2023 Christmas Home Tour

Our annual Christmas Home Tour day starts… NOW! Every year, I consider splitting up our efforts across individual blog posts but as always, when it comes down to it, I ultimately decide to include ALL of it in one lump home tour. So, welcome! And thank you for stopping by for a visit.

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Before we go anywhere or do anything, I want to preface this year’s post with a caveat or two 😉 If you’ve been around this year, you know how focused I’ve been on simplification and minimization. We’ve succeeded in some areas and still have lots of areas I’d like to improve but even the idea of the Christmas season was a major catalyst in wanting change. The storage, the schedules, the things. So, I wasn’t particularly stoked to start the season because honestly, I didn’t want to see it.

Here’s a few changes/shifts I chose to implement ahead of the season to honor my commitment to simplifying…

1. No new holiday decor. I have so much in storage — some I use every year, some I rotate and end up using every few years, some embellishments I’ve never used. There’s honestly not THAT much I don’t ever use but it’s still a lot of “inventory” to manage. I plan to thin out my arsenal and before I do that, I didn’t want to bring another thing into this house when I have plenty. There’s a fine line since I love fresh things and part of my job is to bring ideas, but in a personal capacity, I put my foot down. So… how’d I do? Pretty good. I’ll elaborate as we go through the post.
2. Bring out fewer trees. For the first time, we don’t have a tree in the dining room! I did add one back into the bedroom since we missed that last year but aside from that, we have our main living room tree, nostalgic family tree, and Eliza’s tree which we just pull into her room from the playroom. We’ve literally had years with 7-8 trees so the current number we have is maaah-velous.
3. Display less. Instead of bringing out bins and trying to decide where everything should go, I looked around and tried to decide what areas I wanted to add holiday decor to. There is literally not a thing in the kitchen this year.
4. Decorate early. Which we do each year (starting at the beginning of October).
5. Fewer gifts. No buying just to buy to fulfill some sort of imaginary quota/visual. Both mine and Dave’s gifts are experience gifts this year, too, and I’m gifting my mom an experience again.

So, let’s head in to a “lighter” but complete 2023 KN Christmas home…

*Available sources can be found below photos throughout the post.

BTW — the outside of our house usually isn’t complete until after the annual home tour launch, so here’s a look back when we finished our exterior last year.

There was no need to change out this big vase of magnolia stems in the entry, so I didn’t. (These are the kinds of simple decisions I’ve made this year that have been liberating). I invested in a bunch of the stems over the past few years, adding them to my collection gradually, and I’m so glad since originally intended for the cooler months, I now pretty much keep them on permanent display.

Sources: Gray Chest | Mirror | Stoneware Vase | Faux Magnolia Branches (seven in this arrangement) | Dining Table (similar) | Dining Chairs (similar) | Wool/Jute Rug | Extra Long Curtain Rod | Chandelier

I love a natural/rustic moment, mixed with a little glitz. Sprinkling jingle bells anywhere is always a good idea 😉

Sources: X Stools | Window Pane Checked Pillow | Shallow Wooden Bowl (similar)

Like I mentioned, it’s the first year we haven’t had one (or two!) trees in the dining room. I miss it a little but simplifying in here was a major win.

Sources: Gray Chest | Mirror | Stoneware Vase | Faux Magnolia Branches (seven in this arrangement) | Dining Table (similar) | Dining Chairs (similar) | Wool/Jute Rug | Extra Long Curtain Rod | Chandelier | Cement Lamps | X Stools | Window Pane Checked Pillow | Lantern Pendant | Shallow Wooden Bowl (similar) | Red Velvet Ribbon

Since we didn’t do a tree, I went a little more elaborate on the sideboard than I usually do, and embellished a strand of garland, nestling in our little modern concrete village collection.

Sources: Dining Table (similar) | Dining Chairs (similar) | Wool/Jute Rug | Chandelier | Cement Lamps | Sideboard (similar)

Sources: Bar Cart | Reindeer | Gold-Rimmed Wine Glasses (similar) | Crystal Vase (vintage)

Sources: Wool/Jute Rug | Cement Lamps | Sideboard (similar)

For the centerpiece, I wanted something low and something that wouldn’t compete with/detract from the sideboard. I mixed gold ornaments and the Amazon pears I added rub n’ buff to a few years ago.

