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November 10, 2015 By Shirley

Christmas Inspiration – Remembering Christmas Past – Home Tour

When I looked at my calendar yesterday, I realized that I only have a few weeks

to decorate my home for Christmas. Where has the time gone?

When I start to plan my decorating, I search through many sources,

such as lots of Christmas themed magazines both past and present.

I do have to do one other thing too.

I have to browse my photos to look and see what I had done that past year.

Front Porch-Christmas 2014-Housepitality Designs

I thought it would be great to go down memory lane today

and give you another tour of my home dressed for Christmas last year.

I even forgot how I decorated it!!

Welcome to my home!

Double doors adorned with real wreaths of evergreen last year.

No florals, no ribbon, just greenery and  loved it.

Front Porch Decor-Christmas 2014-Housepitality Designs

I thought that I would just use this door for one particular season.

However, it has remained here for over a year now.

As you enter my home, you will see one of my very favorite pieces of furniture.

Foyer-Christmas 2014-Housepitality Designs

My antique French Buffet purchased in Deauville, France.

Christmas 2014 Foyer-Housepitality Designs

French Buffet Christmas Vignette-Housepitality Designs

Icy branches placed in the demijohn and owls that landed from the tree

that stands beside the buffet.

Christmas Tree 2014-Housepitality Designs

There were two trees in the foyer.

Great Room Christmas Tree-Housepitality Designs

Our main tree was decorated with treasured ornaments collected over many years.

It was a new tree last year from Balsam Hill and I truly love it.

The unlit tree that stands across the main tree was decorated with all things white

and sat in an antique French gathering basket.

Great Room Christmas Tree 2014-Housepitality Designs

In keeping with the Winter Woodland theme, the mantel in the great room was dressed

with a flocked garland and the owls found there way there too!

Great Room Mantel-Christmas 2014-Housepitality Designs

Great Room Mantel-Christmas 2014-Housepitality Designs

Silver glittered initials attached to the linen stockings

and white flower ornaments hang for a bit of whimsy.

Great Room-Christmas 2014-Housepitality Designs

Great Room Table Vignette-Christmas 2014-Housepitality Designs

Great Room-Christmas 2014-Housepitality Designs

I am happy with the way the Great Room evolved into a cozy space

that my granddaughter and I still enjoy the Hallmark Holiday movies together.

Love those “and they lived happily ever after” Hallmark movies! I am such a sap!

The dining room is located next to the Great Room . . .

Dining Room-Christmas 2014-Housepitality Designs

Christmas 2014-Dining Room-Housepitality Designs

It is an informal area with a view of the back yard.

Adjacent to the dining room is one of my favorite rooms in the house,

the Sunroom.

Sunroom Christmas 2014-Housepitality Designs

Sunroom Christmas 2014-Housepitality Designs

Sunroom Christmas 2014-Housepitality Designs

Sunroom Christmas 2014-Housepitality Designs

More details of the sunroom can be seen in my Holiday Sunroom post.

I had enhanced my existing decor in the kitchen by adding greenery

and several pieces of Christmas decor that I have collected over the years.

Kitchen-Christmas 2014-Housepitality Designs

Trees fill the ironstone pitchers and plaid ornament mittens add color and whimsy.

This will most likely be a Christmas decor staple this year too.

Kitchen-Christmas 2014-Housepitality Designs

Fluffed the French Scale with another pair of plaid mittens.

Kitchen-Christmas 2014-Housepitality Designs

Kitchen Christmas 2014-Housepitality Designs

Nutcracker Tree-Housepitality Designs

Nutcrackers adorned the Media Room tree last year.

Nutcracker Tree-Housepitality Designs

Media Room-Christmas 2014-Housepitality Designs

Fun is always the theme for this room.

And speaking of fun . . .

Master Bedroom-Christmas 2014-Housepitality Designs

Master Bedroom-Christmas 2014-Housepitality Designs

I always love dressing my bedroom with holiday bedding from Pottery Barn.

