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Sunday, December 11, 2011

Tour of my Christmas Home

 Today I am joining  The Inspired Room and Jennifer Rizzo for their 2011 Virtual Holiday House parties! Welcome everyone to my holiday home! This is the family room. It is the room we spend most of our time in.


 Here in Arizona, fresh greens dry out much to quickly so I settle for artificial ones. I like to mix different kinds of greens to help make the arrangement look more real. I love to collect vintage scales and this one was a recent garage sale find for $6.00!!

 The mantle holds my growing collection of bottle brush trees....

 and the tree is filled with many handmade ornaments. I love the light flocking on this one. This year it is my favorite tree. (The other one is in the living room) For more details on the trees and ornaments you can go here, or here for an ornament tutorial.
 These stocking are a new addition this weekend. I have been inspired by some really neat ones on Pinterest and wanted to create my own. I bought some burlap at Hobby Lobby and I intended to use it, but even after airing it outside for a week it still stunk so badly I settled for a natural cotton duck.

 I made tags for myself and my hubby and added a little embellishment to each one. I think I may add a few buttons too, but I'm letting them be for now.

 Some of my vintage style snowmen.

 The sign and the pillow are new additions this year. I absolutely love the new wall art with all the great words on them. I have always had a thing for the written word so these were right up my alley. The sign was a recent purchase from my November visit to Sweet Salvage. The pillow I bought on Etsy. I painted the words white and added the trim.
 This is the view from the fireplace. I have a collection of brown transferware plates that is spread all over the house.
 My garland is filled with more handmade ornaments, crystal drops and mercury glass garland.

 This is the dining room with a view into the living room.

 The chandelier gets dressed with it's own wreath of greens with silver and glass balls and glittery statice and glass ornaments replace the brown transferware creamers that usually hang there.

 The centerpiece overflows with vintage silver ornaments,

and a little greenery dresses up the buffet where I showcase my collection of green and white transferware.
 The living room through an old window.


 The tree has a bird and icicle theme.

 I like to do something a little different for the tree topper so I hung several handmade paper snowflakes that were covered in glitter from the ceiling. This is the only plus to having an old popcorn ceiling... no holes later!

 I love my snowflake garland.

 I've been collecting them for many years. 

 At night the light in the garland sparkle and shine...

 and during the day, the light from outside shines through all the crystal and glass and is so pretty.


 The altered bottle angels I made sit here on the table,

 and the coffee table gets a little snowy greenery.
Well that's the tour of my home this year. Sometimes I do the bedroom too, but I just didn't have it in me this year! I hope you enjoyed it. Now I'm off to go check out all the other homes tours over at Jennifer Rizzo's! Merry Christmas to all!!!


82 comments:

Shannon said...

Beautiful! I love all of the bottle brush trees and the vintage snowmen.

sweet violets said...

So very beautiful and magical!!! I also detest burlap for the smell, stiffness and the linty mess it makes....I found a heavy linen that works very well. And you did well with your choice too....Merry Christmas...cleo

MaryAnn said...

Your home is just gorgeous. Like a crystal palace.. I love all the snowflakes!
MaryAnn

Ms Bingles Vintage Christmas said...

Love it! Love it! Everything looks sooo beautiful! And, the tree...to die for!
Thank you for sharing!
Leticia

MJ said...

Oh my goodness...it is beautiful from every angle and is just perfect. I love all of the details throughout. I also like that Im not the only 1 with more than 1 tree and theme. lol

The arrangement on the dining room chandelier is gorgeous! I love the vintage snowmen and you bottle angels too. I have a few scales myself, Ive learn to let go of some and list them.

Beautiful home...thank you for the tour!

Happy Holidays to you and yours.


MJ
Lucky 7 Design

Unknown said...

So magical and lovely Karen, you should hold an open house in your neighborhood and charge admission, lol. Just breathtaking and I still can't figure out how you created all that snow. The mix of your greens are wonderful and so natural, they just look real! Hugs and love, Marilou

Bohemian said...

Oh Karen your Home is Magnificently Styled for the Holidays... so Inviting and Beautiful! I Love everything about it and your Trees are worthy of a Magazine spread! Thank you for inviting us in for the Grand Virtual Holiday House Tour!

Dawn... The Bohemian

Tins and Treasures said...

Good Morning, Karen,
Wow, your home looks amazing. I would love to spend an afternoon with you, visiting in person. Thanks for sharing your photos.

Happy Monday ~Natalie

Tami Hacker said...

Your home is absolutely beautiful! My favorite Christmas decor is your use of white, silver & sparkle. Your garland & tree are stunning!

