SOCIAL MEDIA

December 2, 2016

Holiday House Walk 2016

Sleigh Ride Christmas home tour with lots of  farmhouse style decor and rustic family room
Welcome to our holiday home! I am thrilled to be participating in Jennifer Rizzo's Holiday House Walk again this year. This year, we are sponsored by Wayfair and I am excited to share a few of their holiday items throughout the tour. If you're following along on the tour, then you have just arrived from The Golden Sycamorehttp://www.thegoldensycamore.com/2016/12/christmas-home-tour-2016.html's home, always a favorite of mine.



If this is your first visit, my name is Courtney and I live with my husband, our 3 boys and 2 very spoiled golden retrievers in a NJ suburb of NYC. We are avid DIY-ers who have fixed up our split level home one room at a time over the last 10 years. We love to decorate our home for the holidays, but we need to do so affordably. With 3 kids, including one in college (yikes!), money can get a bit tight at this time of year. I try to create decor that is personal and meaningful. And that can stand up to the use and abuse of our busy household.
Golden Boys and Me Holiday Home Tour 2016
On with the tour! Let's start in the mudroom. Feel free to hang up your coat. I hope you don't mind the big welcome that our dogs will have waiting for you. 
Whimsical Christmas mudroom with lots of color, plaid and presents
I added lots of plaid and pops of red to our blue and white mudroom. I like how it sets the stage for the bright and cheery holiday home that you are entering. I mostly used items we already had around the house. A new addition to this space is the bicycle pillow from Wayfair, complete with presents in the bike basket and mittens hanging from the handlebars. So sweet!
Whimsical Christmas mudroom with lots of color, plaid and presents

