Decorate for a Traditional Christmas

Welcome to the 49th Metamorphosis Monday!

Today is the last Metamorphosis Monday before Christmas…so I thought I’d share a few pics of the metamorphosis my home goes through each year around this time.

I love wreaths…can you tell? I tend to decorate very traditionally…just love the Christmas reds, greens, and golds. (Warning: This post is picture intensive.) Hope you enjoy!

This pic was taken last year. This year, I replaced all the old, weathered hanging ribbons with a good bit wider ribbon, and I think it looks a lot better.

Gas lantern with an oak leaf flame…

Do you think the bluebirds who nest here in the dove cote each spring would be pleased?

Welcome! So glad you are here!


A little decorating on the front porch…

The Entry: The torch lanterns always get wreaths each year…

Swarovski Ornaments on a silverplate tree (tree is from Ross Simon)

A wreath for the Grandfather Clock…

Family room: I love fresh greenery for the mantle. I always head over to a local tree lot and ask for their scraps on a Friday or Saturday night when they are busy and have an abundance of scraps/trimmings. They are always happy to get rid of them since it’s less for them to burn.

I added nandina berries from my yard…

Along with a few large ornaments…

I don’t remove the decorative pieces that are on my mantel year ’round. I just add the greenery around them.

I love wrapping the presents each year. Making bows is really easy and goes quickly once you know how to make one. I purchase ribbon all year long as I find it on sale at Dollar Tree or Old Time Pottery. Even The Home Depot is a great place to buy ribbon inexpensively at Christmas time.

Vintage ornaments fill a vase…

While a small wreath replaces the normal tassel on the secretary…

Do you remember these as a child?

After seeing this adorable gingerbread house in Bab’s tablescape on Saturday, I made a beeline to Bath & Body Works to get my own. They are on sale right now…only $20. If your local B & B Works doesn’t have any left, you may still order them online and shipping is only around $5, per Katherine at Lady Katherine Tea Parlor. Thanks for sharing that information, Katherine!

 

I found an easier way this year to press the cloves into the oranges. Just use an ice pick or skinny nail to make the holes, in the pattern of your choice. It makes poking the cloves into the orange a lot easier, and the whole process goes much faster.

Add Cloves To Oranges For Christmas

 

Of course, the best decoration of all is Mr. Max. 🙂

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Screened-in Porch: On the porch, a wreath hangs on the door to the kitchen/breakfast area…

 

A little tree lights up the porch for the Christmas season.

 

Dining Room: A couple of years ago, I added this wreath to the dining room mirror for Christmas. I stuck red berries into it that year. I liked the look of the wreath so much, I decided to leave it there once Christmas was over, minus the red berries.

 

Kitchen: I saw this done on an historic home tour one year…I love the look! I’d like to find some fatter wreaths, though…but these will do for now.

 

 

This corner in the kitchen looks like it was designed to hold a Christmas tree.
(Tablescape on table can be viewed, HERE.)

 

This is the “family” tree, filled with ornaments from family vacations and the most treasured of all, those made by my son as he was growing up. I bet you have a tree just like this in your home, too. It’s my favorite tree to see when visiting someone’s home….they are always so special. Designer trees are nice…and beautiful…love seeing those, too. But the tree with all the ornaments we collect over the span of our lives…those are truly special.

 

I just liked this shot with the deer head on the cuckoo clock silhouetted against the wall.  See the little angel on the top of the tree?

 

 

I made her around 26 years ago…back in my crafty days.  I’m surprised she is still holding together all these years later.

 

 

Our Advent Calendar for the past 20+ years. You just take the little ornaments out of the pockets…

 

And place them on the tree each day.

 

Guest Room: I love that you get to enjoy the wreaths from the inside, too. If you’ve thought about putting the wreaths on your windows, do it! You’ll love it…totally worth the effort and you can reuse them year after year.

