Snippets of Christmas at our Home: 2015

Hello everyone! For our Christmas decor this year,  for the most part I made do with what we already had. However, I bought fresh greenery like the wreaths and garlands pictured. Though I love beautiful things and I am highly visual, the focus of my Christmas has been about spending time with my family, being present in the moment, demonstrating kindness and practicing being grateful and content.  Shout to photographer, Lea Hartman for always capturing our essence so beautifully. 

I usually do a double wreath, but i went with only one this year and added a garland. It's simple, but this beautiful and when one has an front orange door, one doesn't need all the bells and whistles. 

 What can I say, I have a crush on pink and it shows! I scored some chalkboard paper and let the boys have fun with them after wrapping; nothing fancy. I finished them off with some jute twine and twigs from a garland.

the front side of the mantel

On the other side, I showcased my lovely candlesticks with colorful tapered candles.

Yep, I painted the tips of some of these logs to go with the colorful candles theme above. 

a miniature tree in the foyer

I made this wreath above by adding instagram pics to the wire base and then wrapping a garland around it to add some greenery. A little red ribbon adds a simple finishing touch.

i most definitely get the Mama of the year award for this gumball alternative tree i made for Zion and Ian. I used my handy glue gun and meticulously adhered them. I topped it with an ornament that I had that finished it off beautifully.

Using pom poms as ornaments, why not?  I've had that alternative tree for a while.

Dada hasn't been home, but hopefully, he will be back in time to work his magic on the chalkboard.

another alternative tree with pom poms and our traditional Village advent calendar. 

When you're a military family, year round, you're reminded of how precious life is and to take nothing for granted. But, there is something so inherently magical and spiritual about Christmas that always make me feel even more grateful for family moments and reminds me of the importance of being present. Amidst all the tragedies that have occurred recently we could use a lot of Christmas in our hearts.

This Kate Spade like tablescape came together using items I already had. My kitchen is pink, i already had the polka dot table cover and i added in touches of green with ornaments and candles. Of course there has to be bling and the choice of bling was gold.

i am so proud of these christmas tree napkins i made!

Gotta have dessert and we love to bake cookies!

I hope you enjoyed what I have been referring to as our Christmas with Heart. I will be sharing more on Instagram, so join me there.  Have a wonderful weekend everyone. xx

Photography: Lea Hartman