There’s something so cozy and magical about the Christmas season. Our tree is all lit up and sparkling with the shiny ornaments that we have collected over the years. Our tree may not be perfect—but that’s okay. I don’t really mind that the bottom 1/3 of the tree doesn’t have any ornaments on it (my 1 year old will pull them off.) My homemade braided yarn garland has also been tugged off a few times, and I haven’t quite gotten it back in place the same way. Our little “Elf on the Shelf” named “Tiny” showed up a few days late. He was hidden in the basket with a pillow and blanket on the hearth reading a book. My youngest noticed him, grabbed him, and carried him around the house in delight. (Apparently you’re not supposed to touch him or he will lose his magic.) Well, ours lost his magic on day one! The other kids thought it was funny, and didn’t mind. They chased him around the house laughing as he took off with our elf. We don’t really follow the elf rules around here!
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At first, I wasn’t sure which side of our fireplace I wanted to place our Christmas tree. There was a little more room on the right side, but I decided to put it on the left, so that it was more visible from the kitchen and dining room. Last year we had it on the right side, and it was too hidden from view and we couldn’t enjoy it as much. I love how our rug is a perfect neutral base for our Christmas living room.
I decorated our mantel for Christmas with the two little trees I bought from Home Sense, some antique vinegar jars and some white candlesticks. I love the look of the glass jars and the white wood candleholders together. My light garland itself is a little too overpowering when turned on, so some greenery in front would be just the right touch. I’d love to get a leafy eucalyptus garland to place along on the mantel in front of my light garland.
The sign I made with my little Silhouette machine. The little white houses I chalk painted (they were from Walmart.) I kept things pretty neutral on my mantel, and I love how simple and classic it looks.
This red herringbone throw blanket I ordered a few weeks ago, and I love it for adding just the right amount of red to the space. A little red goes a long way! I love it mixed with a simple white pillow in a large basket. I also love this white pillow cover!
On the coffee table, I used a shallow rattan basket (this one is similar) that I had on hand and simply placed a faux plant, a candle, and some books inside. I used old red and green books to display for Christmas. These books were my Grandma’s old school books from when she was a teacher.
I love the red Christmas pillow cover that I ordered a few weeks ago. It adds the perfect Christmasy vibe, and I love the embroidery on it. I also filled a basket of Christmas books and placed them by the fireplace so I can snuggle up with the kids and read Christmas stories together. I remember when I was growing up, my mom (also a teacher) would leave a pile of Christmas books on the coffee table for us to read and enjoy during the Christmas season. I loved it, and am carrying on the tradition!
I can’t believe Christmas is only 11 days away! I think I’ll be sad to see the Christmas decor come down. I feel like I kept it simple this year, so I haven’t tired of it yet. What about you? Do you wish the Christmas decor could stay up just a little longer?
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We are building a new home, and I love your fireplace. Can you please tell me the type of stone was used. It’s beautiful!
Hi Jody! I believe it is Cultured Stone – Echo Ridge Country Ledgestone. Good luck with your build!