This year’s bedding will be the same with a little twist!

Master Bedroom Sitting Area-Christmas 2014-Housepitality Designs

Master Bedroom-Christmas 2014-Housepitality Designs

A great place to sit and unwind from the hectic days of holiday prep.

And speaking of unwinding . . . this was the guest room last year.

Christmas Guest Room-Housepitality Designs

All ready for guests. I can see how it has evolved within the last year!

Christmas Guest Room-Housepitality Designs

Christmas Guest Room-Housepitality Designs

Christmas Guest Room-Housepitality Designs

I will have my reservation book ready and keep the light on!

Last year I just placed one piece of Christmas decor on my granddaughter’s room.

Maybe I can sneak more things in her room this year!

Pink Feather Tree/Vintage Cranberry Glass-Housepitality Designs

A pink feather tree in keeping with her wishes of adding more pink to the room.

Christmas 2014-Front Porch-Housepitality Desigs

Loved the warm glow of the lanterns.

As we draw closer to the Holidays and the busy times that we all seem to go through

I am trying to keep in mind that I need to treasure every moment of this most joyous season.

This picture pretty much keeps it in perspective.

Christmas 2014-Housepitality Designs

There is never a dull moment when it comes to her and her “Pop” !!!

Now this year, I am not sure if he can lift her so easily.

She has truly grown up so much in the past year.

I look forward to presenting my Christmas decor to you this year.

Master Bedroom Christmas 2014-Housepitality Designs

Have you started your Christmas decorating yet? Or making plans for it?

I must start early to be able to have it all completed by December 1st.

We will be spending Thanksgiving at my sister’s so I will be transitioning from

Fall decor to Christmas.

Have a wonderful day hopefully filled with lots of sunshine.

I am joining:

A Stroll Thru Life for Inspire Me Tuesday

French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday

Postcards from the Ridge for Inspired by You to Share

Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesday

Stone Gable for The Scoop

The Essence of Home for Share Your Style

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Balsam Hill, Christmas decor, Christmas Home Tour, Christmas Mantel, Christmas Tree, country Christmas, flocked garland, Owls 35 Comments

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kim says

    November 10, 2015 at 7:06 am

    Everything was so pretty and festive last year. Yes, I am planning, but not starting yet until after Thanksgiving since I’m hosting and have no where to go. πŸ™‚

    Reply
  2. angie says

    November 10, 2015 at 7:11 am

    Your home is absolutely stunning. I love how you decorate with treasures you have collected over the years. Seeing the picture of your adorable granddaughter just
    warms my heart. How did your sale go this past weekend?

    Reply
  3. Anne @ DesignDreams says

    November 10, 2015 at 7:37 am

    So beautiful! I love the different styles you have in the different rooms. I also love those pears in glasses in your hutch!!

    Have a great day Shirley!

    Reply
  4. linda says

    November 10, 2015 at 8:28 am

    Oh your decorations from the past Christmas are exquisite! Love that Pottery Barn bedding, especially that pillow with the initial S inside the wreath. Was that a Pottery Barn as well?
    The sweet feather trees,,,,I could go on and on. Like you I also look at years past and magazines to decorate. Going on a HOME tour this weekend. Hoping I can get the odd pic without any knowing.

    Reply
  5. Cecilia says

    November 10, 2015 at 8:31 am

    It all looks so beautiful Shirley! Love the Owls in the tree branches and the lanterns and the pink feather tree, etc!
    I haven’t started decorating yet but I’m working on projects so I can get started Thanksgiving evening (we’re hosting lunch). I need to do some rearranging so will probably work on that these next couple of weeks. Looking forward to seeing all your pretty decor. I love the photo of your granddaughter with her “Pop”. Precious!

    Reply
  6. Susan says

    November 10, 2015 at 8:34 am

    I LOVE your home and your decorating style is fabulous!!! I LOVE all of your pillows!! Pottery Barn is my favorite store to shop in for home decor and their pillows, tabletop and bedding are the best. Thanks for sharing!! Merry Christmas!!

