A little tour around my rustic traditional living room decorated for Christmas in festive green, red and gold on a backdrop of dusty blues, white, and natural wood tones.
Unlike in past years where I shared a home tour with several rooms in my home decorated for Christmas, this year I couldn’t do it all. 2020 has kicked my butt emotionally and try as I might, I couldn’t find the motivation nor desire to decorate early or as extensively like I usually do. I had my boxes out since Halloween, but felt exhausted all the time and sad. I won’t get into detail on the sadness but besides not feeling motivated, I was feeling this pressure as I looked around and seemed to be the only one not putting out Christmas and holiday content early like bloggers are “supposed” to do. I felt like I was failing in many areas of life, but especially my job. Was it worth it anymore? Did anyone care?
I confided in a close friend who has supported me through the years and she reminded me that there really aren’t any “rules” in my job. I have the creative freedom to create what I want, when I want, and no one will fire me. I can do what I can, with what I have (emotionally and financially), where I am– in my home. She also reminded that the work I’ve put into my blog for the past 8 years is definitely worth pushing through this funk I’m in. This is a season unlike any other and it’s okay to let it “look” and feel different. These are things I knew already, of course, but I had let comparison and lack of engagement make me forget. Thank goodness for good friends.
I bought a couple new strings of lights for my mantel and 2 fresh garlands, but that is it. I re-used all my old decor, so this year’s Christmas living room looks very similar to last year’s. It’s still pretty. I still like it.
Instead of wrapping and tucking the velvet red ribbon around my tree last the past couple years, I decided to tie bows and let the ‘tails’ hang long. It has a sort of victorian look to it, don’t you think? I’m seeing this trend among a lot of other bloggers too– with ribbons tied and the ends hanging down. Nothing original here! haha!
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I made some salt dough ornament stars because I didn’t want to hang all my mercury glass balls this year. With a toddler, I knew she would break them all and it would be hazardous. So on the lower branches I used the salt dough ornaments, bells, and yarn pom poms.
I moved around a few things so the room doesn’t feel so crowded, including swapping out the rectangular coffee table that is usually in here, for the round one that was in the front room. I kept it simple with a round tray I got earlier this year, some pillar LED candles and a faux garland that I cut up and placed around the candles.
The thing I love the most this year is this asymmetrical garland on the mantel/shelf. This is another ‘trend’ that has been done more times than I can count by other bloggers, but that’s okay because it’s still pretty! It doesn’t have to be original to be pretty and to enjoy it!
I used a faux garland as my base to attach to screws (you can’t even see it), then wove 2 fresh garlands around it to add bulk and shape. Then I used the same velvet ribbon and tucked and twisted it throughout. The little rose gold icicle fairy lights are the prettiest addition and are one of the only things I bought this year. I got them at Lowes and used 3 sets.
They are the perfect shape to weave through a hanging garland.
The bells I got last year and put some antique gold Rub n Buff on to give them the patina I wanted (similar here). Stockings were an Amazon find from last year also.
This Christmas reindeer was a gift from my parents for each of their children a couple years ago. My dad cut out the wood and my mom painted it. I’m not sure where else to put him, but Nina loves to take it apart all.the.time. It’s pretty indestructible so I don’t mind.
One new-ish pillow addition from last year is that fair-isle lumbar one I got at an antique mall right after Christmas last year.
I didn’t want to wait until nightfall to take pictures of this room all dark and glowing with lights, so I shut the shades and lit the candles. It is SO cozy at night! If you like this, you might like my Christmas Lights at Night Home Tour from last year.
Kaila, my 9 year old, told me tonight that our living room always feels like Christmas even when it’s not the Christmas season. I asked her what that means to her, to ‘feel’ like Christmas. She replied, “It’s always pretty and cozy and warm.” I think it was the nicest compliment anyone has ever given me about my decorating.
I got this tree several years ago from Home Depot and it’s big and full and all the lights work, year after year. The one thing I’ve learned that gives it that extra ‘wow’ factor (to me at least) is adding more lights of different sizes. Of course it is pre-lit with regular mini lights, but I’ve added 20 LED candle clip lights (controlled with remote), and 5 strings of battery powered fairy lights (on a timer). The variation in light size makes it glow more brilliantly and looks so magical.
Here’s a little video tour in case you want to see how it all connects:
That’s our Christmas living room 2020!
As a bonus, this one spot in my front room/entry is a little festive so I figured I’d share a quick look here too.
Faux tree, the tiniest garland above the mirror and fairy lights.
These other items like the brass box, and brass candlesticks are vintage and I’ve had for a long time. I wrapped a book in wrapping paper and it helps feel a little more Christmas-y.
The other thing I swapped out for the framed fall painting that was here before, with the First Noel drawing of Mary and baby Jesus I did a couple weeks ago.
If you liked this little look around my living room, I would love if you pin any of the images! Pinned images and shares on social media are the gift that keeps on giving on my blog and help me stay afloat!
If you are reading this, know I truly appreciate you taking the time to visit my blog and support my business. Each one of you makes a difference. I know that our time is the most valuable thing we can give someone, and I don’t take it lightly that you spend time here, in my corner of the internet.
My prayer this season is for peace despite challenges and uncertainty and hope for a better year to come– for all of us. God bless! xo, Rachel
Your house looks lovely. I’m sure a lot of people are feeling the sadness too. I wanted to put decor up sooner but had a setback on a project in my house so it is still in containers everywhere. Now, one week out from Christmas, I’m thinking less is more. And, please don’t take it all down on 12/26 like so many bloggers do, that really just is depressing. Wishing your family a very Merry Christmas.
