We’re just a few weeks away from Christmas and I just can’t believe how fast this year has flown by.
Looking back on this year, I’ve been fortunate to connect with so many wonderful bloggers who have become friends and supporters of my creative efforts.
That’s one of the very cool things about the blogging community, isn’t it?
With that in mind, I’m participating in a Holiday Tour of Homes event with 25 other amazing and creative bloggers who are opening up their home to all of us with some gorgeous holiday decor and inspiration.
Each day this week, you’ll meet a meet a new handful of talented bloggers.
You can find the full list down below at the end of this post.
I hope you take the time to pop over to see their lovely homes.
As for me… throughout this post, I’m sharing my festive foyer which includes banister decor along with my Christmas tree.
It’s safe to say I have a little bit of everything on this tree including, velvet bows, berries, artificial dried fruit, eucalyptus branches and dried babies breath to help fill out the space between the branches.
I like to call this my “enchanted tree” because of the assorted creatures that inhabit it.
It’s quite possible that many of the elements in this tree are playing possum when I walk past it…Ā and that they all actually come to life when everyone goes to bed.
Well, I like to imagine that’s the case.
I thought you’d enjoy a closer look at my old fashioned ornaments because they mean so much to me.
It may not be as evident in this photo but these Old St. Nick ornaments have the most brilliant green eyes that have the weird illusion of following you as you walk by.
Ordinarily, I might consider that a little creepy but I give all of them a quick pass because they’re so beautifully carved with sweet, old fashioned charm.
Feathered friends feature quite prominently in my tree with species galore including, tiny finches, cardinals, owls, and long-tailed pheasants just to name a few.
As you can see, I even have a few friends who have yet to hatch.
I’m really watching this nest.
Of course, when you as many winged visitors as I do, you absolutely must provide them with extra shelter… especially this time of year.
Oh, if you’re bird friends are relegated to outdoors… be sure to check out my DIY ornament-shaped bird feeders.
You can see my tutorial HERE.
This soft elf ornament is another one of my handmade projects and I wrote an entire post on how I created it.
You can hand embroider the image or use an embroidery machine (like I did) to create a lovely design.
Be sure to check out my embroidered ornament tutorialĀ HERE.
Gift Idea: Ahem, you still have time to add an embroidery machine to your holiday wish list.
I just love this timeless, elderly elf.
He has wise old eyes, a pointy felt hat, a walking stick and he carries a hobo-styled sack on his back filled with holiday berries and twigs.
He’s just so charming and I have 11 others just like him hidden among the branches here and there… keeping an eye on all that moves in the middle of the night.
Yes, I have a thing for sheet music too and my tree is filled with hints of classical music notes.
By the way, I used sheet music for a really fun candle project a few years ago and you can see that HERE.
My vintage and rustic sensibilities are definitely laid bare in this type of holiday tree decor.
I feel like everything is so old fashioned and a bit of a throwback and that’s what I love about it.
Almost all the decorations on this tree are about 20 years old because that’s how long I’ve been collecting them.
Slowly but surely, these wooden figures are going to end up becoming heirlooms in their own right.
Here’s a little more vibrant color in the form of lots and lots of poinsettia garland.
I actually have the worst luck with “real’ poinsettia plants. They always drop their leaves far too soon in my care.
So, these artificial stems and blooms are the next best thing.
There were several years when I didn’t even bother to add any holiday decor to the banister.
These large full flowers add so much to the festive presentation when you first walk into the foyer.
I’m so glad that it’s now part of the decorating tradition.
So that’s a look at a few of my favorite holiday ornaments and a glimpse of my festive foyer.
I hope you enjoyed the browse.
Don’t forget there are more than 2 dozen bloggers on this Holiday Home tour and I think you’re going to enjoy their beautiful and creative holiday decor.
There are so many wonderful fellow bloggers who are taking part in this Holiday Home Tour.
You can see a new post every day this week at the links below.
Be sure to pop over and visit these talented bloggers for holiday ideas, and inspiration galore.
Happy holidays!
Thanks for popping by.
See Ā you back here next time.Ā ā„
Your foyer is stunning and I am smitten with the old world ambiance of your tree.
Thanks so much Sandra.
