In keeping with tradition, I have gathered from nature plus gleaned from our collection of ornaments, items and keepsakes that have special sentiments. This year it’s all about simple, scaled down and a little sparkle since our 1928 Tudor is on the small side; anything over the top or grand would be out of place.
The holidays are about sharing, and I’m excited to join the Deck the Halls Christmas Home Tour co-hosted by Jennifer of Decor Gold Designs and Randi of Randi Garrett Design – two talented ladies whose holiday homes shimmer and dazzle. In addition there are many others participating – the full lineup is at the end of this post. For those visiting via the fabulous Nicole of Eye for Pretty, welcome!
Speaking of nature, do you like the woodland fir tree that Tom, Mocha and I brought back from Maine? It’s a bit of a Charlie Brown tree. Being so sparse, it really shows off our collection of vintage ornaments from the early 1900s. I decided to place the tree in an antique iron urn on top of a Swedish chest set in front of the living room bay window. Since there isn’t a family room, this is where we spend much of our time relaxing, reading as well as watching TV (housed in an armoire across from the sofa), so we really get to enjoy the tree.
Since this is primarily our winter home, I went with mostly brass light fixtures and hardware for warmth. The Basil ceiling light is from Circa Lighting. The lacquered gold tray, from Pier 1, adds a touch of needed glam because we can all use some of that, haha.
A closer look at our collection of vintage ornaments all in shades of silver and white. These small, light weight ornaments are perfect for the delicate branches of our Maine woodland tree. Can you find the lyre? French horns? Baskets of flowers? Below is my favorite one: a hummingbird with stiff strands of plastic for wings.
Going for gold! The farm table, set in a casual yet festive style, is ready for guests with cream-colored linens heightened with gold flatware and napkin holders.
An 1800s Georgian pine transom, stone lamb, brass candlesticks with beeswax candles along with bleached pine cones dress the mantel for these special days . . . .
. . . . and nights when the pinecones are illuminated with mini copper twine lights.
Now before we say goodbye, I’d like you to visit my friend Erin over at The Sunny Side Up – her home is delightfully bright and beautiful. And check out the rest of the blogs below for more inspiration.
Merry Christmas!
xo
Loi
PS – Don’t forget to follow along on my INSTAGRAM page.
=
Hello Loi, You have achieved another miracle with your new house. I wish you and Tom a very pleasant Holiday season enjoying it. My favorite piece here is the wooden fanlight–I love architectural antiques. My Chinese ones are mostly packed away, but if I ever return to Ohio, I have no idea how I am going to display them.
–Jim
Jim, I'd love to see your Chinese architectural antiques. Please share them on your blog soon. Happy Holidays. Cheers
I love the fir tree. I love how you are able to see all of the ornaments. Your dining room is gorgeous. Happy Holidays.
We love seeing our vintage ornaments, too. Thanks, Ron. Merry Merry!!
Oh, Loi – your home is so classically beautiful. I love how you have made it shine and feel special without making it feel overdone or busy. You are a true master – love everything you put your hand to!
xo
Kathleen
Kathleen, it was a treat joining you on this holiday house tour. Keep it festive and fabulous!
So beautiful! That was quick! Love the brass! Merry Christmas!
Thanks so much, Stephen! Cheers
Merry Christmas to you both,
Your home looks perfect, Love all your treasures that are at home in their new places.
Enjoy each and every day in your new home.
xo
Patty
Thanks so much. Sending you and MC lots of love this holiday season! xo
so gorgeous! i love all of the natural touches- the garland, the bleached pinecones, and your tree!
Thanks so much, Cassie. Jingle, Jingle!!
xoxo
I love the tree! What a lovely, inviting room. Enjoy the holidays in Maine…with lots of snow maybe??
We are here in Maryland, and would love a white Christmas. Fingers crossed. xo
Perfection! I admire your clean and spare aesthetic, warmed up with antiques, textiles, and strategic hits of color…and cute pup!
Tom and I really appreciate your kind words! Thanks so much, Geraldine. Happy Holidays
Hi Loi, I've been waiting to see the new house…..I love it!! xoxo Mary
Tom and I thank you, Mary! Happy Holidays
Hi Loi,
I've been eagerly awaiting a peek inside your Tudor. It's absolutely charming. I always love your style and the detail touches you make to each room.