Wrapped presents are my favorite frugal way to decorate for the holidays. I also used my own vest, boots, hats and gloves to decorate the space. I find that I tend to dress myself the same way I decorate my home, which comes in handy when it comes time to decorate! :)
Whimsical Christmas mudroom with lots of color, plaid and presents
Wire basket with presents and Christmas tree tote bag in DIY mudroom
Next, let's stop in our kitchen, the busiest part of our home during the holidays and all year long.
We found this old vintage sled recently at a huge garage sale in Upstate NY. In fact, it is called the World's Largest Garage Sale. My son carried it a over a mile back to our car because he could see my crazy vision of it hanging over our kitchen island. We hung it with rope from a hook over our island and added some presents and cookie tins to the top.
Vintage sled with presents hung over island in farmhouse style kitchen as Christmas decor
Vintage sled with presents hung over island in farmhouse style kitchen as Christmas decor
Using the sled as my guide, I decided to keep things whimsical and fun in the kitchen and mostly use items that I already had. I added some garland to the window and a pair of crossed candy canes (that I've had in my Christmas stash for years) over the sink. A new addition this is year is the kitchen towel with a golden in a scarf and hat.
Whimsical and cheery Christmas decor in kitchen with farmhouse sink
Farmhouse style kitchen with red accents and boxwood wreaths as Christmas decor
I added a small tree to the kitchen area to display some of the kitchen themed ornaments I have been collecting the last few years. Over the stove on the mantel, I added a preserved boxwood wreath decorated with a chalkboard sled from Sur La Table.
Small boxwood wreath hung with red ribbon and Kitchen Christmas tree displayed in olive basket
Boxwood wreath with decorative chalkboard wreath for Christmas on kitchen mantel
I purchased a Nordic Ware gingerbread house bundt pan in an after-Christmas sale last year. Using this pan is so much easier than making an actual gingerbread house and I think the results are adorable. I always hit up the after-Christmas sales because it is always a pleasant surprise to open the bins full of Christmas stuff to see what I bought. I can never remember what I bought the year before!
Gingerbread house cake displayed in farmhouse style kitchen with red and white Christmas decor
Kitchen display in Farmhouse style Christmas kitchen
Tiered stand with whimsical holdiay decor in farmhouse style kitchen
DIY farmhouse style baking sign, Pottery Barn lanterns, Birch Lane Montgomery sofa with red plaid throw pillow
My favorite part of decorating for the holidays is the small details. A simple ribbon with a piece of greenery transforms the hurricane in the picture below.
Crate and Barrel seeded glass hurricane with fresh greenery and ribbon
A hot cocoa/coffee station is now considered a necessity in our house during the winter months. I kept things simple on our DIY dining shelves with just a few pops of red from the ribbon and garland.
DIY dining shelves with hot chocolate station
Hot cocoa station with vintage enamelware and red plaid runner
Next, let's move across to our dining room. For as long as I can remember, my mother has collected nutcrackers and they are such a special part of Christmas to our family each year. With her in mind, I painted the sign with the nutcracker quote and added a few borrowed nutcrackers to our own to decorate the mantel this year. Nutcracker themed Christmas mantel decor with German collectible nutcrackers and DIY sign
For our family, it's the small items that we take out year after year that are the most meaningful and make the season magical.
Christmas collectibles including German nutcracker, nesting dolls, music box and Pinnochio
Christmas Dining room with shiplap, classic decor and plaid
Christmas Dining room with shiplap, classic decor and plaid
I borrowed the nutcracker plates (from World Market) from my mom and kept the table classic with a red plaid runner from HomeGoods. I then added some faux garland to the runner and added some fresh greens and artichokes to freshen things up.
Classic Chrisrmas dining table setting with plaid runner, garland and fresh artichokes
Farmhouse style dining room with shiplap and traditional holiday table setting
Dining room window seat with Wayfair embroidered ice skates pillow
I love the pop of blue that the new ice skates pillow from Wayfair adds to our window seat. The "curtains" are actually tablecloths from HomeGoods with a winter village scene.
Tablecloth with winter village used as curtains with Christmas window seat
Next, let's head down the stairs to the right to our family room.  
Farmhouse style entryway with shiplap and numbered stairs with Christmas decor
I added some fresh garland and a few fun Christmas items to our front entryway.
Fresh garland used to decorate entryway in split level home for Christmas
Fresh garland used to decorate entryway in split level home for Christmas
Our family room is the warmest and coziest spot in our home throughout the holidays. If we are home, there is almost always a fire roaring and Christmas music playing. We went with a winter sleigh ride theme for our mantel this year and you can read more about it in this post. I am loving the new sled pillow from Wayfair that sits on our chair in here. It ties everything together nicely.
Cozy lodge style family room Christmas decor with stone fireplace, vintage snowshoes and toboggan
Cozy lodge style family room Christmas decor with stone fireplace, vintage snowshoes and toboggan
Our tree topper was a DIY project. It is a family crest that represents a few of our family's main interests. We enjoy spending time in the mountains most of all and this entire family room is indicative of that.
DIY family crest tree topper on flocked lodge style Christmas tree
Winter themed gallery wall with Pottery Barn console table
Our gallery wall got its' annual winter makeover with family photos taken last year in the snow.
Winter themed gallery wall with Pottery Barn console table
Plaid pillows on white slipcovered Ikea sofa as cozy and comfortable Christmas decor
We created a small ski scene, including a gondola, to our terrarium, making it the centerpiece of our coffee table. 
Terrarium used as Christmas decor with ski scene
As I mentioned earlier, I always looks for a small treasure to add to our holiday decor each year and this rustic mouse bookend is this year's addition. When I spotted it on Wayfair.com, it immediately reminded me of one of my boys' favorite Christmas stories, Santa Mouse. Although they are too old to read it now, I look forward to reading it to my future grandchildren. I added a scarf and hat to the mouse for the holidays.
Holiday mouse bookend with hat and scarf to hold Christmas books by the tree
He has been holding up books all over our family room this season.
Birch bark canoe filled with presents and antler in lodge style Christmas family room
Let It Snow themed planked entryway wall with wooden sleigh
Christmas display in rustic family room with DIY ladder rack and Christmas collectibles
Our Master Bedroom also gets a full size tree and is home to one of my favorite DIY projects this holiday season, a scroll made with a roll of white kraft paper and a Sharpie. The Mila Tartan plaid throw seen at the foot of our bed and in a few other places throughout our home is from Wayfair.com. I love how it adds the perfect pop of traditional holiday goodness anywhere I place it. Because this post is getting so long, I am sharing a couple of other rooms in more depth in their own posts, including our Master Bedroom and Master Bathroom.
DIY scroll over Christmas bed with plaid accents
Blue and white master bedroom window seat with Christmas wreath and tree
From our family to yours, we wish you a holiday season full of new adventures and wonderful memories.Holiday Greeting card from Photo Affections
I hope you enjoyed visiting our holiday home tour this year. It may be the last day, but there is a lot more holiday goodness to see over at the next stop on the tour, The Shabby Nesthttp://shabbynest.blogspot.com/2016/12/christmas-house-tour.html.  If you would like to start at the very beginning of the house walk you can do so here. Enjoy the rest of the tour!