    Reply
  7. Rhonda says

    November 10, 2015 at 8:38 am

    Everything is stunning and beautiful! Love the little tree on the blue stool with acorn ornaments… very unique! Can’t wait to see your Christmas decor for this year! I’ve forgotten what I did last year, and can’t find but just a few pictures of a couple of areas! Just a little stressed by that! That’s is one wonderful thing about blogging, documenting the seasons! πŸ™‚

    Reply
  8. Cindy says

    November 10, 2015 at 8:44 am

    Wow! Shirley your house is fabulous! Everything is so beautiful…I love it all!!! The picture of your husband and your granddaughter is the best:D So excited to what your home looks like this year!

    Reply
  9. Michelle Holland says

    November 10, 2015 at 8:49 am

    Your home is lovely! Thanks for all of the inspiration for Christmas decor! Getting out our decorations and dreaming……..
    Merry Christmas to you and yours! Michelle

    Reply
  10. Pat@back porch musings says

    November 10, 2015 at 8:50 am

    Fantabulously delightful, Shirley!

    Reply
  11. Penny @ The Comforts of Home says

    November 10, 2015 at 9:24 am

    What wonderful inspiration! I need to start thinking and planning a little. I don’t start decorating until the day after Thanksgiving, but I so need to start planning!

    Reply
  12. Donnamae says

    November 10, 2015 at 9:35 am

    Isn’t it great to have pictures to see what you did last year? I’ve been taking pics for a few years…my memory can’t seen to remember stuff like this…..and it really helps! So, I can either repeat what I did…or do something totally different. I’m anxious to see what you do this year…and for that matter…me too! πŸ˜‰

    Reply
  13. Pinky at designs by pinky says

    November 10, 2015 at 9:39 am

    Every inch of your home is SOOOO beautiful. I ooo and ahh over every picture. You have the magic touch. I am so looking forward to this years decorations. I am planning but havn’t started yet as I am having a party here this coming Sat. But SUNDAY it will all get put away and Christmas will start. Can’t wait! There are only 45 days left til Christmas…..WHAT????!!!!!!

    Reply
  14. Nancy Brantley says

    November 10, 2015 at 10:13 am

    Every year looks BEAUTIFUL….can’t wait to see this year!

    Reply
  15. Rosie M. says

    November 10, 2015 at 10:17 am

    Such a lovely home: I don’t know which is my favorite space….it’s all so welcoming. Love your decorations; just enough of everything. I haven’t started decorating yet, but, hopefully, will soon. How did a whole year go by already?! Enjoy your holidays! Rosie @ The Magic Hutch

    Reply
  16. Debra@CommonGround says

    November 10, 2015 at 10:50 am

    your home is always beautiful, Christmas takes it to another level of aaaaahhhh!

    Reply
  17. Karena says

    November 10, 2015 at 11:03 am

    Shirley your home at the holidays is so scrumptious! Everywhere you look there is a beauty to catch my eye. No I have not even begun to start decor for Christmas!! I realize I will have to get with the program soon though!

    xoxo
    Karena
    The Arts by Karena
    Artist Sandra Goroff

    Reply
  18. Teresa says

    November 10, 2015 at 11:06 am

    Shirley,
    Such great inspiration….everything is just stunning! I don’t know how you will top it. I especially love the bottlebrush centerpiece and the owls in the demijohn.

    Reply
  19. Des says

    November 10, 2015 at 11:28 am

    Everything looks so amazing….a beautiful winter wonderland!!! I can’t wait to see what you do this year!!!!
    ~Des

    Reply
  20. Laurel Stephens says

    November 10, 2015 at 1:43 pm

    Exquisite!

