• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • Home Tour
    • Master Bathroom
    • Kitchen
    • Kitchen Eat-In Area
    • Family Room
    • Living Room
    • Home Office
    • Laundry Room
    • Master Bedroom
    • Craft Room
    • Dining Room
    • Garage
    • Guest Room
    • Guest Bathroom
    • Patio
    • Powder Room
    • Teen Blue & White Bedroom
    • Teen Boho Chic Bedroom
  • Projects
    • Room Remodels
    • DIY Projects
    • Decorating Tips
    • Cleaning
    • Organizing
  • Subscribe
  • Shop My Faves
  • Instagram
  • About
    • Contact
    • Meet Kris
    • FAQs
    • Media
    • Disclosure
    • Privacy Policy

Driven by Decor logo

menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Home Tour
    • Master Bathroom
    • Kitchen
    • Kitchen Eat-In Area
    • Family Room
    • Living Room
    • Home Office
    • Laundry Room
    • Master Bedroom
    • Craft Room
    • Dining Room
    • Garage
    • Guest Room
    • Guest Bathroom
    • Patio
    • Powder Room
    • Teen Blue & White Bedroom
    • Teen Boho Chic Bedroom
  • Projects
    • Room Remodels
    • DIY Projects
    • Decorating Tips
    • Cleaning
    • Organizing
  • Subscribe
  • Shop My Faves
  • Instagram
  • About
    • Contact
    • Meet Kris
    • FAQs
    • Media
    • Disclosure
    • Privacy Policy
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Updated: Apr 12, 2022 by Kris Jarrett

    Our Christmas Home Tour 2013

    Today’s the day! I’m so excited to welcome you all into my home for the holidays! Since moving into our house six months ago, it’s been a mess of boxes, paint cans, and stripped wallpaper so I completely skipped all seasonal and holiday decorating until now. It’s made decorating for Christmas all the more special – our house is finally starting to feel like home! (post includes affiliate links – full disclosure statement available {here})

    Come on in – I hope you wore your snow boots!

    I kept the Christmas decorations pretty simple this year – our front door is decorated with a set of bells and some greenery and berry branches from our front yard (more about our door dec {here}):

    Take off your coat, grab a cocktail, and let’s sit down for some dinner (it’s ok that we ordered in, right?):
    The star anise wreaths on the back of the chairs were a DIY project last year (see that post {here}). I just changed them up with some new ribbon:
    I also recycled last year’s holiday napkin rings, but added a sprig of greenery:
    One of the projects I’m most excited about for 2014 is a new look for our built-in china cabinet. For Christmas, it’s sporting a driftwood wreath that I found at TJ Maxx. Some lady tried to take me down over it but she didn’t know who she was dealing with. Don’t get between me and my accessories…
    You’ll see that the kids have taken over the area underneath the Christmas tree, so the few presents that I’ve bought (I’m waaay behind in my shopping) are hanging out in the dining room for now:

    Ready for some dessert? Let’s bring our plates over to the living room and hang out. One simple trick that I used is to tie ribbon around a plain pillow to dress it up for the holidays – simple and cheap!

    I also added a few decorative pieces to our living room coffee table:

    You won’t be cold because once you sit down, someone furry is going to come over and snuggle in next to you. She’ll probably request a belly rub. Hope you don’t mind…

    For stockings, I added a few embellishments to simple burlap ones to tie in the blue of our fireplace tile:

     

    I stole the vintage olive bucket from our guest room so we had something to store a bit of firewood in this winter:

    I hope you weren’t expecting to see a dazzling Christmas tree because ours has no theme or coordinating colors. But it is filled with meaningful decorations that we’ve collected since I was very little. You may notice that it’s kind of bottom heavy with ornaments – that’s because it was decorated by our girls:

    Underneath the tree is Christmas-town where they’ve built a pretty elaborate village:

    We also have a small tabletop tree that’s a bit more tastefully simply done – we turned it into an advent calendar by hanging mini galvanized buckets labeled with numbers 1-25 and filled with little treats:

    Before you go, be sure to grab a cup of hot cocoa from the hot chocolate bar we set up in the kitchen:
     
    I love this hot cocoa chalkboard print that I found {here}:
    I think that the homemade marshmallows and hot chocolate are my girls’ favorite thing about this time of year!
    Thanks so much for stopping by!

