Well, Ho-Ho-Ho-Hello my holiday friends.
You're not going to believe it, but today, I, the girl who never decorates until the day after Thanksgiving is going to show you a little Christmas decor.
I know. It's shocking.
But I must confess.
I love it so much, it may become a habit.
The twinkling lights make that dreary early darkness a little more bearable.
And the view of my mother's darling Snowbabies makes me smile everytime I catch a glimpse of their sweet faces at the end of the hall.
I guess, this year, after all the renovations, I just needed a little Christmas now.
And I do mean little. The trees aren't up, and they won't be until after Thanksgiving.
But the newly renovated hallway is decked out in its holiday finest.
I hope you enjoy this mini tour of my 1929 beach cottage. One we've renovated several times in the two decades we've been here.
This year, we a lot of work. Inside and out.
This hallway had one of the more dramatic before and afters. It went from being a mere pass through to a legit room with actual furniture.
It was a big change for this teeny space.
I'd never decorated it for Christmas before, but this year, I just couldn't resist.
I filled every nook with holiday cheer.
And I didn't break the bank to do it.
Once again, I used a combination of old and new to create that collected look I love so much.
I shopped at thrift stores for pieces I could display all year long and Dollar Tree for the Christmas decor.
I kept it simple, using mostly white and cream, with the occasional pop of red, my signature decorating color.
I found this tiny toile stocking at thrift shop for a quarter and now I want to make a bunch of larger ones to hang on my stone fireplace mantel.
For the hallway, however, one is enough.
It also inspired me to makeover a sled with the toile fabric. That little sock was packed with tons of inspiration!
The shelf under the mirror and the console table are both dressed with more milk glass and Dollar Tree bottle brush trees.
At night, however, candlelight takes center stage, thanks to battery operated votives with timers.
I dropped one into each of my vintage fruit cups and when the sun goes down, they turn on.
Every night.
Like clockwork.
Of course, that's when the real show begins.
Those lights and these inexpensive garlands turn my windowless hallway look great all day long.
But at night it turns into an enchanted Christmas forest.
Making me wonder why I've always waited to so long to decorate.
And why I may have already started decorating the family room.
And the back porch with a DIY Santa sign.
But again, no trees until the turkey is done.
That, my friends, is a guarantee.
I mean the bins are already down. But no.
Definitely not.
Well, probably.
Oh boy.
😉
When do you start to decorate?
Do you like blog hops? Oh good! My friend Leen from Sand Dollar Lane is hosting The Celebrate Christmas Home Tour this week. Talk about perfect timing.
It's five full days featuring holiday home tours from 29 of my most festive friends. How exciting!
If you're popping over from At Home With Kristy's beautiful tour down memory lane, welcome I love meeting new friends.
Next up is Michelle from Our Crafty Mom. You'll definitely want to see her cozy mantel.
And don't forget to come back each day to see who's up next on the schedule!
Happy Holidays!
MONDAY
Sand Dollar Lane // 2 Bees in a Pod // At Home with Kristy // Exquisitely Unremarkable
Our Crafty Mom // Hearth and Vine
TUESDAY
Zucchini Sisters // Postcards from the Ridge // Southern Crush at Home // Amy Sadler Designs
Pasha is Home // Simple Nature Decor
WEDNESDAY
Worthing Court // The Tattered Pew // Cottage in the Mitten // DIY Beautify
Thistle Key Lane // At Lane and High // Feet Under My Table
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
My Family Thyme // Southern Home and Hospitality // Songbird // Shiplap and Shells
Chalking Up Success // Pure Happy Home
Kim, how beautiful. I especially love the garland around the doorways. It does feel like you are entering an enchanted forest. I may just have to try that idea. So simple with such a great impact. genius!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Patti!! I love that garland. My daughter suggested it and I wasn't sure at first, but once it was up, I was hooked!!
DeleteKim - your enchanted forest is beautiful. You created such a warm and cozy space that you can't help but to be drawn in. I especially love all of the candlelight and your moms Snow Babies- so pretty. Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! That candlelight really does set the holiday mood, doesn't it? Merry Christmas!
DeleteWow! It's like a fairyland, Kim. Love the hallway! xo
ReplyDeleteThanks Nancy! It really is like a fairyland. It's even prettier in real life. I've spend way too much time there just staring at the lights. xo
DeleteYour house looks so pretty Kim! I myself have a huge pile of Christmas in my office. I'm using it to stage my projects and collecting new things every trip to Target! One of these days I'm just going to put it all out!
ReplyDeleteYou are a prolific creator, Susan! I can only imagine what's in your stash. You should set it all up and have people come shop your house, I'd be there with handfuls of cash!
