Christmas Home Tour 2016
Hello and Welcome Back! I’m excited to be participating in a Christmas home tour blog hop hosted this year by Caroline of Organize Nashville. I’ll show you around my holiday home and have some great other bloggers to show you as well. It’s a feast for the eyes! I love browsing through the Christmas homes, it’s always so festive and fun for me. And, as an added bonus, we are all going to share our top 5 tips for setting up your holiday home.
If you are here from At Home with Zan, than welcome! Be sure to hop on over to Timeless Creations first thing tomorrow to see how she readies her home for the holidays. I’ve added a link to everyone else participating {and the day they post} so you can be sure to check out all the amazing blogs in this series.
Monday, December 5
Tuesday, December 6
Wednesday, December 7
Organize & Decorate Everything
Thursday, December 8
Friday, December 9
Finding Your Joy in The Journey
Caroline wanted to know what our favorite part of the season is, and my by far is the quiet down time with just the four of us – me, my husband and kiddos. We rush around all the time and barely take a break where it’s just us, and Christmas is time for being together, having our traditions and watching movies in our PJs all day long. But, in order to have this relaxing time I have to prepare our Christmas home. The other thing Caroline asked us for was our tips for preparing our home for the holidays. So, here is how I do it!
1. Organize your stuff
It works out so much better if you can organize your stuff for the holidays when you pack it away. I color coordinate bins by holiday. I know that may sound silly, but it’s so easy to do. Christmas stuff gets red and green, Halloween gets orange and black, spring stuff gets purple and yellow, etc. This makes it super easy to find in the attic when it’s time to change out. I even keep our “fake presents” stored nicely away so that it looks fun even before I wait until the last minute to buy everything.
2. Add a little each year
If you’ve been following me for awhile, you might notice some of these pictures look the same. It can be frustrating to look at others homes, especially when you are just starting out. I have added a little each year, like these fun little vases with a little winter wonderland charm at the entry.
And, I finally did the front porch just this year!
3. Incorporate your style
Duh. No brainer, right? Well, to be honest, this one is tough for me. I have bits of rustic charm, like my wine barrel Christmas tree.
And my rustic winter wonderland wall.
But, I’m feeling less rustic and more modern lately. Maybe next year you’ll see a change ;).
4. Decorate early if you want.
I know, I know – this one is controversial. It’s just what I do now. I used to be “not until after Thanksgiving” person. But, here is why I switched. The holiday season can quickly become hectic and crazy. We like to do everything, which is kind of nuts. Last year, because of the blog, I had to get my stuff up and ready early. And I loved it. The time before Thanksgiving is usually a little quieter, calmer. I used that time to put up the Christmas decorations in peace. And I got to enjoy them all season, which is kind of the point. It honestly made the season so much more enjoyable, and it made putting the decorations up so much more enjoyable. It also allows time for new projects :). I’m still working on a few things to bring you this week! I know this one it’s going to go over well with some, but the point is, just do what makes you happy and don’t worry about the “rules” when it comes to stuff like this. If you want to put your stuff up early, go for it! I’m not big on tablescapes, so this year I set this one up early and I’m using it throughout the season.
5. Let the kiddos help
Not every picture and area has to be Pinterest-picture perfect. My favorite tree in the house is the kiddos tree in the recreation room. I let them totally do their own thing, and I think they did great!
I also let my husband & son do the front outside lights, except for the trees – I did those!
6. Have fun!
If it’s not fun, what’s the point?
That’s it for today, but don’t worry – I’ve got a few more Christmas home pics coming! I’m not done with it yet :).
Thanks for stopping by!
April
Christmas Home Tour 2016
Pin for later!
Love the blue touches to your Christmas tree!!! xx Caroline
Thanks Caroline!
Oh, it all looks so perfect! I especially love the kids tree – they knocked that thing out of the park this year! Makes me miss you crazy Rutherfords. 🙂 Merry Christmas, my friend!
AH, thank you friend. Miss you too!!!!!
Your house looks so festive! I love that wine barrel Christmas tree, and your porch is so pretty! That ‘believe’ sign is great. Enjoy your decorations! 🙂
Oh my gosh! I love your rustic style! That wall is to die for. I sitting here typing my comment and looking around the room for a wall!!! Great to be on the tour with you!
Haha, thanks Jeanette! I can’t wait to get a spare second to browse through all the homes!
I love the sticks in the vases, the rustic wonderland, and that tree!! I too have to remind myself that it’s ok to have the same things and not get streesed over what I see online. Love your beautiful home and tips, especially for storing the things away.
Thanks Zan! Can’t wait to get a second to go through everyone’s posts!
I am 100% with you on #4. I’ve always been hesitant to start early, but last year I decided — no more. I enjoy decorating, but when I have to cram it all into the busiest weeks of the year, it’s just not as fun. Starting early this year has made it much more enjoyable.
Right??? I’m so done with the rules, haha!
Very nicely decorated home April! We actually have the same birchbark looking wrapping paper for presents too!
I love this stuff! Thanks Kristen!
You are such a creative blogger. Your home is filled with amazing holiday projects that I love them all. my favorite is the branch tree on the brick wall. Maria
Thanks so much Maria! That’s my favorite too!
Your home is so pretty and perfect for the holidays. I’m loving your Christmas tablescapes and you’ll have to let me know where you found those adorable plates. I also love your rustic tree made of branches. It’s wonderful.
Hi Sue! I actually found those at Wal Mart last year! Thanks for stopping by!
Your home looks beautiful April, but I am not surprised because your house is truly one of my favorites! I always love your projects! Your dining table looks amazing all set up for Christmas!
Thank you so much Amanda!
I love your tips, April! Just what we talked about last night. It can get to magazine swoon-worthy and I feel like Christmas is supposed to be fun especially for the kids! I love your decor. Everything looks great!
April – your home is beautiful and festive. We especially love your tablescape! We also totally agree about decorating early…we both did that this year and we are enjoying the season so much more! Hoping you and yours have a very Merry Christmas!
April your home is so pretty! I love the winter wonderland wall, it is so creative! Great tips on how to organize your stuff for the year ahead, this is something I need to do.
Julie @ Love My Simple Home
Thanks Julie!
Oh, I love so much about your home and I love your Christmas decorating style. That tablescape is amazing! Merry Christmas!
Thank you so much Leanne!
Your home is so striking! You are so creative… Just love the birch tree artwork. Reminds me of northern Michigan!
Thank you so much Shelley! I’ve never been to NM, I should go some day :).
Oh my goodness! I am amazed! Your rustic winter wonderland wall-that is amazing! Your family must love it! The entire house looks magical! Merry Christmas!
Thanks so much Michelle! Merry Christmas to you!
Everything looks so pretty and festive! Love your porch and your table settings! <3
Thank you Samantha!
April!! Your space looks great! I didn’t notice your changing your styles a little so I can’t wait to see the changes!! hehe Either way you’re amazing and I love your creativity! Pinned and Shared! xo
I just love your “stick” tree on the brick wall!! So simply and pretty <3 Have a lovely holiday season!
Thanks Lisa!
I agree about adding a bit each year: it’s nice to pull things out and be able to tell stories about them; not just have a pile of meaningless decor! I love that winter wall!!
Thank you Sarah!