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December 6, 2013 By Shirley

Christmas Decor in the Great Room

When I am “Decking the Halls”..

~ ~ one of the first rooms I decorate is our Great Room where we always gather.

Christmas 2013 Great Room

I usually start with the mantel.

With the large wood and iron shutters, it has become somewhat of a challenge to decorate it.

Christmas 2013 Great Room Mantel

This year is more of a more simpler woodland theme..

~ ~ well, as simple as this person gets.

Today, I am participating in Day Two of the “Deck the Halls” Holiday Home Tour.

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See below for all of the links for today’s party ~

~ ~ and if you missed yesterday’s, the links are below too!..they were all fabulous!

Christmas 2013 Great Room Mantel

Christmas 2013 Great Room Mantel

Flying deer on the mantel ~ He is M.I.A. from Santa’s reindeer team.

~ ~ I think it’s Dasher..

Christmas 2013 Great Room

Faux evergreen and berry arrangements in Pottery Barn urns.

Christmas 2013 Great Room

I intended originally to have a “plain” garland ~

~ but could not resist adding some stems of white and silver leaves to add a bit of bling.

Christmas 2013 Great Room

Sammy the Squirrel (that was a tacky gift exchange rescue) ~ returns again this year..

Christmas 2013 Great Room

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Christmas 2013 Great Room

Now moving over just a bit to the tree ~ ~

~ I wanted to change out the tree this year to a smaller one.

Definitely next year ~ after I hit the sales this year.

Christmas 2013 Great Room

The tree is placed at one end of the stairwell with branches actually going through the balusters..

~ a line of poinsettias at the base of the stair rails…

Christmas 2013 Great Room

A vintage French basket sits at the base of the tree holding packages and woodland decor.

~ a basket that I purchased from Kristen before it hit the antique booth floor!

Christmas 2013 Great Room Mantel

The beautiful burlap tree skirt is from Sonya at Beyond the Screen Door..

Christmas 2013 Great Room

Ta-da!!

~ ~ the really big tree that this person is getting too old to be climbing up and down the 12 foot ladder!

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And here it is in the *”moonlight”*

And now some tidbits around the room ~

Christmas 2013 Great Room

Christmas 2013 Great Room

Christmas 2013 Great Room

Changed out the container of this topiary and added some berries.

Christmas 2013 Great Room

One of my favorite holiday stories and quotes ~

~ ~ *”Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus”*

You will find that quote in our media room, all year round _

~ ~ However, Virginia is replaced by our granddaughter’s name.

Christmas 2013 Great Room

This caroler is also one of my favorites.

~ ~ announcing the Dickens’ play among the bottle brush trees.

Christmas 2013 Great Room

Christmas 2013 Foyer

A Norman Rockwell figurine atop a antique Charles Dickens book, a collection of 5 of his novels.

~ ~ a great find as it is in excellent shape for being over 70 years old.

Christmas 2013 Foyer

A beautiful print by William Mangum sits proudly.

~ ~ given to me by my friend Sherri last year.

Christmas 2013 Foyer

My “poinsettia angel”

Christmas 2013 Foyer

Even the Demi johns get a holiday facelift.

Christmas 2013 Foyer

The foyer table..

~ ~ By this date I thought I would have my Antique French buffet in this area..

~ ~ ~ however, it is on its way and can’t wait to get it.

The stained glass will be relocated to another area ~ the great Domino effect.

Christmas 2013 Foyer

Another view…

Christmas 2013 Great Room

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A table transitioning to the kitchen..

~ ~ all dressed in winter white.

Christmas 2013 Great Room

Christmas 2013 Great Room

Christmas 2013 Great Room

Giguere

And I shall leave you with this guy who was following me around all day ~ ~

~ ~ Giguere a.k.a. “the photo bomber” ~ ~ my son’s dog.

Next time I will put a Santa hat on him and let’s see if he follows me around!

Thank you for enduring this very long tour..

And speaking of “tours” ~ ~ please visit my fellow bloggers today for Day Two ~

~ ~ of the Deck the Halls “tour of Christmas inspiration” ~

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Kim ~ The Beautiful Home

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Kelly ~ ~ Eclectically Vintage

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Courtney ~ French Country Cottage

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Ann ~ On Sutton Place

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Yvonne ~ StoneGable

Here is yesterday’s great line up of fabulous inspiration.

