“I sincerely hope your Christmas … may abound in the gaieties which the season generally brings.”
~ Jane Austen, Pride and Predudice
Did you have a nice Thanksgiving?
I hope so.
We certainly did.
Let the holiday season begin!
Friday morning, as promised, I started decorating.
You know me … it’s all about less is more.
And this year I’m settings new standards in the less department.
A few weeks ago I shared my plans for this year’s simple, holiday decor.
Here’s how it turned out.
Snowberry’s simple holiday porch decor …
and a little more.
I love the neutral area rug and door mat combination I used in the fall.
So much so that I’m carrying it over to the holidays.
But I turned the area rug upside down to reveal a lighter backdrop.
Is it meant to be reversible?
I don’t know, but it works!
I layered it with a new snowflake door mat that arrived with a surprise.
It lights up!
If you look closely you’ll see a little sparkle.
It’s fun and unexpected.
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I have a growing collection of burlap wrapped Christmas trees.
They’re adorable and I chose two for the front step.
There are so many versions of these table top trees.
I see them everywhere and have to stop myself from buying more.
These faux pine trees in woven baskets are super cute.
I still need to add pinecone vase filler to the bottom of the lanterns.
And top them with a nest of twinkle lights.
The pinecones and lights are in a bin I can’t find.
Hopefully I’ll track it down this week.
The gold paper mache pear is a new purchase and I love the simplicity of it.
In keeping with my neutral palette I kept my fall throw on the porch bench.
This one is no longer available, but my favorite ‘house’ throws are …
I added a new pillow with a metallic, snowflake print.
And that’s my simple porch holiday decor.
Much of it carried over from fall with a few new touches to create a holiday feel.
Let’s go inside …
Last year’s plaid, faux fur throw moved from the porch to the foyer.
Our cat, Abby, loves it.
I kept the neutral lumbar pillow here because if it’s not broken why fix it.
Moving on to the kitchen …
Lemon Lulu anyone?!
A very nice someone sent us this Lemon Lulu Cake from Mother Myrick’s Confectionery.
It arrived while I was decorating.
I’m generally skeptical of sending food items as gifts fearful they’ll arrive damaged and or stale.
But this cake traveled remarkably well.
I’m embarrassed to tell you Jim and I devoured it – ourselves – over Thanksgiving weekend.
Delicious.
I took a peek at Mother Myrick’s webiste.
The Lemon Lulu cake is made in two sizes.
This is the smaller cake that serves eight.
Or two over four days.
I’m tempted to order another.
For me.
Produce makes great decor.
Our grocery store had a crate of the most beautiful pomegranates.
I brought a bunch home to keep on the kitchen counter.
Et voila … holiday decor without taking down a single bin.
Effortless.
The dining nook …
Next stop Orchard Nursery’s holiday shop.
Our local nursery goes all out for the holidays
turning their indoor space into a Christmas wonderland.
It’s a favorite tradition for many local families in November and December.
And it’s where I found my new front bench pillow, gold pear and
this beautiful, white poinsettia.
I plopped the poinsettia into my blue and white porcelain planter.
I said things were going to be simple.
Last but not least, the great room …
And the piece de resistance.
The cranberry throw I’ve been talking about non-stop … it’s finally unwrapped.
And in the window seat.
Why the window seat?
Because Pippa and Maggie,
our little white terrorists terrors terriers,
can’t jump up there.
The throw is thick, luxurious and I love the rich cranberry color.
A window seat, a good book and cozy, warm throw …
Good thing the decorating’s (nearly) done.
Do you plant indoor bulbs for the holidays?
Amaryllis or paper whites.
It’s a tradition I’ve gotten away from the past few years.
This year I managed one amaryllis bulb.
It’s so easy to pot and dress up with moss.
After some cause for concern,
the amaryllis finally shot up (after this picture was taken).
Fingers crossed it blooms before Christmas.
I’m not putting up our tree this year.
I know, I know.
We’re going to be away and won’t be hosting any holiday events.
Instead we’ll be enjoying the fabulous holiday trees and decorations at the iconic Hotel del Coronado.
We’re resuming our annual family trip to Coronado.
After a three year hiatus while the Del underwent renovations.
I’m so excited to return and see the refreshed hotel.
We have lots of fun planned.
So there you have it … the beginnings of my less is more, simple holiday decor.
How’s your holiday decorating coming along?
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Want more holiday inspiration?
Last year’s Christmas home tour
Christmas morning table setting
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As always, I appreciate your visit and welcome your thoughts in the comments below.
Later this week … my second, annual list of holiday gift ideas!
Cheers from Snowberry!
SHOP SNOWBERRY’S HOLIDAY DECOR ~
All photos in this post are taken by Monica Vargas Photography.
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