A Little Bit of Holiday...Home Tour

 

Yesterday, for just a moment in time our house was pretty clean (at least the downstairs was.)  The baby dolls and lego ships, sippy cups and bowls of fish crackers had been temporarily cleared away.  I decided to take the opportunity to shoot some photos of our home dressed for Christmas!

 

I had to do it quick...before naptime for one little girl and video game time for two little boys ended and the house was littered with Barbies and little Army men again.

 

 

There isn't a whole lot of Christmas in the kitchen...a snowman cookie jar on the counter, a couple of village houses and trees in the windowsill.  The kitchen was clean nevertheless, so I thought I would take a picture!

 

 

My Eastlake Dresser was moved into the dining room temporarily to make room for the enormous Griswold family tree that we brought home with us a couple of weeks ago (see it poking out there...on the left hand side?  It is truly a monstrosity!).

 

 

A few little Christmas pretties on the buffet... 

 

 

I could not remember whether I had decided to sell my Chic Snowmen last year or not, so it was a pleasant surprise to discover them packed away with the Christmas décor!  I found the perfect spot to display them on the buffet this year.

 

 

Our rather large tree fills a whole corner of the front room and spills into the dining room!  It's the risk of cutting a real tree...you never really realize how big they are until you set them up in your home!  We are enjoying it, when we're not getting attacked by it's pokey branches!

 

After searching for an all white nativity for years, I finally found one over the summer at a little church rummage sale!  They were asking 25 cents per piece!  A few of the animals are chipped and one of the kings is missing a nose, but it still displays well and it has quickly become a favorite Christmas decoration at our house!

 

 

It is such a large nativity set that I have a hard time fitting it all on the mantle!  I just love the camels.

 

 

I mostly stick with a white/cream color scheme on the tree, but the kiddos have special ornaments that they have made at school or were given as gifts that they are always excited to add, so there are bits of red here and there as well.

 

I was excited to find a place to hang this sweet vintage inspired plaque this year!  I had bought it last year on impulse and then couldn't find a place to put it.  Now I have my lovely old door...perfect spot!

 

 

 

My one new Christmas décor purchase this year... a beautiful vintage German porcelain Mary with Baby, found in Michelle's booth at Camas Antiques!  Thanks Michelle!

 

Thank you all for joining me on my little tour.  There are so many lovely homes out there in blogland, all gorgeous and glammed up for the season!  I love looking at them and getting inspiration for next year!  This year, I am done...calling it good!  Time to sit back and enjoy!

 

My Christmas wish for you...

A peaceful and contented heart as you celebrate the holiday season surrounded by people you love!

 

Blessings,

Amanda

Sharing with...

Home Sweet Home at The Charm of Home

Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Home

Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home

What's it Wednesday at Elephants and Ivy

Be Inspired at Common Ground 

 

Vintage Harlequin Suitcase Makeover

 

I have been anxious to paint a harlequin pattern on a piece of furniture but thought it might be smart to practice on a smaller project first!  This little suitcase with all of it's mod chrome hardware was crying out for something a little more funky than my typical romantic vintage style makeover.  It was the perfect harlequin candidate!

 

 

 

This was one of those old luggage pieces that unfortunately came with an unbearable odor that wasn't going to be masked by any amount of kitty litter, coffee beans or baking soda.  The fabric lining had to come out and an odor blocking sealer applied.  You can read more about this fix in my post Repurposing and Restyling Vintage Luggage.

 

 

Painting around the hardware was really only a little bit tedious.  I keep baby wipes handy while I am painting, just in case.  Chalk Paint® Decorative Paint by Annie Sloan cleans up so easily with a damp cloth.  It is very forgiving!  The colors are Duck Egg Blue and Old White.  I completed the finish with Annie Sloan's clear wax and just a bit of the dark wax here and there.

Painting the harlequin pattern was harder than I had expected!  I made a template of the diamond shape with cardboard and then traced around it with a pencil.  From there I used painter's tape as a guide to get nice straight lines.  I love how it turned out, and I am sure I will do it again, but I'm glad I tried it out on a small piece before tackling a big project.

 

This suitcase will be up for auction at a fundraiser this month for our local school district.  I hope they raise lots of money to benefit the children in our community!

 

Best Wishes and Blessings,

Amanda

 

 

Sharing With:

 

Tweak it Tuesday at Cozy Little House

Inspire Me Tuesday at A Stroll Through Life

Home Sweet Home at The Charm of Home

Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Home

Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home

Treasure Hunt Thursday at From My Front Porch To Yours

What's it Wednesday at Elephants and Ivy

Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style

Vintage Inspiration Friday at Common Ground

Anything Blue Friday at The Dedicated House