I have been a carol singing, bow-making,
garland-hanging, light-stringing fool for about
two weeks now.
And I could not be happier.
I have Decked the Halls and Fa’d the La’s,
and Jingled All the Way. All in preparation for the
Home for the Holidays Christmas Tour.
I am a part of a group of 30 fabulous blogs who have virtually
opened their homes to you for a Christmas Tour.
Today is Day #3. The full schedule will be posted at the
end…so please visit all of these beautifully decorated homes.
I am also sharing at Jenn Rizzo Design for the
Christmas Tour Link Party.
I have so much to show you, so sit back and relax, and enjoy!
The Foyer
This year – I wanted a more traditional feel.
I never thought red could be so beautiful with the blues
throughout my home, but while strolling thru Pinterest
one night I saw a blue room with splashes of red –
and I absolutely fell in love with the look.
(How to Make a Lighted Dough Bowl Project)
I also made a promise to myself that I would reuse and recycle
my Christmas decor from last year, and spend as little money
as possible this year.
The Living Room
I love it when something that you see or you make gets your
creative juices going, don’t you?
Remember the $4 Goodwill Sweater Pillows I made recently?
Those were the inspiration for this room…
Two additional smaller, white sweater pillows and some red
French Grain Sack pillows were perfect together.
Remember my “don’t spend a lot of money” mantra? I needed a simple
centerpiece for my coffee table. A footed, white bowl filled to the brim
with blue, red and silver ornaments was perfect.
This took less than 5 minutes and cost nothing.
I love this. It’s one of my favorite designs this Christmas.
I used my “12 Days of Christmas” numbered ornaments from
last year on the garland around the hutch.
Even Mr. Bunny gets into the Christmas spirit. He is carrying
a white bottle brush tree in his pouch.
More blue and red touches are added to the
French Grain Stripe Painted Table.
Next, let’s head into –
The Kitchen and Breakfast Room
I am going to tease you with a few pics of the Kitchen and
Breakfast Room because I will be participating in another
tour next week – A Farmhouse Christmas
(I can’t wait!)
Throughout the house, I used as much fresh and natural items as
possible. Pitchers and containers of magnolia and balsam and
pine create the most wonderful smell throughout our home.
This is one of my favorite English Pint Jugs.
Another tall, white pitcher is filled with cedar and berries.
A vintage glass Hoosier drawer contains fresh cranberries
and floating candles.
Love!
Some of the new purchases I did make are the mini-boxwood wreaths
and the red-striped ticking ribbon you see throughout the Kitchen and
Breakfast Room.
I adore this ribbon!
I will be carrying this in my shop, Farmhouse Decor.
Here is a little sneaky-peaky of a cute corner of the kitchen…
These Creamware Cupcake Stands have been one of my shop’s most
popular items this Christmas.
I promise I will show more of our Kitchen next week.
Let’s go over to…
The Breakfast Room
Is it okay if I say that this is one of my favorite
Tablescapes I’ve ever put together?
I will share more of this Tablescape with you on Friday
for The Scoop on a Handmade Christmas Tour.
(I know, I know – lots of tours, huh?) 
Don’t you just love the simplicity of cranberries and
floating candles in Mason Jars?
The hutch was filled with white dishes and accented with
some of my pink and white Staffordshire.
I used more of the red-ticking ribbon along with some
burlap jingle-bell ribbon.
I also used small bottle brushes throughout…
… even nestled in snow in blue Mason Jars.
Here is another Lighted Dough Bowl, but this time I
used large Sugar Cones and fresh pine.
My chandy got dressed for Christmas, too.
Lots of red-ticking and burlap jingle-bell ribbon…
And, of course – I could not forget Cleetus now could I?
He is sporting a magnolia and cotton wreath with a
large red-ticking bow.
The Dining Room
This is where the Christmas decorating gets a shot of traditional
plaid. It’s a cross between an English-Christmas with some
Woodland decor, too.
A lush, layered garland surrounds the print above the English
chest we use as a Buffet.
