Probably like a lot of you, my Christmas decorating has evolved a lot over the years. More and more I’m trying to simplify down to the things I really love.
My favorite combination is rustic with a lot of glitter, so woodland-themed Christmas decorations always catch my eye.
So I’ve kept that theme in mind when decorating this year.
Porch pots are one of my favorite things to do. In the past, I’ve started with boxwood bushes in the pots, but this year I used small arrangments from the hardware store.
I took out a few of the elements I didn’t like (red berries and velvet bows) and added in more of the stuff I do.
Cypress evergreens are great for draping in front of the pots. I got mine at a local garden center but Trader Joes often has them at this time of year.
I added in some ribbon, large ornaments, extra pinecones, and these battery-operated lights that operate on a timer.
For the front door, I took a swag of greenery (also found at the garden center) and added ribbon and bells.
I did the same garland treatment to both of our fireplaces. I started with a pre-lit garland and then added picks (some branches with smaller leaves for contrast, and tiny brown pinecone branches to keep it rustic).
When all of that was added I could hardly see the lights on the garland so I added more of the same battery-operated lights from the porch.
For many years it was my habit to do a silver and gold themed tree in the piano room, and to do a cluster of three smaller trees in the family room with our family and travel ornaments on them.
A few years back though, I simplified from multiple trees to one tree, first in the piano room and then in the family room where we could enjoy it more.
This tree is a pre-lit tree I bought many years ago from one of the big box stores. It’s a thin tree (to be honest it was always too thin for the piano room) but it works perfectly in this spot in the family room.
Even though the tree is pre-lit, I add a bunch of these lighted candles for even more light. (It’s still not quite enough light for me…next year I may add even more strands.)
For this tree, I started with green gingham ribbon that I literally bought off one of the display trees at Seasonal Concepts.
I added a lot of mercury glass ornaments that I had, along with round ornaments in greens and browns.
These glittered pinecones are my favorite. I have way too many of them.
Ditto the glittered reindeer.
I picked up three of these sweet little woodland birdhouses.
And two of these woodland Santas (I would have added more but two was all I could find).
The last thing I included were woodland picks, both glittery ones and some with leaves and berries. In lieu of a tree topper, I clustered several of the picks at the top of the tree.
How are you doing Christmas this year? Simple? All out? Traditional? Something new? I’d love to hear!
Your decorations are beautiful. A few years ago I cut way, way back on my Christmas decorating and have never regretted that decision. I do our den, foyer and something small in the dining room, wreath and flood lights outside and that’s it. I need to go through my many bins of ornaments, decorations, etc. and let someone else get some use out of them.
Merry Christmas to you!
Judy, I’ve done the same. I did the porch, the mantels, and the tree and that’s about it. And I’m donating lots of old decorations this year too. Sounds like we’re on the same page! Merry Christmas to you!
Always love seeing your blog posts, wish yo would do more!! Love your decorating style. I, too, am cutting back on the holiday decorating. My boys are grown and I have no grandchildren so that takes some of the fun away from going all out.
Donna, we’re in the exact same place. Kids are grown and no grandkids. It’s all about change and I’m sure it will change some more. Thanks for your comment!
Beautiful home! I love your attention to detail; those things make my heart sing too! Thanks for taking the time to share with us.
Thank you, Lori!
Love your decor. I’ve downsized our Christmas decorations considerably, a couple of years ago. When my 3 boys….now fully grown…were all gathered for Christmas, I distributed their childhood ornaments to them…I figured it was time. I enjoy the simpler decor so much more…what I kept is what was important to us. No grandkids here either. My favorite accent at Christmas is red…I must have it! Not much…just enough! 😉
Love that you know what works for you, Donnamae. Merry Christmas!
Julie, your Christmas decor is stunning! I love your nativity family, beautiful!
Many thanks. Rita!