Nothing beats the wonderful feeling of home at Christmastime. The smells, the sounds, and the overall cheery feeling you get when laying eyes upon a newly decorated home. You can imagine the fun we have in our house with our 6 kids. It is a treasured time that I try to savor at every moment.
Today and tomorrow is our Home for the Holidays Tour – a low-stress look at how my blogger friends and I chose to share our homes decked for the holidays. Come along as I share our family room mantel.
I don’t think anyone can deny that a mantel demands center stage in a room. They’re grand and so full of decorating potential. Last year, I offered a free printable of our bunting, and this year I was challenged to create something using vinyl plank flooring in the likeness of barn wood. That’s when I came up with this…
When decorating our home, I want most everything to be handmade or unique in some fashion (I am not a box store junkie for sure). For me, I like for my decor to tell a story and make my family feel like home is the best place on earth.
*this post contains affiliate links so you can find the products I love too!
The handmade stocking from thrifted sweaters are a classic touch, and my newly created wall quilt from vinyl flooring adds a homey feel. I have the DIY for that project here.
While heading out for errands, a neighbor’s large pine tree had lost a branch and they left it curbside, so I snatched it up and am using it as accents throughout my home, including the mantel.
Maybe you already knew this, but I have an addiction to lanterns. This rustic, red LED version is so cool because my kids can safely use it and it creates such a lovely ambience when lit. I will be able to gift one of you with this lantern and more. Read on to see!
Early this past spring during our city clean-up, I found a whole slew of these tiny picket fences and have grand plans for them. My mantel was the first place for one, and can’t wait to use up the rest.
Isn’t that rusty snowflake garland sweet? In addition to the lantern, you can also win 3 of these for your own. Yay! That’s not all though…there’s more…keep reading. By the way, doesn’t my Maybelle look cute in her tartan woolen scarf?
I created these velour Christmas trees using up some remnants in my stash of wood, repurposed parts, and thrifted goods. (Tutorial for the trees)
Last week I introduced you to Buck – my repurposed log reindeer. If you missed it, you can find the tutorial for that here or you can find his twin available in my shop. Isn’t he sweet with his railroad spike legs?
Do you see that sweet flocked tree behind him? You can also win one of those for your very own as well. eep! Oh what a Christmas this will be – I get to share so many goodies with you!
Our start to the holiday season has been fun and full of excitement as we share this special time of year together. In our home, we try to keep Jesus at the center of our special time now and all year through. Getting to celebrate His birth is a privilege and blessing.
I hope you have enjoyed this tour and my sweet spot in our home. My dog, Teddy, demands to be center stage and is wishing you the merriest Christmas ever.
So, I’ve told you that you can win a few goodies – a red LED lantern, 3 rusty snowflake garlands, and a flocked Christmas tree in burlap sacking… Wahoo!!
To enter to win (U.S. Residents only), just leave me one comment telling me what makes Christmas a special time for you, and for an extra entry, pin this post to Pinterest and leave me a comment telling me you did (I hope you really do!). Easy!
Don’t forget I have some fun DIYs and makeovers coming up for you later this week and next. Including this sweet table my son found that we worked on together coming tomorrow (psst…it’s live!). Now scroll on down and enjoy the Home for the Holidays tour. I know you’ll love it!
Merry Christmas!
More of my Christmas projects:
Christmas has always been special since I’ve been a mom. We try to focus less on gifts and more on what the day truly means. Of course with teens just having them want to help decorate is a gift! The last few years my in laws now in their 90s have been declining. Each Christmas they are still here is a blessing and extra special because we know it may be their last. So we don’t take anything for granted. Blessings Loved your mantel!
That’s wonderful, Anne. We do less each year and try to make it truly a time together. With our trials and losses it just doesn’t matter what goes on around us, but that we are together.
I pinned this on Pinterest! Have an awesome day:)
Thank you and you too!
Love Love your posts! What an inspiration you are to me! Can’t wait for the next one! I too love the homemade things and hate to have all store bought. I began making stockings from felt years ago when I was single and on a tight budget…have added each year as my family has grown. Even though they aren’t the cutest…they have such meaning to my kiddos and grandbabies. Christmas is family time and sharing memories…loads of laughs, good food and love! We have a big family and they will all be here this wknd…approx 30 +. Learning not to stress about all the things to get done…has been my huge accomplishment. Just relaxing and what gets done gets done…loving each other and being together.
oh…and yes I always post your things to Pinterest!! Always!!!
That is wonderful to hear, Jamie. Thank you so much. I am so like-minded when it comes to Christmas. I don’t really care if things are done to the hilt, but I do make sure things emanate love in all forms. Family is what matters most.
Larissa,
I have decided that I want to be just like you when I grow up! You have more talent in your pinkie toe than I have in my whole body and trust me there is alot of me!!! I always look forward to seeing your blog show up in my email.
You have also been “Pinned” my dear!
Thank you!
hahaha…are you sure? 😀 Thank you for the love, Deirdre. You made my day! {{hugs}}
Christmas is special because we’re celebrating the birth of Jesus and I also love it because families come together for celebrations. Some of the family members we may not see much during the year, but we have a large family celebration at some point during the month and then we all get to visit together.