Tami Hacker said...

Your Christmas home is absolutely beautiful! I love your use of white, silver and sparkle. Your tree & garland are stunning!

Teresa said...

One would never know that this house exists in the valley. So absolutely beautiful.
I don't think I'd know where to begin with such decorating---You need to get on HGTV! or the DIY network....Or Martha Stewart!

Leah C said...

Oh it's all absolutely beautiful! Your decorations are gorgeous...simply sparkle heaven!! Love, love, love:)

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Wow, Karen, it's like a winter wonderland at your house! : ) I love it all! It looks so soft and calming ~ I can't imagine feeling any holiday stress here. Love how you have your bottle brush trees in pots. I may have to look for those to put mine in. It adds a nice touch. Your garlands are just beautiful and all the white lights just make everything look so magical.

Anonymous said...

Oh, my.....I love following your blog and seeing all of your pretties....from the cabinet that holds your television to the drapes ~ just everything is so warm and inviting. Merry Christmas to you. Where do you find your vintage snowmen and clear and silver ornaments? Have a blessed Christmas!

Joanne@ Desertmountainbear said...

Spectacular Karen! I do hope you do plenty of entertaining to show off this elegant cozy Christmas you have created. It really is the perfect backdrop for a party. I so enjoyed seeing it.

Lori @ Katies Rose Cottage Designs said...

Oh my goodness Karen I am in love with your home!! It is absolutely gorgeous!!!
Thank you for sharing with us!!

Sandy said...

An exquisite feast for the eyes! Karen your home really needs to be featured in a magazine!

Sarah said...

What a beautifully decorated home! Your love for decorating as well as your talent is evident in each and every gorgeous detail. Your home must be one of the (if not THE) best dressed homes in Scottsdale.

Crystal Rose Cottage said...

Wow Karen! Your home looks just fabulous! So glittery and sparkly! Ready for a holiday party!~Hugs, Patti

rierie said...

Karen, this is beautiful! One of my strongest memories of you is your creativity and eye for putting things together in a fabulous way. Thanks for sharing. Just saying hi!

stefanie said...

simply gorgeous!!!!!

Art From The heart said...

Oh soooooo lovely. Wish I could walk in and just wander to see it all up close.
Hugs

fairyrocks said...

OOOHHH you do the white Christmas with spectacular style....
Thank you for sharing...wow I would love a tour in person, I wouldn't even care if you were home, I would press my nose to your windows..LOL
Its Christmas, I am sure you wouldn't have me arrested
Keep smiling and creating wishing you and yours the best of the season.

mon-coin-joli said...

oh c'est magnifique! magnifique !
je peux venir chez toi pour voir tout çà de plus près ? :)
biz
Nicolette

Kathleen said...

Karen,
Looking at your pictures is like looking at a magazine! Your home is so beautiful.Thank you for sharing it!,
Kathleen

Maggie said...

Beautiful, beautiful!! I love the crystal snowflakes in the living room garland...gorgeous. Everything twinkles!

maggie

Deb said...

so beautiful!
I love your snowman collection ♥

Free Art Printables said...

It looks lovely and so festive! I love the stocking and garland's! I am so glad you could link up!

Queenie Believe said...

Absolutely stunning. What a beautiful holiday Arizona home you have created!
Have a great day.
Always, Queenie

Terri said...

Just so very beautiful!

Lily's Lace said...

Hey girl the house looks just beautiful, I'm so jealous, I have furry lil beasts swinging from my little charlie brown tree! I swear the little kitten is sleeping on the branches during the day! Man it must have taken you a week to put all that up and including making all the ornaments, it's beyond perfect!!!!! I love how you have framed all the photos on the wall, when I come to visit I will be taking a ton of photos of your house!!!! Miss you!xoxx-cindy

Holly Loves Art said...

It's breathtakingly beautiful Karen. Gorgeous in every detail! Thank you for sharing.
Happy holidays!
Holly

Vicki Dutcher said...

Beautiful! To bad Arizona doesn't get snow -- it would be the perfect winter wonderland. But then again, the inside sure is!

Gypsy Heart said...

Absolutely stunning! You would never know you were in the desert. :-) Looks like a winter wonderland ~ love all the silver and crystal. The Santas, trees, snowflakes, etc. Everything looks so elegant and calming.

Do you mind sharing what the white curtains in the last picture are made of? They look soooo pretty!

Thanks for sharing your home with all of us.

xo
Pat

Rustique Gal said...

Karen, Your house is so sweet and beautiful! I can just feel the magic in all the snow flakes and glass ornaments! Everything together is wonderful! Have a fantastic Christmas!
Hugs,
Sherry

Rebecca said...