This little doll house was decorated for Christmas when I first discovered it at a local antique shop. I replaced the decorations with some I made, since the ones it had were crumbling apart with age. Now, I’m toying with the idea of removing the Christmas decorations so it will work well for any time of year. Ummm, maybe I can find a way to attach the decorations just for Christmas each year.

I’ve been inspired by the way Kim at Daisy Cottagehas decorated her darling doll house with painted furniture. I’ve never furnished this one because all the fancy furniture I found just didn’t seem to be right for it.

 

Once I saw the painted furniture in Kim’s, I knew what this little house needed.

 

Upstairs Family/Bonus Room:

Upstairs Grandfather Clock…

The upstairs family room has a bit of a nautical theme.

Thanks, Bonnie, for sending this pic to remind us all to take some time to pamper ourselves just a bit during the holiday rush.  I couldn’t stop laughing when I saw it!  Merry Christmas, Everyone!

Looking forward to seeing all your “Before and Afters.”

 

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Fabulous “Before and Afters” await your visit:

 

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Comments

  1. Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) says

    Susan, your home belongs in a magazine. It is truly beautiful. Each time I visit I come away with more inspiration. I'm glad Max moved over so we could see the darling pillow. I love the wreaths hanging on the outside windows. I'm sure you remember saying how much I loved the wreaths on the cabinet doors.. I picked a couple up this year, they were too large to used those outside on the chairs as you walk into our home.. as always, I truly enjoyed my visit to your home. From our home to yours we wish you a very Merry Christmas.. hugs ~lynne~

  2. Your photos are beautiful and I especially love the snowman in the tub. All of your wreaths are beautiful! In the butlers pantry, the white in the dining room, and my favorite on the clock.

  3. Sandi@ My Yellow Door says

    Oh, Susan, your pictures are wonderful! Loved looking through your home; it's splendid! Love all your wreaths and decorations! Thank you for sharing and Merry Christmas to you and your family.

    Christmas blessings,
    Sandi

  4. oH, Susan…this is the most beautiful post. Your home is so pretty…actually, it is magnificent. All your decorations are in such excellent taste…you have a way of putting things together that look like a million dollars.
    I am in awe of all your pretty wreaths…
    Have a wonderful and blessed Christmas with your family….
    This has been a fabulous year of blogging and I have enjoyed YOUR blog so much!
    xo bj

  5. Susan, Your house is absolutely beautiful! How many wreaths?? I stopped counting after 30! (And I didn't count the ones on the doll house.) Your house looks so warm and inviting. Makes you want to come and visit!

  6. Gorgeous, and I'm in love with Max!
    Snowman at the end was a hoot.
    Jane

  7. tales from an oc cottage says

    Oh please! There is no pillow in the world cuter than Max! Look at that precious face! And we were just talking the other night about how wreaths on windows are THE best Christmas decoration! And you go and put them on your cupboards too! That is just the BEST!!!! So when does that coffee table book about your home come out????? ;}

    m ^..^

  8. Cindy (Applestone Cottage) says

    Seeing your home at Christmas time is such a treat Susan! I am in awe of it's beauty and the decor is simply the best! Thanks for the inspiration and Merry Christmas to you and your family! Cindy

  9. Hi Susan,
    Your house is always so beautiful but especially at Christmas. Love your beautiful trees and those gorgeous bows; mine never look that perfect–I have serious bow-envy 🙂 Thanks so much again for hosting and I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas.
    Valeree

  10. Confessions of a Plate Addict says

    Hi Susan! Your home is so beautiful all decorated for the holidays! And I am one of the lucky ones who has seen it in person! Mr. Max looks so handsome perched on your chair! I can never take photos without the help of Baby Kitty! Merry Christmas to you and your family!…hugs…Debbie

  11. Susan, this was the best house tour EVER! YOur home is so very beautiful, each room decorated perfectly! Part of my joy at Christmas is seeing everyone else's homes and how they decorate. This is SUCH a special, fun time of year! Thanks again and have a WONDERFUL Christmas!!!! XO, Pinky