    Merry, merry!

    • Pin
    • Share
    • Email

    Categories: Christmas Decor & Gift Ideas

    ✉️FREE EMAIL SERIES ✉️

    5 Secrets to Reinventing Your Home on a Budget

    Simple tips to instantly transform five rooms in your home!

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jenny says

      December 15, 2013 at 9:01 am

      Kris, your home looks so beautiful and festive! I Ove all of the natural greenery you’ve incorporated throughout, and I really want to try your Advent calendar idea next year! And your dining room – I think it’s my fave. :-). Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    2. Lisa @ Shine Your Light says

      December 15, 2013 at 9:51 am

      Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful Kris!!! I love your simple mantle with the fresh greens and the bit of silver, so perfect! And your girls’ Christmas village under the tree is the most adorable idea ever – I have to tell my munchkins about that – such a fun idea for the weeks leading up to Christmas. All your decor is so lovely, festive, warm and inviting – thanks so much for sharing it all!!!

      Reply
    3. pam {simple details} says

      December 15, 2013 at 11:23 am

      GORGEOUS!! SO pretty and cozy, Kris. Where to start…I love your classic style, and of course your girls’ sweet additions!! Those festive bells on your door, and the fresh greenery throughout is beautiful, the dining room is so fresh and inviting. You did an amazing job incorporating the stockings to work with your fireplace tile. 🙂 Your homemade marshmallows are still on my list. Thanks for the lovely tour and all the inspiration!

      Reply
    4. Becky {This Is Happiness} says

      December 15, 2013 at 12:15 pm

      This looks so amazing Kris!! Classic, beautiful, cozy…perfect 🙂

      Reply
    5. Becky {This Is Happiness} says

      December 15, 2013 at 12:15 pm

      p.s. pinning!!

      Reply
    6. Lisa @ Fern Creek Cottage says

      December 15, 2013 at 12:28 pm

      Your home looks so beautiful! I am pinning the tour so I can look at it again and again! I love the bells on your door. They are really cool!

      Reply
    7. Lisa Rozario says

      December 15, 2013 at 1:20 pm

      I absolutely love the bells at the front door and the star anise wreaths and all the ribbon you have used everywhere. You have the perfect greenery in your yard to incorporate into decorating for the holidays.

      Reply
      • Kris @ Driven by Décor says

        December 15, 2013 at 10:46 pm

        It was fun being able to decorate with greenery from our yard this year – our old house didn’t have any of the good stuff!

        Reply
    8. Jenny Romaine says

      December 15, 2013 at 2:02 pm

      Perfection! The door bells are a nice twist on a traditional door wreath. I love your chalkboard accents too!

      Reply
      • Kris @ Driven by Décor says

        December 15, 2013 at 10:44 pm

        Thanks Jenny!

        Reply
    9. Jennifer @ Dimples and Tangles says

      December 15, 2013 at 4:19 pm

      Wow, Kris! So many pretty things to take in! I adore your bells on your front door, your fabulous chalkboards, and all of those perfect satin-y ribbons! And, how sweet is your under-the-tree set-up? Your girls did a fantastic job! Everything looks so cozy and festive and warm…but I’d definitely be lighting up that fire with all of that snow outside! Thanks for sharing your beautiful home with us!

      Reply
    10. Vel Criste says

      December 15, 2013 at 9:00 pm

      Your home is just exquisite Kris!! Love all the greens especially over your chandy! And your tree is beautiful, themed or not, love the sentiment that goes with it!

      Reply
    11. Stacey {steward of design} says

      December 16, 2013 at 12:15 am

      Eeek, I don’t know where to begin! It’s all so pretty! I love all the greenery and that driftwood wreath is amazing. The art above fireplace, your anise wreaths, the chandelier…. Love it all.

      Reply
    12. Stacey says

      December 16, 2013 at 1:01 am

      Absolutely stunning my dear! Very festive indeed and love the cozy and sentimental touches!