I wanted a “Ralph Lauren” feel.
I filled my favorite Staffordshire soup tureen with
red and white florals and lots of greenery and berries.
Tall branches are decorated with glittered snowflakes and reindeer.
And speaking of deer…
Is this a handsome man or what?
More plaid ribbon and fresh balsam decorate the backs
of the chairs…
By the way, those cute red and silver glittered deer you see
scattered throughout our home? They were 2/$1 at
the Dollar Tree. You’re welcome.
So what inspired this Ralph-Lauren/Woodland/English
Christmas Dining Room?
This magnificent fella!
Mr. Buck!
This is the second Christmas I have had Mr. Buck.
You can see last year’s mantel HERE.
I used more plaid ribbon, interspersed with burlap ribbon.
Next week, I will show you the easy (and cheaters) way
to create these large, full bows. I added feathers and fern
to give it that natural, woodland look.
The garland is a mixture of hydrangeas, hops, pinecones,
berries and pine wood discs. I added solid red glass ornaments
for a pop of color.
On the mantel itself…two trees decorated with more
pine wood discs.
(My son cut these wood discs for me, btw, and they will be offered in my online shop, fyi)
I also decorated $1 Dollar Tree candles with
scrapbook music sheets, jute and silver jingle bells.
So easy!
I had my son cut me some pine “pillars.”
I heart this look.
It is completely different from last year, and I could not
love it more.
Mr. Buck looks pretty happy, don’tcha think?
I added stockings for my Grandloves…
Each stocking features a pine wood disc and initial…
During the Farmhouse Christmas Tour, I have another
cute idea for using these pine discs that I will share with you.
The Lighted Birch-Log Basket and Urn filled with Magnolia
and Mini Ornaments completes the hearth.
Finally – no Dining Room is complete without a table
centerpiece. I used an oversized wood tray and filled it
with an arrangement of red amaryllis, black lanterns
and more pink and white Staffordshire pieces.
The vintage ornaments were some which my parents
purchased on their first Christmas together.
They were married Dec 21st, 1952.
They have been happily married over 60 years.
God Bless them.
Finally…the tour comes to an end in…
The Family Room
Our tree, mantel and Christmas decor for the Family Room
completely changed from last year.
The inspiration was a beautiful sage and caramel plaid
ribbon. The color scheme of this room is sage, chocolate and
rust. I wanted the decor more in line with those colors.
The English-Mahogany Mantel is filled with a pine garland,
jingle-bell ribbon and large plaid bows on each end.
The mantel holds a pair of gold reindeer I have had for several
years and adore.
A wood tray on the coffee table is filled with a magnolia and
cotton arrangement…
… and a pair of faux antlers.
I am wondering how long this will look this way with a 7-yr old, a
4-yr old and a “I gotta touch everything I see” 18-month old.
I am hoping for at least a day.
And finally – our Christmas tree which I am so in love with.
The beautiful Angel topper is new.
(50% off at Michael’s)
Or, as Roo said…”who is that Lady on top of the tree?”
I plan on adding more handmade ornaments, but, for now –
it is decorated with cotton, sugar cones, grapevine, berries and
pine wood discs which are embellished with metal numbered tags.
One of the things I absolutely love is the wood box my son made
for me as a tree base surround.
I added a vintage wood child’s chairs, too.
I had a special little helper today while I was taking these pics.
He helped me place his bear under the tree…
I snapped this picture of him….one of his quiet moments.
And trust me – they are “moments.”
Seconds later…
Thank you so much for letting me show you our home.
I have so much more to share, but figured you had seen enough
for now. #pictureoverload
Everyone who is part of this tour would like to
say Thank You to One Kings Lane for being a sponsor and also
for giving away a $200 Gift Certificate. We also have other
great giveaways as part of Santa’s Gift Bag.
Farmhouse Decor is giving away a $50 GC, too.
It’s easy to enter. There are several chances to enter but
you only have to complete one step.
The more steps you complete, the more chances you
have to win. All winners will be announced next week.
