We’re back at my place today to see the small touches I add at the holidays around my house. I take a very subtle and humble approach, but I do love experiencing grand and colorful Christmas decorating from others. Case in point: right now, I am in Arizona where my mom, brother, and baby sister have homes in the same neighborhood where we bought a getaway. All of them love fanciful Christmas decor, and their homes are sparkling with personality and color.
My mom’s French Country style home has many Swedish influences and a sophistication in the Christmas decor. One of her Christmas trees is devoted entirely to Sweden, with straw ornaments, red hearts, and traditional Scandinavian symbols of love and cheer. On each of her bedroom doors is a handmade Swedish red wood plaque with the names of the guest occupying the room. She commissioned these from my sister, and they are so happy and charming on the white doors! Her shih tzus wear Christmas bandanas, and the air is filled with the fragrance of cypress, tangerines, and cinnamon. All who enter feel welcome and as if they are experiencing a slice of heaven.
My brother’s ranch looks like a gingerbread house with a giant festive owl in the front yard, a cobblestone path to the front door lit with bright lights, and a starry shower of red and green confetti lights twinkling on the stucco facade. Inside, you’ll find a collection of charming Santas on beautiful built-in plaster shelves and a Christmas tree filled with a collection of sentimental ornaments and topped with a buffalo checked top hat! The crackling fire from a firepit on the patio is visible from the living area and kitchen, and those flames feel as cozy and festive as his hospitable heart.
My sister’s home is a grand Tuscan style villa with a unique rotunda entry where a shimmering white Christmas tree greets you with peacock blue and royal purple ornamentation. A giant candy-like sign with delicious colors is laden with J O Y, and around the corner is a Christmas tree we decorated together with red berries, Snowmen Christmas balls, and beautiful Christmas bells we tied with silky chiffon ribbon. We danced to “All I Want for Christmas is You” with Stella (in a blinged out star sweater) and Luna (a bulldog who loves me and knocks me over every chance she gets) as we decorated this one, and for me, there is no Christmas song that gets better than that for dancing, smiling, and feeling warm all over. In her dance studio, we set up a mini ‘spa michele’ with a comfy massage table, candle, and herbs, so I could give reflexology treatments to weary family. In that room is a glass front cupboard with a twinkling collection of tiaras I have gifted my nieces over the years. So romantic!
Maybe I will get to share some images of their homes with you a little later. I am living in the moment and locking it all up in my memory NOW rather than living for Instagram or perfectly styled moments for public consumption these days, so we shall see.
Back to my place. I’m the conservative, frugal one in my family. I feel comfortable when things are hushed and quiet even though I am not shy nor a shrinking violet. Thanks so much for visiting our home today where I am sharing shots around the house in 2016 and 2015. If you missed Part 1, I hope you’ll take it for a spin here.
You’ll see I favor handmade, simple, Scandinavian-inspired decor (that’s what I grew up with), twinkly lights, and scored-from-the yard holiday greenery for my own home. Each year I change it up a little, and this year was different since I wasn’t home to decorate at Thanksgiving OR at Christmas since we are with family in Arizona. I’ll share pics when I can of holiday 2017.
Thanks for being my friend and supporting this blog in big and small ways. Let’s go inside my home.
SEE MORE CHRISTMAS DECOR FROM MY HOME HERE.
Friends, far and near,
and those whom I have yet to meet in the flesh,
I wish you light and love this Christmas.
Though this site speaks very much to
lovely interiors, renovation, and transformation,
I desire for it to evolve and reflect the beauty of peaceful living
we all so desperately need to sustain us as we grow.
My gaze is directed outside the window where a newly planted orange tree
is taking root this very moment, and I’m sending its fresh promise and
this sunshine across the miles to your heart and soul…
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
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Michele, your decor is so calming, relaxing and elegant. You can be comfortable in jeans, barefoot and in pearls. Can you tell what are those beautiful wine glasses are next to the French pail . Also the French phrase written on the mirror? You have such talent. I look forward to receiving your emails.