Merry Christmas to you, Tom and Mocha!
xo,
Karen
Hi Karen – You are the best, my friend. Merry Merry!! xoxo
So great to see you new place, Loi! It could not be lovelier. Would you share the fabric you used for the dining room curtains? Merry Christmas to you and Tom – and Mocha! xoxo, Phyllis
Thank you, Phyllis! The fabric is Kashimir from Jasper. Merry Christmas to you, Rick and the girls – xoxo
Oh my Loi! You and Tom have done such a gorgeous job on the house and the Christmas decor. Next year I am following your lead!. I LOVE the garland on the staircase…did you bring that back from Maine too. I found a faux "Charlie Brown" tree and considering getting that as I am unable to find one here.. I love how you did a multi-purpose room of the dining room and library..great idea! I am now so curious and looking forward to your other great news! Merry Christmas to you and Tom and sweet Mocha….Really hope to see you soon!!! Again, your home is breathtaking as always!!!
Shirley – The cedar garland is from a church sale here in Maryland. Please come visit us the next time you're in the area. I'd love to see you again ๐
Those lyres are so use-able! We cut the arm off 14 of them and used little wood medallions for…name tags (re-use-able!) Your home certainly sets the tone for the up coming holidays!! franki
Thank you, Franki! I always love hearing from you. Thanks for all of your comments over the years – means so much to me. Happy Holidays.
You home is always beautifully appointed and this year is no exception. Merry Christmas to you and Tom!!
xo Kathysue Falalalaโชโชโช
Hi Kathysue – I need to catch up with you and see all of the beautiful details at your new home. Cheers!
I love your paired down decor with the lovely natural touches. That garland with the giant silk ties…gorgous!! Happy Holidays to you Tom and the pooches!
Thank you kindly, Cindy!! Merry Christmas ๐ xoxo
dear loi, i will consider this your christmas gift to us, your devoted followers. sharing your lovely home and holiday decor is an immeasurable treat.
now i am headed back up to linger over your image.
merry christmas dear loi and tom!!
debra
Hey talented lady! I loved seeing your winter containers – even more gorgeous this year. Keep it festive and fab, Debra ๐
Dear Loi, hello and happy holidays! Wonderful to see your cozy Tudor cottage here. Your light and white walls are perfect to showcase your natural elements that I love so much. That tree….my absolute favorite type of tree that allows pretty and simple vintage ornaments to glow. And it's wonderful to see you again! I hope to see outside photos of this home soon! Much love to you and Tom.
Anita – Your Instagram photos have inspired me so much this year. I love, love all of the Tudor homes you've shared. Merry Christmas.
Loi your decorating just takes my breath away every time! I'm so in love with that tree and all of your beautiful vintage ornaments. The whole room is beautiful. And that bookcase! I'm tucking away that picture to help with styling.. it is absolute perfection just like everything you do! So loved being on this tour with you sweet friend. Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones! xo
I loved joining you on this holiday house tour, Erin. Thanks so much! Cheers
Lovely and festive as always, Loi! You put us all of us late decorators to shame and we hope to get ours done this weekend. Hope you're staying cozy and warm!
xxoo
C + C
Thank you, ladies. I can't wait to see your Christmas decor. Hope you'll share sneak peeks on Instagram
It's wonderful to see you back in blogland, friend, and I understand too well how it is impossible to keep up with real life always interfering! i love the light, bright, festive cheer you have ushered in. my favorite details are that hummingbird and that swoopy garland. i think i have to copy that asap. and who can resist a charlie brown christmas tree? my great big Frasier Fir is a monster this year only because it has to compete with the monstrous sideboard! stay warm and fabulous. xox
Thanks, Michele. BTW, I'm glad we've connected on Instagram. Your photos are some of my favs. Merry Christmas
Love your Maine tree! I like the openness that shows all the delicate antique ornaments. Well done!
The wall of bookcases filled with art books and white ironstone makes a beautiful statement. Perfect choice for dual purpose with a dining room.
All the best for happy holidays to you and Tom and sweet Mocha.
~ Sarah and Sadie
Thank you so much Sarah and Sadie ๐ Merry Christmas to you all. Lots of love
Loi, I hope that you are staying warm! It is 21 down here, hopefully it will only last a few days!
I love your little tree! How beautiful! Your house looks festive, relaxing and beautiful.
I hope that you have a wonderful and happy Christmas!
Elizabeth
Elizabeth – That was very kind of you to mention our new home on your blog. Merci! You are the best xoxo
Loi, I hope that you are staying warm! It is 21 down here, hopefully it will only last a few days!
I love your little tree! How beautiful! Your house looks festive, relaxing and beautiful.
I hope that you have a wonderful and happy Christmas!
Elizabeth
Olรก Loi,
amei tua casa, estรก linda.
Feliz Natal e um ano novo cheio de felicidades.
Hello Anaja – Hope you are well, my friend. I will visit you soon xoxo
Positively stunning! Mocha is so darn cute. Have a great weekend!
Mocha is sweet sixteen! And still the cutest ๐ Happy Holidays
Loi it is lovely! I loved your garland on the staircase, its so lush and the white floppy ribbons look elegant. Love how you used the sheer gold leaves on ribbons as napkin holders. Just may do my own version of this!