Please make sure you visit all of the other Christmas Tours…
Tuesday, Dec 3rd
Wed, Dec 4th
Celebrating Everyday Life with
Jennifer Carroll
Thursday, Dec 5th
Friday, Dec 6th
From The Everyday Home to Your Home…
We wish you a Blessed and Joyous Christmas filled
with Happiness & Memories.
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I love it all Barbara! Can’t wait to see more details of your tablescape! It was gorgeous!
View CommentWow – that is quite the awesome tour! LOVE the touches of ticking… LOVE the sweater pillow… LOVE your sweet grandbaby pics! Ok yeah, I loved the whole tour!
View CommentBeautiful home and thanks for letting us in for a little “holiday visit”! Gorgeous! xo
Wow! It’s gorgeous, Barb! I love all of the details…perfect! That red ticking ribbon is fabulous! But your cute little helper stole the show! 🙂 hugs…Debbie
View CommentHi Barb- I tried to leave you a comment before and it disappeared somewhere. ugh. Anyway- I said it is all just gorgeous. Love it and you have done an over-the-top job. It looks great. I especially love your cute little helper- that is what makes it all worthwhile, isn’t it? xo Diana
View CommentBeautiful and festive, Barb! Enjoyed every bit of it! Especially loved seeing your grand! Love it!
View CommentNow I need to get back to the “farmhouse”. You gave me an idea or 2.;-)
I am in love with all of your bows and ribbon! So much variety. Your home is beautiful! ~Sonya
View CommentI am in awe of your beautiful home! I love every square inch of it, but if I had to pick, I’d say the teddy bear by the tree is my favorite photo! Great job!
View CommentAll the details are so well put together and just perfect. What a wonderful holiday home.
View CommentAbsolutely festive and exquisite, Barbara – loving the cool ribbons and the lush greenery. I just love the combination of red and blue – especially if the blue is almost turquoise. Beautifully done!
View CommentKathy
Barb,
View CommentAmazing Christmas decor!!!
I love, LOVE, L O V E the blue with the Traditional red for Christmas in your living room!!!
Thank you for allowing us to tour your lovely home!!!
Deep the carols and thecreative decor coming, dear one!!!
Fondly,
Pat
You do not disappoint – so many beautiful details! Love it! Thanks for all the hard work you put into making this tour happen – it’s been so fun seeing everyone’s own style!
View CommentGorgeous!!! Not sure what I like best, every room is more beautiful than the next! Your table scape is amazing 🙂
View CommentBarb, you did a spectacular job! The photos are stunning and so is the decor. You know I love that ticking ribbon and the check! Fab-u-lous. And I know who I’m asking to make all my garlands and floral arrangments next year. I can’t believe how gorgeous and how full yours look — and how many there are.
And those photos of Roo are precious. He looks like he was a good helper.
View CommentOh Barb, all of your decor is absolutley gorgeous. I love it all, so pretty. You always do the best displays on your hutch and Christmas is stunning. Hugs, marty
View CommentStunning. Beautiful. Gorgeous. I could go on, but let me just say it’s a showstopper.
I’ll be back, any time I need more holiday decorating inspiration.
View CommentWhere or where do I start… Oh I know… what a precious little guy!!!! Stole my heart! EVERYTHING is just amazing!!!! How beautiful/traditional/spectacular/ amazing/ Fa-La-La/ pillow ticking fabulous/ merry and bright…. and on and on. I love your breakfast room. I can just see it filled with family on Christmas morning!!!! You are very blessed and talented and I am very blessed to be inspired by you, my friend!
View CommentBarb, your home just shouts “Christmas!” I am amazed at how every nook and cranny is decorated and perfect in its own way. Amazing.
I am so sorry for your hosting problems. Just know that it’s all beautiful and people will still come visit you!
View CommentOh my Barb! Your home tour is incredible! You are so right about the red with the blue. It’s just gorgeous together! I am in love with that red ticking ribbon and most especially what you did with it! And that photo of your grandson hugging his teddy bear is just precious! I agree with Yvonne, you are one talented lady!