Author
Thanks for the kindness, Stacy. The goblets are Williams Sonoma (I think they are German made). The stenciled phrase is a stencil called “Springtime in Paris” and you can find it here: https://royaldesignstudio.refersion.com/l/774.69273. I am so happy to have you following. 🙂
I would love to have seen your sister’s tree it sounds gorgeous. Hope you and your family have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Author
I have photos I will share, Sherry! Thanks so much for adding to the beauty. 🙂
So pretty! I love your clean, pared-down Christmas style!
Author
Thanks for the kind words, Jill. I find it humbling to post my own decor with so much fantasy level gorgeousness on Hello Lovely! Merry christmas! 🙂
How special to have your family so close. Life and circumstances can change very quickly, enjoy each precious moment together. Merry Christmas Michele!
Author
You’re so right. Thanks for this reminder and for adding to the beauty, Susan. We are here to fulfill a dream of my mom’s and are so blessed to have the whole clan together. Merry Christmas, friend. 🙂
Hello lovely, yourself! Your white with gold and silver instill peace, just to look upon, and it’s my choice for the master bed and bath. In January, after Epiphany, I’ll introduce this stillness in the front room, as well, although its color scheme is peach and aqua with creamy walls. Blessings to you and your family!
Author
White and gold work so well don’t they? Your plans sound lovely, and I adore aqua…this admiration was inherited from my mom who uses it brilliantly in her Scandinavian inspired decor. Peace to you, friend. xox
Another comment: Your front bench with the bucket of evergreens and bare tree branches, planted in snow, is very similar to my front porch. Love the mirror on the wall; my porch has a window in that place, looking into the dining room. For January, I think I’ll copy this idea . . . but gotta get the snow, first. 😉
Author
Hi Jo! I’d be totally flattered if you follow suit! The snow!!! Yes! It totally transforms everything into a winter wonderland and adds the magic. 🙂
You are a wonderful writer. I can picture each home with it’s own unique appeal. Have a wonderful Christmas!
Author
Thanks, Joanna. It’s all stream of consciousness writing as if we are just chatting in my kitchen so it’s always wonderful to hear positive feedback. 🙂
So festive and peaceful. Thank you for sharing. May I ask how you place your greens in your galvanized buckets? Do you use foam block or just stuff into submission? I’m not very handy with arrangments.
Author
Thanks, Suzanne. I place a jar with water inside the bucket, place the branches one by one, and then trim them so they are the right length. Hope this helps. Merry Christmas!
Yes! Thank you makes sense. Thanks for replying.
Author
So happy to have you following! 🙂
Michelle your decor seems to be the essence of what Christmas really should be like, not like all the over decorated places I have seen in the blogs. Sometimes you cannot even see the tree for all of the decorations on it. This year I did the same as you and really cut back and used greens from our yard, etc. It is really more beautiful with less. Love your star garland in your Arizona kitchen. Keep up your simplified versions of decor. Its always best to be who you truely are. I’m with you!
Author
What a kind thing to say, Cindy. Thank you for the support and wise words. I’m so grateful to have such thoughtful readers who encourage me to be true. Peace to you. xox
I spend hours at different times on your site and just love it. your home is just beautiful and please post pics of your family’s homes rooms. Sounds so lovely! I am 53 and still dream of owning my own home! Merry Christmas to you!
Author
Hi Christie! That is just the best compliment…thank you so much for reading and sharing such kind feedback. I will post pics soon — so busy with entertaining stuff and so little time for photography and blogging! Merry Christmas. 🙂
These are my most favorite colors ever, so of course I am in love with your tree! So beautiful and unique too! It was so fun being “on tour” with you this week! Hope you’re having a wonderful weekend!
Author
Thanks for touring, Lisa–so happy to have you here. Merry Christmas. 🙂