Sources: X Stools | Window Pane Checked Pillow | Lantern Pendant | Shallow Wooden Bowl (similar) | Red Velvet Ribbon

I used faux berries I had in storage that coordinated with our tree theme this year and mixed in the regular greenery go-tos — faux cedar and live magnolia leaves. I love using live eucalyptus too, but time constraints didn’t allow for it without stress so it was an easy omission.

In the areas we use a lot and do a lot of living in daily, I kept things to a minimum so as not to create a bunch of stuff we’d be having to move to eat, prepare, work, etc.

Sources: Wood Bead Chandelier | Mirror | Black Cane Sideboard | White Stoneware Vase | Faux Magnolia Branches (3 in this arrangement) | Round White Dining Table | Leather Dining Chairs (pebble) | Round Jute Rug | Large Black Wooden Bowl | Brass Candlesticks (similar) | Christmas House 1 (similar) | Christmas House 2 (similar)

I’ve never met a bowl of balls I didn’t love and to me, it’s the easiest way to carry your Christmas colors into adjoining spaces. Just save a few from your tree to use in an arrangement(s).

Sources: Large Black Bowl

If you’re working within space constraints or just don’t want to allocate a ton of surface space to something like a village, try going vertical with it. You can stagger your dwellings front to back and add books/boxes for elevation. Think more Santorini, less Main Street 😉

Sources: Wood Bead Chandelier | Mirror | Black Cane Sideboard | White Stoneware Vase | Magnolia Branches (3 in this arrangement) | Salt & Pepper Shaker Set | Large Black Bowl | Black Matted Frames | Christmas House 1 (similar) | Christmas House 2 (similar)

These mini wreaths were some of the few impulse purchases I made this season, but I really loved punctuating the season a bit without using more surface space.

Sources: Matted Black Frames | Faux Olive Tree | Small Wreaths (similar 1) (similar 2) (similar 3) | Red Velvet Ribbon

Sources: Matted Black Frames | Faux Olive Tree | Small Wreaths (similar 1) (similar 2) (similar 3) | Red Velvet Ribbon | Wood Bead Chandelier | Round White Dining Table | Leather Dining Chairs (pebble) | Round Jute Rug | Large Black Wooden Bowl

And for this year’s Christmas color scheme/creation…

Sources: Matted Black Frames | Small Wreaths (similar 1) (similar 2) (similar 3) | Red Velvet Ribbon | Round Jute Rug | Dining Chair | Cone Pendant Lights (medium/antique nickel/paper shade) | Woven Bar Stools | Wood Wall Art | Black Leather Arm Chair | Iron Chandelier

Here it is! I was originally going to go with red, green, and gold but I’d been holding onto that thick blue ribbon for the past several years, so I decided to morph the scheme into something a little more unexpected.

Sources: Wood Wall Art | Black Leather Arm Chair | Teddy Faux Fur Pillow | Wooden Christmas Trees | Nativity Set | Two-Handled White Vase | Terracotta Vase | Cabinet Knobs | Wool/Jute Rug

THIS velvety ivory and gold ribbon was another new purchase I hadn’t anticipated, but I was satisfied using all ornaments and picks from my arsenal. The ribbon shop carries a lot more pretty, wired ribbons — and additional colors with the gold backing, like mine, HERE.

I also pulled out copper/brown ornaments I last used over 10 years ago and never thought I’d be brining them out again! Well… here we are! By the way, if you’re wanting to incorporate some of that brown/coppery color on a budget, Target still has THIS pretty tinsel-finish set and it’s 30% off right now (making it $10.50/set of 9!) When I last looked, the viral flocked ornament set in brownish tones (also 30% off, making it $7!) was out of stock but I know it’s been coming and going. The other sets (HERE) that are still in stock have some GORGEOUS color combos!

While the tree has some bold colors, I didn’t want that to take over the living room, so I focused on the copper/natural tones and stuck with linen pillow covers instead of anything too heavy. Again, I had it all on hand. I’ve kept my pillow organization under control all year (remember THIS project?) which made sourcing them so much easier and less daunting.

Sources: Iron Chandelier | Wood Wall Art | Black Leather Arm Chair | Sofa | Bronze Linen Pillows | Striped Pillow | Leather Stool | Wool/Jute Rug | Coffee Table | Cement Vase on Hearth | Faux Magnolia Branches (seven in this arrangement) | Brass Bucket | Christmas Stockings (additional collections)|

Using my regular garland strand (the Costco strand is still my Number 1!), I spent time embellishing the mantel. It’s one of my favorite places to decorate since it’s so finite 😉 You can find a full tutorial on my approach to mantel garland HERE.

