Ahhhh! I cannot believe December 1st is already here! I’m SO excited to share with you my holiday home and see what you think! Some parts of my home I’ve been working on for months to get ready for today’s tour, while others I was finishing up details just yesterday afternoon. 🙂
I feel so lucky and honored to be participating in Jennifer Rizzo’s Holiday Housewalk sponsored by Wayfair. Last year I submitted my tour to her link party and subsequently was invited to this year’s blog hop. It feels unreal, as I have been following Jen’s Holiday Housewalk since her early years of hosting it, before I was even blogging myself. Make sure you click this button to be directed to day 1 of the tours so you can see all the houses in order! 😉
If you have already been seeing the tours in order, then you know I am stop 22 and HELLO! WELCOME JUST DESTINY READERS! I loved her kitchen so much! Especially the baking station. If you found me through some other means, HELLO! WELCOME! 😉
Glad you are here! I hope you are having fun seeing these tours and enjoy some Christmas inspiration BUT REMEMBER– DON’T COMPARE! My goodness my house is such a work in progress, but it takes a significant amount of time and hard work to getting looking this good (for me anyways).
The first thing you encounter when walking into our small ranch-style home is our entry bench. I am obsessed with a cutely styled entry bench and I have an whole Pinterest board dedicated to them. The only problem is that puts a lot of pressure on myself to decorate mine ‘good enough’. Yes I play the comparison game–with myself. 😉
So this year I’ve had a love affair with fresh bay leaves, in case you hadn’t noticed from my Christmas tablescape post… So I decided to make 3 wreaths from the fresh bay leaves and hang them above my DIY entry shelf with hooks. I put a bunch of monochromatic candles below it and strung some garlands of felt balls and little bells below.
The little tree is from Micheals, the white felt balls are from Hello Maypole, and the bell garland is from a local floral wholesaler.
If you want fresh bay leaves, check with your local florist– if they don’t have any they will likely be able to get some for you, as most wholesalers carry it.
Once you have hung up your jacket, you turn and see the rest of the room!
See that buffet on the left there? I built it. 🙂 I’m so proud of this one. I dreamed up the design a couple months ago, and even though it took me a bit to get all the materials I wanted and actually MAKE it, it is everything I hoped for. Build plans can be found HERE.
It is pretty tall (3 ft) and quite long (5 ft) with 2 shelves of storage inside those doors, so it even could be used as a media cabinet. It is only 15″ wide though, so it’s perfect for places where you don’t have a lot of walking space.
I set it up with little munchies and snacks– we had it like this for Thanksgiving last week and it was so perfect! Since our dining room have room for a buffet in our eat-in kitchen, this expands the area… so people can serve themselves a little something while mingling before the meal is served.
I filled this tiered tray with olives, nuts, some chocolates…
…crackers, some cheese varieties, salami, cookies…
… and a pretty bowl of pears.
Just to the right of the buffet is this cozy little corner with a new 6′ Frosted Berry Pine Tree we got from Wayfair. I ended up stacking it on top of a few paint cans to give it some extra height and just hid all that with a plaid throw. It is the perfect size if you want a skinny thing that just tucks in a corner. It came pre-lit, frosted and with little berries and pinecones it it, so I didn’t do anything else to adorn it. I love it.
I recently bought this wing chair after searching FOREVER– I looked at HomeGoods, Marshalls, and finally got lucky at TJ Maxx. I used to have two small parlor chairs apposite the couch and it just didn’t feel right– no one ever wanted to sit in those little chairs (they weren’t that comfy) and they were always in the way. The position of this wing chair allows a more open flow, but is still conversational since it is slightly turned toward the sofa.
The Navity drawing on my piano is something I drew and offered as a free printable a few weeks ago. I decided to print it pretty large and was so happy with how well it turned out (considering the original was only about 6″ x 6″). It only cost me about $15 to print on heavy poster paper at OfficeMax.
I put a fresh bay leaf garland I made along the piano in front of the drawing, then placed this little clay nativity set that I made when I was pregnant with my oldest (11 Christmases ago).
My oldest, Owen, has been learning to play the violin for a couple years now. He sits here on this bench, props up his sheet music on the piano and plays almost every day. His music can be heard in every room. 🙂
The piano is vintage which I painted earlier this year and the little star garland was made from antique sheet music– tutorial from a few years ago here.