    Reply
  21. Nancy says

    November 10, 2015 at 4:29 pm

    What a lovely posting. So nice to see so many lovely ideas.Smiles

    Reply
  22. Joanne Boulter says

    November 10, 2015 at 5:46 pm

    Hi Shirley, your home is always so beautiful and inviting and at Christmas time it is just fabulous! Can’t wait to see what you come up with this year. Jo

    Reply
  23. Celestina Marie says

    November 10, 2015 at 8:08 pm

    Gorgeous Shirley, Love looking back at decorating for Christmas past. Your home is such an inspiration. Cute pic at the end of your grand and her pop. Let the decorating begin~~
    Have a great week. xo

    Reply
  24. Jan Garon says

    November 11, 2015 at 12:03 am

    I tried to comment earlier but my phone wasn’t having it. So many gorgeous Christmas details, Shirley! I know you will have it just as pretty this year. Have a happy week!

    Reply
  25. Nellie says

    November 11, 2015 at 2:33 pm

    Everything looks so beautiful, and festive. All your trees are lovely……… I love Christmas and Christmas decorations, and I love all those great Christmas movies with Happy Endings too………
    Enjoy your Christmas planning…………I want get started until after Thanksgiving……..

    Blessings and Happy Thanksgiving,
    Nellie

    Reply
  26. Debbie @ Refresh Restyle says

    November 11, 2015 at 6:15 pm

    Now I’m even more ready for Christmas! Every detail, so beautiful!
    Debbie

    Reply
  27. Mary says

    November 12, 2015 at 6:52 am

    Beautiful Shirley! All your wonderful Christmasy touches put me in the spirit! I can’t believe we’re approaching the middle of November. Love the photo of your sweetie and her “Pop” πŸ™‚

    Reply
  28. pam richardson says

    November 12, 2015 at 8:17 pm

    Shirley, I so enjoyed revisiting your home! Your decor was so perfect but yet warm and inviting! I always host Thanksgiving and i don’t like mixing the holidays! However, last year and this year with Thanksgiving so late, there is not much time between! I may have to get started next week!

    Reply
  29. LorB says

    November 15, 2015 at 10:33 am

    Everything just looks marvelous… I particularly love your entry way with the hangings and also the white tree with all those stunning decorations. I was not going to put my Christmas trees this year because I’m spending Christmas and New Year’s in NJ with the grand-kids, but you have inspired me… I may put it up after all…

    Reply
  30. Angelina says

    November 16, 2015 at 8:38 pm

    I enjoyed your house tour! Everything is so pretty and festive! The French sideboard from France in the foyer is lovely! Looking forward to your decorations for this year!

    Reply
  31. Shelia says

    November 17, 2015 at 7:26 am

    No one does Christmas decorating or any other better than you, Shirley. Your home is always just stunning! Hope you’re doing well.
    Be a sweetie,
    shelia πŸ˜‰

    Reply
  32. Linda says

    November 17, 2015 at 12:49 pm

    I’ll be heading back here over and over as I decorate. Love your home and all the beautiful trees. Thanksgiving for the whole family first! Linda

    Reply
  33. Mary-the boondocks blog says

    November 17, 2015 at 4:20 pm

    Every room is full of beauty and inspiration. Each one prettier than the previous. You know exactly how to layer on the accessories to make a room look cozy and not cluttered. I know I would certainly be happy sitting by the fireplace in your home.

    Reply
  34. Christy @ 11 Magnolia Lane says

    November 17, 2015 at 4:27 pm

    It all looks beautiful and now that I’ve actually been in your home I have much better perspective. I can’t wait to see what you do this year! We’re about 75% finished although I’ll leave the big tree until the day after Thanksgiving. XOXO, Christy

    Reply
  35. SUsan says

    November 17, 2015 at 6:25 pm

    Wow! Your Christmas wonderland truly takes my breath away. Your tree is absolutely incredible as is everything else. Do you decorate the same each year or do you mix it up? Thanks for stopping by Inspired by You link party. Please join us again next Sunday starting at 10:00 am. Susan

    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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