I decided to keep it simple.
After a year of renovating the upstairs, and then my questionable decision to immediately embark on the basement renovation, I decided that all I wanted was a quiet, peaceful, relaxing Christmas.
The basement reno is currently waging war on my mental health and looks to be completed in 2045.
So sorry guys.
So, rather than taking the 20 requisite hours needed to put together my usual giant thrift store tree, I broke down and just bought a little tree from Target. It's nothing special, but it seemed like a great alternative to not putting up a tree at all.
Because I came so close to not putting up a tree this year, but then I felt kinda sad about that, and so long story short, I caved. And I'm glad I did because it feels so good to turn off all the lights at night and see the glow of this tiny little tree.
Because I came so close to not putting up a tree this year, but then I felt kinda sad about that, and so long story short, I caved. And I'm glad I did because it feels so good to turn off all the lights at night and see the glow of this tiny little tree.
There's not much else going on in the living room, but we did finally replace the 1970's windows (there's a guy in my house right this very moment replacing the gross old screen door and the rest of the windows, so I'll update you with some before and afters after the holidays.), and also, the shag rug is back after October's thera-flu incident.
For those of you who've asked....this rug is the Moroccan Shag from Rugs USA.
It's the softest thing that's ever happened to my house.
And yes, I know this room is painfully devoid of any sort of table or wall art.
Excruciatingly slow baby steps...that's what we do here.
Other minor updates include some pink velvet pillows I found on Etsy, which kinda go perfectly with the pink vintage ornaments on the tree that I found at the thrift store last year.
There are like two pink ornaments on the tree (because I used them all on the ornament wreath), but whatever, it counts.
I also moved the ornament wreath that I made last week into the dining room.
I was planning to hang some ornaments from the chandelier kinda like in this post, but frankly, I ran out of steam, and decided that the ornament wreath was enough for this year.
So, this year's Christmas is kinda minimal, but it turns out that I actually kinda enjoy it that way. Plus, Cheese seems to be really happy living under the tree, so who can complain.
That felt tree skirt I made last year makes for a great cat bed and is still my favorite thing ever.
That's all for today, ya'll! Thank you so much for being here!
My goal for this blog is always quality over quantity (even if the 'quality' is just something with average pictures that makes your day better), so rather than bore you with a bunch of filler posts, I've decided to just take a little time off over the holidays to recharge my batteries and enjoy time with family and friends.
Thank you guys for embracing this blog, flaws and all.
Have a very Merry Christmas, and I'll see you in the new year!!
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Lovely. I like the simplicity.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Clara. :)
DeleteI tell you - your blog post about a simple Christmas is like a breath of fresh air after being locked in a frenzied mall for a couple of weeks. It's like the snap of fresh cucumber and celery after eating nothing but butter and sugar to the point of bursting for days on end. Absolutely wonderful! Brilliant! Brava!!!! and thank you for stopping the madness!
ReplyDeleteAw, thank you so much. <3
DeleteMerry Christmas and Happy New Year!!
ReplyDeleteYou too!!
DeleteYour tiny tree and ornament wreath is still way more decoration than I've done in probably 10 years. I think I WILL decorate this year - the extent being 2 big snowflake ornaments I got at Dollar Tree and spray painted 1 silver and 1 gold. Think I'll hang those from the mantle and call it decorated. lol So even though you feel like you simplified, you can rest assured that you are still more holiday decked out than others - like me. :-)
ReplyDeleteHappy decorating, Stacy!! :)
DeleteOk, I actually did it! I did my version of decorating. Made a quick post with some pics. (or to sum up - hung the 2 snowflakes mentioned before and decided to go "big" and made two small pieces of thumbtack art - you are the reason I'm addicted to it btw - I've made about 30 pieces by now with more to come - and added some bows to them). Easy peasy. Here's the link: http://stacyrocks.com/christmas-decorating-for-the-lazy/
DeleteI love your home. Your tree is beautiful in its simplicity.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Carol!
DeleteIt looks beautiful in all its simplicity Virginia! Sometimes simple is best =)
ReplyDeleteTania
Thanks Tania! Definitely!
DeleteThis post made me feel good :) and gave me some inspiration too. After the whirlwind year I've had, I didn't plan on putting up a Christmas Tree. Buuuut, after reading this I may be tempted to put up a teensy, tiny tree. Love your blog! I hope you have a wonderful Christmas.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad! Thanks so much Leah!
