It’s my favorite time of year to tour you around my home – there’s nothing like having it all decked out for the holidays! There’s a lot going on at our house right now so I kept things a little simpler than previous years but no less cozy and festive! This winter has been a milder one than usual for us but Mother Nature apparently decided that it was important to give you the full Connecticut Christmas experience so she conjured up some snow this past weekend. I hope you bundled up! Let’s start by heading on down our front walkway (post includes affiliate links used in post – full disclosure statement available {here})
Scroll & Click/Tap to Shop My Front Porch:
We have a ginormous evergreen tree in our front yard (it’s basically the mother of all Christmas trees) and the first year we moved into our house, I clipped branches from that tree plus some berry branches from our backyard to create a greenery swag for our front door. I loved it and it’s become a tradition for me to do every year now (this is year five!)…
You can see the step by step of how I created my greenery swag in {this post}. I decorate it with a trio of beautiful bells (found {here}) which are bigger than they look and have the prettiest engraving on them (mine are the 10″, 8″, 6″ cylinder bronze). I change up the ribbon I use each year – this year’s red, white, and gray checked version was a HomeGoods find:
The original plan for my planters flanking our front door was to start with some magnolia branches and then clip greenery from other trees and bushes in our yard to add to it. But once I got the magnolia branches in the planters, they had a simple beauty that I loved and I decided to leave them as-is. And… it was 30 degrees outside when I was decorating my front porch so that might have played a small role in my decision too 🙂
I may end up adding some white string lights to them – that would look so pretty at night don’t you think?! Along with my magnolia filled planters, I have {these} lantern trios that I put out in the fall with simple pillar candles and then change up for the winter. My favorite “winter look” so far is when they are filled with ornaments so that idea went on repeat this year:
It’s time to get ourselves inside and get warm! Our first stop is the living room where we’ll hang out in front of the fireplace! Our fireplace is one of my favorite makeovers to date (you can see the “before” and “after” of our fireplace remodel {here}) and since it’s one of the first things you see as you walk in our front door, I love to dress it up for the holidays:
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To decorate my mantel, I mostly reused things that I already had in my hoard stash. The only new things I bought this year are the bundles of faux frosted eucalyptus (found at HomeGoods) that I layered in the center of the mantel along with some faux frosted blueberry branches and a couple of silver pinecones:
The art pieces are ones that I already had (the deer art is no longer available but the “Most Wonderful Time” framed print can be found {here} and the wintery woods pic can be found {here}) and the silver and gold Christmas trees and ornaments were HomeGoods finds that I used to decorate my dining room table last year (you can find more pics of my Christmas dining room from last year {here} and check out the tutorial for the star anise wreaths I use on our chair backs {here}):
I love that the metallic trees are so versatile that I can use them year after year in different ways without getting tired of them:
From here, let’s head on into the family room… the last view I shared of this space was this one last weekend when I had just hung that gorgeous HomeGoods wreath and was in full-on present wrapping mode:
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I not only got a bunch of presents wrapped last weekend (you can check out my gift wrapping ideas for taking your presents to the next level {here}) but also got our tree set up and decorated. It sits right between our bookcases at the back of our family room where our desk is the other eleven months out of the year:
This year I decorated our family room tree with silver ornaments, wide gray velvet ribbon, a narrower sheer gray ribbon, some floral stems, and a bunch of different berry stems:
I already had the ornaments and ribbon from last year but wanted to change up the look of my tree this year so I went to our local Michael’s and shopped the faux floral section (both the Christmas florals and the non-holiday florals), choosing a bunch of stems that caught my eye and coordinated well together:
They only had a few sprigs of each of the berry branches that I liked so I got several different kinds (including some beautiful pearl berries!) and mixed them together around the tree. Instead of a traditional tree topper, I cut apart some faux glitter branches and placed them on top:
I love how our tree looks with the lights off but it really shines when the sun starts to set and the lights go on, bathing the back half of our family room in a warm Christmasy glow!
