Hi friends, where does the time go?  I can't believe Christmas day will be here in a week. Yesterday it snowed for the first time this season and just like a little kid I had to go outside and play!  Playing in the snow for me means snapping pictures and sharing them with you.  Just behind this door is our living room so come on in and warm up, I'll show you around.

christmas-in-our-living-room-&-entryway-love-my-simple-home

This post contains affiliate links


Hi, sweet friends thank you for stopping by for a little tour of our living room & entryway decorated for Christmas!  Each year I decorate a little differently but one common theme throughout the years remains the same and that is fresh greenery.  I am fortunate to have plenty of it in our yard and use it to decorate for Christmas in the kitchen, living room, and entryway.


 During the snowfall, I went outside with my clippers and gathered a bunch of winter greens to make a swag to hang on the coat closet in our tiny entryway.  It isn't fancy but I love the freshness.



A  couple of presents wrapped with Christmas tree print craft paper and red and white twine sit on top of a velvet-covered antique bench.


This year I decided to hang faux wreaths on the banister instead of the usual garland that I do every year.  I used a silk ribbon to attach the wreaths to the banister and tied a simple bow.   


This is our dog B we adopted her from an animal shelter a few years ago.  She doesn't really care much about decorating, she rather watch me work from her favorite comfortable spots.


This year our tree is decorated with new and antique ornaments that complement each other well.  If you're like us and you have what seems like countless boxes of ornaments, just pick a color scheme and choose your favorites.







I like to keep the coffee table top uncluttered so we have room to place our snacks and drinks when we are hanging out watching TV.  A tray placed in the middle of the coffee table holds a pine-scented candle, a pinecone, and winter greens.   



I use the extra ornaments that I can't fit on the tree as added decor in the rest of the room. Here I hung an antique ornament on a juniper branch.  I love how it is simple yet elegant.  

Use strands of beads meant for the tree in a bowl draped over books or hung across doorways. Even extra lights or Christmas ball ornaments can be displayed in a bowl on the console or coffee table for a colorful & textural element.






The throw pillow on the antique bench is from my line of coastal-style throw pillow covers and can be purchased HERE.  The gorgeous boxwood wreath is from One Kings Lane.

chelsea-pillow-cover-lovemysimplehome.com







The three Christmas trees I made with FloraCraft foam cones and white yarn.  I varied the height of the trees for more visual appeal.  The one with the red base is musical and plays Silent Night.  You can read the tutorial on how I made it HERE.  The toppers on the trees are antique lights that were on my family Christmas tree as a child.


I hope you are ignoring any stress the holidays can bring and are enjoying simple and peaceful days.


christmas-in-our-living-room-&-entryway-love-my-simple-home

The winter and holiday season in New York is off and running!  This is one of my favorite times of the year and I am gearing up to deck the halls of our home with winter greens. Some of my favorite winter greens include pine, spruce, evergreen trees, and shrubs such as boxwood and holly.  These fresh and lovely scented greens add a beautiful winter look to your home for the Christmas season.

This post contains affiliate links


Here is how to keep winter greens in your home looking and smelling fresh all season long:

The winter environment inside a home can be intensely dry.  Make sure to display loose greenery such as garland and wreaths away from direct sunlight and away from heat sources.



Tip:  Mist with water daily this will help the cuttings last for about two weeks.  



To ready the greenery that you plan to display in a water-filled vase, cut the stems at a 45-degree angle with a sharp knife or garden pruner. This will maximize water absorption through the stems.  

Tip: Recut the stems weekly to make them last longer.



Rehydrate the branches for long-lasting handmade wreaths and garlands :  

1.  Fill a bucket with lukewarm water.

2.  Use a knife to make diagonal cuts through the stems.

3.  Gently crush the exposed ends with a small hammer and place the branches in the water for a few hours before working with them.


Maximize fragrance by using a combination of aromatic evergreens such as pine, balsam, cedar, eucalyptus, and juniper. Arrange them as you would flowers and enjoy their winter scent.  A daily misting of water will help keep them smelling fresh.




