As we settle into the third Christmas in our home, I’m getting a really good feel for what works and what doesn’t.
I’m not someone who re-thinks my decor every year. I like what I like and I use what I use. Sometimes, I tweak things and rearrange. But mostly, our home feels the same each Christmas. There’s something traditional and comforting about continuity. All that to say, our holiday home each year feels much the same. But I still like to share – and I hope you still like to see how our home looks for Christmas this year.
First up, I’m sharing our kitchen and dining room. Our main floor is truly the hub of our home – and I try to add lots of festive touches without taking away from the practicality of the rooms. I think we’ve accomplished it.
Our mug rack is filled with my favorite Fiestaware holiday dishes. These were exclusively carried at Younkers/Carsons, which is now out-of-business. So, I hope I don’t break a mug. 😉
On the barnwood hood cover, I hung a red metal bow from Home Depot a few years ago. It’s a nice statement piece and feels more fun than the traditional green wreath. I’m also loving how everything pops against the white tile. What a great change.
Our island typically stays clear, because we use it for meal prep and such. But there’s plenty of other things going on to make it work.Â
On our open shelves, I filled it with more holiday serving pieces, and kept many of my favorite Rae Dunn pieces.
I love red all year – but at Christmas, it just wouldn’t feel right without tons of red accents.Â
I also got a few of the new Rae Dunn ornaments from a local collector and they look perfect on this little wooden tree. (I picked it up from a local art show this fall.)
That cute chef Santa is Lucy’s favorite. She waves to him every day. Unfortunately, meeting the “real” Santa didn’t go so well.
This is probably my very favorite spot in the house to decorate during the year. It’s nice to have free reign to make it look pretty and not worry about storage or practicality. We have plenty of cabinets to handle the practical stuff.
Our attaching dining area is also feeling extra festive. Honestly, we don’t keep everything on the table all the time. It’s usually a hub for computer work, art projects, dinner and homework. But, I could add a little runner and centerpiece for the 20 minutes it didn’t get cleared away.
And hanging the ornaments from the light fixture is a wonderful way to keep it looking festive, even when it’s covered in art supplies.
The striped ornaments are some of my very favorites. A year doesn’t go by that they aren’t used somewhere. There are small funky shaped versions and large orbs. They are also NOT glass, which is a must in my house. I would love to blame the kids, but mostly I would break them in my haste.
The ornaments were originally my mom’s – she purchased them when I was a kid and a local upscale holiday decor store went out of business. They are still going strong 25+ years later.
Our little corner hutch also got a smattering of Fiestaware. The bottom cabinet is out of view, but also totally cleared out because our one-year old thinks it’s her own personal play house. It’s mirrored inside so she loves to open it up, check herself out, and store her treasures. Why fight it?
Finally, some of our other larger pieces found new homes on the open wood shelves by the basement door. The trees were originally my mom’s and Ryan’s grandma’s. The snowman was a wedding gift from my great-aunt. And on the bottom shelf, Lucy and Henry can have free reign with a wooden nativity and a haul of holiday books. Typically, the books find their way to the floor in piles, but that’s okay.Â
I find a great deal of joy in our holiday home. And my favorite part is that our kids love it, too. Henry has enjoyed helping me find good spots for all of our treasures. And Lucy waves and points and plays with all the new additions.
Thanks so much for checking it out! I’ll be back to share some other areas soon!
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Susan says
I really love all the holiday touches you have added. All the red really pops!
I wanted to ask where you found that buffalo check rug under your table? I love it!
Ginny says
So festive! I just love it!
Kenetta Markelionis says
Thumbs up!
Sarah says
Beautiful home! We are just about under roof with ours right now….i love your corner hutch! I have been searching for one! Can you tell me where iy is from? Thanks!
Kim Woodward says
I’m afraid it was a hand-me-down from my parents that we painted almost 10 years ago. It’s a lovely piece.
Jennifer says
I love everything, but what draws my attention are the Santa hat chair covers! Also that small wooden tree near chef Santa. I can imagine making a larger version and using it with little numbered stockings for an advent calendar. I think my favorite spot is your open wood shelves by the basement door. Thanks for sharing!
Nichole says
You have such a gift Kim!!! Thanks for sharing pictures of your beautiful home! I always look forward to your posts!!