Hello Friends!
Welcome to my holiday home tour! Today is a very special day for me because I am participating in Jennifer Rizzo’s Holiday Housewalk. This is seriously a pinch me moment.
If you are swinging by from stop #14 Duke Manor Farm, I am so happy you are here. Laura’s home is stunning, isn’t it? I just love how she has decorated it for the season.
If you are new here, I’m Susan and I live in Seattle with my husband, two teenage kids, dog, cat and 5 hens. I love cozy cottage style and creating a home that is warm and welcoming. I am addicted to thrifting and enjoy decorating my home with my vintage and thrifted finds. I’ve been known to rescue old furniture pieces, and you can see my favorite makeovers here. I am so glad to meet you!
When Jennifer contacted me and asked me if I would like to be included in her Holiday Housewalk, I was beyond delighted. I have long admired the gorgeous homes on her tours all decorated for the season. Since beginning my blogging journey, I have dreamed of being a part of this wonderful holiday tradition. To be included among the superstars on this tour is such an honor.
I immediately began pulling out all of my holiday bins, making elaborate plans for how I would decorate my home this year. Just two days after I agreed to participate, I received a call that my mom had sustained a pretty serious fall. She had recently undergone a heart procedure necessitating blood thinners, so the fall resulted in a devastating injury to her brain. I dropped everything, and flew to Michigan the next morning to be with her. After spending a week in the ICU, she passed away on November 15th. My heart is broken, and the grief unimaginable. I can’t even find the words to express the loss I feel.
I flew back home to Seattle with just a little over a week before this tour. I wasn’t even sure if I would be able to decorate and photograph my home in time to participate. And honestly, I wasn’t sure if I had it in me. But here’s the thing. My mom was my biggest cheerleader. She loved this blog, and told me every time we spoke how proud she was of what I was accomplishing. We chatted on the phone nearly every day, and she always asked me what I was working on, and if I had found any great bargains at the thrift shop (she loved a good bargain!). She was genuinely interested, and always shared in my excitement. Her encouraging words will forever replay in my mind.
I never got a chance to tell my mom that I had been asked to be a part of this tour. It has been a huge goal of mine, and I know she would have been even more thrilled than I am. So, I knew I had to pull it together, and finish decorating my home. Having this tour to focus on has truly helped to lift my spirits this past week. I’ve been thinking of my mom, and my decorations are totally inspired by my memories of her. It’s not what I had initially planned, but it’s what my heart needs right now. Vintage pieces, fresh greenery, joyful Christmas colors, comforting smells, and bits of cozy nostalgia sprinkled throughout my home. I know my mom would love it.
With that said, I hope you enjoy my merry and bright holiday home. If your spirits are in need of lifting this season, my wish is that you, too, find comfort, peace, and maybe even some joy.
Now, on with the tour.
Living Room
***This post contains affiliate links. For my full disclosure, see here.***
Our home opens directly into our living room, and this is the view that welcomes you as you enter the front door. Come on in!
Sofa / red and white grid pillow / white pom pom throw
I went heavy on the fresh garland and greens this year. It smells oh so heavenly. I left it loose and unfussy for an organic and natural look.
Entry
Red and white pom pom throw blanket
The little vignette by my front door brings back memories of growing up in Michigan with winters spent ice skating on nearby ponds and lakes. The vintage plaid throw was a gift from my mom. The large wicker trunk holds all our hats, mittens, and scarves.
Dining Room
Our dining table was a DIY. You can see the makeover here. I’m often asked about our wood bead chandelier. It is a vintage piece that I picked up on Craigslist. It came from a beach house here in Washington State. A fresh tree left “naked” sits in a basket on the buffet.
Sweetly scented paperwhites sit on the dining room table set simply for a casual Christmas breakfast. I placed little treat bags from Target at each place setting for a Christmas morning surprise.
White dinner plates / Silver footed bowl
Kitchen
A gingerbread house and candy canes adorn the kitchen island and evoke simple and sweet memories of Christmas.
I placed some faux frosty red berries in a vintage pressed glass apothecary jar. It’s a simple arrangement that adds a pop of color to our white kitchen.
Rae Dunn holiday mugs sit ready for hot chocolate.
A candle in the kitchen fills my home with lovely holiday smells.
Master Bedroom
Our master bedroom serves as a cozy winter retreat. I changed out the bedding to add soft and warm layers. A little pop of red in the paisley duvet adds seasonal color.
White quilt / white shams / Striped sham / Night stand
On my bedside table sits an old photo of my mom and aunt as young girls all bundled up for winter. Even more special to me now.
A cozy sitting area by the windows provides a nice spot for relaxing and reflecting. A new red slipcover adds a cheery pop of color for the season.
