I’m on a role here, people! There’s no stoppin’ this Christmas decorating fool. Well, I guess laundry could always stop me. However, I’ve just chosen not to do it. It’s the sacrifice I’m willing to make.
Remember this wreath? Luckily I’ve stocked up on the super wide ribbon from Wal-Mart, and I simply changed it out for the season.
My neutrality (yup, made it up) took a backseat for a minute so I could implement some more red this year. I figure it’s not too obnoxious to give me nightmares or make me break out into hives on a regular basis.
Of course, no fireplace mantle would be complete without some big, gaseous, high-maintenance dog plopped right in the middle of my shot. He saw me grab the camera, and he literally trotted over to “his spot”.
I mumbled something like, “What do you think you’re doing?” and he responded by thumping his tail on the floor. Huh.
So there you have it! The mantle. I’ll be back after I spread more Christmas cheer throughout the house!
Jenglamgirl says
gorgeous… stunning… love the last pic. w/ the cute doggy, the burning fire, mantel and tree. Love that bowa wreath… so cute and glam!
Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says
It looks great, Chris, and your pictures came out so good! Love the red {can't go wrong with that color}.
Carrie says
Oh, so beautiful! It's perfect! I love the garland! so cozy!
Hopeful Housewife says
Chris, I love it! Makes me want to snuggle up with a nice book or with Max, he just adds to the charm
Cheri says
Oh your pup just makes it look like a lovely card.
It looks stunning.
Debbie says
Oh how I love that. And your dog just adds that homeified (I made that up too) look. I'm lovin' the apple green and red, is that a real tree?
jociegal says
That room looks so cozy and delicious. Really beautiful. Where did you get that garland?
Jen says
OMG it's gorgeous!! I actually have a a big vase filled with similar ornament balls like yours! I feel so chic having something like you!! I even came up with the idea all on my own!! (Although I now want to add pine cones!)
I love that your dog is in the picture!! Makes it feel more homey! My dog's favorite spot is right in front of our fireplace too!!
southerninspiration says
Looks fantastic!!! I love the look and your tree is beautiful!
Suzanne
Lou Cinda says
LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT!! The red with the lime green! LOVE! And that wreath! I am coveting it!! And I love the last photo!! Looks like a Christmas card!
Beautiful photos!
Lou Cinda 🙂
writing4612 says
Gorgeous. You've done it again, my friend.
P@nmyfreetime.blogspot.com says
WOW is that AMAZINGLY beautiful!
Merry Christmas
Jessica says
GORGEOUS!!!!! I love the pops of red!
♥Amber Filkins♥ says
Absolutely beautiful! JUST stunning!! I love red. Especially at Christmas time.
Robin's Nesting Place says
Christmas card perfect, dog and all!
susan says
LOVE your mantel–especially the wreath! Love the ornaments in the container and,of course, the dog 🙂
Mom's Place says
Beautiful!
{ L } says
Absolutely gorgeous. Your photography is really good too!
RNSANE says
Chris, you definitely have the Christmas spirit. Your home looks like something out of one of those fancy decorating magazines…job well done.
Laurel @ Ducks in a Row says
Gorgeous – I'm totally loving that wreath!
Caren says
It looks beautiful and I like the doggy in that perfect spot. My dog is adding the perfect "scent" to make your photo oh, so realistic… that part I could do without. 😉
jomama says
Love the garland! So great.
kimert says
Your mantel and tree are absolutely beautiful!!!
Carmen says
Looks gorgeous!
Sarah @ Thrifty Decor Chick says
Beautious!! I love the pops of red! I'm obsessed with red this year. Our cats do the same thing — they must have super sonic "the camera is turning on" hearing.
Nancy says
love the red vases!! beautiful room, Chris, in her holiday dress 🙂
Cottage Dreamers says
Love the dog! He makes the whole thing come together.
Stephanie Lynn says
The garland is gorgeous!!! Love the feathers and natural-ness to it! Simly fabulous! Happy Holidays!
Rachelle says
I love it. Even with the dog in the picture it's bliss. 🙂
Rachelle
Brittany says
Just looked through all of your Christmas decoration posts! You did a fantastic job! I absolutely love what you did on your mantle! Beautiful!