The other thing I got from Wayfair was this glass and metal Porter Coffee Table (out of stock but also found HERE). This is very similar to my original inspiration for this room and was needed once I moved the herringbone coffee table I built into the living room. It is the same size but visually much lighter. The sofa is from Joss & Main. It can also be found here.
I picked up a couple of little olive plants for either side of the sofa, and I am just smitten with how cute they look on the trestle end tables I built last year.
On to the dining room! Since I went all out with my Christmas tablescape a couple weeks ago, I decided to keep things mostly the same. Instead of using a bunch of fresh bay leaves, I used leather leaf (found at my grocery story flower department), and instead of black and white striped napkins I used some blue ticking ones I had from a couple years ago. I also decided it would be fun to make an individual cake for each place setting.
The little mini cake plate stands are something I made, and I can’t wait to share the tutorial with you. So so easy.
I just used a white cake recipe, drizzled frosting over it, and sprinkled some coconut and powdered sugar on top (to look like snow). Each cake is sitting on top of parchment paper, so when you go to eat it, the cake slides off easily onto the plate.
The dining room isn’t it’s own room, as you can see. It shares a space with the kitchen.
It’s crazy to think that just a year ago we were knee deep in the kitchen makeover. I’m so happy with all the choices we made– from marble backsplash tile, to the island that I designed and built.
For Christmas decor, I decided to simplify. I removed everything from the counters and made minimal additions that had a bigger impact– like this runner I got at HomeGoods, with little reindeer along it.
I added some nesting Santas I’ve had for several years to the shelves by the sink, a plate full of cookies…
… and a pretty faux garland draped over the window. I just combined two garlands from Michaels and used some sequin ribbon I had for the center bow.
A little something new I added to the kitchen is this hook plaque. It is so handy to hold my apron, towels and keys– not pictured.
On our pantry door I hung this wooden star I got at HomeGoods with some leather leaf behind it. Super simple.
This is our simple farmhouse kitchen.
Next up is our living room.
I shared a bit of this room and a closer look at the tree a couple weeks ago in my Christmas tree post. We’ve always bought a fresh tree, but this is the first year going artificial and I have to say– I love it! Tree is the 7.5′ Monterey Fir from Home Depot.
I decided to go with a woodland winter wonderland sort of theme in here and with all the twinkly lights I have everywhere it still feels just a cheery and festive as it did last year when I used more red.
Christmas coffee table decor can be as simple as a bowl of ornaments and rice lights!
I love having all kinds of cozy throws and pillows in here. It makes it easy on those chilly nights when you want to cuddle up and watch a movie.
I adorned a vintage ladder I’m using to hang extra throws with a couple of bells and bay leaves.
I started collecting this mini rice lights (or twinkle lights) for a couple years now and so I have enough to put in several locations around the room. The only things is– I have to remember to turn them off before I go to bed or I run through batteries like crazy.
Since I was going with the winter wonderland theme, I put some paper 3d snowflakes from Target last year, along with some wooden cutout ones from Joann, and some small plastic ornament ones all along my wood pallet wall. We were watching Elf a few days ago and when I got to the scene where Buddy creates a paper-snowflake explosion in the apartment, my husband started laughing and teasing me that I got my inspiration from Buddy the Elf. ha! No I didn’t but now I can’t get it out of my head! Oh well– I still love it.
All the pillows are either from Target or HomeGoods.
Last but not least, is my master bedroom. I shared this room last month but there were a few shots I didn’t share, so I wanted to include them in this tour in case you missed that post.
There isn’t much to say about this room, other than we love it. It is cozy, pretty, and perfect for what we need.
GOLD STAR FOR YOU FOR MAKING IT TO THE END! 😀
Thank you SO much for visiting and make sure to check out the next stop in the Housewalk, sweet Brooke from Nesting with Grace. Click the image below to be directed to her tour!
Lisa Mothersead says
Your home is so beautiful and am so happy you’re on the tour! I love everything: the tv wall, trees, hand built and handmade items, the very sweet, pretty kitchen and dining area, and the little lights. I just discovered the little lights (Marshall’s) and have already gone back for more! Mine ($7.99) have timers. If you hit the button ONCE, you’re on timer. They will run for 6 hours, turn off for 18 hours, then come back on that exact same time you first hit!! They’re so fun! Thank you for sharing your Christmas home!
Julia@Cuckoo4Design says
Love it so much! You outdid yourself again! The table with the little bunt cakes, the piano decor and your cozy bedroom!!!! I’m in love
LostMuleLodge.com says
You got me! I’m feeling that spirit of Christmas- thanks to your beautiful home!!