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ADVENTURES IN DECORATING

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CREATIVE CAIN CABIN

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HOME IS WHERE THE BOAT IS

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SAVVY SOUTHERN STYLE

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SOPHIA’S DECOR

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TOP THIS TOP THAT

HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY AND WEEKEND FILLED WITH BEAUTIFUL INSPIRATION!

I am joining:

HomeGoods Holiday Party

Common Ground for Be Inspired

From My Front Porch to Yours for Treasure Hunt Thursday

Jen Rizzo at Holiday House Walk Linky Party

Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesday

Sophia’s Decor for The Scoop

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: 12 foot Christmas tree, Byer Carolers, Christmas White Vignettes, Cotton decor, poinsettias, Radko Ornaments, Woodland Christmas Mantel 55 Comments

Previous Post: « Deck the Halls
Next Post: Still Decking the Halls »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Pat@Back Porch Musings says

    December 6, 2013 at 12:31 pm

    Your gorgeous home looks amazing, all done up for Christmas, Shirley. I love it all!

    Reply
  2. Mary says

    December 6, 2013 at 12:34 pm

    Your tree is magnificent Shirley and wonderful lit at night! I’d need a cherry picker to lift me high enough to decorate the top of it 🙂 Of course I adore your wonderful screen with your white and silver leaf studded garland…*sigh*… Your home is full of Christmas Cheer~ love the Byers’ Carolers too!

    Reply
  3. Dawn says

    December 6, 2013 at 12:47 pm

    OMG Shirley, I can’t believe all you have done. You go all out girl, it looks like you need a rest. It is all just beautiful:) I know what you mean about climbing up and down the ladder we normally get a 25 foot tree and it takes forever to get all those ornaments in place.

    Reply
  4. Kim says

    December 6, 2013 at 12:57 pm

    All beautiful, but I about choked when you said simpler. I don’t think so. No wonder it takes you days and weeks to decorate. You will have to start hiring someone to go up and down that 12 ft ladder.

    Reply
  5. Kim Hites says

    December 6, 2013 at 1:01 pm

    Your tree is magnificent, Shirley. I think your woodland-themed mantle works perfectly in here. I really love the caroler next to the milk glass containers with topiaries and your cotton ball wreath. Everything is just beautiful….you certainly have a lot more energy than me!!!

    Reply
  6. Linda says

    December 6, 2013 at 1:10 pm

    Omigoodness, Shirley, you’ve created a winter wonderland! I have to look at your photos again and again to take it all in. What amazes me is how beautifully it all goes together. I’m afraid my taste is so eclectic that I. All over the place! I hope you have time to just sit and enjoy the beauty you have created.

    Reply
  7. Anne@DesignDreams says

    December 6, 2013 at 1:22 pm

    Fabulous decorating Shirley! That would keep Max busy for DAYS! I can’t decorate this year, he’s way too excitable. Good thing since my shed is snowed in and I don’t want to dig it out to get at my Christmas stuff anyway.

    Funny how things work out, isn’t it?

    xoxox

    Reply
  8. Peggy Thal says

    December 6, 2013 at 1:26 pm

    Just beautiful! Enjoyed seeing your decorations and great tree. Love your photo bomber too! Merry Christmas!

    Reply
  9. Babs says

    December 6, 2013 at 1:42 pm

    OMGosh, Shirley! The elves certainly have been busy at your house. So much inspiration! I just kept going back to each photo to look at all you’ve done. I had to smile, because I have a big nutcracker standing beside our grandfather clock, too. Haven’t taken many photos yet. Hopefully, the sun will be out today…better for pic taking indoors.
    Thanks again for all the inspiration.
    xo Babs

    Reply
  10. Martina says

    December 6, 2013 at 1:42 pm

    Stunning Shirley…love the woodland theme…your mantel and tree look BEAUTIFUL!!
    Your sons pup is adorable!!

