As soon as we got home from Disney World a few days ago, we started decorating the house for the holidays. Out with the gold and orange from fall–in with the red and silver! There’s something so cheery about bright Christmas red, especially this time of year when it’s cold and bleak outside.
I used to collect Santas, so I have lots of Santa figures sitting around the house, like these on the mantel.
My 7-year old daughter Lily loves to decorate for Christmas, and she always has lots of suggestions. It was her idea to put wreaths in the square windows on either side of the fireplace this year. I don’t know why I didn’t think of that before!
Look closely and you can see the snow falling outside the window.
Lily says, “Decorating is my favorite part of Christmas–except for opening presents, of course!” (Jake, my 14-year old, isn’t quite as enthusiastic about the decorating…or about getting his photo taken for the blog!)
Another idea she had: “Take a picture of me looking through the wreath!”
When I was growing up, my family didn’t really do the Christmas tree thing. They didn’t teach us to believe in Santa, either. Some years the Nativity was the only real decoration we had–at least until I got old enough to start decorating the house myself!
I’m a simple girl at heart, and so are my Christmas decorations, as you can see by my kitchen table centerpiece. Nothing fancy here. Just some silver ornaments in a red bowl.
I try not to be a perfectionist about the tree like I used to be. Now I let the kids do most of it themselves. (Okay, full disclosure: I moved some of the ornaments around when they were done, and they caught me doing it. Lily promptly moved everything back the way it was.)
We always watch a Christmas movie while we decorate, and this year it was Holiday Inn. I really need to do a Movie Monday post about it someday. (Did you take the Christmas-Movie Quiz yet? How many of the houses did you recognize?)
We still haven’t hung the lights outside, and Christmas is only a couple of weeks away. By the time I’m ready for Christmas, it’ll be Valentine’s Day…
I love snowy days like this. All I want to do today is sit by the fire with some hot chocolate and read.
Connected to the family room is our kitchen. I love my snowman plates from Crate & Barrel, and my apothecary jar from Pier One:
I actually bought this cute Santa cookie jar to give to someone else as a gift last Christmas, but I liked him so much, I ended up keeping him (don’t tell!):
Check out pics of my family room decorated with orange for fall and blue for summer if you want to see how it changed through the seasons.
UPDATE: My Hooked on Holiday House Tours blog party has begun. Come see my dining room–and how everyone else is decorating this year!
Thanks to the talented Amy of Living Locurto for designing this button for us. Feel free to add it to your blog if you’re participating!
Some other parties that you won’t want to miss:
- Southern Hospitality: Home for the Holidays
- Nesting Place: Christmas Tour of Homes
- Thrifty Decor Chick: O Christmas Tree
- Funky Junk Interiors: Christmas Trees Unite
- The Inspired Room: Holiday Linky Fridays
- Janmary: Christmas Nativity Set Carnival (December 21)
If you’re hosting one, too, please leave a comment to let us know!
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Hi Julia everything looks bright and cheerful and Lily is absolutely beautiful. Love everything you have done so far I know I go around for days moving this here and moving that there typical females just can’t make up our minds. Fantastic…. Regards …. Esther from Sydney.
Your home looks so beautiful, warm from the chill outside and ready for Christmas. The silver and red truly are gorgeous together.
Lily is adorable and I loved her sweet face decked in wreath style. My tree never is the same from day to day after our grands come over;) It is the girls who love the ornaments and seem to day dream around the trees. They KNOW exactly where everything looks the best. I have several small trees just for them to decorate and redecorate each time they come.
I would love to hook up with your party on Friday.
Many Christmas wishes for a lovely Holiday Season to you and your family!
~?
Beth at Aunties´s last blog ..Merry Christmas from our home to yours!
Lovely home! Love all you’ve done! I totally cracked a big smile at the cute gal in the wreath.
I’m also hosting a Christmas Trees Unite if anyone wishes to join in for fun! I have it going until Christmas.
http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/2009/12/myyyy-christmas-treee-link-yours-up-too.html
Donna
Funky Junk Interiors´s last blog .."Myyyy Christmas Treee…" (link yours up too!)
I love your family room and will never tire of seeing it through the seasons. It looks lovely for Christmas. LOVE simplicity.
