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Deck the Halls 2008

December 15, 2008 By Rhoda 155 Comments

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Welcome!

If you are here from BooMama’s Christmas tour of homes, welcome! I’m also having a little party here myself today with a few of my friends, so check out Mr. Linky below for more Christmas party fun. You are sure to be inspired.

Today we’ll take a look at the livingroom, first stop the mantel. This year I did almost all natural greens here, with just a couple of faux springs tucked in for impact. Fresh greens from the tree lot, along with some magnolia leaves that were found nearby and that makes for a great looking mantel.

This year I was inspired to move an iron mirror from one of the bedrooms here to the livingroom, where I layered it with a grapevine wreath and some special ornaments picked up last year in the after-Christmas sales. I’m really loving this color combo of bronze, browns, and greens.

I really love to pick up special ornaments to use as centerpieces on wreaths or table displays, like this pretty star that I found in a specialty store after Christmas last year. The giant sparkly pinecones were from Homegoods, again on sale.

Wish, Joy, Hope! What better message for this time of year? These 3 glittered wonders were found at Kohls last year, again after-Christmas sales. I love to go out on the hunt and find the deals. You can see one of three faux pinecone sprays that I picked up at Hobby Lobby to use right here in the center of my mantel greens.

It blends in so well, you would never know it. I love to add candle holders as lifts to hold special objects and ornaments and you can see a glittered pinecone that I did last year.

These pretty bronzy mercury glass-like ornaments were a Hobby Lobby sale find from last year. I love the large size of them and when you have larger pieces, you don’t need as many to make a statement.

Magnolia leaves at Christmas are a Southern staple and I love to find them and snip some branches.

I found a few brown/bronze glittered birds after Christmas last year at Target and they were fun to pull out this year to use on the mantel with all the other bronze items.

The Christmas tree this year was put over to one side of the sofa in the livingroom and still fits in here quite nicely, even though it’s not front and center like last year. I’ve had gold and burgandy ornaments on my tree for many years, so I doubt I’ll start over with this anytime soon. I do love it when it’s all decorated and lit!

JOY is spelled out over the doorway (another giveaway gift from Stacy, at 19 Butternut, thank you!). I’ll show a closeup of that down below.

I always admire those really decked out tree toppers that I see designers doing, so this is my version. I had pretty ribbon and feathers and just added some glitzy golden baby’s breath around the bottom, as well as some glittered gold leaf sprays. It’s not perfect, but I’m happy with it.

The Tree…so very pretty. This year I tried out using an urn for the tree, since I really hate the bottom of fake trees. I managed to wedge it into a garden urn with some bricks in the bottom and so far so good. I like this so much better. I’ve seen urns that are made especially for fake trees, but haven’t seen any this year. Whenever I find a pretty one, I’ll get it. Anybody seen those this year?

Pretty ornaments and ribbon.

Thanks to my friend, Judy at Gracious Southern Living for passing on this ribbon find from sales last year. I love this ribbon, it’s perfect for my tree, and it even matched some other ribbon I already had, just slightly darker in color.

Here’s a closer look at the urn.Antique mirror coming up the front stairs with a hanging cone, found in a yardsale last year. I decided to put it to good use this time around.

Behind the sofa, 2 gold trees, long ago finds from Tuesday AM, decorate the sofa table, along with a paper mache angel.

The nativity scene is a good fit for this little side table.

Here’s a closer look at the JOY letters, also from Stacy’s giveaway.

I love to add pretty balls and baubles to my boxes and bowls around the livingroom. These red ones were found years ago at Garden Ridge.

Perfect in the gold box, along with some bronze garland and fresh snipped greens.

One red ball rests on top of an urn with moss.

More red balls in another box with stacking Christmas boxes behind them.

This little iron birdbath is a fun spot to change out for the seasons, with some extra lime green ornaments, pinecones and greens.

Fresh greens swag from the nursery tied with a big bow greets our guests coming in the frontdoor.

And another peek at the brown cone, filled with greens, berries and topped with a brown bow.

These berries are actually not real, but they sure are a good fake with their yellowy leaves. Found them over in Atlanta when I was home recently.
I sure hope you enjoyed the livingroom tour of the tree and mantel this year! I had a lot of fun doing it all. It’s tiring, but so worth it to celebrate this Christmas season. I hope you and your family have the Merriest Christmas ever!
For more of my home tour, go here:
Christmas Spirit
More Christmas in the Kitchen
Foyer Christmas Magic
Christmas Village
Simply Silver
There’s also a party going on over at Hooked on Houses, so check out her links too for more holiday fun. This is going to be a full week of cheer!