That sounds wonderful. Enjoy this special time…Merry Christmas!
Wow your “quilt” on the mantel really steals the show, it’s beautiful! I didn’t DIY much this holiday season as I was looking to lighten my load, but that makes me want to bust out my scrap wood pile! Love the stockings as well, all so warm and welcoming! Pinning and sharing! 🙂
Me neither compared to most years. Taking time to enjoy the season and making memories are the best. Merry Christmas, Christy!
I’ve pinned quite a few of your things and of course this one was pinned also
Most importantly, Christmas is remembering the birth of Jesus! Secondly, Christmas is about family and expressing our love for them. I hope you have a blessed holiday season.
Absolutely on both accounts. A most wonderful time of the year. Enjoy!
I pinned your beautiful post!
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/26106872819197223/
Christmas is time for family, friends, and cozy gatherings. I bake my special gingerbread cookies, which my kids say “it just isn’t Christmas without mom’s gingerbread cookies” 🙂 Christmas is means time to reflect on the past year (s), and dream of all of the possibilities for the New Year!
Nothing like Christmas cookies for sure, and I bet yours are the best! Enjoy!
Christmas is my favorite holiday because we celebrate the birth of Christ.
Shared on Pinterest!
I have pinned you on Pinterest!
Larissa what a beautiful mantel. I absolutely love Maybelle up on that mantel. The stockings all lined up are so precious in front of the quilt. . And sweet Teddy looks right at home in your sweet spot! Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas. Pinning and sharing !.
moo… 😀 Ah yes, Teddy…the I-want-your-attention-every-minute-of-the-day-should-have-been-named-Shadow dog. He’s hilarious. Merry Christmas!
Love the quilt that you created to go over your mantel and also your velvet Christmas trees. You have the best ideas and every time I visit you I’m always inspired.
{{hugs}} Thank you so much, Paula. Merry Christmas!
Beautiful… Christmas is a special time of year with family being together and the sounds of happiness and laughter from the children during the season!?
Thank you, Fawn. Amazing music to my ears. Merry Christmas!
I love the gathering of family and celebrating “the reason For The Season”!!
Amen! 😀 Merry Christmas!
We have a program Families helping Families here in Columbia, SC and I had fun shopping for my adopted family. All my children and grandchildren are distant, for the first time this year ? And this brings such joy. I will watch on FaceTime as children and grandchildren open their gifts. I only wish I could see my adopted family too. It’s the best part of Christmas, besides eating the delicious ham!
That is such a wonderful thing to do for someone who needs it most. May you be blessed and enjoy your time spent with your family near and far. Merry Christmas!
Christmas is my favorite time of the year because the whole family gets together to celebrate. We always start with singing carols and end with the story of Jesus’ birth, There is always good food and the best company!
I pinned your beautiful post!
http://www.pinterest.com/208995238935871908
Your mantel is too cute!vLove everything about it! Merry Christmas!
Thank you, Lindsay. Merry Christmas! 😀
This time of year is made more special because we have more time to celebrate Christ and his LOVE with family and friends. We enjoy tasty meals, scrumptious desserts, play board games, sing carols and participate in the church Christmas program. Have a blessed Christmas.
All such wonderful treasures to enjoy and remember all year through. Merry Christmas!
Hi Larrisa, Don’t Rustic Decor make your home feel cozy? I really love your firelace, and your wall Quilt just made it look even better. Great idea!
You asked what makes Christmas Special to me. I am so very Thankful to celebrate Jesus’ Birthday, and the fact that he came here as a Baby to die for us. My wish for everyone is to know the Lord, and ask him into their hearts. Then they too will know real joy.
I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas, and Joy filled New Year.
I will Pin you Post, I love to share. Thanks, Donna
Yes! It’s the only way in my eyes to decorate that makes you want to curl up and snuggle those you love. Merry Christmas!
Christmas is so special because as a family, we take time to read the gospel account of Christ’s birth. We also reflect on our year and give thanks for His blessings. We have traditional foods that are made and enjoyed. It’s all so wonderful.
It truly is, Vicki. A time to treasure all year round.
I love your “down home” feel! Your home looks very inviting and warm. You can tell you have done everything with love. I hope that my home feels the same, because I love sharing it with family and friends. Merry Christmas!
That’s exactly what I strive for Kristy, and I’m so happy you see it. Thank you and may you have a blessed Christmas!
I love love love your quilt!! Christmas is special to me because it is a celebration of Jesus’s birth. Also because I love presents!! I enjoy the giving and receiving. This time of year is just magical!
Thanks! Nothing like watching the gifts you picked out or worked on be opened by the one you love. Enjoy!
I also pinned this!?
The whole mantel s gorgeous but that quilt is a show stopper! Gorgeous job!
Thank you, Shanna, and Merry Christmas!
Love it!! Perfectly you 🙂 We do homemade here too-so much more special. I get to go creative crazy and my kids jump right in with me. Merry Christmas, Larrisa. Thank you for sharing.
Awww…thanks! Crafting and cooking are the best with family. Enjoy and Merry Christmas!
