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It’s been an extreeemely busy year at The Seasonal Home
but finally, here are the:
2014 CHRISTMAS Photos,
Musical Video House Tour
and a BONUS VIDEO…
a tour of our Christmas FRONT PORCH – featuring several last-minute, super-easy, ideas for you to try!
Enjoy the Creativity and Good Luck!
This year’s theme…. “NORTH POLE”
North Pole Front Porch
While shipping out a package last month,
this inexpensive idea came to mind…
and even better, it provided me with a way to utilize my 2 planters again!
Begin by gathering recycled boxes (received in the mail) or product boxes (you have in storage) in 3 graduated sizes.
Wrap each of them in inexpensive brown paper (dollar store), stack them & tie them together, using ribbon.
Surround them with a wreath, some apple picks & a touch of grapevine
and place them on top of a planter
to create this look
Instead of a door wreath, consider a basket of greenery picks!
Add embellishments (like small signs) because they immediately set the holiday mood, through their sentiment!
Add greenery picks & ribbon to surrounding items… like an outdoor light
And if there are shutters nearby, use more ribbon to dress those up too!
And here are the decorations I added to the rest of the porch… don’t forget to check out the video (below) for more details!
Enjoy this new BONUS video (with more detailed instructions) on how I created the FRONT PORCH designs:
“REASON FOR THE SEASON” Foyer
I was inspired by my vintage Angel collection & snuggled them up to snowy accents…
Angels, of course, would be watching over the reason for the season
– the Nativity –
This year, I used a very modern water globe version…
“MRS. CLAUS’ KITCHEN“
Can you smell the Gingerbread?? 🙂
Use red paint to brighten up some dollar store wooden spoons.
Then, add a touch of glitter to the end of each (using glue) to simulate iced frosting
and add them, as an accent, to a wreath, tree, garland or as part of a tree topper!
“SANTA’S MAN CAVE“
Nothing but red, white & black for the man with the beard!
Can you spot the 5 layers of decor in the next photo?
Layer 1: Wreath Layer 2: Mantle Decor Layer 3: Jingle Bell Ribbon pinned to mantle front
Layer 4: Garland Layer 5: Large Hanging Ornament Balls
And on the fireplace hearth, a creature WAS stirring… a sweet, little Mouse!
Above the built-in cabinets… touches of Peppermint & Snowflakes!
Sentimental Family Art & Photos are always a must-have!
Even Santa commemorates his travels & enjoys collecting replicas of himself!
“Winter Garden“
A Snowy Garland welcomes you into the most peaceful room I’ve ever created…
In the still quiet of a Winter’s Eve, the creatures nestle in, while waiting for Santa..
I recycled my white lanterns (from Easter 2014 & last Spring’s Backyard Wedding) to flank the fireplace…
MERRY CHRISTMAS… from The Seasonal Home!
And just in case you missed it… here’s the musical video tour from this year ~
Thanks for all the pictures! My favorite is the kitchen and surrounding “gingerbread” area. That’s the theme I also use for my kitchen!
It is all beautiful. My favorite is the living room. Love the deer painting over the mantle.
Does the front porch count as a room??? I love the front porch! Who could resist it? I just want to curl up out there on the bench and watch all the Christmas festivities all around. Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful home. Merry Christmas! HUGS… and stitches
My vote is for “Winter’s Garden.” I am amazed that you are able to create such sumptuous, expensive looking showcases on a budget! Thank you for showing us all that with a bit of imagination, re-purposing things we already have, and celebrating the use of a ‘theme’ to pull a room together, we can all keep our holidays breathtaking!
I love all the angels and the santa tree in the man cave. Your couch looks so cozy and inviting too! What you did on your front porch was wonderful! You are truly a very talented person! Merry Christmas.
I love the living room. Just want to sit down with a cup of cocoa and absorb the holiday feeling.
Loved everything that followed “In the still quiet of a Winter’s Eve, the creatures nestle in, while waiting for Santa..” So magical.
I do have a question. In some neighborhoods, wrapped packages placed outdoors, (even though the boxes are empty) might develop legs and disappear. Are the secured? If so, how?
Hi Michael,
I live on a quiet street, so I did not secure them. If they walk, those are going to be some disappointed thieves! LOL But, you could run the ribbon around the wreath & under the styrofoam base (inside the container), tying it to a rock (inside the planter). Also, if you choose to use gift wrap, I would recommend a heavy duty brand (like Hallmark) because it has a coating on it, which will weather the elements better.
