Welcome to the Christmas House tour 2023, version one. The pre midnight meltdown version.
As I mentioned yesterday I had a tiny little, almost not even worth mentioning episode where I moved everything around in my house. Really, now that I take a look around, the decorations remained pretty much the same.
It was just the furniture I changed. No big deal. I do this all the time and every time I do it I get a better understanding of my particular brand of crazy and decorating preferences.
We will start in the kitchen as you would see it from entering the back door.
Here we have 2 artificial trees from Ikea in clay pots. A vintage truck fancied up for Christmas with a miniature wreath and red ribbon. In the bed are white trees from the dollar store.
In behind on a book stand is the Bosco & Roxy Seasons Treatings advent calendar for dogs. I believe it's only available in Canada from Rens or Amazon but if you have a large dog add it to your wish list for next year because the treats are huge and so nice.
See? Huge cookies and they're all different.
Back to the decorating.
The kitchen corner is now for every Christmas decoration I couldn't find a place for but didn't want to put back in the basement.
My pantry is the one thing that never changes. Ever. It's always with 2 wreaths hanging from fishing line attached to hooks on the inside of the cupboard.
I remember it almost killed me to screw those hooks into my brand new cupboard doors years ago. The next year I added the burlap ribbon. Last year I added the red ribbon.
On the opposite wall is my cabinet of many drawers. Big bells hang off the knobs, a Christmas cookie jar sits beside a pottery jug with pine branches, and there's always a plate of chocolates too.
Into the dining room now.
The spruce garland I ordered straight from China on AliExpress. I don't like to do that but the price of garland like this in stores is insane. Easily a 6' strand of garland like this would be $75-$100. This is two strands on the painting so that would be $200.
Instead it was $19 per strand.
I bought all new garland this year for two reasons. Firstly, my old garland was HUGE fluffy garland that took up a lot of space to store. Space I do not have.
Secondly, after 20 years or so my old garland was getting kind of bleak looking.
I'll point out where the new garland is as it shows up in photos.
The dining room tree is a live tree. It, like the upcoming one in the living room, was a surprise tree, wrapped up tight in netting.
I was always a chop your own tree down person, from the time I was a child. But now Christmas tree chopping has become an Instagrammable moment that requires reservations at tree cutting farms.
It's the last tradition I thought I'd ever give up, but there's a certain amount of freedom that comes from having a decision made easier. I get my trees from whatever store happens to be selling them bundled up outside now.
I select my surprise tree by looking at the trunk to make sure it's straight, making note of how wide the lower branches are by noticing how far up the tree they go inside their netting.
I also check the top to make sure it only has 1 stem up there and I make sure it's straight. Then I lift the tree to feel the weight and look at the size of the trunk. The lighter the tree it is, and the smaller the trunk, the more sparse the tree is going to be.
I'm going to have to put a reminder into my calendar for next year to do an entire post on how to choose a surprise tree that's all wrapped up. There are SO many things you can "see" about the tree even if you can't actually see it.
There's another thing in this photo that's going to be a post in the near future. If you can spot what it possible is ... go ahead and take a guess in the comment section.
Yes, the train set is back on display, running around the potted Christmas planter I made.
The planter is filled with frosty ferns (which are in fact a type of moss) around the edge, with an amaryllis and paperwhites in the centre. Just days after taking the photo the paperwhites are now blooming and the Amaryllis stem is just starting to emerge.
These are the paperwhites that will be acting as the control group for my paperwhite stem length experiment.
These paperwhites in the concrete bowl are the ones I'm watering with an alcohol solution to keep their stems short.
They're on the marble tulip table in my foyer.
Honestly, I didn't know where else to put all the birds my sister gave me last year. They're from her store, which closed due to Covid. The garland, is also an AliExpress garland.
And now the living room which still holds the sofa that I hate, but at least it's only half of a sofa now. For years I was on the hunt for the perfect English Roll Arm sofa but for this room, I've relented that they're all just too deep.
Furniture is now built for enormous people living in enormous homes with enormous rooms. My living room isn't so tiny that I shouldn't be able to fit a sofa and 2 chairs in it.
But I'm learning and realizing that it IS too tiny to accommodate newly made monster home furniture.
On top of the Cy Twombly forgery is another new garland from AliExpress. It's the most realistic cedar I've ever seen.
It's the same cedar that's hanging off of my chandelier in the foyer.
That Eames chair right there is the one I had to disassemble to take upstairs this weekend so I could fit my two orange corduroy, vintage wing chairs beside the fire.
Wingback chairs are literally meant for firesides. They wings are for preventing draft and trapping the heat from the fireplace.
This buffet? It's on a different wall now. That lamp? In the basement. I have to say I love how the garland, lights and homemade dried orange slices turned out on the mirror though.
More dried orange slices are on the fireplace mantel, along with books, black vases with red berries and in behind you can just barely see Santa doing his business in a urinal.
I had just shaved his face a week earlier, but this is Philip pre professional grooming. He's since been cleaned up, shaved and fluffed by his groomer who we only visit a few times a year.