Emily@remodelingthislife´s last blog ..Sweet Dreams
Your home looks stunning Julia – I just love it. And I love Lily’s ideas too! I can’t wait for the blog party – I have to get my camera out today and take some pictures. So jealous that you already have snow!
christy´s last blog ..Daddy’s Boots
love your tree….and your home, looks very festive and just right!
Sarah
sarah { abeachcottage }´s last blog ..Beach CottageTree Trimming & the Twelve Dollar Christmas Tree
Great job! So cute.
Jessica at Lavender & Lilies´s last blog ..For the Traveler
Julia, your home is just stunning! I love the mantel decor, and your daughter is sooo right about those square windows begging for wreaths! Your tree is so festive ~ can’t wait to see more of your home. I’ll be linking up with you Friday as I’ve got lots more pics to share ~ til then stop by and see my link with Rhoda’s party!
Big TX Hugs,
Stephanie
Angelic Accents
Simple is always beautiful & I love the wreaths in the little square windows. Great idea.
duchess´s last blog ..On My Agenda
Oh Julia it is all so pretty and what a gorgeous little, I mean grown up girl. I can’t wait for your party tomorrow-well tonight. I am all ready and can not wait.
I checked my following and re-subscribed.
Cheri
You have your house decked out beautifully! We haven’t even started decorating ours.
Kathy R (Bermudaonion)´s last blog ..Review: While I’m Falling
WOW!!! You have a beautiful home Julia….your tree is so pretty, and i love wreaths in the windows! Great job!
Stephanie @ Geezees´s last blog ..looking for balance, found some … and Cindy Lou Who?
Simple is the best way! Make it homey and welcoming! Our home is pretty simple for the holidays as well, but I feel it is warm and welcoming to all who enter!
~angela @ peonypatch
Angela´s last blog ..Sounds of the Season
Awww…. Lily is such a beautiful girl (just like her mama)
Your living room looks lovely Julia! You can just feel the warmth and cheer. Lily’s idea of the wreaths in the windows was perfect. Your tree is beautiful too
rue
rue´s last blog ..PB & J Cottage~ The First Christmas
Looks gorgeous! Thanks for sharing! This year I really didn’t do much. It’s hard to feel in the mood to decorate when you live in a condo. I know, I know, no excuses … but I figure I’ll have plenty of years of decorating ahead so I don’t worry about it now unless I’m having a Holiday Party and this year I’m going out of town.
MissCaron´s last blog ..Welcome to Tarpon Run
It is all just beautiful Julia…and letting the kids have input is the best isn’t it? Your daughter is following well in your design footsteps!
Your home is always so pretty and never more so than at this time of year!
I didn’t go all out like I have in years past but still enjoy it and seeing what others have done is always a treat!
Thank you so much for sharing with us!
Love,
Sue
Susie Q´s last blog ..Christmas Comes To Rabbit Run Once Again…
Oh I just love it Julia!!! It’s so inviting & I’m still crazy about your toile chairs!!! I went back to the other seasons to see them again & I just love them all. it seriously looks perfect in every season!
Anyway, Lily is adorable & I’m guessing she got a lot of creative juices from her mom- that wreath pic is a framer.
It cracked me up that she caught you rearranging her “work” and fixed it back. too cute.
I can’t wait to join in the house tours on Friday!!!
xoxoxo,
lauren
Lauren Liess´s last blog ..Before & After: Our Entryway
Lily is adorable and a decorating diva in the making! I love the wreaths on the square windows! I love red all year round but it really just says “Christmas” doesn’t it. I’m so in love with that toile chair!!
Manuela
The Pleasures of Homemaking´s last blog ..Home for the Holidays – My Dining Room
Your house is adorable! My daughter also loves the decorating part of the holiday. I had to restrain myself from moving the ornaments too! I know they would notice!
I love the mirror above your mantel! Can you let me know where you purchased it?
Happy Holidays!
Kathy M
Julia, Your home looks so inviting, even though you claim it is simple…. Including children into the decorating mix always makes it more fun- your daughter looks adorable framed within that wreath! :- ) Your red bowl filled with the silver ornaments is classically beautiful. Sometimes, simple IS best.
~ Sue
Sue´s last blog ..Adding to the Holiday Decorating…
So beautiful! I love your family room in every season, you have perfected the art of changing accessories to make it look brand new each time.