View CommentBarb! I don’t even know where to begin. Your home looks so warm and inviting. I do love the dollar tree candles with the music sheets.
xoxo
View CommentDenyse
Beautiful…I love traditional Christmas decor…!
View CommentBeautiful Barbara!
View CommentYour home looks amazing Barb! I love a classic Christmas and you did it gorgeous! So thrilled to be on tour with you 🙂
View CommentHoly wow! I’m fa-la-la-ing after taking your tour. Everything is simply beautiful. I am totally digging those sweater pillows. That’s one thing that just hasn’t gotten done yet at our home – new pillows for Christmas. I may be on the hunt for a sweater now
View CommentI love every inch of your home! It looks absolutely stunning.
View CommentLove Mr. Buck and the feathers in the garland!!! Lots of great detailing, Barb!
View CommentI think this is your prettiest Christmas that I’ve seen! I like the white kitchen cabinets so much better. The Staffordshire tureen w/ flowers and the fireplace garland are my favorites. The plaid and the red deers makes it sparkle!
View CommentGorgeous, gorgeous Christmas decorations! Your home looks stunning!
View CommentSo beautiful ~ I love your red and white touches and loving your kitchen peeks! Sharing!
View CommentBarb, I love your Christmas home tour! The use of red just pops! Your tree is so pretty; the pincones are fabulous! I can’t wait to see more of your kitchen. I love your choice of red and white ticking! Your home is so festive and pretty!
View CommentWhat a lovely holiday display….It is a pulled together with lots of charm! Thanks for sharing and Merry Christmas!
View CommentJudy
I am in love! Wow how beautiful!
View CommentSandra
The Adored Home
WOW!! It’s a winter wonderland! Love everything, especially the pig with a wreath & the platter wreath over the sink!
View CommentKelly
Gorgeous , beautiful, stunning….I’m running out of words to describe your holiday home Barb! I love the Ralph Lauren look too – I scored two RL Crystal lamps just a while back – I love the classic yet sophisticated look of his style! I luv your cranberry votives – so simple yet timeless! Of course your red and white transferwear is so pretty too!! Luv it all barb – I’m giving you a big high five!! It’s been fun partying with you again! xo Heather
View CommentEverything is just beautiful. Don’t suppose you would want to share where you found Cletus? Love him!
View CommentHi Pam,
View CommentI carry him in my shop, Farmhouse Decor. I am sold at at the moment but hope to get more in very soon. 🙂
Oh WOW Barbara! Every room is so lush and full of Christmas spirit. My very favorite is your Breakfast Room. Love the ticking ribbon and jingle bell burlap…the chandy is fab…can’t wait to see more on your tablescape (love those dishes)…and the hutch!!! Gorgeous!!! Your Family room tree is so charming! Thank you for sharing all of your gorgeous photos and your beautiful home with us! Thank you too for all the cute buttons that you made us. So fun being on tour with you talented gals! xoxo Janis
View CommentSo many beautiful details in your Christmas home Barb… I really don’t know where to start. I love the fullness of your garlands with their greenery, berries and lush ribbons… and those sweater cushions are so perfect. Thank you for taking us on a tour of your Christmas home.
View CommentBarb – I can’t gush enough. Your home is just gorgeous! I love, love, love all of your lush arrangements and garlands. I can’t wait to see your cheater bow making tutorial. Wonderful, wonderful job, my friend! Oh and btw – Tuck said to tell Buck ‘hello’ and to ‘hang in there’. Pun intended. 😀
View CommentEverything is just beautiful! LOVE all of the ribbon! And, the pale blue and red combo is beautiful! Merry Christmas! Melissa
View CommentBarb,
View CommentI love your decorating style and your projects. Would you kind telling me the name of the blue paint used in your living room? I just sigh when I see it! Do you still love it?
Thank you,
Kitty
Wow..
View CommentWhat a beautiful house. Very nice and warm.
Please let me in, hehe..