Welcome to my Please Come Home for Christmas Home Tour. This is my favorite time of year and each year I strive to create a unique Christmas home filled with one of a kind decorating ideas (this is my ninth Christmas tour)! I’ve decked everything in my path, including my dog, and I’m excited to welcome you.
Once again I’m part of Jennifer Rizzo’s Holiday Housewalk which means all week long, you can hop from blog to blog to see some amazing homes all decked out in their holiday finery. The tour begins with Jen’s house so don’t miss it.
If you’re visiting from Bre at Rooms for Rent, welcome!
My house was built in 1903 and we did a complete gut renovation about 10 years ago (my hubby called it a crack house)! I am a big believer in using what you have in creative ways, mixing old and new, and putting a creative holiday twist on everyday objects.
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There are a couple of common themes running through my home this year.
Theme 1: Houses – you’ll see little Christmas houses scattered throughout my house.
Theme 2 : Abundance – I created looks of excess around the house by using lots and lots of the same things grouped together (like this flock of cardinal ornaments on my bannister)!
My dog Sushi is clearly not impressed (or maybe it’s the fact that I made her wear that giant pom pom sweater).
This little fairy light filled house lantern houses my daughters old ice skates.
Shop the Look – Foyer
I didn’t think I was going to be able to top last year’s mantel but I think this is my favorite mantel of all time!
Every year, I like to use what I have in new ways. I’ve used most of these pieces throughout my home over the years, including these fun red pom pom stockings, but putting them together in a new way creates a fresh look.
This year, I added more little houses on the mantel including vintage inspired art with a little snow village and lanterns with flickering candles.
The art is a piece of flat wrapping paper taped to an old chalkboard.
Kelly Tip: Tuck sprigs of fresh berries or eucalyptus on the mantel. They are easier to arrange than a bulky garland.
A pair of feather trees each get their own unique “tree skirt” including this vintage pedal car fire truck …
and this old basket. I am usually a symmetry kind of girl but love the whimsy this mismatched look creates.
I never met a thrift store I didn’t screech to a halt for and everything on my coffee table (except the white light up Christmas tree) is a vintage, thrifted find. The green rimmed hotel china platter works as a tray within a tray to hold my squirrel nutcracker and an assortment of old ornaments missing their caps.
Kelly Tip: Create a focal point for a collection of smaller things by displaying them on a tray or platter.
My Christmas home is featured in this month’s issue of Better Homes & Gardens! It’s fun to see the differences in the way my house was decorated from last year to this.
Shop the Look – Living Room & Mantel
Talk about abundant! In my Thrifting Diaries, I shared how I scored over 100 vintage ornaments on Facebook Marketplace and while I lost count of how many I now own, there are well over 300 vintage Shiny Brites crammed onto my colorful Christmas tree!
Kelly Tip: The secret to this lush look is to hang more than one ornament on each branch and tuck them into the deeper parts of the tree. I also rested ornaments on open branches making sure to secure them with ornament hooks.
One really great thing I bought this year is a pack of wireless remote control outlet switches so I can turn my Christmas tree lights on with the click of a button. Now I don’t have to contort myself into advanced yoga poses between the tree and the wall every time I want to turn them on or off.
Shop the Look
My living room and dining room are polar opposites with one being a riot of color and the other all calm and bright.
A pair of sparse Christmas trees create a magical glow in my dining room and make me look 10 years younger at dinner parties! Everyone thinks this is wallpaper but the walls are actually hand painted.
The abundance of clear glass ornaments is not only gorgeous in its simplicity but it’s a cheap way to deck out a tree. I paid only $20 (I waited for a sale) per tree to bling them out in three different sizes of clear ornaments that remind me of champagne bubbles. They will be perfect for ringing in the new year.
The tree looks so pretty on a bed of freshly fallen snow … I mean that faux snow that comes in a roll!
Kelly Tip: I love using throw blankets and tablecloths in place of expensive tree skirts (see how I used colorful tassel throws on these trees last year here).
I scattered more clear glass ornaments around the room and love that they resemble ice around the base of these wood trees in a dough bowl.
I’m usually a white dinner plate devotee but I could not resist these black and white plaid plates and think they look especially festive on my favorite cedar placemats that add a pop of color to the table.
My collection of mercury glass trees sparkles in the candlelight.
Kelly Tip: Mix silver and gold flatware and different drinking glasses for a one of a kind look.
Since the pair of Christmas trees is the focal point, I didn’t want anything else in the room to compete so I stuck with a neutral color palette so when I found this Twas the Night Before Christmas sign, I knew it belonged here. The Danish modern bar cart was a $5 thrift store find.
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. My original plan for these raw wood nutcrackers was to paint them but I love the way they look in their natural state.
Dinners in here are truly magical and I’ll be sharing a nighttime Christmas lights tour in a couple of weeks.
Shop the Look – Dining Room
I like to keep things simple in the kitchen because who wants to move 8 million things out of the way when it’s time to cook.
Mini boxwood wreaths add color to my white kitchen.