I love your Christmas decor, Amy. You are such an inspiration. Merry Merry
So beautiful, Loi! Love your table setting and gorgeous curtains…and everything else. Merry Christmas!
Hi, Mary Ann – Oh my gosh, you made my day! Many thanks, my friend. xo
Your home is so beautiful, Loi! It looks especially cozy and welcoming decked out for the holidays! I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
~Abby =)
Hi Abby – It was soooo much fun joining you on this holiday house tour. Thanks for your visit!! Jingle, Jingle xoxo
Loi, your home is warm and inviting and I appreciate the restrained touches of decor. It doesn't take much to get in the "festive" mood when admiring your tasteful and sentimental displays! Happy and a healthy Holiday to you, Tom, and that cute Mocha!
Thank you very much. Tom and I love simple seasonal decor in our small home ๐ Cheers
Loi, your home is warm and inviting and I appreciate the restrained touches of decor. It doesn't take much to get in the "festive" mood when admiring your tasteful and sentimental displays! Happy and a healthy Holiday to you, Tom, and that cute Mocha!
Ooh Loi, that was such a treat! I could stare at your rooms for hours! Merry Chrismas!
Merry Christmas to you and yours, Lisa. Jingle, Jingle xoxo
Who would want to cรฉlรฉbrante thรฉ holiday here with you, it's truel breathtaking, I love the Garland loosely draped and again I can say enough about your tree, it's my favorite, And the frosted foiled ornaments delight the Christmas spirit.
To you and Tom a peaceful all is calm Christmas holiday.
Xx
Dore
Merci, Dore. Joyeux noรซl mon amie xoxo
Loi, everything looks beautiful. Your home is so welcoming and warm, yet so peaceful and serene. The garland is stunning. I admire your dining room space / library, it's perfect! Wishing you and your Tom a beautiful holiday there, with all those you love!
Thank you, Lidy! We are so grateful to be in our new home. Happy Holidays!! Cheers
Loi everything is so stunning! You have such a gift for design! Thank you for sharing it with us! Merry Christmas my friend! xo
This was very fun. Thank you for inviting me, Randi. Merry Christmas
Your home is gorgeous and more than that…you are amazingly talented and yet remain humble. Merry Christmas to your little family from mine! xoxo
I so appreciate your kindness, Janet. And our friendship! Merry Merry xoxo
Loi, your home is beautiful! Love the fresh garland! Marry Christmas! xoxo
Vesna – Home Chic Club
Thanks very much, Vesna. Merry Christmas to you and yours!
I'm excited to see insid your Tudor! It is gorgeous Loi. I'm wild about that DR light fixture. Happiest of holidays to you and Tom and the pups. Xo Nancy
Hey Nancy! Miss you and Bethany. Merry Christmas to you all. Lots of love
Loi! Your home is stunning. I love that you have a piece of Maine with you – that tree is perfect filled with those beautiful ornaments. I love your understated mantel too and the staircase! Santa is putting you on the nice list. Sushi sends hugs to Mocha – Merry Christmas!
Mocha is ready for her play date with Sushi ๐ Merry Merry xoxox
Loi,
Your home is so beautiful – truly inspiring! I especially love the spareness of the "Charlie Brown" tree. And the vintage ornaments are simply stunning. Wonderful tour!
Merry Christmas to you!
Sheila
xo
Thank you, Sheila. Merry Christmas xoxo
It all looks perfect from the first step inside…Mocha is the perfect greeter! Love seeing your tree and the dining room with the gold flatware is gorgeous. Wishing you and Tom a wonderful holiday season!
your home looks absolutely divine! love the silver ornaments and the gorgeous pot that hold the tree x
Gorgeous. Gorgeous. Love the Christmas tree and those paisley curtains made me faint! You can do no wrong:) Merry Christmas y'all!
xoxo
Sherry
Simple. Lovely. Beautiful. Your home exudes class and beauty. I love it all, Loi! Merry Christmas! xox
So incredibly beautiful. Thank you for sharing. (From a D.C.-based Instagram follower and blog reader. I look forward to coming by the shop soon!)
Very Good writing.
shipping container homes
The decorations in your home are beautiful and cohesive. When I moved recently, I was looking for cohesiveness that would tie all of my rooms together and make the apartment feel like one. I had my bedroom and living room furnished by Furnishr and I am so happy I did because their design helped to make it feel more like a home. Check out some of their room designs when you can at http://www.furnishr.com
Gorg! I love how simple the tree is and all the white decor. I went for a similar look for my place using Furnishr.com as always. I think their service is amazing. The place setting is so cute, I definitely got some inspiration for this year's Christmas decor!