Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Deck the Halls!


I was not into the blogging world last year for BooMama's Christmas Tour of Homes, but I thought it would fun to participate this year. If for no other reason, Maria is frequently asking to see pictures of our new (okay, its not really new anymore) home in Ohio. Merry Christmas and enjoy the tour.***








Welcome to our home - I must say, as tempted as I have been to paint the door, I do love having a white door because everything shows up!

Upon entering, you'll come into our foyer. Typically this has a few other kid friendly decorations, but they appear to have been hidden (hence why they are kid friendly).


The stairwell was new creation this year. For whatever reason, it has gone undecorated in past years. This year it has become a beautiful array of lights (and doubles as a nightlight!)




The Living Room shelf was a last minute creation. I had a lot of ribbon left from another project you'll see later on the tour and I decided to use it on shelves throughout the house. This is one of my favorites, especially because the winter scene in the picture is enhanced by all the decorations.
On the other side of the foyer is our formal dining room. I must say the photographer (that's me) did not really do this room justice. Its much more beautiful at night when the garland is lit and the china hutch lights are on... but you'll need to use your imagination.


Here is a picture of the buffet and hutch up close:


This window hangs over our wine rack and is something that changes seasonally. This year I simply took some of my holly (which I used elsewhere throughout the dining room) and added it to to the ivy. Get it... holly and the ivy!!!



On to our family room. The arrangement of furniture was new this year (and done with the help of my dear friend Kristen) to allow the tree to be in this corner. I really like it here versus other places we've had it as you can see it upon entering the room. If you look closely at the picture, you will see the miniature tour guide, she just couldn't stay out of the picture!


Here is our mantle and fireplace.


And last on the official tour is the Snow Village, each year I wonder where to put it as the village grows and each year it ends up on top of the TV curio. Somehow I always find room for the latest addition. I think year's village arrangement is my favorite.


Although this concluded the official tour of the McGregor home, I did mention my ribbon project this year. After reading and viewing some craft ideas from Maria, I came up with this fun idea for my 5 red stars that decorate my kitchen soffit all year round. It was so easy and it added just a little more Christmas spirit to my kitchen.


Thank you for taking a tour of our home. We wish each and every one a blessed Christmas season.



***I, like Maria, am totally blown away by the beautiful, elegant, and elaborate decorations of these homes. I am not in anyway competing or comparing my work... it would just shame me:)

8 comments:

the buurstra's said...

Thanks for sharing Jill! It's fun to see even just a snippet of your home in Ohio!

BTW, is that a painting of Luther's campus, and in particular Miller/Dieseth Hall?

Have a very Merry Christmas!

Carol said...

Love all your festive touches! Thanks for joining in on the tour.

Merry Christmas from She Lives!

Lesley said...

what beautiful christmas decorations you have....

Maria said...

Finally!! :)hehehe Thanks for the tour. It's fun to "see" your house! Hopefully soon I can tour in person! Love you guys! Thanks for participating in the tour even if you were shamed into it! Merry Christmas!!

BECKY said...

Your decorations are very pretty and I love the window wall hanging!! Thanks for opening up your home to us! I hope to join in tomorrow!!
Glad tidings to you for Christmas and the coming New Year!!
Becky

Ami said...

Thanks for sharing! Your village, along with other decorations, is beautiful! Merry Christmas!

Aaron and Stephanie said...

Your home looks beautiful... very festive! Have a Merry Christmas and hopefully we can all visit when Aaron and I are home for New Years.

Heather said...

I love your window pane decoration!