Also right before we skipped town, Chris got up on the rooftops (click, click click!) and put up our exterior lights on a warmer day. The whole time he kept saying how much better the experience was this year compared to last–when it took for-ev-ver and he came in with freezing hands covered in cuts. Poor guy. So, yeah–Lights up when the weather is still in the high fifties, for the win.
And then everything at our place got put on pause while we headed up north to visit our parents for Thanksgiving….and decorate their house. It takes my mom three days to put up her tree and decorate the house herself, so we are happy to all pitch in and help. While my sister, mom and I were busy indoors reminiscing about every ornament (no wonder it takes so long), Chris, my brother in law and Dad were outdoors, putting up the life-size nativity I painted for my parents a few years ago.
So now, with the addition of about $23 worth of ornaments…from the dollar store (which, I can definitely say is the most I have ever spent in one transaction there) our tree is looking filled in and flirty.
I must have some sort of problem through, because I still want more ornaments. Eeee. Next year. :) As for everything else, like I said–we are minimalists. I rehung our wreaths going up the stairs like last year (
And a little nativity scene from my parents and garland and gold glass ornaments (away from Greta’s reach) took their place on the fauxdenza.
Our wood grain Shaker cabinet fronts were designed for busy, high-traffic homes like ours. Clad with durable textured thermofoils, this line is compatible with Sektion, Akurum, Godmorgon, and Besta cabinets from IKEA. It's the perfect, practical way to add the warmth of wood to all the rooms of your home.
We have teamed up with Loloi to create a line of rugs that are as affordable as they are beautiful. This collection houses a great mix of traditional and modern rugs, in cottage-y colorways, as well as vintage-inspired beauties that you’ll want to roll out in every room.
We partnered with Stuga on a line of hardwood floors — The Ingrid is really livable, and the color is very neutral. It doesn’t lean warm or cool, it’s that just right in-between. We have really loved putting it everywhere in our house. It’s the best jumping-off point for design, no matter your interior style. In addition to being beautiful, Ingrid is really durable — we have three kids, and we always have a home construction project going on. Ingrid stands up to it all.
SHop all
Looking for our favorite things? A place to shop our home room by room, or just catch up on what Julia's wearing / loving right now? Browse the CLJ shop.
Befores, afters, mood boards, plans, failures, wins. We’ve done a lot of projects, and they’re all here.
We have a long-standing relationship with DIY, and love rolling our sleeves up and making it happen.
Even when you don’t want to rip down a wall, you can make that space in your home better. Right now.
A reader recently asked me if I’m starting to fully embrace traditional style and whether we still consider our house to be a “modern Colonial” and why. It was a really great question and so timely — I had really just been thinking about my approach to this home and how my style has changed […]
We've been doing this since 2009 and we've posted a whopping 24145+ blog posts and counting. You might need a little help searching, huh?
Another way for us to stay in touch! Joining our weekly newsletter gives you access to exclusive content, never-before-seen photos, your questions answered, and our favorite DIYs. Sign up below!
Welcome to our online community where we've posted home, DIY, style, renovations, and family since '09. Renovating our #cljmoderncottage in Idaho and headed for new adventures in Raleigh, NC. #cljfam #cljtransformations
Links
Get Around
Make yourself right at home
Portfolio
Design
Casual Friday
Projects
Lifestyle
Gift Guides
All Posts
Shop
RivrLinks
Links
Get Around
Make yourself right at home
Portfolio
Design
Casual Friday
Projects
Lifestyle
Gift Guides
All Posts
Shop
RivrLinks
Are those red bulbs still in a glass bowl by your TV? Or did someone (or something) move them? ….. Better check it out. See if anything looks different since I visited.
Nice! I totally relate to the time it takes to decorate. Last year, I was REdecorating every day. :)
You’ve been busy painting your whole house. I am dying over your “new” hallway. Yum!
Those little caroling snowmen are the cutest!
