Although we were on an unplanned hiatus in 2024, we still made time for holiday decor.
We hope you enjoy this trip around the property.
Outside
This year started outside with holiday planters on the garden shed porch.
I love the drapey white pine boughs and the stiffer, but still soft, balsam branches. These were accented with faux red eucalyptus, pinecones, and red maple suckers cut from the property.
Simple spruce trees in pots and strung with lights decorated the kitchen porch. Getting them to stay straight during multiple wind storms was the biggest challenge!
The kitchen herb garden got a little treatment, too. Adding a trellis form to the pot gave it some height and structure (and a place for more lights!).
The garage urns sported birch logs, along with more white pine, balsam, and faux eucalyptus.
Another small spruce illuminated the path leading to the shop. It was like having a big nightlight in that spot (which is good, because it is really dark out there at night!). Electric candles illuminated the shop windows and made the whole place glow. The wreath on the large shop door also lit up, though I didn’t have it plugged in for this photo.
A Peek Inside
Inside, I repeated the snowy forest theme from last year. I just loved it and wanted to do it again. The sideboard shown above got a couple of faux birches, some of my beloved bottle brush trees, lanterns, and fresh greenery.
The hallway was decked out with three flocked trees, a grapevine reindeer, and lots of candles (battery-operated, of course).
The Christmas tree took center stage in the living room, which looked better than the photo. (I am working on improving my photography!) And while not shown here, the fireplace mantle was very similar to last year’s look.
The tree featured our collection of vintage and figural ornaments, along with lots of gold beaded garland and icycles.
Other little touches included simple craft paper-wrapped packages (just empty boxes gussied up for the season).
Adding little rustic bells and pine sprigs to these candle holders was all that was needed to make them feel festive.
Upstairs, a trio of grapevine trees and another reindeer flank a sap bucket of more fresh greens (another of my not-so-awesome photos). It bugged me that the reindeer was lit in LED lights that didn’t match the others, but I got over it. I’m learning to live with the imperfect!
Inside my office, a sleigh full of wrapped gifts and plush snowmen offered a sweet greeting.
The tree by my desk was also a repeat of last year. It’s a favorite and loaded with unbreakable ornaments – perfect for curious dogs.
And last, but not least, was my collection of Santa tree toppers. I squeezed them onto the built-in bookcase with a few votives.
Everything stayed up until Epiphany weekend and then it all came down, except for the outdoor planters, which will stay in place for a while longer.
Hope you enjoyed the tour. We’re already looking forward to next Christmas!