      Reply
    13. Unknown says

      December 16, 2013 at 2:41 am

      I’m reading you from my hospital bed at 1:30 am and loving that I can get a luscious sense of Christmas from your home!! I love it all!!

      Reply
      • Kris @ Driven by Décor says

        December 16, 2013 at 5:34 pm

        So glad that I was able to bring a bit of Christmas to your hospital room! Hoping all is well with you!

        Reply
    14. Cathy Wall says

      December 16, 2013 at 9:01 am

      Looks beautiful, simple and fresh! And my tree is just like yours, filled with meaningful ornaments and I love it, just like that. Thanks for sharing your home!

      Reply
    15. Cyndy Aldred says

      December 16, 2013 at 10:19 am

      Absolutely stunning Kris! So many wonderful ideas and your home is so beautiful and festive. Your sweet puppy is the cutest!! I just love it all and thank you so much for sharing your beautiful home with us!

      Reply
      • Kris @ Driven by Décor says

        December 16, 2013 at 5:35 pm

        Thanks Cyndy! We think she’s pretty darn cute too! Thanks so much for stopping by.

        Reply
    16. Linda {Calling it Home} says

      December 16, 2013 at 11:17 am

      Kris this is perfect! I am dying over all of the natural elements you used. Those bells on the door are the coolest. You know I love that fireplace of yours. It looks lovely with the stockings on it. the hot chocolate station is definitely a perfect idea to borrow.

      Reply
    17. willowinteriors says

      December 16, 2013 at 11:32 am

      Absolutely gorgeous!! I love those bells on your door! Some of my other favorite things include your dining room chandelier, the wrapping on those presents, your mantle and I’ve already pinned your hot chocolate station to steal!!! 🙂

      Reply
      • Kris @ Driven by Décor says

        December 16, 2013 at 5:39 pm

        I appreciate your sweet comment! Definitely make the marshmallows and hot chocolate – they are delish!

        Reply
    18. Kimberley Ellis says

      December 16, 2013 at 12:04 pm

      Kris, You did a beautiful job in your new home. Of course I love the vintage mix with the new everywhere. It looks so inviting and festive!

      Reply
      • Kris @ Driven by Décor says

        December 16, 2013 at 5:39 pm

        Thanks Kimberley – would love to see your home. I know it’s gorgeously done!

        Reply
    19. Brandyn | Southern Distinctions says

      December 16, 2013 at 11:20 am

      Being on the traditional side of Christmas I just love natural decorations. You’re home is beautiful and the decorations are wonderful!

      Reply
      • Kris @ Driven by Décor says

        December 16, 2013 at 5:36 pm

        Thank you – so glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    20. Rhondi says

      December 16, 2013 at 3:25 pm

      I love the touches of red with the natural things like pine cones and greenery

      Reply
    21. thistlewoodfarm says

      December 16, 2013 at 5:16 pm

      What a beautiful home! I love the chalkboard on the mantel….and my husband is worried about the mantel decor catching fire, too!

      Merry Christmas!
      karianne

      Reply
    22. Jen says

      December 16, 2013 at 6:40 pm

      It is beautiful! I love all of the small details. Can you tell me the paint color in your dining room?

      Reply
      • Kris @ Driven by Décor says

        December 16, 2013 at 6:51 pm

        Sure Jen – it is a slightly tweaked version of Sherwin Williams Keystone Gray.

        Reply
    23. stephanie at Stephanie Kraus Designs says

      December 16, 2013 at 7:48 pm

      Kris- it looks stunning and festive! Merry Christmas to you!! xoxo — love your stockings by the way:)

      Reply
    24. Anonymous says

      December 17, 2013 at 3:13 am

      Kris- I love the wall color in the dining room and the blue ribbon accents. I especially love the hot chocolate station chalkboard print. Did you make that or purchase it?