Thanks, Thanks, Thanks Ashley! To be clear the smaller blue bulbs that were on the tree first are from Walmart I think (last year) and then all the big bulbs and snowflakes are from the dollar store and they are the best!!
Oh man. Seriously, they are heaven sent. Once Greta was born we stored our glass ones away and totally transitioned to shatterproof. It makes the whole season a lot more stress free and fun!
Amy, I felt that way too. Hence the disclaimer at the end of the post. Hahaha. I definitely take a backseat when it comes to Christmas decor. As for the nativity–it is by Willow Tree. :)
Oh, thanks Janelle!
Hahaha. That’s the goal I guess.
Kim, dear. Thank you! And you had me at “dorky painting.” Let’s shorten the gap between us some day soon.
I love those! Air-five for dollar store shopping!
I LOVE the look of your tree next to your map. The coolest map ever! They go so well together.
I love the wreaths on your staircase! We have started decorating, but we are nowhere near being finished. With a 1 year old, things like decorating the tree get reallllly drawn out. :) Your photos inspire me to get a move on with the rest of my decorating!
your tree looks awesome! the blue theme is so gorgeous, i just love it! I need to get my butt to the dollar store…! We are working on the decorating, little by little…it’s amazing how long these things take!
Looks great! We don’t have that much Christmas stuff either… but I did put out some of my favorite pieces. I figure I’ll add stuff a little at a time when I find stuff I love.
http://chaoticdomestic.blogspot.com/2012/11/its-beginning-to-look-lot-like-christmas.html
I love your decorations! Your tree is absolutely gorgeous! I can’t believe you found all those ornaments at the Dollar Store (definitely going to have to look into that!)
I also really like the wreaths on the fireplace and the nativity! We actually need to get a nativity for our house…
Your tree is stunning! And shatter-proof ornaments (how cool is that!), apparently may head has been in the sand. I’ll have to pick some of those up:) Merry Christmas!
I just posted about all our Christmas decor too – I think I can relate to your style and also tried to replace the traditional reds with more golds. It can get a little stressful trying to perfect Christmas decor in the blogosphere (I found) but yours is just lovely! Plus that little wooden nativity set… so simple and meaningful. I want one just like that!
I really love the wood top on your “fauxdenza” haha. It goes so nicely with the gold ornaments and natural nativity. pretty!
Your house looks so festive! Love the multiple wreaths on the stairs :) We finally put some lights on our tree last night and are going to do the garland/ornaments tonight. We also put up some outdoor decor but still need to address the rest of the inside! Hopefully we’ll be done decorating before the big day haha
We have yet to touch any holiday decor in our home, but I have a whole list I can’t wait to tackle now that Renegade is over! You’ve inspired me to think about bigger ornaments – how fun!
And can we just go back a moment and talk about the nativity scene you painted?! What?! You are so talented! I really wish you lived closer so we could talk about dorky painting techniques and craft together!
Fun!! I love the wreaths going up your staircase. We put up some decorations this past weekend, including these faux snow globes I made recently (with dollar store finds – holla!): http://thesweetestdigs.com/2012/11/28/the-diy-files-mason-jar-faux-snow-globes/
we started decorating the day after thanksgiving but finished putting stuff up this weekend…and might keep putting stuff up ;) I just posted about it here: http://jennaandcalder.wordpress.com/2012/12/03/its-christmas-time/ Merry Christmas Season!
Woohooo! Go get ’em Emily!
Yay!
It IS more exciting for sure. Everything feels new again. And every house with Christmas lights is special…even the…not so special ones. ;)
This is great! The tree is perfect, and the wreaths on the railing are perfect! You’ve inspired a project :)
I recognize that big outdoor nativity! Your parents live right across the street from my mom and my kids love seeing that nativity, especially at night when it’s all lit up. So thanks for the enjoyment for 3 little Willmores! :)
I’m a big fan of the wreaths! :-) I haven’t put up our tree yet. I look forward to Christmas with children, as I imagine it feels much more exciting and special.