Christmas Day Candle / Merrick side table / Santa pillow / Ceramic bud vase/ Knit pom pom throw blanket
Louie loves hanging out in this cozy spot. Can you blame him?
I haven’t shown this little office corner of our bedroom before, but thought I would share my shelves all styled for the season. The bookshelf was a DIY IKEA hack from before my blogging days. The desk is a vintage Drexel piece that I painted and updated with new hardware. This space is where all my blogging magic happens.
I store gift wrapping supplies and festive glass balls nearby in these pretty wire baskets. I love these baskets because I can see what I have stored inside. A couple more thrifted apothecary jars store office supplies. I stash my camera and lenses in a vintage camera bag on the shelf.
I placed a couple fresh berry twigs in a repurposed French lemonade bottle. Easy and festive.
Thank you so much for touring my holiday home, and for letting me share a little bit of my heart with you. I hope the season brings you joy and happy memories with those you love. Cherish them always.
I’m the last stop on today’s tour, but we start right back up again tomorrow morning with my friend Shannon from Fox Hollow Cottage. In addition to having a beautiful home, Shannon has the biggest heart and kindest spirit. I know you will enjoy her lovely home decorated for the season.
Happy Holidays to you!
Susan
all that greenery- your house looks so alive and beautiful!
Your home is cheery, cozy, cleverly thrifty, warm and inviting! Your mom must have been so very proud of you !
I live in SW Michigan, and have a very frail, very beloved mother.
God’s peace be with you. ❤️
HI Susan, I am a newish follower. I love the name of your blog. I love your house and the tiny details. That scale in the kitchen? Where did you find that one? The little details are so awesome! laura in Colorado
Susan, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Hugs to you and your family.
My deep condolences, Susan. So hard to lose your mom. I just love your decorating. It’s always so beautiful, warm, and inviting.
Susan, my heart goes out to you at this time of loss. What a beautiful way to honor your mom by moving forward with the home tour. Clearly you had her in mind when you chose this year’s decorations. It sounds like your mom was one of your biggest supporters and I am sure sho would be so very proud of you! Greetings to your family from chilly Michigan!
So sorry to hear about the loss of your Mom. I look forward to reading your blog. Glad to see the kitty in the picture. I have three and any decorations are new toys for them. Have a blessed holiday and New Year.
I lost my Mom this year back in July…. she was 93…(so thankful for every year we had her )…. it was difficult knowing she would not be with us for the Thanksgiving holiday this year… so very different .. But we had a wonderful family holiday with LOTS of shared precious memories !! Prayers for you & your family……. thank you for sharing your gorgeous Christmas home !!! Beautiful !!
Susan, I love every bit of cozy nostalgia that you have sprinkled throughout your home! It’s so warm and inviting! I admire your strength and offer my condolences to you and your family during this difficult time — hugs and prayers.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Susan. I can tell you put your heart and soul into decorating your beautiful home for the holidays, even though your heart is broken. But guess what – I think your mom can see it more clearly than ever, and is cheering you on from on high. God be with you and your family now and always.
My sympathy and prayers are with you this Holiday Season. Your mother would be very proud. She inspired creativity in you and its one of her blessings and Christmas gifts to you this year.
I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Dear Susan,
I lost my Father right before Thanksgiving a few years ago. Before that my Mom passed right after Christmas. It is much harder to face this loss near the holidays. My heart breaks for you! You are a strong woman to be able to decorate your home having suffered this loss.
Your home is beautiful. Thank you for giving us such beautiful pictures.
Many blessings to you this season!
Your home is beautiful, warm and reflects so much love. I know your mother is smiling down on you, Blessings to you and yours this holiday season.
So sorry for your loss, Susan. What a gift, to have a mom who has been a cheerleader for you! Thanks for sharing your home that reflects warmth, beauty, and sweet memories. Your home is beautiful and welcoming!
I am so sorry to hear about your Mom. Many hugs go out to you today & upcoming days. Your home is beautiful. I love your Christmas decorations. Your Mom would be proud you got on the tour. ❤❤❤
Your home looks beautiful; it is one of my favorites on the tour this year! Your mother would be proud.
Your house is so lovely, I hope it provides extra comfort and warmth this holiday season. I am so sorry about your mother.
Susan, I was sadden to read of your mom’s passing…..to have the relationship you had with her sounds awesome! How wonderful to have such an advocate in your life….I can only imagine how much she will be missed. Yet what you have shown in pictures today is truly beautiful and know she is with you everyday……..hugs
Your home looks beautiful, so warm and inviting! Thank you so much for sharing. So very sorry for the loss of your mom <3
Susan,
My heart breaks for you with the loss of your mother. She would have loved how you decorated your home this year. It is truly lovely.