    Reply
  11. Mary Alice Patterson says

    December 6, 2013 at 1:52 pm

    Your home looks so beautiful and festive, Shirley!! You have such gorgeous Christmas trees!
    Mary Alice

    Reply
  12. Linda says

    December 6, 2013 at 1:59 pm

    Oh how beautiful Shirley!! Love your traditional Christmas tree!

    Reply
  13. Linda Miller says

    December 6, 2013 at 2:02 pm

    Your home is always decorated to the nines for Christmas…very festive indeed. Now sit down and enjoy your masterpiece. You hit the nail on the head when you said “as simple as this person gets”! Beautiful!

    Reply
  14. SheilaG @ Plum Doodles says

    December 6, 2013 at 2:08 pm

    I wish I had your energy, Shirley- your home is amazing! Your photo bomber friend is cute, too. 🙂

    Reply
  15. priscilla says

    December 6, 2013 at 2:13 pm

    Your tree is spectacular ! Love your mantel and all your other Christmas decorations ! It is just beautiful !

    Reply
  16. Pam @ diy Design Fanatic says

    December 6, 2013 at 2:19 pm

    Your Family Room looks awesome and so festive Shirley! I can’t imagine how long it took you to decorate that beautiful 12 foot tree!

    Reply
  17. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    December 6, 2013 at 2:51 pm

    Your great room looks fantastic, Shirley! I love how you decorated your fireplace. Love your carolers! I have a thing for them, too, and picked up a few on clearance last year at Christmas Tree Shop. I saw Joann’s had some this year {when I was in there earlier this week} and if they have any left on sale I’m going to get a few more.

    Reply
  18. Shelia says

    December 6, 2013 at 3:29 pm

    Oh, Shirley! Your home is just most gorgeous all dressed up for Christmas! You decorate so beautifully and your home is all ready for Santie Claus.
    Be a sweetie and have a nice weekend.
    be a sweetie,
    Shelia 😉

    Reply
  19. Yvonne @ StoneGable says

    December 6, 2013 at 4:20 pm

    Oh my goodness, Shirley! Did you start decorating in October! You home is amazingly gorgeous. I’ll have to visit multiple times to take in all the wonder of it all! Please, Please, Please don’t trade that magnificent tree. It is a masterpiece! You are an artist… and a savant… a christmas decorating savant!

    Reply
  20. Liz @ Infuse With Liz says

    December 6, 2013 at 4:42 pm

    Everything is so beautiful and festive! Your tree is g.g.g.gorgeous! I like where it’s positioned and the basket full of gifts! The reindeer is a cute touch on the mantel. Love the way you decorated the entry hall! That church window reminds me of the windows we had at the First Baptist Church I attended when I was back home. Love the cotton ball wreath- unique! Your son’s dog is cute! Happy Hoidays!

    Reply
  21. Betsy(@coastal-colors) says

    December 6, 2013 at 5:05 pm

    Shirley, your holiday home is lovely! Your decorations are so pretty and festive! I adore the splashes of white; it’s so peaceful! I love your Radko ornaments; they’re a favorite on mine. Your vignettes and the Byers’carolers are wonderful! Your home is gorgeous!

    Reply
  22. Maysem says

    December 6, 2013 at 5:44 pm

    I want to come and live in your house!!! You are the queen of decorating!! I LOVE every single detail… I can’t even pick out a favorite because every detail is just as amazing as the other! I just finished my decorating yesterday.. I went with mainly a white theme which was actually inspired by your woodland winter vignette. 🙂 But nothing compares to your beautiful decor designs!

    Reply
  23. Beverly says

    December 6, 2013 at 5:46 pm

    It looks fabulous, Shirley. Love it all. I totally understand about the tree, but it is magnificent. Even our nine foot is starting to bother us a bit.

    Reply
  24. Cynthia says

    December 6, 2013 at 6:17 pm

    OMG Shirley, your house is always amazing. Love, love, love the fireplace. PINNED, you nailed every detail. I collect Byer’s Choice too. They are so fun and I adore that they are made in the good old USA!!

    Cynthia

    Reply
  25. Helen says

    December 6, 2013 at 6:22 pm

    Shirley, your decorations are gorgeous…and the lovely unexpected pops of color along with unique items make your room a standout. Love the basket for the gifts…beautiful idea.