Hi Larissa,
I pray you and the family are having a great Christmas season!
Christmas to us means Eucharisteo…the table of thanksgiving! Grace…Gratitude…Joy. Undeniable joy. Not just contentment. But pure joy. Joy that is full of hope, anchored in abounding grace, deeply submerged in gratitude, in the celestial art of giving thanks for all and for everything. Grateful for God’s Saving Grace!
I am wishing you and your family a blessed, joyful Christmas and New Year!
Blessings,
Yolanda
P.S. I pinned to pinterest, and thank you for your kindness and all the goodies!
Merry Christmas to you too, Yolanda! I love the way you’ve described this wonderful season. Merry Christmas!
I love your velour trees. And you go girl…..stealing from the neighbors, lol!
hahaha…it was approved. 😉 Thanks for stopping by, Kathy!
Having five children obviously meant Christmas wasn’t about the presents but about time spent together, playing games while it snowed, sipping hot cocoa, reading special stories and having a yummy dinner. Most gifts are handmade or homemade and we still do this even though everyone is grown and on their own. This year is very special since we have a new grand baby and I’m hoping that an entire day in a rocking chair with this sweet little guy will be my gift this year. Loving your mantel and the many stockings hanging from it❤️?
Christmas is a very special time for us as we often get to see our family, grown children, and military friends and family. The warmth and love fill our hearts and homes as we celebrate the magic of the season and the birth of our savior. I don’t have Pintrest so this will have to do. Thanks for sharing your family warmth with ours!!
I couldn’t agree more. A truly special time we can cherish the whole year through.
What makes Christmas special for me? GRANDCHILDREN and family. Seeing Christmas thru young eyes makes me feel young and excited again.
I can only imagine and hope one day I can say the same. It is such a fun time!
I PINNED U!
Merry Christmas
Love the mantel . All your elements give it a warm and cozy feel. Love Christmas time, we all intentionally take a little more time to spend it with each other and appreciate things a little more. Merry Christmas to you and yours, Lourdes
Thank you! It is a most wonderful time of the the year. Enjoy and Merry Christmas!
Your Christmas mantle is very pretty! Christmas is special to us as a time of remembering the birth of Jesus, celebrating with our daughters and buying gifts for others who might not have Christmas otherwise. Angel tree gifts are our favorite!
Thank you! Yes, all year should be Christmas, right? 😀
My family makes Christmas special for me every year! My adult daughters are a hoot when they are all together, and I love seeing Christmas through the eyes of my grandbabies! 🙂
That’s how it is with my family..they have the most awesome sense of humor. The best times…enjoy!
Your mantel is so cozy! I love all of the handmade items you have, especially those velvet trees. Can’t wait to see the tutorial for those!
Thank you, Angie! It just isn’t the same to me if it isn’t handmade. Merry Christmas!
Thanks for all the great ideas. Merry Christmas to all. I, also pinned you.
You bet! Merry Christmas!
Your mantel looks amazing!!! Love that sweet deer! Your home is so warm and inviting. Cut shot of your sweet dog too! Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas to you too, Anne! Thank you so much for stopping by. 😀
Today I am sad to be living in Canada! 😉 Seriously though, I adore that flocked tree, so cute, it would be so fun to win that… Your tour is awesome and so are you! So many things I love about your mantel, but really the feeling of home and love it the best part! xo Merry Christmas!
Girl, if it were up to me you’d be in the running. Thanks so much for stopping by! Oh, BTW, I’m swooning over your wooden pine cone.
Larissa, I am really enjoying seeing the process of you making your house and home.
The wood beam across the fireplace is perfection. The sweater stockings, the reindeer, lantern, and the wooden quilt is amazing. Thank you for sharing your creativity.
Thanks for saying so Meegan. It truly makes your house feel like home when you DIY everything. 🙂 That beam was a gift to self a few years ago and I love that it came from a local Amish barn. I’m so happy you stopped by!
At this time in my life Christmas is a joyous season of celebrating Christ’s birth! This has not always been true for many years while I was not in a good place with God. Thanking Him for all of His mercies! Merry Christmas and many blessings to you and your family!
Nanette
p.s. Love the velvet trees, awesome!
Amen. Thank you for sharing!
I have pinned this to my “Christmas Pretties” board – thanks Larissa!
I pinned your beautiful page!https://www.pinterest.com/pin/255579347583688478/
Your home and decorating style is simply beautiful! We are looking forward to this Christmas with our first grandchild!
What a wonderful time! Thank you for the compliment.
Christmas Eve services at my husband’s church has been a highlight over the years. Each of our girls growing up and most of our grandkids have taken turns singing “Away in a Manger” over the years. It’s a special and very dear memory for me. This year, one of our grandsons will have his turn. He is 9. 🙂
I’ve pinned this article, and thanks for such a fun drawing!
That is a sweet memory to have and certainly something to look forward to. Thank you for sharing!
Beautifully decorated, Larissa! You have such skill at mixing the right things together without making a display look overdone. I’m completely in love with the velour trees and the wall quilt!
Thank you for the kind words, Jamie. It’s fun to get to play.