The Double Parlor, Decorated for Christmas

These two rooms, the living room and the library, are at their best at Christmas.

Our Christmas tree is 9′ tall and it takes up a fair amount of space, so we scoot the black and white sofa over in front of the bookshelves to make room.

I do like to change things up, but we don’t do a completely new theme each year for the tree. It’s a mix of ornaments from years ago plus a few new ones, plenty from the kids, and everything on the lower third is nonbreakable.

Why, yes. That is a Millennium Falcon ornament. It lights up!

Looking toward the living room, I added faux red amaryllis and berries above the secretary desk, along with the Mr. and Mrs. Claus mice (made by Brandon’s grandmother).

In the living room, the stockings are hung by the chimney with care. They’re new this year, from a reader I met this summer. She asked if she could send me a stocking and I was expecting one, not one for each of us! They’re so sweet.

These rooms (like most of the house) are ever changing. Little tweaks here and there, all leading toward an overall vision that just takes time to arrive at. I’m enjoying it along the way, especially in this season.

The vintage brass deer on the fireplace mantel are in a forest of greenery and pottery, new and old.

It all feels so calm right now. These rooms will be filled with friends and family over the next few days! The kids are especially excited, but I am too. I love gathering everyone together.

Merry Christmas, and happy holidays!