  12. Hi, Susan. Loved your wreath on the porch leading to the kitchen! And to fill your dollhouse, have you looked on Ebay? I know that there are lots of auctions for dollhouse furniture. I also have a country store in my town in CT that sells dollhouse items: Jane's Dollhouses and Miniatures, but I do not think she has a website. I just checked and you can look here and might find some furniture. Good luck! http://www.nationalminiaturestrust.com/shops.html#CT
    Regards,
    Gloria

  13. Thank for hosting! You home looks lovely! Happy holidays!

  14. Linda in AZ * says

    ***** EVERYTHING, from start to finish, is SHEER PERFECTION & BEAUTY! You really KNOW how to "DO IT UP RIGHT", Sweet Susan!!! *****

    HHoliday hugs,
    Linda *
    P.S. ABSOLUTELY ADORE that "Merry Christmas Y'all" pillow, and the bear in the tub???~~~ Precious & oh-so-whimiscal!!! XO, Me

  15. Susan, Your home is sheer perfection, in my mind! I love all of your inspirational decorating ideas… The wreaths on your glass cupboard doors are so elegant. I love the dove cote, the simple "topiary tree" on the porch, the family kitchen tree. the wreaths~ I could go on and on…
    Have a very Merry Christmas.
    ~ Sue

  16. You have a lovely home. I also have a swarovski snowflake tree (13 years) and enjoy it, especially on sunny days! I was a bit disappointed in the simple design this year, but had to buy it anyway!! Thanks for hosting Met Mon…and have a wonderful holiday.

  17. Daisy Cottage says

    Dear Susan,

    You are such a sweetheart! Your home is gorgeous – so inspiring and always absolutely beautiful and a joy to see. Your Christmas decorating is no exception… love it all and what a treat it was to see. Thank you!

    AND I can't wait 'till you decorate your own adorable dollhouse so that I can be inspired by YOU. It will be fabulous, for sure.

    Merry Christmas!!!!

    Love,
    Kim

  18. Mid-Atlantic Martha says

    Thanks for the tour — your pictures are wonderful and your home is lovely — now that snowman in the tub is just too cute!

  19. Susan – your house is absolutely beautiful – but even better than that, it's welcoming. I've seen many stunning homes that just don't feel nice, your's makes me want to come and sit for a visit!

  20. Linda Merrill says

    Hi Susan – love the little wreaths on the kitchen cabinet doors!

  21. As I take down the Christmas decorations mid January, I will look to your house for inspiration as I decorate mine.

  22. Michelle@Fromhousetohome says

    Oh I love that sweet dollhouse. I just pulled one out of the trash not long ago. I'm not sure I'll furnish mine either. I plan on using it in my dining room to store extra linens in. I figure I can decorate the outside for the holidays like you did! Very cute!
    ~Michelle

  23. Your Blog is my favorite MAGAZINE… even over my once beloved Southern Living Magazine I would recieve in the mail monthly. THANK YOU for sharing your for decorating!

    Stop by my garden sometime. I went on a HOLIDAY GREEN TOUR this year sharing what Garden Centers were sharing for the holiday season.
    Merry Christmas!

  24. Tamara Jansen says

    Your place just looks AMAZING! I haven't had time to decorate yet but…..this week I hope 🙂

  25. Susan-Love it all! I remember the wreaths in the kitchen and I think that is my favorite! I am so envious of your TWO grandfather clocks–I have wanted one ever since watching the one on Captain Kangaroo when I was a child 🙂 Merry Christmas–it's was all worth it!

  26. Everything looks great! Looks like you're all set and ready to go.

  27. sleepyhead designs studio says

    Beautiful decorations-your home looks so welcoming and cozy. Too bad we can't enjoy those Christmas decorations longer, huh? Loved the snowman–I posted a pic last week of bathtub decorations that one of my friends did too that was sooo cute. It was with big ornaments that looked like bubbles–she needs to add the snowman now. Merry Christmas!