60 comments :

  1. Courtney, your home is absolutely gorgeous, warm and cozy. I am a big fan of color and I just love your use of it. Especially red. I tried to do a neutral scheme in my home before and I so missed color. I love to decorate with pops of color and I can always count on your blog to give me ideas. I admire your talent and your home is such an inspiration. Thanks for your hard work and for showing us your home!

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    1. Thank you for your kind and generous compliments, Kristen! I agree with you about color. I love neutrals in other's homes but when I try neutrals in my own, it just doesn't work as well for me. Happy Holidays!

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  2. Your home looks so cozy and inviting. I love it!! I also adore your house cake. I made one too! #GreatMinds ;)

    xo Michael

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    1. Thanks so much, Michael! Your home (and all of your work) is absolutely amazing so I take the #greatminds as a huge compliment! ;)

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  3. You have such a fun, beautiful home and your boys are so lucky! I especially loved your kitchen olive bucket Christmas tree, the sleds, and your use of items collected over the years. Happy home! ��

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  4. I Love your beautiful home and all of the wonderful nostalgic touches... It is sooo warm and cozy and so full of fantastic Christmas ideas and of course "The Goldens" add the finishing touch. Thank you for sharing your beautiful home!!!
    Candy

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  5. I've just started following your blog recently and I love your decorating style! I love all of the pops of colour...it adds such warmth to a space :-) Keep the pictures coming and thanks for sharing your lovely, warm style!

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    1. Thank you so much, Ann! I am a big fan of color...regardless of the trends…I just can’t help myself :)

      Thank you for visiting my blog and taking the time to leave a comment.
      Courtney

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  6. Love all your color, Courtney! The sleigh hanging in the kitchen is genius!!

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  7. You're home looks beautiful!!! I love your kitchen and how bright and merry it is! That sled is awesome!!!Thank you so much for being a part of the housewalk!!

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    1. Thank you for including me, Jen. And for the all of the hard work you put into putting this together. This tour is the highlight of my blogging year and I am honored to be a part of it.

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  8. Wow! Your home looks amazing! I love all the color so much - and I am sure your family enjoys the festive feeling you always give your home! I have to scroll back again to take another look because there are so many fun details...love that mouse! Thanks for the beautiful tour!
    Shelley

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    1. Aww, thanks so much for all of your support, Shelley. You are the best.

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  9. Beyond magical Courtney! I can not wait for next year whenI can deck the new house. This year it just is not happening.

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    1. Hi Pamela!

      Thanks so much for visiting my home tour. I will miss seeing your holiday home tour this year because it is always amazing. But the new house is even more exciting. Enjoy and Merry Christmas!

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  10. Wow, it is absolutely stunning. Well done, girl!

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  11. Oh my gosh Courtney, you have outdone yourself. Wow, hun. Stunning. xxx....

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  12. Holiday perfection....every single detail. Happy Holidays!

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    1. Thank you so much, Laura! Now we can relax a little and enjoy the season. Happy holidays to you and your family too.

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  13. First off I would welcome a golden greeting to your home..I'm a little bias!You home looks so perfect and cozy. So many things for eye appeal! It's just perfect. I absolutely love the golden towel in the kitchen. Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas. Big kisses to Keeper and Dax too!

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    1. I know you would love a golden welcome as would I in your home, Jeanette! Thank you for your kind words and a very Merry Christmas to you and your family too.

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  14. Just beautiful Courtney, so cozy and bright. Thank you for sharing! Happy Holidays!

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  15. Holy smokes girl! This is THE cutest, happiest, most colorful Christmas tour.
    I'm smiling so wide! It's pure joy :)))
    Merry Christmas!

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    1. Thank you so much, Shannon!! You always leave the most encouraging and uplifting comments and I appreciate it so much.

      Merry Christmas!
      Courtney

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  16. what a fun tour! i love that you are not afraid of color!

