• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Partner
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy

Southern Hospitality

Adventures in Decorating, Thrifting, Cooking, Fashion & Gardening

  • My Home
  • Categories
    • My Blog Story
    • Decorating
    • DIY/How-To
    • Family
    • Gardening
    • In the Kitchen
    • My Home Tours
    • Thrifting
    • Travel
  • Fashion
  • Feature Friday
  • Shop My Home
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter

Deck the Halls 2008

December 15, 2008 By Rhoda 155 Comments

  • Share
  • Tweet

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

View More Monday Memories Participants
Get The Code

Powered by… Mister Linky’s Magical Widgets.

Related


Don't Miss a Post, join my list!

Filed Under: Christmas 155 Comments

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Marci says

    December 15, 2008 at 7:39 pm

    Your home is beautiful! Thank you for being such a wonderful hostess.

    Reply
  2. Linda at Lime in the Coconut! says

    December 15, 2008 at 7:57 pm

    Oh! I am just seeing you are hosting a holiday tour too! Must be the day!!

    Your home is lovely decked out in it’s holiday splendor! Love how you get up close and personal with some of the pics!!

    Thank you!

    Reply
  3. ksarra says

    December 15, 2008 at 8:00 pm

    Wow. Your home is an absolute Christmas wonderland. I LOVE everything you’ve done, especially bringing in the natural elements and the brown/bronze tones!

    Reply
  4. Glenda/MidSouth says

    December 15, 2008 at 8:00 pm

    Wow! Everything is just beautiful.
    Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  5. Jennifer says

    December 15, 2008 at 8:07 pm

    You have the tree of my dreams! My word you have a gorgeous home!

    Reply
  6. kymber says

    December 15, 2008 at 8:20 pm

    Rhoda,
    I couldn’t resist joining in the fun. Thanks for inviting us!
    Blessings,
    Kymber

    Reply
  7. laurie says

    December 15, 2008 at 8:38 pm

    Beautiful! I love your tree topper! laurie

    Reply
  8. Andrea @ Big Creek Cottage says

    December 15, 2008 at 9:21 pm

    I love your decorations…the stockings are beautiful…

    Reply
  9. Domestic Goddess..Diva sometimes says

    December 15, 2008 at 9:34 pm

    Your home looks beautiful. Thank you for the tour!

    Reply
  10. KMfamily ;-) says

    December 15, 2008 at 9:41 pm

    Rhoda – you spoil us all with your lovely decorations!
    Your tree makes me want to go out an buy stuff for mine!! Its beautiful! & the urn idea-marvelouse!
    I truely wish you & your family a wonderful Holiday season!
    & now its off to visit more houses

    Reply
  11. FrenchGardenHouse says

    December 15, 2008 at 9:42 pm

    Rhoda, as usual, your home rocks! It’s ready for Christmas, everything looks just fa bu lous.

    XO Lidy

    Reply
  12. Mary Ellen (megardengal) says

    December 15, 2008 at 9:46 pm

    RHonda- I am coming by to beg your forgiveness- I signed up then totally forgot to put the link up on my site as I was working today- I am doing it the minute i get off here-

    I love your tree- It really is breathtaking and the star ornament on your wreath–exquisite!

    Ok now I need to go fast and get that link up!

    blessings
    mary

    Reply
  13. Amy from Texas says

    December 15, 2008 at 9:57 pm

    Rhonda,
    Your home is gorgeous!!! Thanks for hosting such a fun party!

    Reply
  14. PamperingBeki says

    December 15, 2008 at 10:07 pm

    It’s beautiful! And so.very.rhoda.
    🙂

    Reply
  15. mishebe says

    December 15, 2008 at 10:19 pm

    great tour. love your trees. Love those stockings. mishelle

    Reply
  16. Angela says

    December 15, 2008 at 10:27 pm

    Thanks for having me over! I do love your decorating style. What fabulous ideas I’m getting!

    Reply
  17. beth at aunties says

    December 15, 2008 at 10:28 pm

    You home looks so icredible and lovely. The words mostly which comes to mind as “Joyful Elegance” with an unique twist which I love!
    You are so inspiring!
    Your tree is gorgeous and you did not disappoint any with all of our anticipation:-)

    Thanks for hosting this Holiday tour and may your family enjoy an incredible Christmas.
    Beth`♥

    Reply
  18. Rochelle says

    December 15, 2008 at 10:40 pm

    Hi Rhoda…..all I can say is amazing! Everything looks so well put together and I am in awe…
    Merry Christmas
    Rochelle

    Reply
  19. mrsjones6 says

    December 15, 2008 at 10:43 pm

    Merry Christmas Rhoda! Your home is stunning and cozy as always. You give such fabulous inspiration to us all! I really love the golds and burgandys. They make a great combination.
    Have a wonderful week,
    Jen

    Reply
  20. Shelia says

    December 15, 2008 at 11:00 pm

    Rhoda, your decorations are breathtaking!
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia 😉

    Reply
« Older Comments
Newer Comments »

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

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?

Subscribe

Click Here

Click Here

Subscribe to the Blog
How to Decorate in
Classic Timeless Style
.....without breaking the bank!

House Renovation Journey!

Our Paint Colors

Archives

Categories

Footer Widget Header2

Featured here:

Better Homes and Gardens
Atlanta Magazine
Better Homes and Gardens

Footer

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • Home
  • Contact
  • Partner

Copyright © 2026 · Southern Hospitality · Blog Design by Little Blue Deer
Privacy Policy