Susan I found myself tearing up while reading your blog. I am so sorry for your loss. I too am very close to my mom and she always helps me with my posts and cheers me on. Your tour was just beautiful and I know your mom is smiling down and cheering you on!
Love, love, love your home. Every single aspect. I am your newest fan and follower. Kitty stole my heart. 🙂
I am so sorry for your loss and send my deepest sympathy. Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful home and bringing that beauty into my morning as I sit here with my coffee and pups. We lost my Dad in May of this year so I know how difficult this must be for you. Beauty is to be shared, and you did that today for me. 🙂
Susan, we will all lift you up and celebrate you being in the tour! I’m so happy one of your blogging dreams came true. I was so excited to see that you were joining us and I’d be leading my tour with a link to yours! It was a delight and I don’t know how you did it, but she’d be so very, very proud of you. I am so profoundly sorry for you loss and I will be thinking of you. Your mom would love this beautiful tour you put together. Big, huge hugs to you!! xoxo
Oh Shannon, thank you so much for you kind words. You are always such a positive and uplifting spirit. I really appreciate it.
Susan, I am so sorry to hear about your mother. I’m sure she would be so happy and proud of you. Your home is so cozy and welcoming and perfectly dressed for the holidays. I absolutely love every little detail. Hugs to you and your family.
Susan, your tour is stunning! That fireplace, so gorgeous <3 I pinned like a mad woman, beautiful my friend!
Thank you, Amanda! You are so sweet!
Prayers for the loss of your Mom,,,your home is beautiful and I love the red chair!! What brands slip cover is this as it fits so nice..
Thank you, Jeanie! The red slipcover is from Ballard Designs and made for the chair which is from their Vintage Vogue line. I just love slipcovered furniture and being able to easily change things up for a new look. Thanks for you kind words about my mom. Susan
I haven’t posted on your blog before – so happy to have found you as I was “walking” to each new area. Your home is beautiful and cozy.
I am so sorry for your loss of your mother. Its one of the hardest thing things to get through. I am 77 years old and lost my dad at 21 and my mother at 31. Its a hard thing to endure but time will heal your broken heart. I am sure you mother would have loved all the Christmas decorations you did even though it was probably hard. You did a wonderful job and I enjoyed every little detail. Sending you (((((hugs)))) and healing thoughts.
So sorry to read of your mom’s passing, Susan. It doesn’t matter how old we are. We always want our mother’s blessings, don’t we? I would just sit in your comfy chair and light a candle in her honor every single day. I hope your family finds comfort and peace this Christmas season. Cynthia from Woodinville
I found you via Fox Hollow Cottage! Love your simple, elegant style!
I’m so sorry about your mum. It hit home because it’s been one month since I had my mitral valve replaced through open heart surgery. The Lupus I’ve dealt with for 20+ years attacked my heart. I can now see why being steady on one’s feet is so important…especially with blood thinners on board.
Glad you found the energy and wherewithall to decorate and share your lovely home…your mother would be proud, I’m sure!
Susan – i have been following your blog for a few months now, and am so appreciative and inspired by the beauty of your home. Your style and approach are completely unique, inviting, and cozy. I have been getting peeks into your house tour on Instagram – and you don’t disappoint! I am so sorry to learn of the loss of our mother but I am glad you could be with her. Creating a Christmas celebration in your home, in her honor is such a loving and wonderful gesture.
Such a beautiful home and a beautiful job decorating it. It’s so hard to lose a parent. Even after 7 years there are still things that I wish I could talk to my Dad about – I know that he would know just what to say. I’m so glad that you were able to participate in the holiday tour. I really loved your decorating and the antiques mixed in for such a homey style. I’m so glad to have found you and I subscribed!
I loved your home tour. It’s so light and bright with the reds and greens. Vintage details just make it seem like Christmas don’t they? Well done. I am so sorry you lost your dear Mum, she would be proud of you because this was lovely and a nice tribute to her
Bless you and wish you happy memories of your Mom. Your little house looks lovely this year. x
Lovely, llovrly Christmas home tour. But more important is your decision to keep on living and reflecting the love of your mother. Many blessings, Heidi
Your home is absolutely gorgeous! I love all the fresh greens mixed in with the red and white, you can feel the love in your home! I am so sorry to hear about your mom, loosing a parent is so difficult. I bet she is so incredibly proud of you beaming down from heaven! Thinking of you during this difficult time.
Your bright and cheery holiday tour is a tribute to your mom. I’m so sorry – that’s just not something anyone is every ready for, and it makes the holidays so difficult. She would be proud of you. I love the classic simplicity of your Christmas decor, thanks so much for sharing it.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your mother, God bless you and your family. Your home is so beautiful and cozy, I loved your tour!