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    1. Thanks so much, Cassie, I do love color. I think I may be more afraid to not use color. :)

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  17. Courtney every room is beautiful. Just swooning over all your sweet decor this year. That vintage sled over your island in the kitchen is killer!!!!! Love it. Happy Friday. Beautiful tour.
    Hugs,
    Kris

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    1. Kris,
      Thanks so much! I am relieved that I can relax and enjoy the season with my family now. Have a wonderful party! Can’t wait to read all about it.
      Courtney

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  18. I think your home is my very favorite one in all of Blog Land!
    Brenda

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    1. Hi Brenda,

      You sure know how to make my day…what a wonderful and kind comment! Thank you for visiting my home tour.

      Merry Christmas!
      Courtney

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  19. You're killing me with all this amazingness! That sled is genius - I would have lugged it 5 miles! Such a cozy, festive and happy home - Merry Christmas!

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    1. Aaah Kelly, I am sure you have walked 5 miles for some of the treasures in your house!! You always have the best vintage stuff. Thank you and Merry Christmas!

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  20. Adorable ! Adorable! Great job! Sooo cute! A lot if work ! Merry Christmas to you and family ! Including your dogs!ha!

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  21. Wow I'm in awe with how every single inch of your home is decorated! So beautiful. I looks like a Christmas childhood dream home or something that belongs at the North Pole. So amazing.

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  22. Your house is so beautiful but most importantly it is a home that is inviting and warm. You have done an amazing job. I love all the color and it makes you want to sit back and enjoy the fire with some hot chocolate. The dogs are precious. Have a Merry Christmas. This is my first comment ever on a home. I think your home is very pretty.

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    1. Thanks so much, Pat! More than anything, I want our house to be welcoming and warm because it is our home and not just as showplace. I am so glad that you chose to comment on our home, because comments like yours make it all worth it. A huge thank you and Merry Christmas!

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  23. I want to come spend Christmas at your house, Courtney! Seriously, your home is so welcoming, cozy, and beautiful! It is WONDERFUL!

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    1. Thanks so much for visiting my home tour, Linda! You are more than welcome to come on over. I think we both have a very similar style. Your home always looks so warm and comfortable to me too.

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  24. Simply beautiful. Thanks for sharing your stunning home Courtney. Love it!!!

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  25. Courtney, this is so over the top cute and filled with whimsy which I love. I know your boys will always remember your fun holiday decorations. That sled hanging is so unique! I am also loving all the color. Gorgeous gorgeous holiday home.

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  26. Beautiful, Courtney! You have a good eye for detail and you know how to cover a lot of ground with very original touches. That sled is the bomb! I have to add that I love your wood floors and that cute and useful window seat.

    Happy Holidays!

    Jane

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  27. Love your Christmas decor. I was looking for bathroom ideas and found your blog. Where did you purchase the vinyl beadboard for your bathroom? I'm looking for ideas for a basement bathroom ceiling. Thanks!

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  28. Courtney, Merry Christmas!! That is what I think when I see how you have so loveingly put together your Christmas home. It is just so beautiful and cheery and charming. The colors are so perfect and there is such evidence of love living there!! Merry Christmas to you and your family and those beautiful puppies..Judy

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  29. Needless to say, I'm drooling. My house looks like complete garbage in comparison, ha ha!! Seriously, how do you find the energy to do so much?? It looks incredible, like an Adirondack ski lodge, but better - love it!!! You know what one of my favorite parts is? The curtains you made from tablecloths - you amaze me, Courtney!! xo

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  30. Your holiday home is just PERFECT! I love your use of COLOR and whimsy.

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  31. Your home is beautiful. This year I haven't had a lot of energy or inspiration to decorate. Not sure why, but really just have felt sort of down - in a tiny decorating rut at the moment, I guess. It is wonderful to be inspired by others' creativity and their love for their homes during the holidays. I'm wondering where your kitchen light fixture came from? It is beautiful. Merry Christmas!

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  32. Courtney it is absolutely stunning! I love my home to feel that warmth and coziness! Merry Christmas to you and your family!

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    http://unionairemaintenance.com

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  36. I have a question about your kitchen cabinets. Where did you buy them? I want the one with glass and drawers underneath 😀!!!

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  37. Courtney's sleigh ride themed decor truly brought back fond memories of my childhood spent at my grandmother's farmhouse during Christmas. The whimsical mudroom with plaid details reminded me of the times I would playfully wrap gifts and hide them around the house. It's amazing how a simple holiday decor can evoke such nostalgia and warmth!

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