Normally I do Lip's grooming but I wanted him to look his best for Christmas. To make things easier on him, I bath and blow dry him myself the night before his appointment.
That way when he goes to the groomers he won't be in there for so many hours. It breaks the task up and makes it easier on him and the groomer.
Sadly, this is his favourite chair and it's now as hidden as I could possibly hide a huge chair in my dining room.
You'll probably get to see that ridiculousness in the next Christmas House tour coming up on Christmas Eve. Now if you'll excuse me, I have some bacon wraps to get started and some wood to split.
I have to stay busy to keep my ridiculousness in check. I'm sure you understand.
Karen, you've been trying to get the exact living room furniture that you want for all the years I've been following your blog!
I keep waiting for you to realize that if you want it done right, you've got to build your own furniture!
After all, you built your own chicken coop, your own salt shaker, and even your own outdoor table thingy.
Seize the day and build your own couch!
If I know one thing about myself, it is that I cannot build a sofa. Scratch that. I could. I could build a really ugly living room sofa, lol. ~ karen!
Thank you - after a few years of seeing your tree with those blue satin ribbons, I'm now officially obsessed. What is the width of the ribbon? 1"? 1.5"?
Just beautiful Karen. Merry Christmas!
Beautiful as usual
Nicely done, although you HAVE to straighten that candle. My OCD kicks in each time I look at it.
Everything is gorgeous!
Kudos to you for grooming Phillip yourself (for the most part). I tried doing mine and one ended up needing stitches. Poor sweetie. They were embarrassed to go outside. Sigh.......
Stunning! Your home is always magical at Christmas.
Love the garland- as soon as I saw the first photo, I had questions. I love green garland at Xmas and in as many places as possible but fresh stuff is so short lived indoors. It does look like the pine over the kitchen window is fresh- is it? And does it not drop needles?
Since I’d first seen you pantry wreaths I’ve been making 2 mini wreaths every year, for the cabinet over my range, with evergreen trimmings from making my outdoor planters. But they dry out so fast and drop needles on the stove every time I open the door
I love the planter with the frosty feens and bulbs. And is that also Ali garland that you used for the concrete bowl of
paperwhites? So many beautiful things I love
I can relate to the ridiculousness. It helps to know I’m not alone. Rearranging is always required to fit my tree but it’s an affliction that can strike at any time. I have an awkward space that is used for dining and living room- it’s big enough but too square to separate its two functions properly- if it were more narrow and just a bit longer, I wouldn’t have to shuffle everything around and move pieces in and out to try to fix the problem. At least that’s what I tell myself
Looking forward to Xmas eve to see the new arrangement.
Hi Cred! There is no live garland in the house this year. The only live greenery is some white pine in crocks and jugs around. The garland above the window is very old from a store in town and the greenery around the concrete planter is an old plain Xmas wreath from Ikea. The same, in fact, as the ones I hang on my kitchen cabinets. :) And the gold appliance is my water carbonator which I use to carbonate 2 bottles of water every night before bed. I LOVE it. It looks beautiful and I utilize it every day so that warrants being out on the counter all the time. :) ~ karen!
I remember when IKEA sold those wreaths. I kick my own butt every year I see yours, that I didn’t buy any. Especially now that their faux garlands and wreaths are pretty bad. But I did get a few of their pretty good small trees and a bunch of bottle brush trees so there’s that. If you ever decide to pitch those wreaths, lemme know eh?
I haven't gone to Ikea for their Christmas stuff for years now. It used to be inexpensive, but it's not at all anymore. Plus, you're right, it doesn't look as good. :/ ~ karen!
Your home looks amazing! You need to be on the St. James house tour..
I've been asked. Several times, lol. I feel enough of my life is public, and it's also enough work so I do not put my house on the tour. My sister's house was on it one year though. :) ~ karen!
Your house is just amazingly lovely. Your decorations are enchanting. I love that you combine natural items with old glass ornaments and ribbons and it all comes together beautifully. If we got you drunk and made you identify what exactly is in each and every drawer of those 2 antique fixtures, could you do it. Well, hell, could you do it stone cold sober? They are beautiful and a most excellent area for storage and display up top!
Thanks for sharing your artful homey holiday extravaganza. Much work, much joy. Cheers.
Thanks Cara! I couldn't identify all the drawers, which is why I have the side of each labelled with my Dymo label maker, lol. But the 8 drawers or so that I use almost daily are a possibility. Not a given, just a possibility, lol. ~ karen!
DIY: How to hang a picture from a bookcase. Terrific idea. Also, how did you take a picture while facing a mirror and NOT show up? Magic! I do agree with the Santa in the kitchen corner - he appears scared of the snowman as I would be. My favorite scene is the true sparkly scene under the guy with the very strange haircut. Your home is so festive and fun to see. I'm getting my train out today for under the tree. Everyone wants to know why it's taking so long as it is a family favorite - thanks to you! Now if you could find a squirrel that, at the touch of a hidden button, comes flying out from behind the tree, I would be so grateful as we have 9 more family members coming to spend a few days at Christmas. A real, old fashioned, fun, family Christmas! We'll all have to keep repeating, Smile, it's Christmas and we're all miserable. LOL
I feel like the squirrel thing is something that could be built with a small motor and a drawer slide, but ... it might take someone's eye out if triggered at the wrong time. ~ karen!
