Around here this Christmas

I do so love this time of year. 

Outside, it's cold and bare. Often beautiful, but less inviting. And the fact that we can turn our homes into inviting, cozy places to be while the sun sets early and the cold winds blow, is great! 

Over the past 8 years of having my own place to decorate just the way I want it, I think I've established that when it comes to Christmas decorating, cozy tends to be my goal. I've gradually steered toward making it natural, with a smidge of color and only a little sparkle. I've loved visiting the gorgeous houses on Jennifer Rizzo's Holiday Housewalk last week - they're all so lovely! - and I even had a twinge of a desire to decorate more after seeing some of the great displays. But in the end, natural and simple wins. Would you like to take a look?

Warning: No windows or floors were washed in the making of this house tour! Or, apparently, outdoor pots...please ignore the dirt!

It was a lovely afternoon spent making our porch wintry and inviting. I love pulling out the flea marketed sled and the gifted skates. This year I added a yard saled crate and an extra pot - adorned with the scarf Tim never wears anyway. 

C'mon in, out of the cold...

Perhaps you've already seen this Christmas view in my Gallery Wall post...? If not, here's a glance at our banister and hutch, the top of which is never this empty! Nothing like company and virtual holiday tours to get your house tidy. Maybe not clean. But tidy!

Once you've taken in the banister view, you'll turn around to have a mantel view. I found the deer at Home Sense and a little tradegy took place on its car ride home. His belly snapped off around the stick base. Can I just say that super glue really is super? I also must say, pom pom's are the perfect craft for a relaxing night while watching Jane Eyre or Pride & Prejudice. 

On either side of the mantel, I've hung some green lovelies in place of my candle sconces:

Our desk in the corner received a touch of Christmas as well! I've taken a liking to these wee little poinsettia's and might grab a couple more my next trip to the grocery store. 

The next few shots let you take a peek into the kitchen and dining room, where little touches here and there make me smile and help 'festive' things up.

Isn't that book page tree lovely? My niece made several of those as centerpieces for our family Christmas dinner that we've already celebrated. And seeing as she works at the library, it was appropriate and beautiful. 

One element that I thoroughly enjoy decorating is our Christmas tree. When we first moved here, we discovered a small artificial tree in the attic and used that for our first two Christmas' here. But then one Boxing Day we picked up this beauty:

Sticking with our house colors, blue and green, and adding some pinecones and squirrels (in appreciation of Gus and the humor we get from seeing him bolt out the backdoor after the squirrels he never catches), we have a look I'm thoroughly enjoying this year. 

So let the wind howl! Because inside, we are all cozied up. Quiet evenings spent curled up in my chair, mug of hot chocolate and book in hand, with everyone home. Sounds lovely, doesn't it? That God gives us homes to enjoy here on earth, giving us a smidge of understanding and a lot of longing for our eternal home is such a blessing! I hope that you have many opportunities to enjoy your home this winter & holiday season!! 

Linking to: Jennifer Rizzo