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A Holiday Home Tour 2016

December 1, 2016 Rachel 32 Comments

christmaslivingroom17

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! 😉

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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! 😉

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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). Rachel Pereira

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.

Christmas entry bench with three bay leaf wreaths above

Little snowy tree on entry bench

The little tree is from Micheals, the white felt balls are from Hello Maypole, and the bell garland is from a local floral wholesaler.

Bells and felt ball garlands along entry shelf with hooks

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.

Fresh bay leaf wreath above shelf

Once you have hung up your jacket, you turn and see the rest of the room!

Turned leg buffet with circle mirror above it

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.

Turned leg buffet with circle mirror above it

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.

Buffet with mirror and charcuterie

I filled this tiered tray with olives, nuts, some chocolates…

Tiered stand with bowls of snacks

…crackers, some cheese varieties, salami, cookies…

Charcuterie spread on top of buffet

… and a pretty bowl of pears.

Christmas 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.

Small Christmas tree tucked in corner behind a wing chair

 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.

Corner Christmas tree, wing chair, and gray piano with garland

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).

Polymer clay nativity

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. 🙂

Gray piano, star garland, and violin

 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.

Gray piano, star garland, and framed Nativity pencil drawing on top

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.

Christmas Formal living room with pops of red

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.

Olive plant on trestle end table

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.

Fresh greens on Christmas dining table

The little mini cake plate stands are something I made, and I can’t wait to share the tutorial with you. So so easy.

Individual cakes for each place setting on Christmas tablescape

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.

Coconut topped mini cake for Christmas place setting

The dining room isn’t it’s own room, as you can see. It shares a space with the kitchen.

Christmas dining table

 

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.

Farmhouse Christmas Kitchen

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.

Table runner on kitchen island with Christmas greens in a vase

I added some nesting Santas I’ve had for several years to the shelves by the sink, a plate full of cookies…

Cake plate with cookies and nesting Santas

… 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.

Pretty faux garland draped above a farmhouse kitchen sink

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.

Christmas star on pantry door and kitchen hooks

On our pantry door I hung this wooden star I got at HomeGoods with some leather leaf behind it. Super simple.

Christmas wooden star and fresh greens hanging on interior door

This is our simple farmhouse kitchen.

Christmas Farmhouse Kitchen

Next up is our living room.

Glass cloches with lights and ornaments

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.

Woodland winter wonderland Christmas family room

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.

Woodland winter wonderland Christmas family room

Christmas coffee table decor can be as simple as a bowl of ornaments and rice lights!

Woodland winter wonderland Christmas family room

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.

Wintry whites and greens living room

 

I adorned a vintage ladder I’m using to hang extra throws with a couple of bells and bay leaves.

Woodland winter wonderland Christmas family room

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.

Woodland winter wonderland Christmas family room

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.

Woodland winter wonderland Christmas family room

Christmas styled bookcase

All the pillows are either from Target or HomeGoods.

Woodland winter wonderland Christmas family room

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.

Rustic Christmas bedroom

Rustic Christmas bedroom

There isn’t much to say about this room, other than we love it. It is cozy, pretty, and perfect for what we need.

Bed tray with hot cocoa and pizelles

Rustic Christmas bedroom

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!

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Holidays, Home Tours

Comments

  1. Lisa Mothersead says

    December 1, 2016 at 7:42 am

    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!

    Reply
  2. Julia@Cuckoo4Design says

    December 1, 2016 at 8:13 am

    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

    Reply
  3. LostMuleLodge.com says

    December 1, 2016 at 8:29 am

    You got me! I’m feeling that spirit of Christmas- thanks to your beautiful home!!

    Reply
  4. Laurie Myers says

    December 1, 2016 at 8:34 am

    Your home and your taste is seriously spot on. Beautiful.

    Reply
  5. Brooke Christen says

    December 1, 2016 at 9:20 am

    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!

    Reply
  6. Nancy Hill says

    December 1, 2016 at 9:21 am

    Awesome tour…beautiful home! Please come and do mine! Lol!

    Reply
  7. Jennifer Rizzo says

    December 1, 2016 at 9:24 am

    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!!

    Reply
  8. Rose says

    December 1, 2016 at 9:55 am

    Your home is so gorgeous! Can’t wait for the tutorial on the buffet! I would love to make one!

    Reply
  9. Danielle says

    December 1, 2016 at 10:24 am

    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

    Reply
  10. cassie bustamante says

    December 1, 2016 at 12:35 pm

    it looks awesome, rachel- everything is beautifully done! and i would love an individual cake that size thanks. 😉

    Reply
  11. Barb says

    December 1, 2016 at 12:52 pm

    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!

    Reply
  12. Shannon says

    December 1, 2016 at 2:16 pm

    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!

    Reply
  13. Laurinda Dawson says

    December 1, 2016 at 5:02 pm

    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!

    Reply
  14. Dianne says

    December 1, 2016 at 5:46 pm

    Absolutely gorgeous! Swooning over that buffet you built.
    Love your home and all your beautiful details.

    Reply
  15. Jennifer @ Town and Country Living says

    December 1, 2016 at 7:46 pm

    Rachel, your home is beautiful! I never tire of seeing your kitchen. I like the star garland on your piano! Simple and sweet!

    Reply
  16. Angela says

    December 1, 2016 at 8:11 pm

    You have such a wonderful Christmas home! I adore the idea of using the bay leaves!

    Angela @ Number Fifty-Three

    Reply
  17. jen says

    December 1, 2016 at 8:43 pm

    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

    Reply
  18. Kelly Elko says

    December 1, 2016 at 9:04 pm

    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!

    Reply
  19. Michael Wurm Jr. says

    December 1, 2016 at 9:22 pm

    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

    Reply
  20. laura says

    December 1, 2016 at 10:12 pm

    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.

    Reply
  21. Vanessa says

    December 3, 2016 at 10:53 am

    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!

    Reply
  22. Cyndi Nylander says

    December 3, 2016 at 2:24 pm

    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.

    Reply
  23. Laurie says

    December 7, 2016 at 4:19 am

    Your home is beautiful and I love your blog! Merry Christmas!

    Reply
  24. carolanne says

    December 7, 2016 at 4:23 pm

    Hi, what color did you use to stain your buffet stand? I love it!

    Reply
    • Rachel says

      December 7, 2016 at 6:19 pm

      I have a post all about the buffet coming this Friday, I will share all the details on the stain in that post! 🙂

      Reply
  25. Janae says

    December 9, 2016 at 9:02 am

    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:)

    Reply
  26. Rebecca M says

    December 9, 2016 at 9:13 pm

    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!

    Reply
  27. Sandy says

    December 11, 2016 at 3:22 pm

    Very beautiful. May I ask, what color/paint brand are your light blue-green walls?

    Reply
    • Rachel says

      December 14, 2016 at 4:49 pm

      They are Sherwin Williams Timid Blue.

      Reply
  28. Valarie says

    December 12, 2016 at 6:23 am

    two words: eye.candy

    Reply
  29. Erin says

    December 21, 2016 at 4:53 pm

    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.

    Reply
  30. Sharon lewis says

    January 1, 2019 at 2:45 pm

    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!

    Reply

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