Debbie Downer! Yeah the poke in the eye wouldn't be as much fun. I forgot to tell you the bird bower is my favorite ever - unusual but so realistic and beautiful. Now I need to find about 15 light blue birds and create mine. You are the best at Christmas decorating and I guess anything. Thanks.
Your Christmas house tours are always a joy to see! I, too, will join the "the birds look incredible decorated like that" train. This decorating creates an even more cozy vibe to your home. I got all warm and fuzzy! I appreciate you sharing your life with us.
Thanks Deb! I always say I wish I could make my house as cozy during the rest of the year as it is at Christmas. It's gotta be all the twinkle lights. Twinkle lights fix everything. ~ karen!
Beautiful!! Happy Holidays!
That made my day. I delightful, yet honest post about the crazy Christmas decorating we all stress over. And some really wonderful hints attached.
Thank you!!
Merry Christmas
Susan
Thanks Susan! If you have the Christmas decorating affliction you understand the stress of it. I can't wait until I'm a grown up and get it all figured out. ~ karen!
Your Chirstmas house tour is my favourite post every year. I'm always inspired to try something different. As for what I think will be an upcoming post....it could either be the rise and fall of Eaton's or how to light a painting without the cord showing. Looking forward to the post. Have a wonderful Christmas with family and friends....and dogs....lots of dogs!
Thanks Jody! I realized as I was editing the photos that I'd forgotten to get wide shots of each room so you could see the whole room. Uch. And you're incorrect but also a little bit correct in your guess. ;) ~ karen!
The birds are wonderful! And the garland around the mirror in the living room with the orange slices. So lovely. I too am a bundled up tree person anymore. Here in America the Boy Scout troops sell them in parking lots. It's easier and you don't have to wade through a sea of people in Christmas sweaters doing photo ops, or how every Christmas tree farm has become an experience that means you pay 3x more for the same tree. Maybe that's just here?
Also - what is that tall copper thing in your pantry? Is it a Soda Stream?
Yes, it’s like that in Canada too. I’m in southern Ontario but more east- there are a few places to still get a Xmas tree that isn’t a photo op but it’s rare. A few people sell trees from their property that they planted for that purpose but not proper tree farm. Like you I’m also curious about the copper dohinkey on the island- looks like a capper or something but looks too pretty for that
HI Mary! Yes, that's exactly what some of the tree farms are here now. More of a photo op and experience. Madness. I liked getting a tree when it was a bit of a more outdoorsey, quieter experience. The appliance on my island is a water carbonator! I got it for Christmas last year from my mother after putting it on my Christmas Gift Guide for a few years. This is it here. It's called an Aarke. I use it every day and love how it looks. ~ karen!
The birds together are genius. And Lip looks so handsome and belongs in every shot. With a bow. And your wreath with the lights and dried orange slices looks beautiful in the mirror. Did you tell us the source of the lights? Dollar store? Merry Christmas, Karen. Snow on its way to us today.
Hi Terry. Most of the lights I use at Christmas now whether it's on the trees or in garland are the copper wire lights. You have to be careful to store them well or they get even more tangled than olden days Christmas lights though. ~ karen!
So pretty, Karen! I love it all, but the gilt-framed mirror with the garland is gorgeous and that train track is so much fun. When I showed my daughters your beautiful snow scene dessert they were thrilled to bits to know we're having that Christmas day. A special touch. Thanks! :)
Let me know how they turn out! ~ karen
Hi there, It's all beautiful, and I am especially inspired by the container on your dining table (the chinoiserie one with the "fern"/moss). Where did you purchase the moss? Thank you for sharing your skills with us. : )
Hi Mary! This kind of moss called Frosty Fern is usually in grocery store flower departments and nurseries at this time of year. It's inexpensive at around $5 a pot and needs very little light. ~ karen!
Yes, yes, yes to grouping the birds - I love them. You have truly managed to decorate your entire living space. Wish I could be that ambitious and have such a wonderful outcome...it really looks festive and welcoming.
Altogether lovely. The birds grouped together is genius. You know what ‘they’ say about collections, if they are dispersed around the house you never notice, but in one spot…..fabulous!
Merry Christmas……
Thanks! I'm still very on the fence about the birds actually. It feels a bit too Hitchcock.😆~ karen!
Words fail me as I marvel in the explosion of Christmas you have created. You are the Energizer Bunny of DIY and home decoration. Darn near a Canadian Martha Stewart.... sans the millions of $$$ and the prison record of course.
I bet they don't allow you to move furniture around at midnight in prison. ~ karen!
Or at least not move anything very far - lol