Of course it wouldn’t be a tour without Hope making an appearance and it’s no surprise that she’s in her favorite spot with one of her favorite throws all snuggled in:
Other decorative touches in our family room were super simple. Instead of replacing everything on our bookshelves with Christmas related decor, I simply added a ribbon bow to my elephant and a jingle bell necklace to my horse, flanked my gold tray with some of my HomeGoods Christmas trees (when I said I had a bunch of them, I meant a BUNCH!), filled my scalloped wood bowl and glass jar with extra ornaments, and added a teeny faux tree. All of these changes were super quick to make and even better… they’ll be super quick to change back after the holidays.
A few other simple tips are to decorate your home with the presents that you wrap (they look great stacked in a chair, on a bookshelf, or on a coffee table or ottoman), tie decorative gift tags around pretty much anything and everything to dress it up like I did with this magnifying glass that sits on books on our family room table,
or if you have an area that needs to look just a little more festive, simply add some ornaments or bells (like this brass bell that I added to the woven basket on our bookcase) and you’re good to go!
And one more thing before we head on out of here – just this weekend I added {these antique gold display bars} c/o Minted for our Christmas cards! They’re so cute and I’m loving being able to have all of our cards out on display for our entire family to see! I hung them by the loop at the top of each bar with Command strip hangers so I can take them off after the holidays without damaging the walls.
I’ve already found myself popping over to look our new card wall several times a day – so fun! And I love that the circle clips make adding new cards quick and easy:
I’m still working on decorating our dining room for Christmas and look forward to sharing that with you soon along with a few other small holiday touches but for now I’ll walk you out and share a little peek into the unexpected crazy that started up at our house at the end of last month:
Yep, that’s our gutter lying in the snow and Tyvek covering part of our house – we’re actually wrapping up the prep work for our kitchen remodel that’s happening in early 2018! It’s a long story for another day but let’s just say that the past few weeks have been a little more chaotic (and dusty!) than I expected and I can’t wait to fill you in on all of the details and plans for what’s to come in the new year! If you aren’t already subscribed to get emails of new posts on Driven by Decor, now’s the perfect time to do that so you don’t miss anything that’s coming up – the quick and simple way to subscribe is right {here}.
I hope you all enjoy visiting everyone and look forward to seeing you back on the blog later in the week! Thanks so much for stopping by! 
Front Porch
Black lantern sconces | Bells on wreath | Planters | “Oh Hello” Doormat | Lanterns | Ornaments in lanterns + Red check ribbon – HomeGoods
Living Room
Paint color: A tweaked version of Sherwin-Williams Keystone Gray (see exact formula at the bottom of {this post} | sofa – IKEA EKTORP – more info {here} | |Linen swivel chairs – Lee Industries – {these} are similar | Ottoman – Lee Industries | fireplace tile – Sterling Row Wingtip Charcoal c/o Walker Zanger | Rattan bar cart | Gold & silver trees + ornaments – HomeGoods| Deer print – no longer available | “Most Wonderful Time” framed print | Wintery woods framed print
Family Room
Paint color: Walls & Trim in Benjamin Moore Cloud White | Furniture: Slipcovered sectional (fabric is Basket Natural) | Reclaimed wood TV console – no longer available but {this one} is almost identical | Acrylic coffee table – no longer available but {this one} is almost identical | Rattan accent chair | Lighting: Chandelier (satin bronze) | Pillows & Throws: Sofa – Gray and white floral/dragon pillows | cream lumbar pillow | Gray pom pom pillow and white snowflake pillow – no longer available | Pom pom throw – HomeGoods ({this one} is similar) | Rattan chair – White Montecito pillow | Rug: Honeycomb ivory/grey wool rug | Shades: The Shade Store – Robert Allen Fabric in Perfect Stripe (Earth) | Art surrounding TV (from top left): Wreath – HomeGoods | Son (abstract) by Lori Wemple | Sand Spirit (horse print) by Leslie Le Coq | Mesmerize by Melanie Severin | Marble Two by Melissa Selmin | Brainchild (abstract) by Misty Hughes | Morning Walk on the Seine by Sharon Rowan | Stormy Sunrise by Melanie Severin| Reflection (boat print) by Neeta Sawhney (no longer available) | Flora in B+W by Very Marta| Llama Love by Jocelyn Eden (no longer available) (Art prints are 18″ x 24″ prints that were matted and framed by Minted to a final finished size of 18.5″ x 24.5″) | Media console accessories: White marble box & small shagreen (black and white) box it sits on – have had for years | Coffee table accessories: Tray (28″ x 28″) (similar)| Brass cranes | Book: The Collected Home | Book: Emily Henderson Styled | Bookshelves: Grasscloth lining the back of the bookcases | Brass finger pulls on cabinets – no longer available | Dried star pod | Tall coral – HomeGoods | Lantern – HomeGoods | Elephant & Horse – HomeGoods | Wood bowl – Home Emporium | Glass cloche – no longer available | Gold platter – thrifted – {this platter} is similar | Gold & Silver trees – HomeGoods | Small glass jar – HomeGoods | Brass bell – no longer available | Other Accessories: Basket for throws | Christmas card display bars
Savvy Shopper says
Kris, Beautful as usual! I love the little details like the tags, decorating the bookcase, etc. Very festive. Thank you for sharing the tree ribbon decorating in the earlier post. I’m excited to try it next year.