Now, for all of my friends here and anyone new stopping by who wants to join us, please add YOUR Christmas tour on Mr. Linky below and so we can all come by your house for some Christmas cheer. Let the party begin!

Monday Memories Participants

1. Diane
2. http://thepleasuresofhomemaking.blogspot.com/2008/12/christmas-home-tour-2008.html
3. Jerri (Simply Sweet Home)
4. http://asoftplacetoland-kimba.blogspot.com/2008/12/love-me-some-parties.html
5. Rhondi
6. Cyndi
7. http://thequintessentialmagpie.blogspot.com/2008/12/southern-hospitalitys-holiday-house.html
8. http://backporchmusings.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-house-tour.html
9. Nancy
10. http://www.gracioussouthernliving.blogspot.com
11. http://hookedonhouses.net/2008/12/14/hooked-on-holiday-house-tours-let-the-party-begin/
12. http://gracioussouthernliving.blogspot.com/2008/12/dining-room-decked-out-for-christmas.html
13. Beverly
14. http://nestingplacenc.blogspot.com/2008/12/tour-de-rental-christmas-version.html
15. paintergal
16. We are THAT family
17. Phillips Phamily Mama
18. Terri
19. Sherry
20. http://take90west.com/index.php/497/
21. coco-ordinary miracles
22. http://ordinarymiracles-coco.blogspot.com/2008/12/christmas-open-house.html
23. http://kristensbloglife.blogspot.com/2008/12/christmas-came-early-for-me.html
24. http://windycornerusa.blogspot.com/2008/12/tropical-white-christmas.html
25. Canyon Wren Cottage
26. Marie Louise
27. Historical Home
28. Carrie from Oikology101
29. http://cena-unexpectednecessities.blogspot.com/2008/12/christmas-tour-pt-1.html
30. Mary (Megardengal)
31. http://www.decorating-ideas.blogspot.com
32. Blanca – For the Love
33. http://3cheers4mom.blogspot.com/
34. Carrie, Reading to Know
35. http://creatingmyselfcreatively.blogspot.com/
36. http://livelaughblog.com/2008/12/14/2008-christmas-tour-of-homes/
37. Southernseven
38. http://www.seasonsforallathome.com/2008/12/holiday-home-tours.html
39. This Southern Girls Nest
40. Karen B
41. http://thebunnysbungalow.blogspot.com/search/label/Christmas%2008
42. http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/2008/12/its-beginning-to-look-alot.html
43. Maya’s Christmas Home Decorations
44. Frugal Carol
45. Artie
46. http://www.homebodyholly.com/2008/12/christmas-around-house.html
47. http://howtokeephouse.blogspot.com
48. http://theresa-sentimentaljourney.blogspot.com
49. The Imp
50. SOUTHERN MAMA
51. http://monroeice.blogspot.com/2008/12/welcome-to-our-home.html
52. Fifi Flowers Design Decor
53. http://www.shoot-scoop.com/2008/12/14/holiday-farm-house-tour/
54. Bonita Lillie
55. Jessica
56. Mary Vigil
57. Linda’s Home
58. Stephanie
59. Lisa
60. Sidz Kidz
61. Lamp Tramp
62. http://eiselefamilynews.blogspot.com/2008/12/welcome-to-our-holiday-home.html
63. Jen R Sanctauary arts at home
64. Sharon in Texas
65. Gin, Good Morning World!
66. Miss Priss
67. Rhonda in OK
68. Connie’s Turning 50!
69. Carrie in Colorado Springs
70. The Joyful Homemaker in Australia
71. Maria
72. Brittany
73. http://www.jlandwh.blogspot.com
74. Colors of CHRISTmas
75. Girly Stuff
76. Jamie Lea
77. http://marcirogers.blogspot.com/2008/12/christmas-tour.html#links
78. A Simple Walk
79. Linda#Lime in the Coconut
80. Jennifer on the Front Porch (Tour of Decor)
81. The 4 Sullivans
