Greetings, friends! It’s been a stormy evening here—our internet went out and the lights kept flickering, and I was worried I wouldn’t get this post scheduled. I’m a bit of a procrastinator, so I scrambled when the connection returned and managed to get this up. If you’re seeing this on Friday, that means I succeeded, even if I was racing the clock.
First, thank you to Lindsay of White Buffalo Styling Co. for hosting a lovely tour of homes this week and for inviting me to join. If you’re joining the tour, be sure to visit her site to see all the participating homes.
This is my second tour of the house this season. I took many new photos from different angles and close-ups, so you’ll see things you may have missed before and another side of the rooms. If you’d like, you can revisit the first tour from earlier this week for more images and details. I also saved some photos for an aftermath post after the tours, which I’ll share later.
In my ideal plan I hoped to finish decorating the bedrooms and front porch by today. Reality was busier: book work, holiday events and everyday life kept me from finishing everything. I did manage a few areas and photographed a tiny peek of my office.
A little secret: I noticed many bloggers style Hunter rain boots filled with greenery by their doors. I didn’t join that trend; instead my front porch still has pumpkins. I might even be the neighbor who leaves a crunchy wreath up longer than most. Now that confession is out of the way, let’s continue the tour.
Jack has been watching the window, excited for visitors. He loves when people stop by!
In our gathering room—the space between the entry and dining room where we usually spend time—I placed birch branches collected nearby into a tall planter and decorated them with ornaments. They add a simple, natural touch to the season.
My husband recently repainted our dining table so it felt fresh for Thanksgiving and holiday gatherings. The dining room is the space that has evolved most over the years through small updates. While our house isn’t perfect, every small improvement—like a fresh coat of paint—feels satisfying. We kept the table leaves natural because we like them that way.
We add a few touches of Christmas here and there, enough to feel festive without becoming overwhelming. I tend to enjoy winter decorating—candles and fresh greenery are favorites—and those small accents make the house feel cozy.
At night, especially during dinner parties, lighting candles makes the rooms feel softly magical.
String lights around mirrors and placed in jars add tiny points of sparkle that catch the eye.
The paperwhites smell wonderful and bring life to the room. I love how the mirror reflects the flickering candlelight, multiplying the warm glow.
Small trees placed in galvanized buckets are a simple yearly favorite. I pick them up at local stores and use inexpensive buckets from our farm store for a rustic touch.
I’m keeping an eye on Jack and Lily, our doodle pups, who may discover the tree full of felt animal ornaments any day. Over the years Jack has claimed a few ornaments, so we’re hoping they behave this season.
We’re keeping our fingers crossed that they’ll be more civilized this year.
I recently styled the mantel with a sparkly “Merry Christmas” banner for a Pottery Barn collaboration. It was a gray, dark day when I took these photos, but the glittery banner brightens the fireplace display.
We’ve used the white quilted stockings for years; they feel classic and soft on the mantel.
I also tried the banner in my office and liked how it looks there. I moved the Nespresso into the office for convenience—perfect for emergency coffee moments—and I’m still enjoying that machine in daily use.
Thanks for visiting today. I’m so glad you stopped by to see the house this season.
The next stop on the tour is Traci from Beneath My Heart—she has a lovely home and is a wonderful host, so please pay her a visit.
You can also view part one of my Christmas House Tour for more photos and details.
Check out my coffee table book, The Inspired Room.
If you want to learn how I hang garland, wreaths, and stockings without nails, I’ve shared that method in a previous post for easy holiday decorating.