    Merry Christmas!
    Helen

    Reply
  26. Courtney says

    December 6, 2013 at 6:33 pm

    So beautiful~ I love your your room decorated for Christmas and that tree… amazing!!! Great to be partying with you!!

    Reply
  27. Must love junk says

    December 6, 2013 at 7:08 pm

    Shirley, I don’t know where to begin, it all looks so gorgeous!! Your tree is amazing 🙂
    Susan

    Reply
  28. laura@Top This Top That says

    December 6, 2013 at 7:40 pm

    Simple, no. Gorgeous, yes. Oh my, how long did it take you to get all of that decorated? Where in the world do you store that 12 foot tree? Your holiday oasis is an inspiration for all. Happy Holidays!

    Reply
  29. Cindy says

    December 6, 2013 at 10:20 pm

    Beautiful home. Wish I was as ready for Christmas as you are. Now you can sit back and enjoy the fruit of your labor without rushing. Very nice.
    Cindy

    Reply
  30. Sandra White says

    December 6, 2013 at 10:29 pm

    Just beautiful as is everything that you do. Looks like a lot of work. I can tell that you love doing this…mantel is just gorgeous. I love the tree as well. Always an inspiration to me.

    Reply
  31. Silvina from Tazas y Cuentos says

    December 6, 2013 at 11:10 pm

    Just perfec!!! Everything looks fantastic. That gorgeous tree…the shutters…and I really love that little old lady (with the news?).
    I enjoyed your post a lot, you did a great job!
    Besos from Argentina.
    Silvina

    Reply
  32. Bonnie Morgan says

    December 6, 2013 at 11:33 pm

    I remember how gorgeous your tree was last year as well as the striking screen over your mantle. Stunning.

    Love your Christmas pillows and the touches of cotton. Perfect for a southern gal.

    Thanks for the tour. So elegant.

    Reply
  33. BECCA says

    December 6, 2013 at 11:37 pm

    Ohmygosh, Shirley! I’m tempted to get in the car and head your way just so I can see your Holiday home in person! It’s absolutely gorgeous! You’ve done an amazing job at creating a warm, inviting, festive, traditional, sentimental and fun Christmas home! Wow! I’m off to look again!

    Reply
  34. Ann says

    December 7, 2013 at 1:20 am

    Shirley it’s all stunning…the tree in itself is amazing! You have such a lovely touch with your pillows and other accessories. I loved seeing everything!

    Reply
  35. Pinky at Designs by Pinky says

    December 7, 2013 at 1:53 am

    Shirle, this post won’t all load for me s I will come bak. Love what I CAN see but some of the pictures just won’t load???

    Reply
  36. kelly says

    December 7, 2013 at 3:03 am

    You have a magnificent tree! It’s so tall and full of ornaments! I bet it took a long time to decorate. I love it near your foyer too. Your mantel is also a show stopper in it’s woodland theme. You’ve thought of every detail.

    Reply
  37. Pinky at Designs by Pinky says

    December 7, 2013 at 3:18 am

    YEAH! Finally got to see it and you do NOT disappoint! I love it all, you do such a BEAUTIFUL job.Thanks for the tour, can’t wait to see more!!!

    Reply
  38. Vanessa says

    December 7, 2013 at 3:53 am

    Oh my goodness!! Shirley! Your house looks amazing! And that tree is insanely incredible. My kids would LOVE it! You did such a fabulous job dressing your house for Christmas (no surprise there!) and it’s all beautiful!
    Vanessa

    Reply
  39. Doreen@househoneys says

    December 7, 2013 at 4:11 am

    Add me to the ‘I can’t believe how much you’ve done’ club! That tree is amazing, and although I totally get why you would want to downsize a bit, I hope you don’t!

    Reply
  40. Shenita says

    December 7, 2013 at 4:13 am

    Wow, Shirley, your home looks spectacular! And you call yourself simplifying?!! Lol! The tree is gorgeous, as usual; and every inch of your home is so pretty and festive. As usual, you have done an amazing job!