Kris Jarrett says
Thank you – I’m so glad you enjoyed it! And definitely give that tutorial a try – it’s super easy to follow and made my tree decorating so much faster this year!
Vel says
Everything is just perfect Kris! Love your family room the most this year!
Kris Jarrett says
Vel, you’re too sweet! Thank you!!
Sarita says
You are my decor spirit animal! What a beautiful home and Christmas decorations!
Kris Jarrett says
Thank you Sarita!!
Linda says
Beautiful!
Kris Jarrett says
Thank you Linda!
Design Chic says
From the front door all the way through, your house is perfection! So festive, warm and inviting. Happy Monday!
Kris Jarrett says
You’re so sweet! Thank you! Hope you’re enjoying the holiday season!
Calypso in the Country says
I always know I will find a beautiful Christmas tour on your blog! Love it all from the outside to the inside. The colors you used work so well with your home. Gorgeous!
Shelley
Kris Jarrett says
Thank you so much Shelley! Happy holidays to you and your family!
cindy hattersley says
Oh my goodness…I want to be at your house for Christmas!! Your tree looks fabulous as always and I have always loved the bells on your front door. I shamelessly attempted to copy them this year…couldn’t find any that were up to snuff but did the best I could!! Happy Holidays pal!! We need to do Round Top again!!
Kris Jarrett says
Cindy I ADORE your wreath this year!!! Happy holidays to you to and yes, we need a get together in 2018!
[email protected] Delirium says
Your home is stunning decked out for the holidays. I really like your tree and the addition of faux florals. I will have to keep that tucked away for next year.
Kris Jarrett says
Thank you so much Jennifer!!
Lisa says
Kris, I know I said it before but your tree – it’s knocking me out this year! LOVE the ribbons, florals and overall color scheme, so perfect for your home and just gorgeous! As always you do an amazing job making your home festive and beautiful, hope you enjoy it all amidst a very exciting kitchen renovation!!!!!! Woohoo!! Can’t wait to hear all about that!
Kris Jarrett says
Lisa, you’re so sweet – thank you! I bet you’re so looking forward to having all of your kiddos back in the nest over Christmas!
Janey says
Oooohhh! I’m so excited to follow along on the kitchen remodel/reno. I love your style and think it is always so tasteful and clever. I had to LOL though when I saw your photo taken whilst wrapping. I thought, wow, can I ever achieve such a tidy wrapping reality? Then I thought surely no, but it was a good laugh to imagine if I could show you what wrapping looks like at my house. You’d be in for a treat! Thanks for sharing and Merry Christmas!
