Monday, December 15, 2008

A Holiday Open House

hi and welcome...
for those of you who toured my home during the home tour,
i've added some more pictures for
graciously hosted by Kimba at A Soft Place to Land.
and a

wonderfully hosted by Tracey from Notes From a Country Cottage.

enjoy...
welcome in...

i hope i didn't keep you waiting... it's chilly tonight.

don't worry about removing your shoes, i'll mop after everyone leaves...
no i'm not baking, it's a candle (they're my favorite).


come and sit down and i'll start the fire.
if your cold, go ahead and grab a quilt.

in the corner there are a few of my favorite things.

quilts, candy canes, old spools and a pillow that i found here.

and you have to check out the advent box, i bought it a while back and have treasured it ever since. i believe you can still buy them here.

this figure by august moon, has special meaning to me. it was given to me 2 years ago when i had 3 children...now i have 4, i wonder if i can add to it.

don't you just love the holidays. hot chocolate, fires, candles and a peaceful feeling.

my dad restored the hoosier when i was a child
and now it has permanent residence in my home.

these are a couple of my favorite things...
a small quilt made by a friend who past away last year
and this old toy that was a gift many years ago.

i love garlands and snowmen.

i love these figures, this one is called "snow queenie", quite suiting for the queen herself.

this is our tree. the kids decorate it.

this is my favorite ornament.

come into the kitchen and i'll make some hot chocolate.


i keep my small christmas plates in this vintage dish rack.

have a seat and don't worry about spilling on the quilt, the kids do all the time...

yes, that's the candle i was talking about. this one is called mrs. klaus's kitchen.

i love candles...candles, candles, candles...

come with me, and i'll show you my room, i'd show you the other bedrooms, but i'm quite sure it would ruin your virtual experience.

my dear friend jill made the framed dresden plate. LOVE it, and i made the snowman candle holder years ago. it's still a favorite.


oh, and you must see some of "bob's" handiwork. he updated the bathroom not too long ago.

we love him.


well, that's it. thanks for coming by. this time next year we may be in a different house (keep your fingers crossed) and i am so glad you were able to share these memories with me. have a merry christmas and remember...
represent Him well...

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33 comments:

Anonymous said...

love your home can you come do mine each year? Love suz

kouklaville said...

Just beautiful girl..so dreamy and warm and makes me want to grab a quilt and curl up on your couch with a cup of hot chocolate and relax!!! Thanks for the tour!

Katherine said...

AMAZING!! I loved this. I just might take you up on the invite to grab a quilt. :)

kymber said...

Julie,
Wow! Your home is so beautiful. It looks so warm and inviting. I LOVE your idea of using a muffin tin in the kitchen filled with votive candles. What a great idea!
Thank you so much for sharing!
Blessings,
Kymber

Kristine said...

I love your Christmas decorations! Thank you for sharing your beautiful home with us! So cozy and inviting, just my style.

Barb said...

What a sweet, sweet home. I love the candles in the muffin tin. Might have to borrow that idea!

Ali said...

I love you holiday decorations, so cute and simple. Just Lovely!

Cami @ Creating Myself said...

Your home is so inviting & charming. The votives in teh miffin tin sure are cute...great idea! Happy Holidays!

Anonymous said...

I enjoyed the home tour so much. Thank you...I have added you to my favorites!

Anonymous said...

Your home looks so comfortable and cozy -- thanks for giving us a peak! I especially LOVE the reminders on your door.

Lynn

Jen~ Lipstick and Laundry said...

ALL of your VINTAGE goodness makes me smile!

Anonymous said...

Oh Julie, your house is so beautiful.. What a home to grow up in.. You are such a fabulous MOM.. Person.. Lovely..
Blessings,
Alex

jen said...

So many beautiful ideas but my absolute favorite is the wording on the doors. The candles in the muffin tin are great too.
I also read your posts below and one of the grocery stores I frequent sells eggs with that verse printed on the carton. I love to buy them just to see that verse in the morning!
Our neighborhood is such a friendly one. Just a couple of weeks ago I ran over to borrow a couple of muffin liners from one neighbor. In return we sent some of the cute turkey cupcakes we made back over =) We all keep an eye on each others houses and pets when we go on vacation etc... I am thankful the neighborhoods like ours still in America. Thanks for sharing.

kouklaville said...

I went on the other "tour" and yours was the best...well done and lots of good welcoming holiday feelings!

kesli said...

You are beyond talented when it comes to decorating and putting it all together. Thanks for sharing.

Darlene said...

I ended up finding the home tour and visiting. I just LOVE your beautiful home. You have it decorated so lovely and even through the pictures it feels very warm and inviting!

Jerri at Simply Sweet Home said...

What a beautiful home. I love all your red & white decorations!

Lisa Cobler said...

Your home is just beautiful.

Anonymous said...

I liked the virtual walk through your home starting with the open front door, Come in...
So warm and inviting. Love the old snowman toy displayed and the quilt too. I ,too thought the muffin tin idea for votive candles
very clever. Thanks for sharing your home with us. Merry Christmas!

Anonymous said...

You make me feel so welcome in your beautifully decorated home. Thank you.

Hugs,
Chris

Decor To Adore said...

Your decorations are absolutely lovely!

Kristin said...

I really like the back of your door that says "represent him well". Your home feels so warm and inviting!

dmvoccola said...

Your house has been my favorite one so far. Of course, I'm only a wee way through the hundred plus posts! Thanks for sharing your warmth with us!

Anonymous said...

Love your home- it is so comfy and cozy feeling and you have done a fantastic job decorating for Christmas!!

blessings
mary

Christina said...

Your home is beautiful. I love the saying on the back of the door. Thanks for letting us come inside for a tour!

Trudi said...

I'll take one please. That is your home and decorations. Just loved it.

stephanie h said...

Love it all! Especially the "Represent him well".

Amber Filkins said...

Love, love, love it all. Everything looks so beautiful!!

Jen @ tatertotsandjello.com said...

Your home is so warm and cozy. I love everything that you have done! Thanks for sharing!!!

Jen

Kristen said...

I love your home - it looks so cozy and welcoming!

Erika said...

Everything looks so wonderful!!I love the writings on your door, the feather trees, the candles in the muffin tin and cheese graters, and your bathroom!!!!! Beautiful home, thanks for the tour!!

Sara F. said...

I just love your commentary--makes me wish I could actually come for a visit. Thanks for sharing!

Karen said...

I enjoyed looking through the photographs of your home decorated for the holidays. And, by the way, Cheri Saffiote-Payne is one of my favorite designers. I see you did a post on a trunk show of hers.