Merry Christmas & thanks for your question! 🙂
Eileen
I was thoroughly in awe of EVERY room you shared in you photos — including the porch — but my favorite room is the Winter’s Garden. You were able to capture the tranquility of the Christmas season through the use of natural elements in your decor. I imagine just being in the Winter’s Garden room would be a wonderful respite from all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season!
My favorite is Mrs Claus’ Kitchen. The gingerbread cookies look good enough to eat. It’s so fun and festive, with the warm feeling of home.
Pick one room that is my favorite? surely you jest!! How can anyone just pick ONE room? The entire house is beautiful, magical, sumptuous, delicious, from the porch to the kitchen. I love your ideas and your energy. Merry Christmas to you and your family . . .
My favorite is the Snowy Garden Room. I love birds and really like what you have done with them. Especially the elf with the sign that says “please do feed the birds”.
My favorite is the front porch! Definitely trying that one next year.
Love all of it but have to pick the Foyer
I like the dining room as I like gingerbread houses.
Eileen everything is ‘magical’. I love how you used the Mary’s Angels and my all time favorite Hallmark angels those done by Donna Lee.
MY favorite was you
Everything is ‘magical’!
My favorite was the Winter Garden.
where did you find the following:
1. ed/white label ornname with the sentiments?
2. The Cardinals
3. Little Mouse from the man cave…too cute!
Thanks for sharing! Marry Christmas and the best in the New Year 2015!
Lourdes
Hi Lourdes and thanks for your comments!
To answer your questions:
The cardinals are from The Incredible Christmas Store in Pigeon Forge, TN
The mouse is from The Stable Home Decor in Lake Alfred, FL
and
I wasn’t sure what ornament you were referring to in question #1, so if you can give me more details, I will gladly answer. 🙂
Merry Christmas!
Eileen
Thanks for your reply.
The ornaments I’m referring to are the ‘tags’. They are red and white and have sentiments written on them….while we’re at it where are the snowflakes from? And the tree base?
Again, your decor is amazing and I don’t tire of looking at it over and over and over!
Hi Lourdes,
The tag ornaments and rustic “wood-look” snowflakes are both from The Incredible Christmas Store in Pigeon Forge, TN.
The wood box tree base was from Dillard’s Dept. Store (Christmas 2013) and was made specifically to go with the tree that I have displayed inside it. I’m sure you can purchase a larger wood box planter at a hardware store and stain it gray to duplicate this look.
Happy New Year!
Eileen
Didn’t finish my post!
Winter Garden was my favorite!
Lourdes
Oh this has to be the hardest question to answer. I watch your videos over and over because I love each room.
I think I have to stick with your kitchen and dinning room. But I love your santa room too. Your porch is lovely. Oh heck. I can’t pick. Everything is great.
I’m so happy you share your decorating with us. Because of you I love decorating for Christmas and so many get to one here and enjoy too. I ant tell you how many people I’ve told about you and your web site.
I did candy cane in my living room because of you and so many people have fallen in love with the big candy cane picture you have and inspired me to purchase.
I also made my own wreath and garland because of your lessons.
Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart. Merry Christmas.
Even if I don’t win I will be your most loyal fan. I love you!
Joanne
My favorite room is Mrs. Claus Kitchen. I love all of them, but this my favorite. Thanks for sharing!
Santa’s man cave. I just love the colors. You have so many great decorating ideas.
I love the front door with the three wrapped boxes stacked on each other.
I will remember and try a few of the simple ones. I’m not a decorator.
Love the Santa man cave. Wonderful colors.
The whole house is beautiful and so inspirational! My favorite room is the dining room. Love all the gingerbread decorations.
BEAUTIFUL!!!! and jealous. loved the santa tree and it sent me looking for the same ribbon….the wheels are turning for next year. thank you for sharing and your decorations and tips are just awesome!!! thanks again
Love the Kitchen decorations!!
I really liked Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen. I love the old fashioned feel of the gingerbread theme,like grandma’s home.
Wow! Loved them all, from the front porch to the Santa cave. Guess my very favorite is the Kitchen. Fabulous Christmas decorations! You must have spent weeks putting it all together.
I really love the front door and porch area outside. It makes your home so inviting. Great decorating ideas that make your whole home lovely!
Thank you, Eileen, your decorations are always so beautiful. I really loved the ideas you had for the front porch. Will do some of them for next year. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year.