Kris Jarrett says
Ha! My in-process wrapping is a flurry of ribbons and gift wrap scraps! I shot my pic after clean up! 🙂
Karen B. says
Kris,
Such a fun time of year and your home is so inviting. I’m jealous of your sprinkling of snow. As a native SoCal girl, I officially sick of the 80-degree temps we’re experiencing this winter. December should be cool and sadly, it’s in the low 80’s. I’ve never lived in snow, but I’d sure like to give it a try.
xo,
Karen
Kris Jarrett says
Wow, that’s so crazy that it’s still in the 80’s there! It is nice that CT has all four seasons but I could use winter being a little shorter 🙂
Cynthia Madore says
OMG – I have an actual photo of a young buck that I took earlier this year, almost identical to your deer print. Except that my buck is in the other direction. Now I’ll have to play with the photo, add a filter, etc. I have never thought of doing that to the pic. Thanks for the inspiration.
Kris Jarrett says
Cynthia I bet that would look really cool!!
Celeste Oxford says
Kris,
Wonderful Christmas tour as always! I love your choice of new wall brackets by the front door…makes all the difference to the facade! Snow already?
I also am looking so forward to see what you are going to do with your kitchen design.
Happy Holidays to you and your family and give that sweet “Hope” a hug from me!
Kris Jarrett says
Thanks Celeste! Yes, that lighting switch was long overdue! Happy holidays!!
classic casual home says
Wow, Kris…this is so gorgeous. How did you get the wreath on your dining room chandelier?
I want to link to this post in my next post. You did such a wonderful job!
Mary Ann
Kris Jarrett says
Thank you Mary Ann! I actually just look clippings from one of our evergreens and layered them around the base of the chandy!
Kelley Nan says
Kris, your Christmas home is just beautiful! Please never stop your swag and the magnolia leaves are perfect. The little blueberries on your mantel are a favorite touch, especially with the deer art. I always feel so inspired after visiting your house!
Kris Jarrett says
Kelley, thank you!! You know I love touring with you!! XOXO
Annie says
The details are my favorite — just gorgeous! Enjoy the holidays!
Kris Jarrett says
Thank you Annie! And same to you!!
Jen says
Kris I love it all! Like I said, I am so jealous that you can make that door swag every yr, I may not be able to recreate that from clippings from my own trees, but I CAN buy those amazing bells! Thank you for sharing your ideas and sources with us. Your family room is even more beautiful at Christmas time! I can’t believe you are taking on a kitchen remodel this time of year and still found time to make your home so beautiful ?, I can’t wait to see it once the project is completed! Merry Christmas! ~ Jen
Kris Jarrett says
Jen, thank you so much! You wouldn’t be so jealous of me getting to live somewhere with all that greenery outside my door if you had to survive our winters – ha! Merry Christmas!! I hope we get to see each other again in 2018! XOXO
Monica Dell'Osa says
Hi, your mantel looks great!
Can you tell me what hooks you used to hang the stockings?
Thanks!!
Kris Jarrett says
Monica I used the teeny tiny Command hooks – they work really well!
Jeanette @ snazzylittlethings.com says
Your home looks so gorgeous! And I just purchased those bells (thanks for the link!) You choose such perfect items for your home I always love to check in to see what you’re up to with DIY and decorating. Even with a gutter in your yard, everything looks so bright, cheery and gorgeous. I look forward to following your kitchen remodel. Happy holidays!
Kris Jarrett says
Thank you Jeanette! I hope you enjoyed the holidays and had a happy new year!!
Suzanne says
So lovely. Every one of your Christmas decor features was a winner. The metal trees, the simple ornament-filled lanterns on the front porch. The magnolia leaves (unfortunately not an option in the upper midwest…maybe faux leaves at Michaels?) I loved Home Goods until it closed 10+ years ago, but another one isopening soon in my hometown. Hooray!
Kris Jarrett says
Thank you so much Suzanne! And yay for a new HomeGoods – love that place!!!
Brookd says
Can you please share where you got your stockings?
Kris Jarrett says
Unfortunately I got those years ago so they’re no longer available…
Mary says
I love your magnolia planters!! Did you put the branches in soil or water? How long do they last?
Kris Jarrett says
I just put them in soil! If you keep the soil damp, they can stay fresh for a few weeks but I honestly just let them dry out. They turn a darker color once dry but still look quite good through that way the entire winter!
Anonymous says
IMG_3881.HEIC
I just made this swag thanks to your original design! I ordered the bells a few months ago! Thank you!!