DeleteHi Kim. I wanted to tell you that we are just the opposite we put our trees (3) up before Thanksgiving and 6 years ago we invited our teen grands to come and help with the 2 on the main floor. It is now a tradition and the Fab 5 as they call themselves spend a few hours with us helping to decorate just the trees. We top it off with their favorites Chinese takeout. It is a fun filled, memory making new tradition that we hope continues but as they get older finish college and move away or just get on with their lives it will be one of our most treasured memories.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like a lovely tradition! I bet it's something the kids will remember forever, what a wonderful way to spend some time together too, before the rush of the season. I think it's a fabulous idea to kick off the holidays!!
DeleteI live the way you incorporated every day items in your pretty Christmas decor.
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely going to get some of those voices! I feel like I spend a lot of time turning mine on and off every day!
Wow Kim! The hallway and your family room looks so pretty decorated for Christmas. I too love how you have on display the snow babies. I always decorate right my home after Thanksgiving.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Julie! I love the lights and I don't normally decorate this early, but those early lights might just become an annual addition! Happy Wednesday!
DeleteI love adding lights to the house around this time of the year. They make every space warm and cozy. Your hallway looks extra festive.
ReplyDeleteThey really do, Mary! It's hard to take them down when January rolls around...and thanks!!
DeleteIt is all so lovely. I love how the hallway looks. We will start to decorate the Friday after Thanksgiving. :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Carla! I got a little ahead of myself, but I really adore that twinkle!
DeleteYour hallway looks so festive!🎄 Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Kim! Merry Christmas to you!
DeleteYour Enchanted Forest hallway is beautiful, Kim! The Christmas garland around the doorways really sets the stage! I love every single detail...the candlelights, miniature trees, and your mother's precious Snow Babies! I also love the festive touches you've added to your family room!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Kristy! Those Snow Babies are sentimental treasures and I love having a few of them in such a prominent place.
DeleteIt is looking so good Kim. The hall way and the lights and garland are so pretty. I get going early on my tree before Thanksgiving. Just not enough time in between. I cannot wait for the twinkle of the lights. Have a great new week ahead. xoxo Kris
ReplyDeleteThanks Kris! I never decorate this early, but those carols started on the radio and then it got dark so...I'm glad to hear I'm not the only early bird! Happy Wednesday! xo
DeleteI noticed tonight as I drove home from work that a lot of people have their homes decorated and lit up already! I never put anything up until after Thanksgiving but I was thinking of pulling a few totes out and putting a few things up too.
ReplyDeleteYour hallway is full of charm! I love the twinkling lights and the evergreen swag. And that peek of the porch is gorgeous! I think it's going to shine this Christmas!
Thanks Mari! It's been fun to have the hallway light up when the sun goes down. It takes some of the sting away...and I've noticed the same thing. Whole neighborhoods are already lit up around here. For now, it's just my hallway. For now...😉
DeleteSo pretty, Kim. I'm still holding out till Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteThanks Ann! Our trees are staying put until the turkey is done, but the rest of it seems to be bleeding in slowly. Apparently {decorating} restraint is not my strong suit. 😉
DeleteYou're ahead of me, but I plan to start decorating this weekend. I'm about tired of my Fall/Thanksgiving decorations. We are never home for Thanksgiving. We always go to my SIL's or my brother's...this year it will be my SIL's. I always start with my kitchen which is the room I decorate the most....in a gingerbread theme. It makes me so happy. I will put up 4 trees...kitchen, family room, end of family room (my Snowman area), and my husband's "hunting/fishing" tree in his office. It takes me days and so I figure I need to have it up as long as possible since it takes so much work to get it all done. I love your lighted hallway. I want to use some fairy lights this year although I'm not sure how they work or where exactly I'll put them. I'm tired just thinking of all the work, but it will be worth it. Happy Decorating to you!
ReplyDeleteYour home sounds lovely. I adore the idea of themed rooms and themed trees. I do some of that with my Santas and when the kids were small, the basement area was toyland themed...since there were toys all over anyway!! Haha!! The hallway decorating is new for me, but I do love it. I have no idea what I'll do in other rooms yet, but yes, I'm tired just thinking about it, too!! Happy Decorating!!
DeleteYour hallway is stunning Kim! I love the lighted garlands, and all the sweet beauties you have sitting on the shelves. I love the lighted votive timers too. I have them come on every day as it gets dark, and it really helps with the short days we have now. I haven't done any decorating, will probably not until after Thanksgiving. Winter has already arrived here! Amazing how fast this year has flown by. Thanksgiving blessings to you!
ReplyDeleteThanks Marilyn! Every year I try a little something different, but I've never decorated the hallway before. I think it's my new favorite holiday "room" and it's sure to be a new tradition. Enjoy your winter weather...snow always looks lovely in your part of the world! Happy Thanksgiving!
DeleteI always love your decorating, so pretty and classic. Those milk glass collections you have are amazing treasures. Great being with you in this. Hugs
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!! What a lovely and kind comment. You just made my day!
DeleteI love garlands and lights! Enchanted, indeed!