Grace @ One Craft Girl's Corner says
So beautiful! It makes your home seem so warm and inviting!
Momofgirls says
Can you just come over??????
It's delicious. Love it all!
Danielle and Clint says
The room looks so warm and cozy. I want that wreath!
Carla says
It's gorgeous. I love how Maximus is enjoying the fire. I wish I had a mantle to decorate :o(. I just gaze at yours when I'm feeling mantle-envy!
Jodee Leader says
I love it!
Mrs Bee says
So…
Can I move in to your house?
It's beautiful…I can cook, clean, babysit…
Love the mantel.
Sass
😀
Lori E says
your photos (with the dog) remind me of a high end decorating magazine. beautiful and very inspiring….and I too have a mountain of laundry to put away (we are living out of the basket right now) because my holiday decorating has taken over.
holly says
Absolutely stunning! Love it!
Mandi Shandi says
Fantastic!! It is definitley pretty enough to justify skipping laundry.
Nancy says
Are you kidding me… the feathers.. LOVE THEM!!! The dog in the picture… very BHG or Southern Living (whichever you choose). You just need to be in the picture holding a cup of cocoa and be all nestled and cozy on your couch. So pretty and "hang-out-able." Yep. I made up that word.
Richella says
CHRIS! This looks absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!
And think of it this way: at Christmastime, red and green ARE the neutrals. No nightmares.
He may be high-maintenance, but Maximus does add an adorable touch to those photos. I especially like the one where we can see your tree in the foreground and the fireplace in the background. Gorgeous.
I thought of you today as I wrote about my first Christmas in Michigan. 🙂 Stay warm!
Deborah says
It's positively gorgeous — big gaseous dog and all :o)!!
Blessings!
Deborah
Judy says
You have done a beautiful job! The garland is just gorgeous! Your pup knows the best place to lie down…perfect picture.
Katherine @ Grass Stains says
I love it! And I was going to comment yesterday on how I think your burlap garland is just inspired … and the cutest idea I've seen all season. Love it all! Gorgeous room.
Little Miss Southern says
SUCH a pretty home!! These pictures are stunning!!! You seem like the best mom ever!! xxoxoxo
Beth@The Stories of A to Z says
It's beautiful.
Blarney says
Looks awesome! I finally got around to making a pair of ornament wreaths you posted many moons ago. They look pretty great and I've had some relatives hinting I should make some for them. Maybe next years gift no?!
Blarney says
Looks awesome! I finally got around to making a pair of ornament wreaths you posted many moons ago. They look pretty great and I've had some relatives hinting I should make some for them. Maybe next years gift no?!
Love Being a Nonny says
Your mantle is BEAUTIFUL!
Shanade says
That wreath and tree are absolutely gorgeous! Well done.
Aura says
Beautiful! I love your traditional Christmas colors. I love all the new blues and browns and pinks and purples that people are using in decorations, but I always go back to the basic reds and greens myself!
Nina Patricia @ The Adventures of Nina Patricia says
Maximus is my kind of dog!
I wanna go there and hug him 🙂 your home is looking amazing!
debra says
I love the mantle. That wreath is darling. The picture of your dog by the fireplace is so cute.
Love your wrapping idea from the previous post.
Sherri @ Design2Shine says
Gorgeous! Like someone said, looks like a Christmas card. Complete with large dog. 😉
Ruth says
It all looks stunning and fabulous!! Your blog is beautiful. I just recently found your blog through a link somewhere else. I love it!!!!!!!!!!!
I am hosting a giveaway on my blog. I hope you can stop by and enter.
Robin says
beautiful!
Lisa @ Fern Creek Cottage says
That is the most beautiful garland I have ever seen!
Lil' Woman says
Looks gorgeous..I want you to come decorate my house! 🙂
Kathy says
One word: WOW
Centsational Girl says
That mantle had me at hello. Where in the world did you buy/make that wreath ? I'm in heaven. Inquiring minds want to know. I'm so smitten with all the glam paired with the shiny red !!
Pink Stitches says
Beautiful decorations!! Oh how I wish to have a mantle.