Hi Karen
Your home is so lovely, I am crazy about the snowflake garland. Beautiful! I was going to sign up for the tour but didn't get pics taken in time.
Wishing you a wonderful week
Blessings
RE

Ruth @ White Whimsy said...

Your home is gorgeous! I love, love, love your Christmas decorations. I couldn't even tell you what my favorite is because I love it all.

Cyn said...

Karen,

I always enjoy when you post pics of your home at Christmas! Such inspiration!

Anonymous said...

Your home is so enchanting to me..It's like you have stepped into a magical place..Beautiful..
Merry Christmas..

Sweet Man said...

Karen,
Wow! Over the top yummy factor!
Thanks for sharing your fabulous home and decor. Truly inspiring!
:D

Warm Regards,

Jim Rawlins
Sweet Salvage
Not Too Shabby

Shabby chic Sandy said...

Oh my goodness--you are who I aspire to be as a decorator! I am so glad I recently found you because I enjoy your posts so much. LOVE EVERYTHING! Thanks for sharing!

Unknown said...

Ohhhhh dear Karen!

Well, Im packing as we speak and if my kids will start looking for me, Theyll just have to look into your blog to know where Im heading off to and plan to stay... forever actually. >:D That said, if you find someone licking your windows and nose smashed into them you'll know its me! Your house looks like a christmas palace! Congrats on the wonderful taste and talent to put this all together!!! Really, its not alot that I keep going back to see pictures again! I'm just speechless to describe how much I LOVE this! What a creative soul you are! THANK YOU for making my day!

Hugs,

Creative Grammie said...

I so want to go to your house, it's definite eye candy! Your house oozes Christmas, I love it! Thanks for this amazing tour.
A very Merry Christmas to you and your family!

Creative Grammie said...

I so want to go to your house, it's definite eye candy! It oozes all over with Christmas, every nook and cranny! Thank you so much for the tour of your very gorgeously decorated Christmas house!
A very Merry Christmas to you and your family.

imsteelefullofscrap said...

Your home is just breath taking oh how I would love to just sit for a few hours and enjoy the beauty you are very blessed to have a home like this it has always been my dream maybe one day!

Stephanie said...

Everything looks SO BEAUTIFUL!!

Anonymous said...

HI Karen! Your home is so beautiful. So Christmasy and romantic!
be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Sylvia said...

It looks so cozy and inviting, I swear I can hear Christmas songs playing in the background.

Sylvia

Mary @ Sea Quilts said...

Having just moved this year from Scottsdale ... I enjoyed your home all the more. Absolutely stunning! That's a lot of work and it all paid off.

Thanks ~
Mary @ SeaQuilts

rusty hinge said...

Wow Karen! Your home is spectacular! I love it! Your photos are great and I love the border that you put around them. I see you design blogs as well! You are one talented lady!!! I am so glad that you found me as it led me to your wonderful blog! I am your newest follower!
Maria
www.rustyhinge.blogspot.com

Lynda said...

Very pretty!! Especially love the window garland and decor.

timsarmywifey said...

Sparkly and gorgeous! Can I just say as an AZ Native I was hoping though for a little more southwest touch when I saw your title.... nevertheless gorgeousness!

Anonymous said...

An absolutely Wonderful Winter Wonderland! Love it!

Grins,
Pamm

Anonymous said...

Hi Karen,
Your home looks incredibly beautiful!!! You did a fabulous job!! I love all of your bottle brush trees, I have a collection of them myself.
Hope you have a lovely day.
Sincerely,
Melinda

Unknown said...

I absolutely love everything! Gorgeous and inviting! Can you come to NM to help me!:)

Unknown said...

SO Beautiful! I LOVE all the whites that you use! Merry CHRISTmas Ya'll from Houston, TX

Vicki Boster said...

This is unbelievable!! Is your home on a Home Tour for the holidays- if not- it should be!! I can not imagine the countless hours that you spent decorating your gorgeous home. It is a true wonderland!
Vicki

VS said...

OM Goodness Girlfriend...
I would pay admission to see this much of a winter wonderland in one place & at your HOUSE, sooooo BEAUTIFUL Karen!!!
Your interior design shines through in every one of your gorgeous pictures, seeing this glorious display shows me glimpses of your heart...& I HEART it.
Happy Holidays Sweetie...
Santa will want to stay a while when he gets to your house!!! ;)
Big Holiday Hugs...
Susie Q

Little Miss Maggie said...

What a beautiful job you did decorating. Your home is wonderful. Thanks for sharing.