    Reply
  41. Mary Feguson says

    December 7, 2013 at 9:13 am

    Oh Shirley, your home is stunning – your are amazing. Everything is perfect and I loved it.
    I don’t know how you got it all done in such a short time.
    Mary

    Reply
  42. Kelly @ Eclectically Vintage says

    December 7, 2013 at 2:10 pm

    Dasher & Sammy look so festive and I love the French basket under the tree! I need to come down and pick some cotton – that wreath is fabulous!
    Kelly

    Reply
  43. Jane @ Cottage at the Crossroads says

    December 7, 2013 at 2:44 pm

    Shirley, your tree is stunning along with all of your other decorations! I’m hoping a magazine comes along and wants to show it all! (But them you’d have to climb that ladder in the middle of the summer and put everything back up again!) Love your home and love you, too! You are amazing!

    Reply
  44. Marty@A Stroll Thru Life says

    December 7, 2013 at 3:19 pm

    Oh wow, I am so late making the rounds, but I am so glad I didn’t miss this post. Everything is so beautiful and so elegantly done. I adore your mantel and that huge tree is simply stunning. Beautiful. Hugs, Marty

    Reply
  45. Kris says

    December 8, 2013 at 5:34 pm

    Shirley,
    You knocked it out of the park on this decor. Ohhhhhhhh it is all so beautiful. Love your tree and the mantel just gorgeous.
    Kris

    Reply
  46. Kristen says

    December 8, 2013 at 6:18 pm

    Shirley,
    You’ve done it again…so amazing! I cannot imagine how busy you must have been when you got home from Florida and did you hang all those ornaments on that tall tree yourself? That looks scary up there! Love seeing the basket under the tree and knowing that it “went to a good home”! That cotton wreath is still one of my favorites ever 🙂

    Reply
  47. Alycia Nichols says

    December 9, 2013 at 12:08 am

    I’m lookin’ on Craig’s List for a respirator because this totally took my breath away!!!!!!! GORGEOUS, Shirley!!!!!!! I love that profusion of poinsettias, and your tree is absolutely spectacular…as always!!!

    Reply
  48. Lorraine@MissFlibbertigibbet says

    December 9, 2013 at 12:53 am

    Oh Shirley! It could be in a magazine! So lovely! And you are SUCh a doll for putting those links to the other homes at the end of the post!! So nice and convenient for me! Thanks! Merry Christmas!

    Reply
  49. Angela says

    December 9, 2013 at 6:04 am

    Absolutely beautiful Shirley! So many amazing things to look at, I’ll be visiting many times so I can look again and see something different! Stunning with so many wonderful ideas!~~Ang

    Reply
  50. LorB says

    December 10, 2013 at 3:51 pm

    Everything looks so pretty… Love your home…

    Reply
  51. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    December 11, 2013 at 1:15 am

    Wow, Shirley! Your Christmas decorations are beautiful and the tree is amazing. Happy Holidays to you and your family.
    xx,
    Sherry

    Reply
  52. BECKY says

    December 11, 2013 at 2:27 am

    Just amazing. I loved it all. You have been a busy lady.

    Reply
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  54. Maha says

    March 11, 2021 at 1:44 am

    Oh those unique plates, they get me every time. I discovered these dapper animal plates at West Elm. These design on these plates are based on paintings of real animals, which designer Rachel Kozlowski then dressed and accessorized with subtle metallic accents. There are a variety of the animals available, owl, ram, penguin and snow leopard. I didn’t want to mix it up that much and just bought myself the owls. I loved that they were in their top hats. I thought they looked like they are all dressed up for a formal even, such as New Year’s Eve.

    Reply
  55. Maha says

    March 11, 2021 at 1:46 am

    You ready? Here we go! On a warm day in early September I was purusing Pinterest for some Fall Mantel Decorating ideas. And after looking through hundreds of photos, I realized something. There were no dark wood mantels. Everything was white, white and more white. I hopped over to some of my favorite online magazines to look at their round-ups of fall mantels and again, all white. Slide show after slide show of beautiful fall mantels and not a single one included a dark wood fireplace.

    Reply

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About Me

Hi I’m Shirley and I am here to share my love of classic interiors, french country style, my passion for flowers and making our home, The Hickory Cottage, a warm and hospitable home for family and friends.

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