I do believe that Christmas is the most special of all…your Lily is adorable, and her name suits her…like a sweet flower.
I love your mantle, and am envious because mine is so narrow, nothing fits on it! I need a fireplace makeover…badly. I currently have a picture of mine on my blog, but now may have to take it down after looking at yours!
pat´s last blog ..MY CROOKED CHRISTMAS STAR
Kathy–
I bought that mirror at Bombay Co. right before they went under (R.I.P., Bombay Co). -Julia
Such lovely decor! I love your tree because it’s beautiful, but simple and not overly cluttered. Just the look I like!
Bonita´s last blog ..Honing Your Focus
I love your ’simple’ decor – it’s right up my alley! Too cute that your daughter fixed your tree arrangements….looks great to me!
Heidi @ Wonder Woman Wannabe´s last blog ..One Body, Many Parts = A GREAT Party!
I LOVE it! Your tree is amazing, and I love the clean simplicity of everything. I struggle with making things simple, but I always seem to be drawn to it in others. Gorgeous!
Beth@The Stories of A2Z´s last blog ..Christmas Home Tour
What a fun post! Thanks for inviting us inside your home. I, too, tend to keep it simple when decorating for the holidays. Sometimes it is hard to do, though. So I rotate ornaments and the like each year. You have a beautiful, welcoming holiday home. Merry Christmas!
Karen Haberstro-Walls´s last blog ..There’s Gonna Be An Evolution……
Oh! Decorating the tree and watching Holiday Inn is one of our traditions too! I love the red and silver! Your tree is beautiful!
Lovely Decorations! Lily is a real cutie, too.
Question: Where did you get the white/cream compote dish you show in the first pic of this post? (I have been looking everywhere for something like this.)
May I also suggest “Christmas in Connecticut” for the Movie Monday house reviews? An older rom-com, starring Barbara Stanwick, with great locations. Her NYC apartment is very stylish with today’s popular decor motifs. Hope you like the movie!
Cathryn–
I’ve had that white compote dish for years, but I believe it originally came from Target. I love it because I can use it year-round and just put different things in it (like pinecones in the fall).
I love Christmas in Connecticut, too! One of my favorites to re-watch every December. I even wrote a post about it with lots of photos. You can see it here:
http://hookedonhouses.net/2008/12/25/the-stone-farmhouse-in-christmas-in-connecticut/
Thanks! -Julia
Love the colors and yes, love love love the wreaths in the windows.
Snapshot of Lily’s face? sweet
Ditto to Cathryn’s comment about “Christmas in Connecticut” – great movie!
Nancy Hood´s last blog ..Asleep, 77 Days ~ the Garden
just an oddball question
how do those that leave comments get the quilt squares for their photos?!
Nancy Hood´s last blog ..Asleep, 77 Days ~ the Garden
Very pretty! Your daughter is so cute!
micah´s last blog ..Then And Now: Living Room
Nancy–
The little “quilt squares” are the default for those who don’t have a photo for their avatar. I thought they were prettier than having that gray silhouette guy that some blogs use. -Julia
Everything looks great, Julia! I love your tree! Your daughter is what my grandmother used to call “a pip”! I think you have a potential stylist there, and secretly I said “good for her” where you said she moved everything back the way it was!
What a cheerful Holiday Home! I especially love your stockings…Pete and I found some acceptable substitutes for this year, but we have yet to settle on our “forever” stockings…The red with the silver makes it look pulled together, but you can still tell there are chilluns running around which really makes a house feel homey around Christmas time, Merry Merry to you and yours!
Bailey´s last blog ..Giving Thanks for Caroline and Keating’s Beautiful Wedding
Everything looks so warm and wonderful! I decorate my parents house to this day with my mom like we always have in the past. it’s a wonderful tradition that I love. This is such a wonderful time of year.
Jen @ After The Alter´s last blog ..Wifey 101: No Secrets For Santa
Beautiful!
Love the wreaths in the windows.
Looks like you have a budding designer in the family!
My brother and I always privately joke with each other over the way our parents decorate their tree. We swear they use a ruler to measure the space between each ornament. (Not really, but you get my meaning). It always looks so dull and uniform, like a soldier standing at attention–poor little tree… I like more randomness. Looks more organic.