  28. I am so inspired by your beautiful home and all your decorating expertise. I started following your blog months ago and just had to start a blog of my own. I am not in a season of life where I can dedicate a large amount of time to this but it is my secret indulgence. I hope to have a beautful porch to nap on in the future. Until then, I will visit often and get fantastic ideas from you. Have a very Merry Christmas.

  29. Wonderful post, Susan. I enjoyed viewing all of your lovely Christmas decorations!

  30. Susan, I loved it all!!!! So pretty. The Swarovski Ornaments are stunning on that silver tree. Too many things to mention but, I like you love your kitchen tree. That elf on the ladder is adorable! Thanks for sharing. Hugs! Charlene

  31. Oh, I forgot to tell you… after seeing that adorable ornament of the mice with the spectacles I went in search. I couldn't find the same ones as yours but, another one in the series was selling for $85. Isn't that amazing? You knew you had a treasure didn't you. I bet you never thought it would go to that price when you bought it did you? Also, loved the snowman in the tub. Think I'm off to do the same thing… soak in some bubbles. Merry Chrismas my friend.

  32. Susan, Everything is just beautiful! I love all of your Chirstmas decorations and look forward to everyone of your posts throughtout the year. Thanks for being such an inspiration with your beautiful home.
    Blessings,
    Donna

  33. Everything looks wonderful. Happy Holidays to you and your family.

  34. Your home is so beautiful. I love all the wreaths everywhere. Thanks for sharing you home with us and for hosting the party.

  35. Embellished Bayou says

    Your home is absolutely gorgeous all decked out for Christmas. I just love all the traditional red, green & gold. Thanks for hosting us every week.

  36. Lisa @ Fern Creek Cottage says

    Everything is so wonderfully festive and gorgeous!! So many things that I loved! The sled by the door with the ice skates is so charming. The silver wreath in front of your mirror-amazing! I also hung little wreaths from my kitchen cabinets this year. I love the way it looks!

  37. Susan, what a treat to tour your home dressed for Christmas. Each room is perfect! Lucky for us and all who enter your charming abode that you are a perfectionist. Not a bad trait!
    I wish you and your family a very merry holiday. I think I recall that you said your son and his girlfriend will be at home with your for Christmas. How splendid!
    Thank you for generously sharing your creativity. I always feel full of joy after visiting "Between Naps on the Porch" ~ Sarah

  38. Fifi Flowers says

    Ooooh I love al the wreaths on the windows!!! Merry Christmas to you!
    ENJOY!
    Fifi

  39. Hi, Susan,
    I enjoyed the tour of your home so much. Everthing is just beautiful.

    I had to smile at your doll house wreaths, as I noticed, they, too, are hung from red ribbons and have bows. 🙂

    D

  40. Simply gorgeous, Susan. Love your packages – it's a passion we share! Merry Christmas!

  41. I love everything about your house, Susan and I am truly in love with your gassolier lamp post…..Christine

  42. Diane @ Four Paws and Co says

    Love all the candy! Your home is simply fabulous! ☺

  43. Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend says

    Stunning……It has been such a blessing to meet you in blogland…You have enriched my life. Blessings to you and yours….Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with many blessings.
    Teresa
    Grammy Girlfriend http://teresa-grammygirlfriend.blogspot.com/
    and
    http://grammyababychangeseverything.blogspot.com

  44. Little Lizard King says

    Your home is lovely. The wreaths are really quite striking, inside and out, and the Snowman is a hoot. Thanks for sharing.

  45. Susan,
    What can I say! Your house is FABULOUS decorated! I love it! The gas lantern, the fire place decoration, the guest room,…
    I think you needed a few days to realize all these beautiful decorations! Congratulations and thank you so much for sharing this!
    xx
    Greet
    PS Thank you so much for the sweet comments on my blog! You are so sweet!