Saandy
I like the kitchen. I love all the candy and gingerbread. Especially all the Santas. Thanks for sharing – it was wonderful.
I love the living room! And the front porch and the kitchen!
Please tell me the paint color in your living room and the company that sells it. I need to redo my living room and really like this color!
Of course Ralph! My Living & Family Room paint color is: Valspar 3005-6B Filoli Honey
I hope it looks great in your home too. 🙂 Merry Christmas! Eileen
Eileen, as one of your followers I’m always impressed by everything that you do. It’s all the special touches that put a room together. You definitely know how to do that. I could never pick just one room. Every room that you decorated is not only filled with beautiful items but they are brought to life by the care and detail that you put into them. Thank you for sharing your ideas and creativity with us.
I especially like the Mary’s Angels against the green branches highlighted with snow. I think it highlights the ornaments and the lighted Mary’s Angel ornaments show up particularly well.
Just beautiful. So many ideas, where do you find the time? My favorite was the front porch. But I loved the picture of Santa with the bells on his shoulder. Thank you for showing your home.
Everything was so nice. My favorite was the Winter Garden because of the nature/birds theme.
It is so beautiful. I love the front porch the best since it sets the tone of what is to follow and is so simiple that even I might be able to recreate the theme. The whole house is beautiful.
I love your kitchen in holland is the kitshen the sociale place to be and i love your kitchen becase all te foodstuf the collors and the ginger bread butt i really love your whole house when you ever come over to Holland please come decorite my house
I love them all so it’s hard to choose, but if I have to narrow it to just one … My favorite is the Winter Garden theme.
Eileen, I can’t believe you are going to make me chose….love them all. Well,if I must chose I pick Santa Man Cave.Thank you for sharing all your wonderful decorating ideas. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
My favorite room was the kitchen with all the gingerbread !!! I do my kitchen with gingerbread, but it’s not as awesome as yours!But, you have given me a lot of new ideas!! lol Thank you! Your entire home is beautiful!!
My favoriete is the kitchen. I love the gingerbread theme, as do my kids. We don’t have gingerbread here in the Netherlands. But would love to taste some one day. So yeah, gingerbread, candy kitchen is our favorite
If I had to choose a favorite, it would be the “Winter Garden” room! It looks so cozy and welcoming. I love all of the reindeer, especially the picture above the fireplace. The ornaments are really beautiful as well. Amazing job!
Eileen, I think these are so cute. Thank you so much. I have posted them on my blog if you would care to see how I did it. I did post a link back to you.
OOOOH Eileen
I have never been so happy to see what you will do on this beautiful Christmas decoration and you have out done your self this year and every year that i have watch your video. and i looove the Gingerbread and the winter theme with the owls and the birds what is not to love! you have give me some great ideals and thank you so much for showing us your beautiful home and all the beautiful decoration and keep them coming. cause i do look so forward to see you every year for Christmas and every holiday that you decorate for us. God Bless You And Your Family. and i can not wait to see what you will do for Easter!”I love it all”
Thank you for showing me how to wrap those boxes into Christmas package that was too cute and everything else…. i love it all!!!!
You are very talented. You have a gift. I love all your ideas. Thanks for sharing. Can you please share where did you get the white reindeer with the silver antlers? I have searched for white or silver reindeers and have not succeeded. Thank you.
Thank you Evelyn and I found those reindeer at Home Goods.
Thank you Eileen for getting back to me.
Hi Eileen, I absolutely love Christmas and I am so motivated by your creative and wonderful ideas. I never thought to put whimsical art on my walls but certainly would love to try it this Christmas. Where did you get that awesome reindeer art over your mantle? I so look forward to your video and pictures for this year. Thanks for sharing and inspiring many.
Hi Evelyn, I’m so happy that you found some new inspiration on my website! I found the lighted Reindeer art at Sam’s Wholesale Club in 2014 (http://www.samsclub.com/sams/lighted-wall-art-reindeer/prod15130481.ip). They also had a version featuring Santa… it was a tough decision! LOL They are probably out of them by now, but you may want to check with them to see if any of their club stores has a leftover or if they plan to bring it or a new version back for Christmas 2015. Good Luck and thank you for being a fan of and spreading the word about The Seasonal Home! 🙂 Eileen
Hi Eileen,
Thanks so much for letting me know. God bless your talent.
