2011 Holiday Home Tour

Welcome to Brown Wren Acres!  I hope you don't mind that I've brought you through the back door.  I just love how the Christmas lights look through the window. 

I've kept things very simple this year and I think I really like it.  I've always thought that more decorations meant cozy, but I've come to realize that less decorations can be be cozy too - and surprisingly calming.
 

A simple swag of greenery and a metal star on a piece of barbed-wire adorn the fireplace mantel.  We use our fireplace a lot so I have to keep things as fireproof as possible.
I've borrowed the picture below from a previous home tour post because the stockings are exactly the same as the previous years.




Here's a view from the dining area, through the keeping room, into the kitchen.  I'm still loving the surprise pop of bright green on my island stool.  I hope I never grow tired of it.

My brother-in-law and sister-in-law live in Alaska and gave us this fun pillow a few years ago.  It is the softest pillow you'd ever snuggle up with.

A mitten cookie jar and snowman mug make a fun display on the island.  Both of these items were "white elephant" gifts from previous Christmas parties.   I like to keep everything on a tray so I can move it when necessary.

I keep some of my favorite mini decorations on my kitchen window sill.  The little wheelbarrow ornament is from Hubs.  My daughter gave me the small glass greenhouse (also an ornament) and I enjoy using it year round.  I placed a glass coaster, upside down, onto a milkglass vase and then placed the greenhouse on top of that.  I topped a bit of moss with one of my baby button nests.  I clip a little baby button nest onto every Etsy package I sell.  I have a great time making them.

I refurbished these faux pinecones this year and added new ribbon.  They hang on the knob of my china cabinet.

A perfectly simple tray of lanterns and greenery sits smack dab in the middle of my dining room table.  It's easy to move when we're ready to sit down for dinner and large enough to make a statement when the table is not in use.

Our tree is an artificial, pre-lit slim tree.  We had a hard time finding a tree that would fit in our awkward room.  My dining room sideboard boasts two lamps, a hurricane on a pedestal, a picture of my favorite Marine (son Ryan), and Lenox ornament. 

A slim table in the hallway holds a small tree and a family nativity set.  I put a small piece of fabric under the display to show it off a little bit better. 

My newest Christmas purchase is a tree shaped card holder.  It holds a lot of cards.  I found it in a little shop in Richmond, VA that I'll be talking more about in the future. 

Even my famous cobalt blue bathtub gets a bit of Christmas cheer.

I put a touch of greenery, a glitter shell, and a white sea star into a fishing basket next to the bathroom sink to welcome guests.

The table in the corner of the bathroom holds a small tree that I call "The grandmother tree".  It is decorated with items that once belonged to each of the grandmothers in our lives.  Small blue vintage balls from my grandma.  Small birds from Bible story time that Grandmother developed.  Lace and trim from Hub's grandmothers.  When my kids were babies, Sears had a special photo package that included little photo lockets.  They were perfect grandmother gifts, which were returned to me as each grandma passed on.  The rock at the base of the tree is heart shaped and I picked it up on the first outing with my first grandchild.  (I think I might cry now)

In the foyer, I kept things subdued.  The word rejoice and a beautiful display of Mary, Joseph, and the Christ child.

This nativity set sits on my coffee table.  Frequently, all of the animals are found nestled in the stable with Baby Jesus.  My grandson explains that the animals are keeping the baby warm. 

The master bedroom sports some cheerful red touches and my favorite pillow made by one of my daughters.

Up on the third floor, the guest room remodel is on hold because of a very special project. . .

As you can see in the background, the bed linens are ready for the newly painted bed.  Some things are just more important than decorating. . .

Merry Christmas to all of my readers.  You guys are the best cheering squad ever.  May this season of joy and hope fill your hearts with a renewed faith in Christ our Saviour.