Last week I shared our simple front porch with you, and earlier on a glimpse at our unadorned tree.  This week, I’m sharing our Minimal Christmas Home Tour.  I’m calling this minimal because this is probably the least decorating I’ve ever done for Christmas.  I wouldn’t say that it’s bare, but rather very simplified.  But I assure you it still feels very Christmasy around here.

They say the definition of insanity is repeating the same act over and over again with the expectation of different results.  Every year in between Thanksgiving and Christmas I pack in out-of-state trips, our youngest’s birthday, gift shopping, baking, and my home decorated for Christmas.  Every year I think I’m going to out do last year.  Every year I think I’m going to start sooner so I can share it with you guys before you get so tired of seeing homes decorated that you could care less about seeing one more.  This year was going well until my camera died on me.  Right after I put up all my fresh garland.  Grrr…  So, this year I’m bringing you a more realistic home tour with two-week old garland that is already crispy.  May it last two more weeks!!

Entry

rustic Christmas entry

The bells that were hanging from the wreath on the front door ended up in the entry since they were covering the peephole.  I could have moved them down lower on the wreath, but I like them hanging here as well.

simple rustic Christmas decor

On further into the entry sits our buffet with the nativity set I painted white last year.  You can check out more about the nativity makeover here.

Stairway

This is the first year I have used fresh garland on our stairway and I love it.  I used cedar and then added seeded eucalyptus for more interest.  You’re seeing it now as it has dried out for two weeks.  The thing with fresh garland is that it’s not going to stay as soft and pliable as the day you brought it home.  That’s the nature of the beast.  Next year I may try the method of soaking it for 48 hours and spraying it down with that magic spray that’s supposed to keep it from drying so quickly.  For now I’m just spraying it with water from a spray bottle every couple of days.  That’s how I’ve cared for our mantle garland the past few years and it seems to work fine.  We’ll see what I’m saying two more weeks from now!

For comparison, here’s some photos from my phone from when it first went up.  It was definitely more lush at that time.

fresh garland on stairway

  Living Room

minimal christmas decor

I have always loved the way a Christmas tree looks when it’s only covered in white Christmas lights.  This year I decided I was going to leave it undressed without ornaments, and I love it!  This won’t be the norm as I still love my ornaments and decorating a tree, but sometimes it’s nice to try something different.  I’m glad I did.  The tree is also sitting in a different corner than it has ever been.  Change is good my friends!  I used a couple small sheepskin rugs at the base in lieu of a tree skirt, and topped it with a very simple star.

simple farmhouse christmas decor

neutral christmas mantle ideas

The mantle was draped in the same cedar and eucalyptus as the stairway.  Again, this is it after it has dried for two weeks.  This year I purchased a few stockings.  I have always made our stockings in the past so this is the first time I’ve purchased any.  The gold stars are the kids’, the silver stripe is our dog’s, and the two plain ones are the very first stockings I made when my husband and I were first married.

Just noticed that my new knit ones are currently 50% off.  If you’re wanting stockings for next year, getting them now while they’re on sale isn’t a bad idea.

cream christmas stockings

epsom salt in vase

Living down in Houston we don’t see much snow.  Certainly not the winter wonderland type.  Our kids get so excited about snow that I thought I would give them some of their own by filling my vases with Epsom salt.

slim christmas tree in corner

Curling up on the couch by the lit tree is just the best.  The kids like to sit on either side of me and always ask for a blanket.  I like using this twin sized blanket as a throw down here because it’s large enough for all of us to snuggle up underneath.

pottery barn York sofa

naked christmas tree

Well that is it!  With all of the hustle and bustle that comes with this time of the year, it’s nice to come home to calm surroundings.

For more Christmas inspiration, check out my past Christmas posts here!

Sources

ENTRY:  wreath // bells (no longer available, similar here) // DIY bench // pillows made by me // vintage rug (similar here) // barn light // hooks – Hobby Lobby

LIVING ROOM DECOR:  Christmas tree // tree topper // gold star stocking // silver stripe stocking // plain stocking made by me // glitter letters (Pottery Barn – no longer available, similar here) // black candle holders – Hobby Lobby // DIY sunburst mirror tutorial // large wood bead rosary // glass vases from Homegoods and Target // small African beads

LIVING ROOM FURNISHINGS:  Rug // sofa // chairs // coffee table // round end table // media stand (Pottery Barn – no longer available, similar here) // gray Hmong pillow // khaki vintage pillow // DIY mud cloth pillows // white drapes // bamboo blinds // ceiling fan

Shop the Look

ENTRY:

LIVING ROOM DECOR:

LIVING ROOM FURNISHINGS:

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4 Comments

  1. Eleanor Shive says:

    Gorgeous as usual. Love the elegance and simplicity of your style! Merry Christmas!

  2. so beautiful, shelley! i love everything and i was just looking at those gold bells the other day! 🙂

    1. I don’t like being an enabler, but you should definitely get the bells. I could totally see those in your decor!

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