I began sharing photos and videos of my home and life back in 2012. At the time it felt unusual to snap pictures on my phone and set them loose on the internet, and only a few people saw them at first. A lot has changed since then — the photos have improved and the house has evolved — but my love for Christmas has stayed the same.
I’ve always decorated in my own style. For me, a home should feel comfortable and personal: a safe haven and a cozy retreat. Outside can be chaotic, but at home it’s about what makes you feel good.
Whether one person or many view my home, I enjoy the Christmas spirit every day. I’m happy to invite you into my farmhouse to share in that feeling. Welcome — come on in and see how I decorate for the holidays and what I love most.
Let’s start in the entry
When I renovated, I was thrilled to finally have a proper entryway. Before the remodel the space was dominated by an awkward closet. The entry isn’t large, but creating a welcoming transition from outside to inside was such an improvement.
I installed pegs for coats and a shelf above them, planning how the space might be decorated for each season. I love collecting Putz houses and bottle brush trees; they fit perfectly on that shelf and give the entry a warm, festive welcome.
The living room
From the living room you can see most of the main level because the rooms flow into one another through cased openings. The family room and dining room trees sit on either side of the living room, so I keep other decorations simple and store some everyday items away to avoid a crowded look.
I enjoy mixing vintage finds with newer pieces. Companies that make nostalgic-style houses and ornaments provide pieces that feel timeless, and those tall, skinny houses look right at home above my pine wardrobe.
Collecting doesn’t mean only antiques — I add new items too, including faux trees in different sizes. Grouped together they create a small Christmas forest, which has more impact than a single item on its own.
The family room
The family room contains one of my favorite trees. Since I spend most evenings here, I enjoy looking at the mushroom ornaments that mix vintage and newer styles.
Watch how I decorated this Christmas tree:
I also hunt for papier-mâché Santas and figures from the mid-20th century. Their character blends beautifully with both new and vintage ornaments.
The stairway
The stair garland changes every year. Growing up I always imagined a grand staircase, and even without a huge stairway I enjoyed making the garland feel special. This year I layered garlands and added red and silver ornaments with icicle accents for a sparkling look.
Watch the video on how I put together this garland:
The upstairs
Most of my antiques live upstairs. I group bottle brush trees in the hallway to create visual impact — a cluster of similar items always looks more intentional than a single piece. Sometimes I add Putz houses or antique toppers to the mix for variety.
My bedroom displays some favorite pinecone ornaments and mushroom pieces. The tree sits in a large basket surrounded by small gift boxes — I dislike empty bases, so I fill them with decorative elements to keep the composition full and charming.
The dining room
The dining room has the largest tree in the house, placed in an antique urn to add grandeur. I keep the main level’s color palette cooler and more subdued so the open layout feels calm and cohesive.
Watch the video on this Christmas tree:
If a piece of furniture has open space, I’ll decorate it. Oversized items are a fun way to play with scale, so I use large deer figures and small trees to create height and a whimsical look atop an antique pine cabinet, finished with festive jadeite dishes.
The kitchen
The kitchen is a working space first. I use it every day, so holiday decorations have to be practical. This year I created a contained centerpiece on the island inside a glass dome on a wooden board, which keeps it protected while still festive and easy to move when I’m cooking.
When I add pieces to the counters I always keep them on a platter or cutting board to keep surfaces tidy and functional.
Christmas brings out the child in me every year. I love unpacking the decorations and finding new ways to refresh the displays from the year before. I hope your holiday season is full of joy and warmth.
Wishing you a very merry Christmas season!