Hi Eileen,
Thank you for sharing your fantastic decorating. I can imagine your guests get excited just walking up to the front door knowing that a Christmas wonderland awaits them. You are very kind to share. I enjoyed the video but I loved studying the pictures. I am curious, do you start early in the year with your decorating ideas ( like January) and then keep a notebook with them to save you time before you start each year incorporating decorations you have, what you should be on the lookout for? Are you real selective about what you keep permanently for your personal decorating and just keep items that fit certain themes? BTW, I thought Santa’s mailbag was so cute and wondered where you found it. Linda
Hi Linda,
Thank you for checking out our latest video and for your questions and I’ll do my best to answer them. 🙂 I usually know what my next year themes in January because by then, I’ve looked at so much product and inspiration, that I’m ready with a few ideas at least. I never know where my inspiration will come from. Sometimes, it’s a ribbon, an ornament, a photo I see on a website or on Pinterest, but my 2015 theme is already set in my mind and was inspired by a Hallmark Christmas movie (LOL). And because I had my theme in mind, I looked for anything in the 75-90% off post Christmas sales that would go with it and keep me on my budget, thanks to the great prices! I’m so passionate about what I like to call “my art”, that a notebook is not really necessary… although, that’s a great idea! After 30 years of post-holiday budget purchases, I have a ton of different colored & themed items to choose from (guess I need to do a video of my storage for inspiration) and I only get rid of what goes out of style. By the way, there isn’t much that goes out of style. In the beginning, when I first began to buy ornaments, I mostly purchased solid colors in any shape or size. So, when you pick up those clearanced 3 red ornaments at one store, 2 at another, 1 here & 1 there and 5 somewhere else, you find that you have a dozen that you paid very little for & suddenly enough to decorate a tree with (in that color). Now that I have a “collection” of solid color ornaments, I mostly purchase unusual colors (like black, lime green, etc.) or themed ones to go with an upcoming look. I usually go to Dillard’s during their 90% off sale and walk out with bags-full of gorgeousness for pennies! And I found the Santa’s mailbag at our local Festival of Trees gift shop. It’s by a company called “Mud Pie” and I found a completed auction on eBay for you. Maybe you can write them to see if they still have one or will get more in. Here’s the link: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mud-Pie-Christmas-Burlap-Santa-Bag-santa-sack-presant-/201243881543?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2edb11f047
I hope I answered all your questions Linda… Enjoy the Creativity! Eileen
Thank you for taking the time to answer all my questions. I’ve decided I need a notebook because I get distracted decorating. My family likes tradition and notice when “favorites” are missing so I try to add new things each year. I love how you look for great sales and am glad to know I’m not the only one. Last year I found two soldiers I had wanted after Christmas later at a Christmas in July sale and ended up paying $28 rather than the original $100. Guess it helps justify having so much :). Thank you for the info on Santa’s mailbag. I found them online and ordered one. Plan to stuff it with pillows and throws I store for the holidays, then it’s practical. You have to love those Hallmark movies, I recorded all 12 new ones in 2014 so I could enjoy watching them and enjoyed rewinding to study things. Can’t wait to see your 2015 decorations! Linda
Where is the elf from… It isnt possible to pick a favorite.. Totally awesom
Hi Beth & Thank you! 🙂 If you look at the bottom left of the HOME page on my website, you will see a photo of several elves peeking through a window. Clicking on that will take you to the website of one of our fabulous partners who sell a bunch of different versions of that elf. Be prepared… they are adorable!
Hi E., I can’t believe I haven’t ask you yet, because I’ve been your follower for a lot of time now, I’m your fan, well I want to know, where did you by the gingerbread cookies, they’re my favorites, you always use theme, and I hope to find some, waiting for your halloween and christmas inspiration, I now it will be fab.
thanks you
H
Hello Horte,
Thanks for being a fan of The Seasonal Home! Because I have so many different gingerbread cookie-style ornaments, would you mind sending me a “screen shot” of the one you’re asking about so I can tell you where I found them? You can send it to my website email: eileen@theseasonalhome.com
Thank you!
Eileen
Hi Eileen…..
Just wanted to say I think you do great work… My favorite is the Winter Garden, though I love it all! You’ve given me some ideas of how I can use my own pieces to create what will hopefully be some pretty pieces…can only hope that they will be half as beautiful as yours…! Keep up the good work, and I look forward to any new posts you make! -Dawn
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Hi, I love all your decor and dedication. Christmas is my favorite season and you did an astonishing work. I would like to get a human size nutcracker, do you have any information where can I buy two. I will appreciate any information . Thank you Maria
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