Dear Susan , your blog is by far the very best ever your style is so great , I close my eyes and say that’s the house I want . There are many blogs out there , but yours takes the cake . You have a home run , so perfect so every thing just lovely 😊 please keep them coming its so refreshing to see your home merry Christmas . Thanks. . Dina .
I am so sorry for your loss! I love your home and your sense of style, thanks for sharing when you probably wanted to stay in bed!
Merry Christmas,
Lisa
I’m so sorry for the unexpected loss of your mom. May you know the comfort and peace that can only come from God. Your home is gorgeous! I’ve pinned many of your photos as they have given me inspiration for my decorating this year. Love, a friend in SW Michigan, where we are now covered in snow!
Dear Susan,
I enjoy your blog, your many talents, beautiful home, and now the knowledge of your strength. I too recently lost my Dad. After almost 8 months I am beginning to feel a little like myself again. I believe your Mom is watching over you and feeling great pride in her daughter and all you have accomplished. Enjoy your family, Christmas, and all your memories of your incredible Mother!
Many hugs and prayers!
Cassie B.
I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my Mother on December 4, 2007. She oozed Christmas 365 days a year. I know how incredibly difficult the “first” holidays are without a loved one. I wish you healing. Your Mother would have been so proud of your holiday home tour. She was with you while you were putting it all together and beaming down on you. Your home is my favorite so far–speaks to my taste–love all the natural elements.
I’m so sorry for your loss of your dear mother. Your Christmas home is beautiful, I’m sure she would love it. Sending prayers for healing and a Merry Christmas.
Susan – We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved mom. You did yourself and mother proud with this lovely home tour.
I have followed Jennifer Rizzo and Jeanne Oliver for years and am new to you this time. You have done such a beautiful job honoring your mother by creating a peaceful healing environment for you and your family. I hope you find comfort in your memories and carrying on as your mother would wish. Beautiful!
Just discovering your blog on the tour today. What a lovely home you have. Like so many others, I was moved by your story. Particularly the part where you speak to your Mom every day. I immediately knew that feeling and can conceive of the loss. I’m so glad this dream has can come true for you. I do hope that as you sprinkled your home with Christmas, that memories with your Mom and family poured through you and brought you comfort.
Wishing you all the best and thank you for sharing your heart and home.
I’m so sorry about the loss of your mother Susan. I’m sure she was so proud of how amazingly talented you are! Your house is a festive winter wonderland.
What a beautiful tour and tribute to your Mom! I love that she was your biggest cheerleader! So sorry for your loss!
I am sure your Mom is looking down and smiling at what you created. So far my favorite house on the tour.
What a beautiful home! I can only imagine how lovely the fresh greens and candles smell. So sorry to hear about your mom passing. Your story of pressing through to complete this home tour brought tears to my eyes! Wishing you joy and peace throughout the season. HUGS!
I am so sorry to hear about your mom, Susan. I know that this Christmas is going to be incredibly hard for you and your family. You did such a nice job decorating your home for the holidays. I loved every single picture!
Your home is lovingly decorated for the holiday season. So sorry for your loss of your dear mother. She would be so proud and happy to see your blog for the holidays. May the love and joy you give away return to you on Christmas day.
I am so very sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. My dad passed away on St. Patrick’s Day after being ill for three weeks. It’s so unbelievably hard. Like you, I talked to my dad EVERY day and he was also a cheerleader. I’m so glad you were able to take part in the housewalk. Such a dream come true. I had dreamed of being part of it too and was so honored to be asked this year. If you ever need someone to talk to I’m hear. Your mom is still with you, just in a different way. She would be so proud of this beautiful post and all your pretty decor and inspiration. Thank you for the lovely ideas. xx
So very sorry about your mom. Your home looks lovely.
I am so sorry for your loss. Nobody loves you like your mother. I pray for comfort when you are missing her.
I love your house! It is so bright and cheery! I love the simple decor. It made me smile just looking at it. May God Bless you this Christmas.
Susan, I am so sorry to hear about your mom passing. It is such a hard time. May God give you peace and comfort during this time and fill you with love. Your house looks beautiful. So cozy and well decorated. Thank you for sharing it with all of us . You gave me ideas for my own home. Your vision and decorating style is wonderful.
Susan, I’m so sorry to hear about your mom. It’s so hard to lose a parent. May God give you peace and strength during this time of mourning. I always love your posts and your house is beautiful.
Your home is so lovely and welcoming, and a tribute to you and also your mom. You and I share that great loss of facing our first Christmas without our precious moms, and it’s such a weird and unwelcome void. There is an odd silence, nothing tangible, where there once was such a vital and rich connection. I am not decorating much this year, and greatly appreciated your efforts, and the words of all your readers who shared such comforting condolences.