Your home is so real and welcoming. This is a tough decorating Christmas for me too. Life is rough right but this too shall pass. Here is to a better New Year 🥂
So lovely!
Beautiful decorations and comfortable and practical room. Thanks for sharing!
I love your style everything is so pretty and yet simple. Beautiful God bless you this Christmas.
Don’t feel bad about your sadness & lack of motivation. I have felt the same way since all this craziness started in March.I really didn’t want to decorate this year but I forced myself to. I knew deep down if I didn’t decorate I would feel super depressed come Christmas Eve. The house and yard are decorated but we haven’t done the tree which is sitting in the living waiting for its lights and ornaments. Hopefully it will get done today as we got a foot of snow last night. Nothing is wrapped or baked yet so I have to force myself into overdrive . I am sure it will be a stressful week but things will get done. Merry Christmas.
Absolutely gorgeous ! I love the garland on your mantle, the prettiest I’ve seen this season and your ribbon and the way you have used is stunning. I agree with your daughter’s compliment to you. Have a wonderful Christmas!
Your living room and foyer are absolutely beautiful! What a lovely complement from your daughter, and she is right, your home is always so pretty and inviting! I think we are all feeling differently this year and our homes should reflect that. I appreciate ‘authentic decorating” as opposed to decorating just for show and it’s good to see how others are really decorating this year. Thank you!
Good call on the poms and salt at the bottom of the tree! And Kaila is 100% right! So proud of you, it looks so pretty!
It is so beautiful! It is a tough year for sure, and give yourself grace with whatever you are feeling. Hugs to you!
You living room is beautiful! I agree with the comments above is authentic and very warm, the garland is gorgeous and the prettiest I seen so far! God bless you and your family! Merry Christmas!
It looks very pretty and Cozy! I hope the new year will bring in better spirits. Thank you for posting and know that I enjoy all that you do on your blog so keep up the great work. Have a Merry Christmas
Your decorating is quite beautiful! And your daughter is right. It does feel cozy. That’s the feeling I want too. This Christmas will be different for a lot of reasons. I’ve felt the lack of motivation as well but, I’m trying to push through. Maybe some ornaments will make it to the tree. We all are looking forward to a happier new year, I think. May God bless!
Hi Rachel. Your home is lovely and full of inspiration. I continue to follow you because of your style and ability to be realistic. Thank you also for sharing your talent of the downloadable images.
Was it last year that you were working on the dollhouse for Kaila? That was amazing too.
Rachel, can I just say that YOU are pretty, cozy and
warm and I thank you for all your inspiration, be blessed today.
So very beautiful and cozy! Happy holidays!
I did had to giggle! We all must try to decorate around the black box (tv) . What a wonderful job you did. Everything is lovely! Thanks for great motivation.
You’ve done plenty. It looks cozy and festive. I feel the same way. I did a little and it will be enough. Merry Christmas and wishing for a better 2021.❤️🎄
The details are visually appealing!! Pinecones with velvety red ribbons, comfort inducing throws!! Lovely! Happy Holidays from Minnesota 🎄✨
Simply beautiful, warm and cozy!!! I’m agree with your daughter your living room is always lovely to look at!!! It says come sit down awhile and let’s visit!!! So festive!!! Merry CHRISTmas and Happy Holidays!!! 🎄🎁✝️
Your home is lovely. The mantel garland is AMAZING! I didn’t know fairy lights came as icicle lights too.
I wasn’t going to decorate anything…just put up my 4′ pre-lit tree & call it good. But my (younger) sister has been in the hospital 3 times this month & made me think…we have no assurance of tomorrow…or next year. So I started on the tree. And then my niece is worried about her mom & plans to be here with me for a few days. So I moved on to bringing out things I’ve had packed for YEARS. I’m not getting any younger & I want to enjoy & share the pretty things that I’ve spent years acquiring. Enjoy today.
This has been a strange and difficult year, and it has affected us in different ways. I wish social media didn’t cause so much comparison. It’s detrimental to our psyche and can stunt creativity. I think your Christmas is lovely, and part of the magic for kids and other family members is having the same traditions, the same ornaments and the security that brings. There’s no need, in my opinion to either A. buy new decor B. do a new theme or color every year. or C. Worry about something being overdone. If you like it, do it! Of course it’s nice to try new things, even if they are “on trend” but it’s Christmas! Bring out the traditions! Personally I’ve never like the ribbon garland around the tree, it looks unfinished unless it’s tucked in here and there so that it looks like it’s part of the tree and not just on top of it. Tying ribbon and letting the ends dangle is an old, tried and true method and I’m so happy it’s having another moment. It looks lovely on your tree! I hope you begin to give yourself grace and enjoy this holiday for what it’s meant to be. I’ll pin your ribbon photo, I love it. Have a wonderful holiday
Everything is pretty and cute ! Thank you for sharing this beautiful place with us. 🙂
May all the love and joy you have given away return to your family on Christmas Day.
Your home is lovely. And that deer is great!
Its a beautiful room and I love the wallpaper. Can you tell me where you found it?
It is found several places online but varies with status of in-stock. The brand is Baker Lifestyle and the pattern is Kamala.
Your living room is gorgeous! Thank you so much for sharing. Merry Christmas and Best Wishes for 2021
All of the ideas that you shared were new to me! I love the mantel and the tree lights idea is a definite game changer. I’m so glad that you decided to share. Give yourself a break! Debbie
Hello! Is the chandelier antique or new? I looooove it and hope it is new! If so, where did you get it? Love your style!
Beautiful Christmas decorating! Where did you get the velvet red ribbon from?
Joann Fabric