82. http://anewdaydawningforkymber.blogspot.com/2008/12/decking-halls.html
83. Julee
84. http://mrsjones6.wordpress.com/2008/12/15/christmas-open-house/
85. http://pamcocomama.blogspot.com/2008/12/christmas-home-tour.html#links
86. http://samandnicolegraves.blogspot.com/2008/12/oh-christmas-tree.html
87. http://www.magnolia-manor.blogspot.com
88. VeryVeryCherry
89. http://www.andreaw123.typepad.com
90. http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com
91. Kelly’s Korner
92. frenchgardenhouse
93. http://www.livinglocurto.com/index.php/2008/12/holiday-house-tour/
94. ~ * WHITNEY CAROLINE * ~
95. mishelle
96. Darlene at Our Creative Life
97. Beth
98. http://diapersandstilettos.blogspot.com/2008/12/christmas-tour-of-homes.html
99. Our Creative Life
100. http://wheretheboysare.wordpress.com/2008/12/15/2008-christmas-tour-of-my-home/
101. kim at charmed I’m sure
102. http://bunchofscrap.blogspot.com/2008/12/christmas-home-tour.html
103. http://lindathompson.blogspot.com/2008/12/christmas-tour-of-homes.html
104. Tanya
105. Amber.Filkins
106. http://beverlysandhills.blogspot.com/2008/12/christmas-open-house.html
107. Robin
108. http://imperfectlybeautifulms.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-party-palooza.html
109. kayellen
110. The Muse
111. Melissa
112. http://jans-gems.blogspot.com/2008/12/christmas-tree-decor.html
113. http://bibsandcribs.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-decor.html
114. http://mollyandmarshal.blogspot.com/2008/12/christmas-time.html
115. http://gracioussouthernliving.blogspot.com/2008/12/den-at-christmas-2008.html
116. Melissa
117. Upside Brown
118. Lela Faye
119. http://amysfinerthings.com/a-little-christmas-y-tour
120. Angie
121. Carolina Mama Christmas
122. SARAH ~~ A BEACH COTTAGE
123. Shay
124. http://deedee-warren.blogspot.com/2008/12/2008-christmas-tour-of-homes.html
125. JudyBug
126. Kate
127. Nise’
128. http://randldunning.blogspot.com/2008/12/christmas-tour-of-homes.html
129. Junk Mammas
130. http://hookedonhouses.net/2008/12/14/hooked-on-holiday-house-tours-let-the-party-begin/
131. Cynthia Eriksen
132. Bronwen
133. Sisters Christina & Victoria
134. Paula – Buckets of Christmas Ideas
135. Angela (Cottage Magpie)
136. Jessica
137. Calamity Anne
138. http://mclainmoments.blogspot.com/2008/12/christmas-open-house.html
139. Serendipity
140. Joanna {sweet finds}
141. The Charm House Christmas Tour
142. THE KRAMER ANGLE
143. http://agirlwhosjustpassingthrough.blogspot.com/2008/12/ho-ho-holiday-tour.html
144. Southern Fried Gal
145. Ivory Spring
146. Carrie
147. Mrs.Rabe
148. http://quillcottage.blogspot.com/2008/12/invitation-to-christmas-celebration.html
149. Pink and PolkaDot
150. Tardevil
151. Jen ~ Be Thou Exalted
152. KARI AND KIJSA
153. Cherry
154. santamaker/ Rose
155. The Decorated House
156. deb
157. http://meandmyinsanity.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-open-house-2008.html
158. AshestoBeauty
159. edeenut creates
160. Melissa Burford
161. Sugar Mommy
162. http://peterpanandfamily.blogspot.com/2008/12/christmas-tour-of-homes.html
163. Stacy – Themes to Me
164. http://eastofedentoo.blogspot.com/2008/12/boo-mamas-christmas-tour.html
165. sue-cottage
166. NEW EVERY MORNING
167. Empty Nesters
168. Jayna
169. Kiersten – The Pretty Neat Company

