Christmas 2017 Sketches

Okay so Christmas 2017 isn’t quite here…forgive me.  I just must.

You know that old saying, “If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get….”

Yep.  Year after year I declare it to be the year where I am going to have everything so under control that I’m going to sit back and “enjoy the season.”  Invariably, every year I run around like a crazy woman (last year on Christmas Eve at 11:00 p.m. looking for a laser tag game).  Last year I didn’t have a chance to take Luke to see Santa until December 23rd.  Last year I had Christmas cards made and had them in the envelopes and never mailed them.

I know.

Shame me.

I deserve it.

But this year.  This year is going to be THE YEAR.  This year I’m doing something different.  I’ve made a plan and set a schedule and hope to have all the “must do” tasks done by Black Friday so I really can enjoy the season.  So I’m starting way early here.  Like now.  If you want to start early too, go ahead… I won’t judge.

I even went all “Type A” and sketched out all my Christmas decorations and planned some fun DIY projects to share along the way with you.

Kitchen and Breakfast Nook Plans

I sketched out what I want to put in this area.  I’m trying to keep it somewhat simple and not go too over the top.  Years where I go way too far with Christmas decorations I tire of them really quickly because it feels like too much.  This year I want to walk the fine line of being festive without being cluttered.

I spent last weekend cleaning the house and putting everything away I didn’t think I was going to keep out over Christmas.  I’m starting with a clean slate.

I’m planning on putting a non-traditional advent “wreath” on the top of this secretary desk.  I really like having an advent wreath and looked for a way to do a new version of it.

Foyer

I’m going to try to keep the foyer under control.  It’s the first thing we see when we walk through the door and when I do too much it makes it feel cluttered right off the bat.  I’m going to keep my candlesticks and add a little holiday cheer to them with ribbon and ornaments.  A sweet French card holder and a small gold tree will finish the space off nicely without piling a bunch of stuff in the space.

Living Room

I have some lovely ideas for the living room this year.  The first I’m really excited about is making these laurel wreathes.  I plan on putting them in the windows and I think they will sparkle and just be so pretty in the sunshine.

Just to the right of these chairs will be the Christmas tree.  I haven’t figured out the perfect spot for the tree in this house yet.  Every year it has been a different place.  I’m hoping this year is the year I figure it out.  The tree is going to be gold, white, and English rose.  I’m going to show you how you can totally change the colors in your Christmas decor without buying all new decor.

The credenza is going to paired down of all the media.  It’s just too much.  My beautiful nativity set will be going on it.  Also, did you spot the orange coffee table?  I mean, really, how could you miss it?  I picked that up at the thrift a while back and it is in the process of getting a makeover just in time for Christmas.  More details on that coming soon.

I’m not sure I’ve ever shared the above view of the house.  This is basically the view when you walk in the front door.  Our whole house is one big open “L” with bedrooms sprawling off of it.  So from left to right will be French armoire, Laurel Wreathes, Christmas tree.  Sounds like the gangs all here doesn’t it?

Dining Room

I might be the most excited about my dining room plans.  It’s my favorite “room” in the house.  The shiplap wall with French mirror and sconces just make me happy.  So, adding Christmas is just a big fat bonus to the whole thing.

Sometimes the dining room can feel dark in the evening and now that we are off of daylight savings time, I’m always wanting soft light to fill the corners of the great room.  I’m on the hunt for a large battery operated lit wreath to put on the mirror.  I want that twinkle in the dining room and I think that is the way to accomplish it.

Dixie looks like she has pink fur in this photo.  Not really sure why.  Believe me, she is an all beige dog.  :). I guess I even like my dogs neutral.

I also have another fun little DIY craft project for this space.  Embroidery hoop wreathes have been so popular for the last few years and I thought it was about time I attempt to make one…or three.  I plan to make some sweet ones with gold leaf starfish on them to hang from the backs of the dining room chairs.  Fun, fun, fun.

If you follow me on Instagram you might have seen my story where I shared the amazing candelabras I recently found.  If you didn’t see it…you’ll just have to wait until I post my Christmas tablescape.  Sorry!  This year it is all about the candelabras and some sweet gold and white deer for the center of my table.

So, what do you think?  Do you think this year might be different?  Do you struggle with getting it all done?  I’m bound and determined this year Christmas is not going to feel like a chore.  After all, let’s remember the whole point of the season.