  46. Painter's Place says

    Lynne is right. Your house could be in a magazine! Everything is beautiful! Merry Christmas!

  47. Red Door Home says

    What a beautiful Christmas home! I love the wreaths on the kitchen cabinets.

  48. Wonderful things. So inspiring.
    Alfazema

  49. mustard seeds says

    I will have to borrow that bathtub snowman idea next year. It is too cute. Everything else is just beautiful.
    Sheila

  50. Susan everthing is so beautiful and decorated so wonderful at your home for the holidays. Have a wonderful christmas and new year!
    And another year of wonderful blogging.

  51. Charli and me says

    Dear Susann, Your home is amazing! It's so beautiful and you always have such wonderful ideas. I just wanted to pop over to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I hope tons of blessings come your way this holiday season and always.

  52. Oh, Susan, what wonderful photos! Thank you, thank you for this tour of your home. Your house SHOULD BE on a tour of homes for Christmas!

    Have a WONDERFUL week!

  53. Susan, I agree that your home should be in a magazine. Everything is just gorgeous! I tend to stay with the greens & reds too with additions of silver and gold. Just feels like Christmas to me! 🙂 My mother always used nandina berries ~ a very nice memory. The tree in the kitchen, the wreaths, your beautiful bows, the mirror I covet in your dining area ~ just love it!

  54. Laura Ingalls Gunn says

    Oh your sweet kitty is loves the camera.

    Love the snowman, made me laugh.

  55. P.S. Merry Christmas Ya'll! ~ definitely a Texas thing. 🙂

  56. The Stylish House says

    Susan,
    Thank you for sharing your beautiful home with us! It is a treat to visit and filled with wonderful inspiration. Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas!
    Cathy

  57. I love your home all decked out for the holidays! So lovely! It reminds me of Williamsburg- where our family vacations every year.

    Thanks for taking the time to do this at such a busy time.

    Have a very Merry Christmas!

  58. black eyed susans kitchen says

    Beautiful, beautiful decorating!! You certainly are good at this. Some ideas that I will be storing away. If this were a magazine, I would rip out the pictures are save them in my inspiration notebook. Wishes for a very Merry Christmas.
    ♥, Susan

  59. ImagineCozy says

    What a beautiful transformation you home takes for the holiday. I love the little bery wreathes on your grandfather clocks! I also lvoe the wreath on the kitchen door. Thank you for sharing your home with us.
    -Angela

  60. Your home is so lovely! Thanks for sharing and inspiring! Toni

  61. Everything looks wonderful, Susan! You never cease to amaze me with your energy, creativity, and attention to detail. Thank you for sharing the welcoming warmth of your beautiful home!

    Happy Holidays!
    Bill

  62. cmluvs2stamp says

    OMG! Your home is gorgeous!!!! It's so festive and cheery. Thank you so much for sharing these lovely pictures of your home. Merry Christmas.

  63. BizeeNester says

    I truly love seeing all the different rooms decorated in your home for Christmas. It must take you a long time to take everything down and store it away after the holidays though.

    That's the part I hate…putting things away.

    Merry Christmas and thanks for sharing!

  64. ClassiclyAmber says

    Yes, your Christmas decor is traditionally fabulous! I love the sled and ice skates by the front door. I've always wanted to do that, too. A couple of years ago, I saw some vintage ice skates in an antique shop and just KNEW I should have bought them~!

    Also – love the wreaths on the cabinets…and LOVE your dining room mirror! <3

    And um – with all the trees 'n wreaths 'n things, how LONG did it take you to decorate your home for Christmas? Whew!

    I am also a huge, huge fan of fresh greenery!! That is a really great idea about getting the tree scraps for free. I've always made wreaths out of our tree scraps…but can't do as much with that part of it since we've switched to a smaller live tree (table top) every year. I love big trees – but hated that it took over 8 hours just to string the lights on 'em!

