We officially closed on our previous home and moved into this house a little over seven weeks ago. I’m so glad we made the move and had time to get somewhat settled before Christmas. There are still projects to do, boxes to unpack, and spaces to organize, but I’m keeping the focus on creating a warm, festive atmosphere for the holidays.
This season will look different for our family. With our son living independently and both daughters in other cities, we’re adjusting to empty-nester life. We’re learning what this home will feel like for us, and while change can be strange, it also brings new opportunities to celebrate in fresh ways.
We’ve enjoyed decorating the porches, mantel, and staircase railing with lights and greenery. I shared a simple mantel update on Thanksgiving, and since then I’ve added greenery and lights to give the room a cozier feel. I prefer simple, thoughtful decor that still captures the wonder of the season without feeling cluttered—especially useful in a smaller home.
I’ll share a full mantel update in a future post. Today I want to show our cozy entryway and how a few carefully chosen accents make the space feel festive.
For the stair railing I used faux cedar garland so the look would last all season without the mess of real greenery. I chose a soft, lightweight faux garland that’s easy to shape and store once the holidays are over. Because it’s durable and maintenance-free, it keeps the entryway looking fresh throughout the season.
There are many ways to attach garland; for our cottage-style staircase I tied the garland with simple string and added a black-and-white striped ribbon for contrast. To add a little sparkle and whimsy I layered in a wired metal star garland. The result feels playful yet restrained—a look I plan to develop in future years with new accents and ideas.
In addition to the faux cedar on the railing, I brought some fresh cedar indoors. We have cedar trees in our backyard, so I clipped a few sprigs for a door basket and other small spots around the house. I also ordered real cedar garland for the porch; the fragrance immediately adds to the holiday atmosphere.
Overall I’m leaning into simple, layered details—soft greenery, a few ribbons, and warm lighting—to create a welcoming entry without overwhelming the space. These small touches combine to make the house feel ready for the holidays while leaving room to evolve our decor over time.
Thanks for stopping by — I’ll share more of our Christmas home in upcoming posts as we continue to settle in and add personal touches.
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