Look at how cute your house looks? We are traveling to Boston this year, so I haven’t done much decorating:-( I’ll see if I can figure something out for your home tour. I always love those!
Amy @ Living Locurto´s last blog ..Free Printable Christmas Tags
Hi Julia,
I love how you totally change your colors for the season, I think I’ve told you before but it’s brilliant! I think your Christmas card needs to be Lily looking through the wreath…LOL!
LeAnn:)
LeAnn´s last blog ..PLEASE VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE DOOR!!
Oh my gosh- that last photo is magazine worthy!
Absolutely beautiful!
paintergal´s last blog ..Christmas Decor ‘09
Your house looks lovely, Julia! And that pic of your little girl looking through the wreath is so precious!
Hope you have a very Merry Christmas- Beth.
beth´s last blog ..Feeling festive
I love your red and white/silver theme! I haven’t had time yet to do any decorating and I’ve already given away the one poinsettia I had brought home for the kitchen table. A friend was visiting and I couldn’t resist giving it to her before she left
Tamara´s last blog ..Cast Your Burden……
Beautiful Julia! I love Lily’s wreath photo! So cute!
Gorgeous bokeh on the red compote photo.
I have your button on my sidebar. I’ll be back to link up! Thanks!:-)
Pat@Back Porch Musings´s last blog ..~Country Christmas~
Julia,
Your home looks warm and cozy and inviting for the holidays. Just beautiful. Love your blog, you inspire me greatly…have you ever considered dong a movie house post on the house from Fatal Atrraction. The big old one that Dan and Beth Gallagher moved to in the suburbs. I always thought that was an interesting house…
I love the way it turned out Julia! So pretty. I really like the way you captured it in your images too. That photo of Lily is adorable!
pk @ Room Remix´s last blog ..Christmas Decorating Inspiration and Ideas – 3
Julia, Your home is so warm and inviting. I love that Lily helped. What a delight it must have been to listen to all her suggestions. I always enjoy stopping by..
hugs ~lynne~
lynne@lynnesgiftsfromtheheart´s last blog ..Tidings of Comfort and Joy
Your home is beautiful in every season! Truly, cozily beautiful!
Deidra´s last blog ..Holiday Peace
Wonderful job Julia…..and that little elf in the wreath PRICELESS !!!
Merry Christmas to you and yours…..
All the best,
xo Kathy
ps I can’t wait to check out Paula Deen’s home LOVE her and I adore those buffalo check curtains of hers !!!
Your house looks beautiful Julia and your daughter is such a cutie! Our tree looks much better this year now that my little one is tall enough to reach the middle….it’s been bottom heavy with ornaments for the past few years.
Morning T´s last blog ..Like it or not?
my favorite part of it all: I think you and Lily have a VERY special relationship. She is such a cutie. What a blessing! Oh, and I love the wreaths in the round windows – that’s my second-favorite thing!
Courtney @ Nesting Instincts´s last blog ..more is more…and a merry Christmas
Hi Julia,
I just love all the pictures that you put in. The one of Lily looks soo great of her looking through the wreath, I just love that idea. Your home looks so nice and comfy and warm for the holidays, so Christmasy Thanks for posting all the pictures. Have a Wonderful Holiday.
Hi Julia,
All the decorations are so pretty and especially that little sweet girl! I’m really into all the red ornaments.
Debra @ bungalow´s last blog ..Christmas 2009
Julia, your home is gorgeous!!! It looks so welcoming.
I love the way your daughter thought to put the wreaths in the windows. She is such a little cutie. It about drove me nuts when my oldest wanted to hang stuff on the tree…I almost needed a drink or something. 
I am going to try my hardest to get some pictures taken this afternoon and try to link up tomorrow morning for your party. I am looking forward to seeing what everyone has up their sleeves. 
Amanda @ Serenity Now´s last blog ..The Great Ornament Debate
I love it! Your daughter is a girl after my own heart. I was always following my mom around, helping her decorate the house for the holidays.
Tara´s last blog ..Christmas Decor Obsession
Julia,
Could you please show us a closer picture of those reindeer in the last picture. I have another house movie suggestion “Penelope.” I love your blog!