Laurie Myers says
Your home and your taste is seriously spot on. Beautiful.
Brooke Christen says
Wow! What a tour! You put so much work into your Christmas- I am so inspired. And I love your piano- we are painted piano twins!
Nancy Hill says
Awesome tour…beautiful home! Please come and do mine! Lol!
Jennifer Rizzo says
Your homeboy looks just beautiful!!! I love how youve added all of the garlands and i love that olive bar idea! Thank you so much for being a part of the tour and sharing your home!!
Rose says
Your home is so gorgeous! Can’t wait for the tutorial on the buffet! I would love to make one!
Danielle says
So beautiful, Rachel! I LOVE that sweet picture of you. You are gorgeous my friend (inside and out). Also, love that new piece. Can’t wait for the build plans. Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas. xx
cassie bustamante says
it looks awesome, rachel- everything is beautifully done! and i would love an individual cake that size thanks. 😉
Barb says
The whole house looks great! Love the colors and especially the living room with the fur under the cloches with lights. I have printed out the Mary print w/Baby Jesus. It is divine and I will frame it and display it beside my Family Bible opened up to the birth of Jesus and along side a cake stand w/candles and berries. Thanks for sharing!
Shannon says
Your tour is so beautiful. I can’t even tell you how lovey and enjoyable it was. So pretty, and just got better and better as I scrolled!
Laurinda Dawson says
Just beautiful! But as I am reading this on my kindle, there are ads at the bottom of every lovely photo, sometimes even replacing your photo! Makes it so hard to read, and I thought you should know. Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Dianne says
Absolutely gorgeous! Swooning over that buffet you built.
Love your home and all your beautiful details.
Jennifer @ Town and Country Living says
Rachel, your home is beautiful! I never tire of seeing your kitchen. I like the star garland on your piano! Simple and sweet!
Angela says
You have such a wonderful Christmas home! I adore the idea of using the bay leaves!
Angela @ Number Fifty-Three
jen says
Rachel this is so pretty! You did such an amazing job! Love the little cakes and your sketch above the piano. Oh and your adorable! Happy Holidays to you & your family! Jen
Kelly Elko says
I hope you don’t mind that I’m inviting myself to dinner – that centerpiece is amazing! I LOVE your Christmas home – so warm, cozy and inviting!
Michael Wurm Jr. says
You truly have an amazing home and just so wonderfully decorated. Between that headboard, those cakes, and the entry way bench … i just can’t choose a favorite.
xo Michael
laura says
your furniture making skills are so impressive next to your ability to turn your home into a magical Christmas wonderland. Happy holidays to you and your family.
Vanessa says
Rachel your home is just so incredibly lovely and your Christmas touches are thoughtful and beautiful. What I loved the most though were your gentle reminders not to compare. I find myself falling into that trap each year and have to remember to simply use blogs and Pinterest as inspiration rather than feeling like my home has to look just like those images. I absolutely loved your tour and it’s such a treat being apart of the housewalk with you!
Cyndi Nylander says
Wow!! You are so talented!! I looked at the kitchen makeover when you finished but to see it all decorated for the holidays! So Lovely!! I am so doing my house in white. It is so beautiful and to be able to change colors out for the seasons…Lovely!! Thank you for sharing your gifts. It gives me lots of inspiration! Love the little cakes.
Laurie says
Your home is beautiful and I love your blog! Merry Christmas!
carolanne says
Hi, what color did you use to stain your buffet stand? I love it!
Rachel says
I have a post all about the buffet coming this Friday, I will share all the details on the stain in that post! 🙂
Janae says
Hi, absolutely love the cable knit throw you have on the end on the bed in the master. Any chance you can tell me where you got it or what brand it is? Thanks:)
Rebecca M says
Wow I’m impressed with your building ability! I’m going to check out your building instructions for the buffet……. maybe I can build one like it! Lol
Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Sandy says
Very beautiful. May I ask, what color/paint brand are your light blue-green walls?
Rachel says
They are Sherwin Williams Timid Blue.
Valarie says
two words: eye.candy
Erin says
Lovely home.
But man, oh man are the pop up ads on every picture a distraction. Not sure if you’re aware of that. I had to stop reading. It was getting to be too much. I couldn’t see the content.
Sharon lewis says
Truly a Magical cozy Christmas. Enjoyed. What color did you paint the piano? We have the same one but not a fan of dark wood. Thanking you and have a well lived 2019!