Sources: Brass Bucket | Christmas Stockings (additional collections)

Side note — I already had our chimney cleaned for the season but we have to replace the inside walls (scheduled for next week). I’ll be excited when it’s a little bit cooler and officially fire season. And, if you want to save it for later, you can find a regular home maintenance list HERE.

Sources: Christmas Stockings (additional collections)| Christmas Stocking Hangers

I purchased my green velvet pillows years ago from West Elm, but I found some dead ringers on Amazon for a steal HERE. They come in a bunch of colors and sizes and in a set (the 20″ set of two, for example, is currently $16.99!).

I adore our growing collection of family Christmas cards. This year’s card is already framed and on display 😉

Sources: Console Table | Mirror (similar) | Pre-Lit Christmas Tree In Basket | Large Textured Vase | Two-Handled Vase

That little lit tree in the basket was another minor unexpected, impromptu decor purchase since I stumbled upon it at the Outlet, but it’s the *perfect* size. You can find it online in three sizes HERE.

Sources: Console Table | Mirror (similar) | Pre-Lit Christmas Tree In Basket

Incorporating just a few things and leaving most of the built-in bookshelf decor as is (with minor adjustments) is a huge time saver.

As a side note, in the photo below, the terracotta vase on the bottom shelf on the right is so much prettier in person. It’s also a surprisingly good deal, coming from PB. You can find it in a few sizes HERE.

Sources: Two-Handled White Vase | Two-Handled Black Vase | Pocket Watch Clock | Two-Handled Terracotta Vase (similar) | Wooden Christmas Trees | Textured Bud Vase | Terracotta Vase | Nativity Set | Cabinet Knobs

I love that our tree is all maximalist but as a whole, I feel like I can still breathe easily in our living room. There’s fewer pillows on the sofas, I barely adjusted the coffee table decor, and it’s so easy to “reset” at the end of each day.

Sources: Iron Chandelier | Wood Wall Art | Black Leather Arm Chair | Sofa | Bronze Linen Pillows | Striped Pillow | Leather Stool | Wool/Jute Rug | Coffee Table | Cement Vase on Hearth | Faux Magnolia Branches (seven in this arrangement) | Brass Bucket | Christmas Stockings (additional collections)| | Round Accent Table | Lidded Tulip Basket | Woven Tissue Cover (similar)

The conversation room continues to hold our most special (and most fun to look at!) things. With all the visual stimulation from the variety of ornaments, I simplified the surrounding decor in this room this year.

Sources: Chandelier | Area Rug | Sconce (similar) | Bird Print | Black Glass Front Cabinet (similar) | Large Cement Vase | Small Cement Vase | Seagrass Storage Trunk | Shallow Black Bowl | Gold Star Christmas Tree Topper | Boucle Christmas Tree Skirt | Spiced Cider Jar Candle

I was happy to use more ribbon I’ve had for years, still brand new. And, I love the thin ribbon on the nostalgia tree. BTW — you can find tips on decorating a family tree HERE.

I gifted myself with THIS glass and glitter book stack ornament from Anthro — so pretty in person and perfectly commemorates my uber bookish year.

Sources: Shallow Black Bowl | Small Bell Garland | Hanging Iron Bells

Sources: Natural Wood Nut Cracker (similar) | Landscape Canvas Art | Secretary Desk (similar 1) (similar 2)

Sources: Natural Wood Nut Cracker (similar)

Sources: Sofa | Green Linen Pillows | Extra Long Curtain Rod | Chandelier | Area Rug | Sconce (similar) | Bird Print | Black Glass Front Cabinet (similar) | Large Cement Vase | Small Cement Vase | Seagrass Storage Trunk | Shallow Black Bowl | Gold Star Christmas Tree Topper | Boucle Christmas Tree Skirt | Spiced Cider Jar Candle

I don’t remember if I publicly pondered on KN or just in a KN newsletter, but I was considering a brown quilt… and I did it! I had taken a break from the Belgian Flax Linen Quilt, and honestly, nothing compares. I was so excited to get a fresh one for the first time in a few years and also — don’t hold me to it but I’m enjoying not having ALL white bedding for a bit.