      Reply
      • Kris @ Driven by Décor says

        December 17, 2013 at 10:13 pm

        The chalkboard print by the hot chocolate station is from Etsy shop Lily & Val – here’s the link:
        https://www.etsy.com/shop/LilyandVal/search?search_query=cocoa+print&order=date_desc&view_type=gallery&ref=shop_search

        Reply
    25. Elizabeth @ The Little Black Door says

      December 17, 2013 at 10:57 am

      Kris you did such a beautiful job! I can’t believe you have only been in your house such a short time! I love that you have ribbon everywhere, certainly my favorite part of the season. 🙂 I’m ready to come over for some hot chocolate for sure! 🙂

      Reply
    26. Hillcrest Acres says

      December 17, 2013 at 11:27 am

      Thank you so much for sharing your home!! Your Christmas decor is stunning. You had me at the front door with those bells!!!!! I just went to amazon and did a search for bells. Nothing similar came up. And I “pinned” your front door. Happy Holidays!!!

      Reply
    27. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says

      December 17, 2013 at 1:17 pm

      Your home looks so beautiful dressed for Christmas!! Love your style!!

      Reply
    28. [email protected] Charm says

      December 18, 2013 at 5:01 am

      Kris,
      You have a beautiful home and it looks outstanding in all the holiday décor. Love those wreaths on your chairs and your mantel is so very pretty.

      Blessings,
      Linda

      Reply
    29. SHERRY HART says

      December 18, 2013 at 9:17 am

      Kris….so many pretty festive touches. I wish I could come over for that belly rub and have some cocoa:)

      Reply
    30. Simply LKJ says

      December 19, 2013 at 1:27 pm

      What a beautiful home. I love the dressed up burlap stockings.

      Reply
    31. Michelle Lunt says

      December 19, 2013 at 11:59 pm

      Thank you for sharing your beautiful Christmas decor. Your home looks incredible. My favorites are the beautiful place settings & the mantle.

      Warmly, Michelle

      Reply
    32. Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia says

      December 20, 2013 at 4:48 pm

      Thanks for opening your gorgeous home to us, it is simply gorgeous!

      Reply
    33. Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says

      December 21, 2013 at 11:20 am

      your home is beautiful! love the dining room especially- and i am so putting greenery in my chandelier next year! gorgeous!

      Reply
    34. therelishedroost says

      December 21, 2013 at 8:19 pm

      Elegantly done !! I love the wreath around the chandelier, the dining room is so inviting!

      Reply
    35. Jennifer Lippi says

      December 22, 2013 at 12:25 pm

      Your home is gorgeous Kris. I especially love how you wrapped your presents! My tree was also bottom heavy because my kids helped- I guess real life has to fit in there somewhere! Thanks for sharing your beautiful home!
      xo
      Jennifer@decoratingdelirium.com

      Reply
    36. The Pink Pagoda says

      December 22, 2013 at 2:03 pm

      What a lovely Christmas home, Kris! Everything is beautiful, and my favorite is the dining room — just incredible! Merry Christmas!

      Reply
    37. Anita says

      December 22, 2013 at 11:20 pm

      Thanks for checking out my home tour at Everything Tice. I love all of your unique wreaths, especially the star anise and driftwood wreaths!

      Reply
    38. Kassie says

      December 23, 2013 at 11:04 am

      Everything is beautiful! I love that chandelier over your dining table and the wreaths on the backs of your chairs! Merry Christmas!

      Reply
    39. Tricia says

      December 23, 2013 at 12:02 pm

      Kris – what a beautiful Christmas house! I love the bells on the door and your use of all the natural greenery. And the dining room looks amazing! Have a very Merry Christmas!
      Tricia @ suburbanbitches.com

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    ✉️FREE EMAIL SERIES ✉️

    5 Secrets to Reinventing Your Home on a Budget

    Simple tips to instantly transform five rooms in your home!

    Meet Kris

    Kris of Driven by Decor

    Follow Me

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    All images on DBD are copyrighted and taken by me unless otherwise noted. If you'd like to use any of my images, please request their use via my Contact page.

    I am a participant in several affiliate advertising programs (including the Amazon Associates program) and earn fees from qualifying purchases. For more information, see my full disclosure statement {here}.

    To view my privacy policy, go {here}.

    Copyright © 2023 · Driven by Decor