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Filed Under: Christmas 155 Comments

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. DebraK from ~the Bunnies Bungalow~ says

    December 15, 2008 at 12:08 pm

    Hi Rhoda, Thanks for inviting me! You sure do have your lovely all all decked out! Happy Holidays, DebraK

    Reply
  2. KarenB says

    December 15, 2008 at 12:14 pm

    Merry Christmas Rhoda! Your home is beautiful as usual. Thanks for hosting the Christmas tour. I would love to visit your home in reality.

    Reply
  3. Wendy says

    December 15, 2008 at 12:14 pm

    Just had to join the fun! THanks! And what a beautiful job you’ve done with your decorating. AMAZING!

    Reply
  4. Maya says

    December 15, 2008 at 12:26 pm

    Wow Rhonda, you did such a wonderful job. It looks all so great and festive! Merry Christmas.

    Reply
  5. Maya@Completely Coastal says

    December 15, 2008 at 12:29 pm

    Sorry Rhoda… for sneaking an n into your name!

    Reply
  6. Holly says

    December 15, 2008 at 12:52 pm

    Rhoda, it’s just stunning, as always! Gorgeous!

    Reply
  7. Heather says

    December 15, 2008 at 12:59 pm

    Your home is beautiful!! I love your mantle and Christmas tree!! Merry Christmas!!

    Reply
  8. the voice of melody says

    December 15, 2008 at 1:29 pm

    Everything is beautiful! I like all the reds you’ve used, it’s such a perfect color for Christmas.

    Reply
  9. Theresa @ Take A Sentimental Journey says

    December 15, 2008 at 1:33 pm

    How Beautiful Rhoda ! Love it ! Come see me, I signed up !

    Reply
  10. Sue says

    December 15, 2008 at 1:35 pm

    Rhoda,
    All your gorgeous fresh decorations made me do a second Christmas House Tour post. I went out and cut some fresh branches and freshened things up just for you!
    Thanks for hosting, you always give such great parties.
    Hugs,
    Sue

    Reply
  11. Fifi Flowers says

    December 15, 2008 at 1:47 pm

    BEAUTIFUL home tour! Thanks for sharing! ENJOY the holiday season!
    Fifi

    I’m off to link to YOUR DECK THE HALLS! WHat a FUN day of tours!

    Reply
  12. Bonita says

    December 15, 2008 at 1:59 pm

    Your decorations are gorgeous as always. After looking at so many lovely homes I decided to join in with my few decorations. Thanks for the inspiration!

    Reply
  13. Fifi Flowers says

    December 15, 2008 at 2:09 pm

    I hope you don’t mind… I made a little link button with one of your photos so I could have a link to your Deck the Halls similar to other buttons in my post… ENJOY!
    Fifi

    Reply
  14. We are THAT Family says

    December 15, 2008 at 2:10 pm

    Your home is stunning!

    Reply
  15. Stephanie says

    December 15, 2008 at 2:26 pm

    Oh wow! I am in awe, and so very inspired for next year already. Wow.

    Merry Christmas to All!
    Stephanie

    Reply
  16. Laura @ the shorehouse. says

    December 15, 2008 at 2:39 pm

    Oh, Rhoda you have been a busy bee. Just fabulous. I could look at these photos all day.

    All I have set up is a tour of the ornaments on my tree, LOL. That’s about all the festiveness I managed this year. Where does the time go?! I am so happy for the blog world…I’m loving peeking into other people’s windows. Legally. 😉

    Reply
  17. Lisa says

    December 15, 2008 at 2:42 pm

    Rhoda,
    Thank you for the Holiday Home Tour! I love all the colors you’ve chosen. Beautiful.
    Blessings
    Lisa

    Reply
  18. S says

    December 15, 2008 at 2:43 pm

    Oh my goodness, Rhoda! Everything is so amazingly beautiful. I would love to experience it all in person. I’m sure it would knock my socks off and take my breathe away. I’m so inspired for next year because of you. Thanks for the open house party, so fun!

    Reply
  19. Jen r. says

    December 15, 2008 at 2:59 pm

    Great decorations Rhoda! Great party!

    Reply
  20. Sharon says

    December 15, 2008 at 3:08 pm

    Hi Rhoda,

    I was drawn to your site because of your name (my sister’s name is also, Rhoda). Your home and Christmas decorations are STUNNING! Possibly the prettiest I’ve seen so far. Love your wreaths, Christmas tree and Nativity! Also love the cute stockings!

    Thanks so much for the tour. Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. God Bless!

    Reply
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Thanks for stopping by! I'm Rhoda, from Atlanta, GA and I love decorating and DIY projects. Decorating a home doesn't have to cost a fortune and I've spent years thrifting at antiques markets and yard sales, finding those treasures that make a home unique. I'm here to inspire and encourage other women to find their own inner creativity. Won't you join me?

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