the Christmas cheer & you’ve done a great job! Thank you for sharing your home.
Everything looks so pretty! LOVE the JOY sign! Merry Christmas! Melissa
Hey, there, Melissa! Thanks for commenting. I love the JOY sign, too! It was a nice additional and I think it’s going to move to the den for year round after Christmas!
Marty – I felt right at home as I took a tour of your Christmas home. Love and warmth oozes from every single detail. Your family is going to have wonderful memories to cherish the rest of their lives! You have so many clever projects! The temporary fence is genius – I want one! I’ve love the wood chargers from day one and the tree and JOY sign are to die for. You did a perfect job on your tree. Every time that I attempt to put burlap ribbon on mine, I wind up pulling it right back off. Pookie and I will ride by your house one night and take in the festive lights. You and Tim have both outdone yourselves! xo’s
Suzy, you’re so sweet to always write such a personal comment. I’m still linking and promoting because last week sure set me behind! I will tell Tim you think he’s a genius. He’ll get a kick out of that. It’s been fun adding a new project and here and there and repurposing old ones.
I was watching some video I shot on my phone of the kids decorating the tree, and it was hysterical. They were just throwing lights and ornaments on there! I was thrilled the burlap worked out, and my kids gave me the hardest time about it! They seem to like their traditions 🙂
Hi Marty, thank you for sharing your home with us. It’s so warm and inviting. Love the mix of nostalgia, DIY and new treasures. Happy holidays! Your friends at HomeGoods
Thank you for hosting the link party! All beautiful projects!
Thanks for sharing your beautiful home with us Marty! I love it ALL!!! I especially love your Christmas village – so festive as is all the cozy touches you added to each room! It’s been fun partying with you in this fab blog hop! ~ Heather
Hi, Heather. You’re so sweet to take the time to comment on the home tour. I’m still working on sharing everyone’s tours! At least it’s not Christmas yet! Thanks for joining us this time.
You have a beautiful home. Love the decorating especially the villages.
You have the cutest home. Thanks for sharing.
I love your Christmas villages and also the wooden Christmas tree!! I love your cozy Christmas!!! Thanks for inviting me in!!
Hi, Debbie. Thanks for visiting me for my Christmas tour! My home is cozy and warm and full of love (and of course, a full fusses as well). I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Marty, your home looks absolutely lovely! It is so nice you have some lovely Christmas treasures of your sister to remember her by. It sounds like your entire family enjoys decorating for the holidays. Thanks so very much for sharing.
Patty at Home and Lifestyle Design
Hi, Patty. Thank you so much for the compliment! My family definitely has specific traditions that bring us together every year, but life also changes as the kids leave home so we have to find deliberate times to celebrate together. Thank you so much for visiting my blog!
Thanks for sharing your lovely home. I, too, live in a small home and sometimes feel intimidated by those with large homes and seemingly endless budgets. I appreciate your willingness to share and inspire.
Jeannine, I know just how you feel. Even with this tour I know that my home can’t compare in size or grandness, but it is home and it is mine. The people I love are here, and that’s all that matters. Thank YOU for sharing with me.
Marty, your home looks lovely all decorated for Christmas! I love the way you show your REAL home full of REAL people and lots of REAL love! I’d love to visit you in real life sometime!! 🙂
Richella, your home is so amazing, yet you take the time to encourage the rest of us as we just lay it all out for everyone to see! You are such a sweet woman of God with a heart that God has used to minister and encourage other women. I know that if we ever met up it would be like greeting an old friend. Well, not old, but you know what I mean! Since you’re in the 50 club I can say that! Have a blessed day!
Your home is beautiful. I love all of your decorations. I particularly love how meaningful so many they are to your family. Love Love Love!!! You are such a talented woman Marty. Thanks for the inspiration.
Love you,
Cindy Mc
Cindy, you are such of an encourager, and I’m honored you still read my blog. The offer still stands whenever you feel you want to share on my 2nd blog. I’ve had to just put it on hold for the moment because I’m crazy busy with this one, but I know there’s a purpose and plan for it. Love you, sweet friend!
What a beauitfully welcoming home – and your outdoor decorations are inspiring! Take care, Laura
Thank you, Laura, for stopping by for the blog tour. I know you’ve been incredibly busy as well! I took 850 pics between Thanksgiving and the Christmas decor. Most were deleted! I’m sure you know how hard it is to get that “perfect” shot. Letting go and being satisfied with the creative process is hard at times, don’t you think? I think I’m better at telling others to do it than actually doing it myself! Have a blessed Christmas!
I love your home! It is beautiful and gives me hope for mine. Thank you for sharing your gorgeous Christmas decorations. You and your husband should be very proud of your hard work. It has made a wonderful, cozy, loving home.
Thank you, Peggy. That is so sweet! I hope you will use the things you love and that hold memories for you. That’s the most special blessing of the Christmas season!
Marty, I just love your home decorated for Christmas!!! I love collections, too. I started a Dickens Village years ago and only have 3. Ashlyn puts it out and decorates it every year! She’ll go nuts if she sees it is possible to have more than 3. I can tell you put some much time and love into your Christmas. I just love it all! You are one creative friend! -Christy
Hey, Christy. Thank you so much! I think it may be time for you to collect some more houses for your village! We’ve had it so long and I have a whole post I’m working on showing how we set it up and organize it.
Thank you for doing all you did to help us with this tour, as well as sharing your home. Blessings!