You’ve been such a sweet supporter this year and I really appreciate it.
Happy holidays to you and your family.
xoxo
Your brother and bannister area is gorgeous! I wish i had a winding staircase like that for times like this when you can deck them out. You are so talented with all of your beautiful creations. Thanks for inspiring me. Happy holidays!
Oh my gosh Lisa….I am not sure that I have actually seen the entire foyer before…I have seen the entry with that gorgeous piece of furniture that you transformed, but not that beautiful staircase. A staircase that I could imagine seeing a beautiful bride descending. The tree is truly magnificent and so does reflect your love of beautiful vintage things and all of the things you love. So happy to see your foyer today! Have a Very Merry Day Lisa! Hope to see you soon in the New Year…yes, time passes by too quickly! I need that “Gathering” fix!!!
Lisa, your tree is beautiful and so perfect in the nook of the stairs. Love the view from above too. š
Merry Christmas to you and yours.
That staircase is the focal point of your home! You picked a perfect place to put up the garland and tree in that foyer! Loved all the dried fruit on the tree.Its truly spectacular. Enjoyed meeting you in this lovely home tour. Maria
Lisa, your tree and foyer are absolutely stunning, I love seeing a tree that has been decorated with lovingly collected ornaments through the years, ornaments that have meaning and a story behind it, it’s so appropriate to have sweet animals and birds peeking through the branches or special “guests” just hanging out with them, To me, your tree is a “breath of fresh air” and reflects the person who decorated it. Thank you for sharing your beautiful tree and foyer decorations.
That tree is just magical! It looks like a department store tree. Just beautiful, and I love the poinsetta garland going up the stairs! Thanks so much for joining us for the Christmas Tour of Homes!
Everything looks lovely and festive and your tree is magnificent. Merry Christmas
Lisa, your staircase with all the garland is so impressive. The Christmas tree is so full of interesting and wonderful ornaments ~ could spend hours just checking everything out. What an amazing expression of Christmas whimsy. Happy to be sharing on the Christmas Bog Hop.
Lisa! This is stunning! I am simply swooning over this gorgeous tree! What a statement! All the details – I couldn’t stop pouring over them – pinning and sharing!
What a gorgeous tree! Your ornaments are stunning! Such a beautiful entry to walk into š Happy holidays!
Oh Lisa, I love the faces of all your beautiful ornaments…like you, so many of ours have been collected over the years and most have a special meaning. The interweaving of your Santas, your elves and your birds with the natural elements creates a unique and absolutely gorgeous tree. And I’d have no problem with those green eyes following me around…they are happy and loving eyes.
Thanks again for joining us this year for our Open House…it’s been delightful to see everyone’s home all decked out for the holidays.
Many hugs and wishes for a Merry Christmas,
Lynn
Thank you for inviting me over. I love your home and your foyer is so welcoming!! Your tree and decorations are so old-fashioned charming. Hope your holiday season is going well. Sending big hugs!!
Stunning and I like be the thought of them coming to life at night. Sounds like a magical fairytale. The poinsettias are your staircase are beautiful! Thanks for the tour!
How beautiful! I love the big full tree and the garland on the banister.
Beautiful, looks so inviting.
Hi Lisa,
I saw the first image in your post and “WOW!” literally came right out of my mouth! Your stair way and tree are absolutely gorgeous! From the poinsettia lined stair rail to the amazing christmas tree, you have created a stunning home for the holidays. Thank you for sharing as part of this blog hop!
HI Lisa, greetings from Ohio. Your Christmas tree is beautiful! Happy Holidays to you and your family.
Thank you for sharing your gorgeous foyer. I love the sweet teddy bear and the beautiful poinsettias on the curve staircase, just beautiful!
Merry Christmas! You have certainly captured the essence and magic of the season in your stunning home. Every detail, each photo exemplifies Christmas beauty!
Thank you for the inspiration.
Jemma
Wow, how pretty!
Lisa, Your tree is so stunning! Every ornament seems to tell a special story. I love how you’ve incorporated so many enchanted items into your decorating! And the poinsettia’s on the banister are so gorgeous. Thank you for joining our Christmas Tour of Homes. Wishing you a Merry Christmas!