Laura
Laura–
I just e-mailed you a close-up of the reindeer. If for some reason you don’t get it or can’t open the file, let me know. -Julia
I love seeing how you’ve changed this room through the seasons – and a small part of me really regrets that I didn’t plan more along these lines when selecting major items for our living room. But in any case, your home looks beautiful and I’m glad you’re getting such lovely feedback here!
Lily is certainly showing very early talent – the wreath in the square window looks like it belongs in a Pottery Barn book
Christmas greetings from N Ireland. Love all the touches of red.
I have just blogged about the red holiday decor I have added to my kitchen – first Christmas in my newly madeover kitchen
Especially love the baubles in the apothecary jar.
I see you have a nativity set – I am sure you are REALLY busy, but just to let you know I will be hosting a Christmas Nativity Set carnival on my blog on 21 December.
I love your house! The red pops so nicely and gives such nice contrast. Love that toile chair too.
Merrie´s last blog ..Holiday Homes Tour
Your house is so warm and inviting! I just love it so much! Your Chrsitmas decorating is gorgeous! I love decorating w/ glass balls too.
anna see´s last blog ..Because I’m Selfless That Way
Julia, everything looks wonderful! I just finished at my house, too. Let the Holiday begin. Please visit, I’ll pour us some French Champagne to celebrate.
xo Lidy
frenchgardenhouse´s last blog ..Christmas Joy All Through the House
Hi Julia. It’s refreshing to hear someone say they like simple decorating! Your Christmas decor is beautiful, and so is your daughter. I’m looking forward to your “Hooked on Holiday House Tours” party again this year! ~Arleen
Arleen @ Seasons for All ´s last blog ..Favorite Christmas Decor
Wow! Your house is beautiful and so is your daughter!!! When can you come to my house and make is ready for the holidays? Please, pretty please……
Beautiful! I think my daughter and your daughter would play well together. She is adorable!
Paula Grace´s last blog ..Holiday Home Tour
EEEE!! I love all the red!!! It’s so classic and pretty. Perfect in every way. And the wreaths in the windows — BRILLIANT!
Sarah @ Thriftydecorchick´s last blog ..How to take a great picture
Hey, we are kitchen twins! My kitchen cabinets are white, black countertops and I have a black and white toile valance above the sink.
Your tree looks lovely – I love the colours you’ve gone with. I really like your stockings hanging along your mantlepiece.
Amanda´s last blog ..Delicious Chocolate Fudge
This has nothing to do with Christmas but I love your chair. LOL
Melanie´s last blog ..Finally…A Complete Room!
Your house is absolutely darling. Can I move in? I love your holiday decor. LOVE IT!!!! Thank you so much for this sweet blog. I always get sucked in whenever I visit.
Maria Hanson´s last blog ..2009 Christmas Decor
Love you REDS Julia!
Your decorating is so pretty and fun.
Donna, The Decorated House´s last blog ..~ Christmas Countdown . Gingerbread Houses Continued
Your home looks warm & inviting! And I LOVE the Santa cookie jar gift that you decided to keep… I think I would have kept it, too.
Hi Julia,
Are your stocking holders from Target? I remember seeing them a few years ago, actually bought, then returned them in favor of candlestick holders…seeing yours I’m sorry I didn’t keep them. Did you purchase yours recently, maybe there is hope I can still purchase them….
Claire–
I think they were! I bought them years ago, though, so I’m not sure you could find them there again. Sorry! -Julia
Your home is beautiful!!! Thanks for sharing. =)
Julie From Inmates´s last blog ..Christmas Tour Of Homes
Pretty! And I love all the pops of red…
Nicole´s last blog ..my home for the holidays
Everything is so pretty but oh how I love your black and white chair!
sandy toe
sandy toe´s last blog ..Christmas Tour of My Home
Beautiful Julie. I love the wreaths in the windows. Your daughter has a good eye! Hope you have a great Christmas!
Dawn-Hydrangea Home´s last blog ..Christmas – The Home Tour
Your house looks fabulous!!
Casey´s last blog ..Christmas Tour of Homes 2009
What a beautiful holiday home!
~Michelle
Michelle´s last blog ..A Floor and a Fire
Your home is just beautiful. I adore the cutie in the wreath. May many wonderful Christmas memories be made within its walls.