These are a few of my favorite things … Santa measuring cups complete with succulent hair, a jadeite cake stand, a topiary and a house cookie jar (the raised detailing looks like frosting on a gingerbread house).
The lights on part of an old pre-lit Christmas tree died so instead of tossing the whole thing, I saved the top piece and now have the perfect mini tree tucked into my huge vintage crock.
Just like on the mantel, this art is a piece of flat gift wrap that I just taped to the wall! It’s such a bright a cheery neighborhood scene.
Kelly Tip: Use gift wrap as art!
My red stove is Mrs. Claus approved and ready for some slice and bake cookies.
I always have fun decorating my huge bottle drying rack and this year, it’s a kitschy Christmas with Santa mugs with mohawk haircuts, cute little elves (both old and new) and colorful thermoses.
Thankfully, the stress of moving our Elf on the Shelf (his name is Hot Tamale) is over since my girls are in college but that doesn’t mean he can’t stay put in one place.
My daughter loves pomegranate seeds and I love setting the whole fruits out in a bowl until she’s ready to cut them open.
Shop the Look – Kitchen
This is where the Hallmark movie watching happens!
The doodle houses that I made last year had to make a comeback.
Kelly Tip: Put your creative mark on store bought Christmas decor or crafts.
This little guy complete with festive red scarf looks just like my Boston Terrier even though my dog has a bladder of steel when it’s cold outside!
Kelly Tip: cookie jars aren’t just for the kitchen (I love my dog cookie jar in the family room and did you notice the car cookie jar on my mantel).
My car will forever be covered in flocking but finding this unboxed $20 thrift shop flocked Christmas tree makes it worth it!
An abundance of bottle brush trees (some new, some vintage) and snowballs turns the tree into a wintery forest.
Kelly Tip: remove the Christmas tree stand so you can fit the tree into a unique container like this vintage galvanized water cooler.
A trio of old glass water jugs glow from within.
Kelly Tip: put lights on, around and into everyday objects.
Shop the Look – Family Room
I shared all about my Christmas Countdown Calendar here and I love the numbered fabric houses so we can countdown the days til Christmas. There’s another house perched on top as a tree topper. Mismatched pom pom garlands give the tree a lighthearted look.
Kelly Tip: Cut apart a garland to create individual Christmas ornaments on the cheap.
My Christmas home is not complete until I get out my “Rudolph” pillow that is actually my dog Sushi. You can get the Boston Terrier Christmas pillow here.
Shop the Look – Sunroom
I ho ho hope you enjoyed my house all decked out for Christmas. There is more to come all month long.
Follow @kelly.elko on Instagram here
Don’t miss my past Christmas Home Tours …
There’s No Place Like Home Tour / Let’s Stay Home Tour / Cozy Christmas Home Tour
The next stop on the Holiday Housewalk Polar Express train is … Jeanne Oliver.
Don’t Miss My Christmas Home Tours Past Here
kelly, you and sushi never disappoint. your home is so warm and welcoming. when i come, i may never leave. happy holiday season!
Thanks Laura but as we all know, Sushi is the star in this house!
ok, i think this is officially my favorite of all the christmas tours you have ever done, and i am fairly certain i have seen them all! LOVE everything, kelly! it’s so fun and sushi shines. 😉 i love the pair of dining room trees, love the colorful fun decor everywhere, and the textures, pom poms, etc… well done, my friend!
Yes, I went very minimal this year LOL! That means so much coming from you my friend!
Kelly! This is all so stunning. I honestly don’t even know how to pick out a favorite. Everything is perfect. I love that you saved the top of the Christmas tree and I love the vintage wrapping paper. Your daughters ice skates made me smile. Awesome job, so beautiful!❤
You’re too kind Lisa! I hope you have a very Merry Christmas
I love all of your decor and all of our fun touches!! Your fireplace is amazing and I love your dining room! Th am you so much for being a part of the housewalk!
I look forward to your Housewalk every year Jen! Thanks so much for inviting me once again!
Everything looks absolutely like Christmas magic! I am beyond in love with the wallpaper in your dinning room too! So beautiful like always.
I private messaged you already so you know how I feel about this years tour. LOL
Girl, it’s just …. yeah.
I LOVED IT ALL. xo
Thanks so much Shannon for always being one of my biggest cheerleaders! Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!
Everything is so pretty Kelly, your fireplace is stunning!
Thank you Kristin! I was stressing about trying to top my chalkboard mantel from last year!
What a wonderful house tour, Kelly! I love everything you have done! Just wonderful!
Thank you so much Linda! I hope you are enjoying this holiday season!
Your house is so sooo wonderful!! I loved everything, Sushi’s sweater, your daughter’s skates, the mantle, every tree, they were all so different but beautiful and some so cute. Thank you Kelly it was a joyful time.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the tour Marlene! Sushi is of course humiliated that I made her wear that sweater but she’ll get over it!
your home is not just beautifully decorated….. it is FUN!!!!!!!!! have a very merry Christmas……
Fun is my middle name … no wait, it’s Ann but I’m still fun!