Tip:  Mix fresh-cut greens with faux, this tricks the mind into thinking the faux greens are real. I do this in my own home and you can read HERE on how to decorate with fake flowers (tips & tricks).





Here are a few varieties of winter greens to love in your home:


1.  Cypress - short needles with a feathery appearance.

2.  Pine - long needle-shaped leaves.

3.  Cedar - wide-spreading branches.

4. Blue Spruce - silvery-blue needles and prickly to the touch.

5.  Hemlock - small needles with a fine texture.

6.  Juniper - mature leaves are awl-shaped and arranged in pairs of three with bluish berry-like cones.

7. Rosemary - sweet aromatic needle-like leaves.

8.  Eucalyptus - showy leaves with a menthol-like fragrance.

9.  Boxwood - elliptical, oval, and oblong-shaped leaves.

10.  Holly - bright green, glossy leaves and contrasting red berries.

winter-greens-to-love-in-your-home-all-season-long-lovemysimplehome.com



Here is a post I wrote two years ago: Minimal Christmas And Winter Decorating Ideas.  I talk about how to wrap presents in the simplest way and fuss-free Christmas decorating ideas. 

Thank you for the visit!



Do you have someone on your holiday shopping list that loves to travel?  This season, wrap up something meaningful for your busy traveler with a gift they will actually use.  These gifts will help your traveler pack smarter and arrive in style whether on the road or in the air.

2019-hoilday-gift-guide-for-the-traveler-love-my-simple-home

This post contains affiliate links

1. A two-in-one travel solution, this  Wheeled Suitcase features a zip-off duffle bag for convenience on the go. $143.99

2.  This Weekender Duffle Bag features a zippered side shoe compartment with synthetic leather carry handles. $90

3.  Travel in style with this Rolling Tote Bag/Carryon Suitcase Bright color faux-leather, and beautiful details like the golden padlock and hanging key.  You'll have people asking where did you get that? With 40% off-$135 

4.  Nylon Backpack- Navy or deep red.  Adjustable strap, lightweight with embossed leather trim, water-resistant lining, and golden hardware. Free shipping. $125

5.  Weekend traveling just got easier with this Canvas Weekend bag.  Durable canvas fabric with a trolly sleeve that keeps it securely in place over your suitcase. Personalize with a monogram. $69.95

6.  Handsome waxed cotton canvas and luxe leather Travel Wallet.  A foil debossed monogram on the inside finishes this jet set-ready design. Sale price $39.99

7.  Write home with this adorable Note Card.  Handmade note card and tricolor striped tissue-lined envelope hand-stamped dog motif, hand-bordered in navy. $7.20

8.  Long trips can make you sleepy.  This  Eye Shade blocks out light allowing you to sleep on a plane, train, bus or car.  Available in a selection of colors. $16.95

9.  The distressed finish brings a traveled look to this Travel Kit.  Faux leather, water-resistant. $47.50.  Cyber Monday special $19.99.

10.  Knitted Fanny Pack with multicolor pattern, zipper, and fully-lined. $29

11.  Protect your identity.  RFID Currency Passport Organizer - Great for traveling abroad!  Made of water-resistant quilted nylon with built-in RFID protection. Ships free. $18.71

12.  Luggage Tag Box Set Three tags Seek, Explore and Discover. $16

13.  Preserve memories of past adventures with this Travel Stub Diary  Made from 100% recycled paper label stock. $14.95

14. Place items that need laundering in this adorable WASH ME  Laundry Travel Bag.  Made of canvas. $15

15.  Travel Packing Cubes Set Of 2 - Choose gray, black or pink.  Packing cubes help organize everything in your suitcase from socks to shirts.  Two-layer packing space with venting holes. Limited time offer $23.40 and free shipping with code SHOPFAST.

16.  This 14 oz Reusable Travel Mug is the ideal, eco-friendly solution.  Comes with a re-sealable, no drop lid and a silicone sleeve to keep your hands from getting too hot. $14
© love my simple home · THEME BY WATDESIGNEXPRESS