I am so sorry that I was not able to join your party. I was in the midst of finals and my house didn’t get decorated until today.
Our home is having an old fashioned handmade Christmas this year. I hope you will stop by.
Laura Ingalls Gunn´s last blog ..It’s beginning to look alot like Christmas….
Your living room is beautiful! I love the stockings and wreaths in the windows!
Jen´s last blog ..it’s beginning to look a lot like…
I enjoyed your sweet decorations. I love all the red and white!
Debbie
Debra Howard´s last blog ..It’s A Blue Christmas This Year
Such a beautiful home.
-Alana Jo
Please take a moment to check out my photos as well.
Have a blessed day!
http://www.justniftythrifty.com/2009/12/christmas-tree-party.html
Your family room is just beautiful!
Such a lovely home! I love the white and touches of holiday red!
Lauren´s last blog ..Flower Mural
The red ornaments in your white bowl are so pretty. I’m a red girl myself.
Thanks for showing us around.
Merry Christmas!
Laryssa @ Heaven In The Home´s last blog ..Christmas Tour of Homes 2009!
Your home is like something from a magazine, so pretty! Love the holiday touches mixed with your lovely everyday decor! Merry Christmas!
I agree with Lily — the tree looks perfect!! Everything looks great — great job!
Angie @ The Shabby Chic Cottage´s last blog ..Christmas Tour of Homes (Gina)
Just love your home….
Jodi´s last blog ..Christmas at our House
I love your house. And you are lucky that you have a child who wants to help with the decorating. I live in a family of all boys & no one helps me. But then, that can be good also. Just more work for me. I love how Lily recommended the wreaths in the square windows. They look perfect.
Kim´s last blog ..Oh Christmas Tree!
Beautiful!!! I love all the red!!!
Stephanie´s last blog ..Christmas at The Huntley Home
Stopping by from the Nester…Love the blog and all of your decorations. Thanks for sharing!
I love your decorations. The wreaths in the window are really cute. Maybe your daughter will be a decorator some day
Viki´s last blog ..Decorations galore
Your home is lovely!!!
xo,
cristin
cristin @ simplified bee´s last blog ..Our Christmas Fireplace Mantel
I love your stockings, and I want to steal you Santa cookie jar for my collection!
Gabby´s last blog ..A peace of Christmas
I love love love that toile chair! where did you get that????
Your house is gorgeous!
PATTI´s last blog ..Light in the darkness
Patti–
I special-ordered it years ago from a store that is sadly no longer in business. I do love the toile! -Julia
I love your home. It is simple and elegant. I love the toile fabrics and chairs and the bowls filled with ornaments.
Ruth
Ruth´s last blog ..Christmas Tour of My Home
Love your home! Thanks for sharing. Your decorations are very simple, but elegant. Love them!
Katie A.´s last blog ..Christmas Tour Of Homes
Your house looks incredible!
love the wreath in the window, and your daughter is adorable-love the photo of her through the wreath!
merry christmas!
patty´s last blog ..on the 4th day of christmas…
Your daughter and the wreath make a wonderful picture! A lovely tree…
Totallyscrappy´s last blog ..Christmas Tour of Homes
I am not sure what I love more your decor or your pictures. Both lovely! Thanks for the inspiration!
becky @ our sweet peas´s last blog ..It’s that time of year!
Beautiful pictures and fabulous style.
Thank you for the inspiration.
Juliette Lee´s last blog ..Santa baby
Everything looks so inviting. Your daughter is adorable and is good at decorating, too!
Kim @ Cheap Chic Home´s last blog ..Rejuvinated Angel Tablescape
so beautiful! I am stopping in from Nester’s Place. To see my tour click on the ‘Christmas 2009′ Tag on in the left sidebar!
I LOVE the simplicity of putting up my trees when I want to. I light a Christmas Pine candle to get the aroma of a real tree. I lOVE the size of my trees and know how they will fit in my room each year. I am all for a fake tree! I love real trees, but the simplicity of a fake tree is just to great! Celebrating Christmas isn’t about rather your tree is real or not.
Your pictures are BEAUTIFUL! I love your decor! You have done a great job!
My last comment might have gone in the wrong post (sorry).
Merry Christmas to you! Thanks for sharing your wonderful pictures!
Christmas Hugs!
Love, Brenda