Sources: Wood Bead Chandelier | Platform Bed | Sherpa Storage Bench | Area Rug | Grey Nightstand Chest | Glass Lamp | Linen Quilt (mocha) | Linen Duvet Cover & Shams | Belgian Linen Pillows | Antelope Pillow | Fringed Throw | Accent Chair | Rug | Wicker Basket Set | Bird Art 1 | Bird Art 2 | Accent Table (similar)

Sources: Platform Bed | Grey Nightstand Chest | Glass Lamp | Linen Quilt (mocha) | Linen Duvet Cover & Shams | Belgian Linen Pillows | Antelope Pillow | Fringed Throw

Two things.

1. Last year, I decided to forego a bedroom tree and I really missed it. So, I brought in one of my flocked trees to leave bare — after it was set up, I plugged it in and it wouldn’t fully light. I took that one down — no problem, I had a second identical tree. I hauled it upstairs and set it up… it also didn’t fully light. So… enter THIS tree. I love the slender size and the downward sloping branches — it’s perfect to leave bare with no effort. Mine is the 7′ flocked pencil spruce that has been in and out of stock for weeks.
2. And then, Number 2, since I’ve been thriving in my reading era, I’ve REALLY been spending a lot of time in my bedroom reading corner. I saw THIS barrel swivel chair (upholstered) at the Outlet for a stellar price and in my mind, it matched the bedroom. In person… it does not. Even though it’s gray, it’s a REALLY cool gray and almost looks blue against my bed fabric, rug, and the rest of the bedroom. But, it’s so so comfortable to read in. So… the verdict’s out. I love the chair, I love reading in the chair, I hate how the fabric looks in my bedroom.

Sources: Swivel Chair (leather version) (similar fabric version) | Tree (7′ Flocked Pencil Spruce) | Striped Pillow (similar) | Pouf | Accent Table (similar)

A little peek at my current (hard copy) library stack 😉

Sources: Swivel Chair (leather version) (similar fabric version) | Striped Pillow (similar) | Pouf | Accent Table (similar)

Last year, I was so excited for Eliza to have a purple tree in her purple bedroom. Except… she didn’t really have a purple bedroom because her bed ended up taking more than a year to get here. So, this year, we did a purple(ish) tree 2.0. She and I tag teamed the family tree downstairs and she still likes coming home to a “surprise” tree in her bedroom so we’ll see what she’s feeling next year 😉

Sources: Knot Pillow | Unicorn Doll

I actually used THIS Merry & Bright print from Little Sleepies as the color inspo — I had bought Eliza the blanket for the season (not currently available) to match a set of pjs. For the first time, I used only what I already had for her tree.

Sources: Knot Pillow | Unicorn Doll | Linen Pillows | Linen Quilt | Linen Duvet Cover | Fringed Throw | Vertical Channel Tufted Bed | Cloud Art | Castle Art | Jacaranda Art | Rattan Storage Trunk | Area Rug | Woven Pendant | Curtain Rod | Curtain Rings | Silver Star Christmas Tree Topper

Sources: Knot Pillow | Unicorn Doll | Linen Pillows | Linen Quilt | Linen Duvet Cover | Fringed Throw | Vertical Channel Tufted Bed

Sources: Knot Pillow | Unicorn Doll | Linen Pillows | Linen Quilt | Linen Duvet Cover | Fringed Throw | Vertical Channel Tufted Bed

Sources: Knot Pillow | Unicorn Doll | Linen Pillows | Linen Quilt | Linen Duvet Cover | Fringed Throw | Vertical Channel Tufted Bed

Sources: Three-Shelf Bookcase | Song Lyric Art (similar) | Song Lyric Art Frames | Woven Storage Baskets (similar)

THIS 3D star tree topper (here in silver; downstairs on the family tree in gold) continues to be one of my favorite Christmas finds over the past decade.

Sources: Knot Pillow | Unicorn Doll | Linen Pillows | Linen Quilt | Linen Duvet Cover | Fringed Throw | Vertical Channel Tufted Bed | Cloud Art | Castle Art | Jacaranda Art | Rattan Storage Trunk | Night Stand | Table Lamp | Wooden Nativity Set

We’ve been enjoying Christmas in our home since before Halloween (it’s no secret around here — the trick or treaters always get a laugh 😉 ) and before we put it all away, I am tasking myself with letting go of some back-stock still in storage. I’ll also be more fully setting up my storage system with QR codes (HERE) to alleviate the hunting next year.

Thank you, thank you for stopping by today for what is one of my favorite blog days of the year, each year. Here’s to a beautiful season ahead, and remembering to prioritize what makes you and your family happy.