Little Miss Maggie said...

Your desert cottage is beautiful. Thanks for sharing, Karen. I love your collection of the bottle brush trees.

Little Miss Maggie said...

I love your desert cottage. It is a snowy winter wonderland. Thanks for sharing.

Dreaming of Vintage said...

Karen, your home is gorgeous! Thanks for sharing!
Kelly

Sheila Rumney said...

Oh, your house is gorgeous!! Love it all... especially the altered bottle angles and picture wall with window. Stunning!

Wishing you a joyous Christmas.

Charlene said...

I LOVED the tour! Thank you for showing all your treasures. LOVE the new pillow, the vintage snowmen, the trees, that garland ROCKS, & darn... I love it all. I'm soooooooooooo with you on burlap... what is the draw??? IT STINKS! IT IS SCRATCHY!!!!! Love your stockings instead! Miss YOU! HUGS!
Charlene

PattieJ said...

Your home is GORGEOUS!!! I am just starting to decorate my home in Creams and Whites and I was doing some searching on google for inspiration, that is how I came across your blog.Soooo beautiful!

The Greeley Girls said...

I'm sure Santa does not want to leave!! Happy Holidays!!
The Greeley Girls

Betsy@My Salvaged Treasures said...

Your Christmas decorating is stunning Karen. I love the soft colors you've used and the contrast with the greenery is so soothing. Thanks for the grand tour!

Lou Cinda @ Tattered Hydrangeas said...

love love love.....

Lou Cinda

pysseltanten said...

Sooo beautyful!!...I would LOVE to spend my christmas in your house! All I can say is..WOW!!
Merry christmas from Sweden!
Hugs Git

Donna Heber said...

Amazing Karen! You have truly turned your home into a magical wonderland. My cat Cheops would go crazy over those beautiful hanging ornaments. I am so inspired by your creativity and design.

Julia @ Hooked on Houses said...

Wow! Your home is truly a winter wonderland. Lovely! :)

Deborah said...

Your home is beautiful. There were too many things to tell you which I liked best...I loved it all! Thank you for sharing.

Ann said...

Hi Karen, for those of us who live in the valley, how about an open house so we can experience the wonderland in person? Your decorations are gorgeous and should be shown to inspire us who appreciate your creativity. Have a lovely Christmas!

Sue said...

C'est vraiment de toute beauté. J'aime le blanc sur blanc. Votre maison ressemble à une boutique, tout est placer à sa place. C'est paisible! Bravo!

The Crafty Elf said...

Just stunning! Thank you for the tour! Have a Wonderful Christmas!

Free Art Printables said...

It looks gorgeous and I love how the white and lights sparkle! Thank you so much for linking!!!

Lisa said...

Karen,
Well I'm just getting over here for your Christmas tour. It's the first time I've sat down in 5 days! I love your house Karen! So many details. I wish I could blow the pics up to see more but I tried to right click like Dawn says & it didn't work. I love the pretty border around your pictures but it hides stuff. Could you please send me pictures before you add that, LOL!!! I would love to see your beautiful cottage in person one day. At least I get to see you soon!!!!
Lisa
PS Happy New Year!

Perfect Imperfections by Jeanne said...

Absolutely gorgeous! I just came over from a Pinterest pin on your beautiful garland. I love your style and look forward to visiting again. I'm now a follower!

Anonymous said...

THANK YOU for showing your home...so lovely! I just LOVE the homemade ornaments, especially those pretty snowflakes! Do you have a tutorial for them, or a place where I can go to learn how to make them? Your snowmen, too, were just precious...would love to curl up at your house, with a cup of cocoa, and visit-your home is very inviting!
Have a blessed day~
Patty

CATHY said...

What gorgeous decorations! Like a little fairy land. I am late in viewing your Christmas rooms as I moving and was without internet for almost a month. As always fun to visit your beautiful blog.

reinaknitsbythefire said...

Hi Karen~your home is like a fairy wonderland~a cup of hot cocoa and some music and a great book and the words would be "Let the Dreams Begin" it is just so wonderful.

Facebook has taken my time, and has my new kindle fire with reading I had forgotten to pop over here earlier! I am enjoying it now.

I love all you do. I am a cross stitcher, knitter, crocheter and love playing with our 2 maltese furry babies..Lexi & Teddybear!
Happy birthday dear one and see ya here again soon,
Hugz, reina~reinaknitsbythefire

http://reina-reinaknits.blogspot.com/

La Alacena de Matilda said...

Es precioso este blog, en español ( España, Europa), es: FELIZ NAVIDAD!!

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