Amy says
BEAUTIFUL!!!! Very cozy too!
Sandy says
Hello! I'm new to your blog, and love it! You have great style and are hilarious! Love the tree and the mantel. (And adore that dog! What a sweetheart!)
Girl with the Curlz says
So pretty. The room looks fabulous. Love that garland.
Phyllis AROUND THE HOUSE says
Just stunning I really love the way you have done the mantle, love all the pinecones and apples, my mantle looks very similar only for some reason I had this for once I wanted the ends to touch the floor, I think I got the look I wanted but I must say yours is a wow, come for a visit, I am a new follower of yours…
Nicolasa says
wow. absolutely stunning! I LOVE IT!
Laurie says
Simply breath taking!!!!
LoriLyn says
It feels very warm. I love it 🙂
katie says
Oh how beautiful and doggy just makes it perfect.
Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality says
Chris, it's all just beautiful. Love your tree and that gorgeous garland on the mantel. You did a great job! That red & green looks so vibrant.
LOL on the dog!
Lori says
I think that the dog just sets off the picture ~ it looks like home! Beautiful mantel ~ I love it!
Andrea says
Absolutly Breathtaking!!
Misty says
Can I move in…or at least next door? YOU ROCK!!!!
Paige says
Gorgeous. I love the last picture!
Darlene says
That wreath is fabulous! How was it made?? What is the white puffy stuff. Do tell….and quick because I want to make one!! I am not crafty and need all the help I can get. Thanks and have a great day!
Cherry Tree Lane says
Oh, it is SO beautiful! I'm so happy I found your blog! Lovely!
Wendy says
Love it!!! And deep down you know you love the dog. 🙂
Kimberly-mytoesareclaustrophobic says
Your tree and mantle look beautiful! Makes me want to curl up in that room with a blanket, a book and a cup of hot chocolate!
SharDon Exclusives says
Oh, my goodness your decorations are absolutely stunning! It looks as if it should be in a magazine. Lovely lovely Christmas decor.
Have a wonderful time in preparation for our blessed season,
Sharon
SharDon Exclusives says
Oh, my goodness your decorations are absolutely stunning! It looks as if it should be in a magazine. Lovely lovely Christmas decor.
Have a wonderful time in preparation for our blessed season,
Sharon
Jen @ After The Alter says
You have such an amazing eye! I LOVE the mandle! It is so classy and warm…makes me wish I had a fire place!
Juggling Thoughts says
Um, that's gorgeous!
Davis Family says
So pretty, i hope you are having a fun party this month to show off all your gorgeous decorations!
MaryRC says
very nice that wreath is to die for, i want one with a blue ribbon.. oh yea!
Anonymous says
so glad I found your site and did the fireplace garland as you described. I love it! It was fun to do and looks awesome.
Shirley says
That garland is so beautiful and full! Where did you find it or maybe you made it? What a perfect setting with the fireplace and the dog. Looks like a Christmas card.
Jaime says
Chris, how are you getting such great photos of your Christmas decorations? I've tried all different settings and they never come out quite right. Any pointers? Your house looks gorgeous.
2sisters says
It's beautiful…..and the mantle doesn't look half bad either. LOL! He's darling and your home looks gorgeous!
teri
Cherry Tree Lane says
I love the wreath! So sassy!
Kimm at Reinvented says
It's all good. Love the red, love the dog. 🙂
Erika says
where did you get the garland you wrapped around your tree, the burlappy thing with the ho-ho and other writing….LOVE THAT!
pics so beautiful
Stacey says
Beautiful! I love your tree!
Barb says
Oh honey everything looks fantastic, even Maximus…He's such a lovable lug. Those sad eyes. The tree is so lovely and adore the snow ornament and HO HO HO. So CHRISTMASYYYYY
Love Mom
beautyinallthings says
I love it all! It looks so inviting and just like a Christmas card! I am stopping in from Nester's Tour. If you would like to see my tour posts you can click on the 'Christmas 2009' tag on the left sidebar of my blog. Have a great holiday season!
jerriann says
Fun post and your mantle looks pretty all dressed up in red. I love it and it is great inspiration for this year.