Kelly, amazing! It was so much fun to stroll through your home with you and Sushi. LOVE everything. It’s so festive. Wishing you the merriest of Christmases.
Sushi is just happy she got to take that sweater off!
Kelly, your home is always a treat to view, and my favorite this year is the the ice skates! What an amazing idea. Being in that empty nest season, I appreciate this idea greatly. Sushi is the cutest little guy and I bet he would get along great with our cats lol. NOT! And your tree full of SB’s is so beautiful!!! You continue to amaze after all these years!
Wow thanks so much Julie! I understand the empty nest thing all too well! Sushi is insulted that you think she’s a he!
I was overcome with smiles when I saw your Boston ! My best friend, after my husband of course, is our Boston Terrier. He is an old gray haired man of 16 years now. Our son was a great Stephen King fan at the time and named him Cujo. His name somehow morphed into Booboo. He is always by my side and will always be in my heart.
I loved seeing all of the Christmas items that I actually grew up with displayed in your fun decor.
Cujo! What a riot! I think BooBoo is much more fitting and I’m so happy to hear he’s living life as an old man. I hope Sushi can live to a ripe old age too. Merry Christmas Glenda and BooBoo!
I’m with ya, Kelly! This fireplace styling is my favorite of yours EVER! And you’ve had a lot of gorgeous ones. Actually, I think this is your best tour yet. The vintage glass tree and the sweet family touches and little Sushi everywhere. It’s all so good. Hope you and your precious family have a great Christmas season!
Wow thanks so much Lauren! Sushi is definitely the best Christmas accessory!
Kelly ~
Such a beautiful – Christmas inspired canvas. I can only imagine how your home transforms in the evening, with glowing of lights and hints of sparkle.
Truly a magical!
You’ll get to see because I’ll be sharing a Christmas at night post soon!
Oh my goodness! I loved seeing your home decked out for Christmas. I love your tip for using gift wrap as art. Your house looks amazing!!
Thanks so much Paula! I had fun decorating this year and believe it or not, I pared down LOL!
I agree, this might be my favorite year for your Christmas home. I particularly like the Igloo tree, Sushi dressed up to party, and my fav is the skates under glass. However, slice and bake? Is that how you usually roll, err I mean slice?
I hate to bake – too much measuring and being precise. I do love to eat baked goods in all forms as well as raw cookie dough. I know you judge me but I have to live my truth.
All so, so lovely! Love all the pops of red. And I have the exact same plaid dinnerware and cedar placemats—bought mine last year and have really enjoyed them. Thanks for sharing your gorgeous home.
Oh I love those plates so much! Funny that we are twinning!
Girrrrrrrl! You got me with those double trees!
I’m looking around thinking….where can I put some double trees?!!? So beautiful and inviting! Thanks so much for sharing with us all!
LOL I have twins so need a twin set of trees! Merry Christmas Destiny!
You are truly the Queen of Christmas! Did I say that last year? I’ve been coming to your Christmas home tours ever since I started blogging and you always blow me away! Sushi is such a cutie and that cookie jar!!! Thanks for such a fun and inspiring tour, Kelly!
I’m going to ask Santa for a crown! Thank you so much Jennifer and wishing you the merriest of Christmases!
OMG Kelly your home is beyond amazing! I am in love with all of your collections! Love those ornaments. And your red stove. And your pink tree. Well really every single thing! Love it!
xoxo
Thanks so much Jen that means a lot coming from you!
Kelly it just gets more beautiful as I move through your home! Stunning. You always impress me with your style. Sushi is freaking adorable! Merry Christmas!
Sushi’s popularity has gone to her head Karen! Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!
Where to start?! KELLY your house looks amazing!! So much Christmas cheer, and I absolutely adore the charming red and white vintage-y feel of it!! The ice skates in the lantern is soo adorable, but your double trees in the dining room are the true star! Stunning!!
Merry Christmas to you!
Sheila
xo
Thank you so much Sheila! I do love the glow from the twin trees!
Beautiful tour! If a Christmas tree will make me look 10 years younger, I’m putting one in every room, and in my car! Lol!
LOL I’m with you Susan!
Hi Kelly,
Even though Christmas is over, I just started this holiday tour, and yours is one of my favorites. I am inspired by your lovely decorating touches, and as a result, have just subscribed to your blog! Love everything about your home! You did a beautiful job! The dining room is especially beautiful! Also, love your pillows! The dog pillow is so fitting for your home, and I am very taken with the troll (gnome) pillow. Is it homemade? Looking forward to visiting in 2020, I know I will enjoy!
Welcome Sandi! I’m so glad you enjoyed my home tour! I bought the gnome pillow at HomeGoods and the dog pillow is actually my dog Sushi! Happy 2020
Hi Kelly,
Do you remember where you purchased the nutcrackers on display in front of your Night Before Christmas print?
Thank you!
Diane
Hi Diane! Yes, I got the nutcrackers at Michaels last year and love them!
Thanh you…unique they are! I was thinking other holidays would be unique for nutcrackers as well.
Thank you for all you do !
Thank you so much Diane!