ReplyDeleteDeanna Rabe
Thanks Deanna! Those lights just make me smile.
DeleteKim,
ReplyDeleteLove that you decorated your hall! So pretty!! And before Christmas too!! My family is used to eating Thanksgiving Day dinner in the glow of all my Christmas Trees!! LOL!! Have a great day!!
Hugs,
Deb
Thanks Deb!! We did that last year, we actually put the tree up on Thanksgiving and it was lovely!
DeleteYour hallway is enchanting and especially magical at night, Kim. I’ve been under the weather and stuck inside, but it made me get started on my decorating, too. I have my living room, dining, and mantle done so far. No trees up for me yet, either. Now I’m onto kitchen and family room. I’m doing a little at a time so as not to overwhelm myself.
ReplyDeleteOh, I'm so sorry, Kitty! I hope you're back to 100% super soon, but it does sound like you've been making the best of being at home. It can be overwhelming though, even when you're feeling great. I've cut back a lot in recent years, but there's still a ton to put out! Feel better!!
DeleteKim, stunning!! It does look like a fairy winter wonderland. It is probably the first thing you see in the morning and the last thing at night. Sweet dreams!! Just beautiful. I am so full of the Christmas spirit I can't think straight. Have already done the parlor mantel. We are having Thanksgiving a week early this year, so gives plenty more time to decorate and dream..Happy Dreaming..xxoJudy
ReplyDeleteHi Judy!! Thanks so much. I never decorate this early and honestly the weather has been so warm it hasn’t felt like fall, let alone Christmas. However, it’s chilly now and it just felt right to start it early. I can’t wait to see what you have up your holiday sleeve this year! Happy Dreaming to you too, my friend! xxoo
DeleteYour enchanted forest is so pretty Kim. I'm loving your milk glass collection. You've created the most warm and cozy space for the holidays. Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Kim! Milk glass is my newest obsession and I'm really loving the look of it for Christmas.
DeleteHey Kim, you have such a cool collection of milk glass!! You’ve done a nice job decorating…love the garlands around the doorways!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jennifer! I love the doorway garland, too. I can't believe I've never done it before. I have a feeling it's going to be a yearly staple.
DeleteI love sentimental collections like your sweet Snow Babies. What a delightful way to decorate your cozy beach cottage for the holidays. Happy Christmas!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! I'm all about sentimental collections as Christmas and I'm so glad I have a shelf to feature these. Happy Christmas!
DeleteOnce you get started, it's so hard to stop right?! I love that you decorated your hallway with magical and meaningful items that you'll see ever time you walk through! That shelf is just the cutest! Happy season friend xx
ReplyDeleteThanks Cindy! It's a new to me decorating space, so I've been having fun with it.
DeleteOh, I LOVE your garlands around the doorways. And that toile stocking is so beautiful! Again, there's that couch I have fallen in love with among the photos! Merry Christmas! Loved hopping with you.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Leslie! That toile stocking is so sweet, I need more. You make me smile every time you mention the sofa. I've fallen in love, too! Happy Hopping!!
DeleteEverything you do is amazing Kim and I especially love your use of lights! I'm so honored to be doing this blog tour with you! Thank you for sharing your talents! Merry Christmas my friend!
ReplyDeleteMelanie, you are just the best! Thank you for your very sweet words. Big smiles over here, my friend. Honored to be hopping with you, too, Merry Christmas!!
DeleteThat's a great idea with the remote control votives! I'm forever burning my fingers on matches trying to light too many candles at a time lol! Love the garlands around the doorways too, they look so pretty with the twinkly lights!
ReplyDeleteOh Jayne, l hear you and I do love those votives. They go on and off themselves without the burned fingers or fire hazard. Plus they make the hallway less scary at night. Haha! Thanks for the visit!!
DeleteI love all of your pretty touches for the holidays! Merry Christmas! xo
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!! Merry Christmas!
DeleteIt looks beautiful, Kim. I use to wait until the weekend after Thanksgiving until one of the children moved away. He is a morning anchor for the news and rarely able to come home for Christmas. He usually comes home around Thanksgiving. I started decorating early for him.
ReplyDeleteThat is so sweet, Tammy! I bet he loves seeing the house all decorated.
DeleteLove the garlands in the hallway, Kim, and I'm guessing they may be the last thing to come down after Christmas? The little snippet of your family room looks so cozy with its Christmas finery! Looking forward to seeing more!
ReplyDeleteYou might be right, Amy! I love that garland. I wonder if evergreen garland would look good in June? Hahaha!!
DeleteYour hallway looks amazing. I love the look at night especially. My mother in law also collects snow babies and they always make me smile. There is just something about them! Thanks so much for hopping with me!
ReplyDeleteAren't those Snowbabies, darling, Wendy? I adore them and they remind me of my lovely mother, a sentimental treasure.
Delete