DeleteYour room looks gorgeous!! With all that you are working on and the fact that you are taking it slow and sure with decorating, this is just perfect. I would have little twinkle lights around year round if my family didn't laugh!!
ReplyDeleteHave a very Merry Christmas. You did good, Virginia! :)
Jane xx
Me too, Jane! And thank you!
DeleteI love your lovely tree, especially with the kitty below it. Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteTotally the best part! :)
DeleteAs always, Virginia, your post is engaging and your pictures are fabulous. I love seeing how the house is coming along and even in its simplicity, your Christmas decor is stunning. Quality over quantity rocks! Wishing you and yours a wonderful Festivus and all good wishes for 2015.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Sue! I really appreciate that. xo
DeleteHave a great Christmas Virginia!
ReplyDeleteacaciadreams.weebly.com
You too!!
DeleteMerry Christmas to you too Virginia. Your blog is one of my top favorites. I love your design and I adore your simplicity in Christmas decor. You make it look fabulous!! -Bev
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Bev!
DeleteI love it. Thanks for keeping it real. I just started a blog (on a completely different subject, though home decor is my favorite passion :)...) and am finding it impossible to post every few days like some bloggers do. I like the quality over quantity way you roll. So, don't feel apologetic. We'll all be here when you get back. You apologize too funny to give up on!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your new blog, Gina! xo
DeleteI just noticed my typo! I meant to say that you ARE too funny to give up on. Sheesh! I wrote that comment while standing in line at the post office for an hour. Why would anyone purposely go to the post office in December. Clearly, I did not think that through. :/
DeleteVery nice ! I like your blog, have a great Merry Christmas !
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting even when it's not a long, detailed post- you never fail to make me smile whatever the topic or length. Enjoy the holidays!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kim! You too!
DeleteHi Virginia,
ReplyDeleteI've recently happened upon your blog and to say I LOVE IT! is an understatement. We live in an 80s home that needs fixing up and DIY will be how we do it. I love all the color you use and use of paint. Absolutely genius. You have one fantastic talent, girl!
I love the simple yet elegant look of your projects and how they all come together. The xmas décor is beautiful. Merry Christmas to you too!
Thank you so much much!
DeleteIt's lovely! One doesn't have to go all out every year with the decorations :) I personally love the minimalism. And that wreath! I really want to find the time to make one before I go home after my exams. If not definitely next year :). I hope you have a great Christmas!
ReplyDeletewww.stilettointhecloud.blogspot.com
At last! the "less is more" school of Christmas Decoration..... you have joined me! I have only decorated the dining room mirror this year, and may get no further, but actually, your home looks good (and actually, I am a bit fed up with house tours that make houses look like department store windows), so WELL DONE, Virginia - enjoy Christmas x
ReplyDeleteThank you Susan!! Merry Christmas!
DeleteThanks for posting Virginia. I really love reading along to your blog. I'm a thrift store junkie and I've learned so many great tips from you. I pass them along to friends who like all the treasures I bring home but haven't got the eye to spy the good stuff out yet. I always send them here and tell them this is a good place to start and learn how to thrift : ) Good job at not getting overwhelmed this year! Some years feel "big" and we go all out ( and have a great time doing it!), but it is encouraging to see we don't have to when we aren't feeling it. Christmas still comes, and it's still wonderful without everything all trimmed and twinkled. Have a beautiful and merry Christmas Virginia. I pray you and your husband and kitties start the new year refreshed and filled with love. You are very much appreciated, and your readers are thankful for all the time and effort you put into your blog. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteAw, thank you Tish! That brought tears to my eyes.
DeleteLovely, lovely decorations. So beautiful! Have been following your delightful blog for the last few months. You have a wonderful gift for decor and design that encourages others to try new things. Have a blessed holiday season!
ReplyDeleteYou're my hero!!
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a wonderful and relaxing Christmas!
Cannot wait to see what you do after the New Year :)
I swoon over photos of your house every post...it's so beautiful and simple. You've come so far and definitely deserve a little down time :) Wishing you and your family a very merry Christmas and I can't wait to see what the new year brings for you!
ReplyDeleteI love the simple look! We did simple this year too because our small boys would get into everything, and that is exactly what happened. Our tree was mutilated and by the end of the new year, the tree was bare at the bottom with all the branches bent in all sorts of directions. I made a small ornament wreath following your directions and it turned out beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI love the clean, simple look, and your pillows are fantastic!
ReplyDeleteHannah | www.helloscholar.blogspot.com