    Your house is perdyfied! =-D

  65. Cottage Rose says

    Hello Susan; OH Wow your home is just beautiful.. I love all the little Christmas touches in each room. The window's with the wreath's are great,, and I am so like you I love to hang them all over it seems…lol each room is just so welcoming and cozy… thanks for sharing…

    Merry Christmas.

    Hugs;
    Alaura

  66. Your decorations are just heavenly. I'm particulary fond of wreaths and I love where you've chosen to use them. Have a Merry Christmas.

  67. All your holiday decor, inside and out, is just fabulous. The traditional style is so warm and the red and green with gold is excellent.
    I especially enjoy your use of wreaths — it gives unity to the decor.
    Merry Christmas to you and yours,
    Carrie

  68. How very beautiful you have made your home this Christmas. It deserves to be in `A Design Magazine'.

    Have a wonderful Christmas in your beautiful home.

    Peace and love to you and all this Christmas Season.

  69. Every photo is gorgeous…and there are several which would be wonderful Christmas cards…

  70. Michael Lee West says

    I agree with Lynne–your home belongs in a magazine, a book, or both. A visit to the porch is always a joy. It radiates your warmth and generosity. I hope you are having a blessed holiday!

    I have LOSTED your email!

  71. Susan..it was a thrill to view your home for the holidays! It's very beautiful and it's like flipping through pages of one of the best Home Decor magazines…Merry Christmas to you and your family..Hugs!

  72. Since the next few days are going to be crazy I want to wish you all a early Merry Christmas.. thanks for letting me view your life and visiting mine.

    Cathy

  73. Cathy Miller says

    Ok, that snowman in the tub is stinkin' hysterical!! I gotta do that!! Your home is as gorgeous as always! Thanks so much for all you do to brighten my life with pretty pictures!! Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Love, your favorite stalker!

  74. Beverly @ My Sew Sweet Studio says

    Oh my!! I don't even know where to begin. Your an inspiration. I love all things traditional too. Your little berry wreaths placed everywhere are so cute. My red berries out of the yard are already looking a little dried out. How do you keep yours so fresh?
    Okay, you got me. I ran outside to look at my wreaths placed on the windows. You are right. They need to be hanging by a red ribbon…my husband is going to love it when he comes home this weekend and I say,"Honey, just one more thing…"

  75. Playing Sublimely says

    It was so nice meeting you today at my blog…I love finding another great blog to watch :).

  76. Hokie Grandma says

    Hi, Your Advent calendar brought back many memories. We had one like this growing up that my mom made out of felt and felt ornaments. When she died last fall one of my sisters found her pattern and is making all six grandchildren one of their own. ALso love your lighthouse pictures. My favorite lighthouse is Oak Island, NC. Have you been there? We lived there the first 3 months we were married and it was truly a wonderful time. Merry Christmas. Rena

  77. Susan…My mom made the exact Angel years ago too! I was so excited when I saw her…I am going to have to tell my mom!
    I so agree about how you hang wreaths! We also use ribbon to give the look of hanging from the window top!
    your home is beautiful!!
    Wendy

  78. laurie @ bargain hunting says

    Susan, everything looks absolutely gorgeous! You are just so creative. Everything you do turns out beautifully, and your Christmas decor is no exception! Have a wonderful Christmas. laurie

  79. Joanne Kennedy says

    What beautiful tables everyone has! I love when you do this post. I spend hours just going to all the blogs and dreaming about sitting down at those tables.

    Hugs,
    Joanne

  80. Aloha, I love your blog,looking forward to seeing more..
    Happy New Year
    Brandi

  81. Love it, love it, love it……such great ideas!! You have truly inspired me!! Now I’m off to start decorating!!

  82. John T. Dwyer says

    Your home is astounding, and very beautiful!
    I was looking for a unique and tasteful way to decorate my old grandfather clock for Christmas, and happened upon your posting. Wonderful and easy ideas to follow. My favorite time of the year! Your ideas will make it more so wonderful next year.

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