I gave myself an early Christmas gift this year. And it wasn’t like that time that I bought myself a new pair of slippers and made my husband wrap them and put them under the tree and then I opened them on Christmas morning with all of the appropriate fake surprise and joy. 😉
No, this year I gave myself the gift of time. The gift of energy. The gift of streamlining the transition from Christmas to the new year.
Back in November when I started decorating my house for the holidays, I made the decision to be very intentional. I was determined that when it came time to pack away the Christmas stuff that I wouldn’t have to work too hard to have the spaces still feel decorated.
After all, those tabletops and mantels and nooks and crannies still need some love even after Santa’s visit, right?
Take for example my entry table.
I removed all of the extra ‘stuff’ and kept out this little decorative sled but tucked the tree into a white pitcher for a pop of something bright against all of the brown-ish tones.
I switched out the wire basket for this olive bucket but kept the logs and put it on top of the chest.
Simple and lovely.
The living room mantel was the easiest area of all to change from Christmas to winter.
All I did was remove the ‘Noel’ plaque. The pine-cones and greenery help to keep things looking soft and winter-y so it was a no brainer to just leave them be.
The family room fireplace received a little bit more attention but still only took about 5 minutes.
This is how it looked for Christmas.
And here is how it looks simplified for winter.
The little sprigs of greenery which were in the white pitchers all along the mantel (plus a few more) were tucked into a white urn so that there is still some color.
On the sofa table, I didn’t have to change a single thing. A wire tray held the candles we used for advent this Christmas and alongside a chunky wood column (one of my most favorite decor pieces!) it will stay this way all winter long.
You know, when it was all said and done, I realized that I had given myself the gift that keeps on giving.
When it was all decorated for Christmas, it was more than enough.
And now, it’s just right.
I honestly think that my soul let out a big sigh of relief when I stood back and took in the more simple decor.
It could be because it was less fussy, less dusty and less mussy (that’s a word right?).
But I really think that it’s because I won’t have to do any more decorating on these surfaces until it’s time to break out the Spring decor. Whew!
Hope you are all having a great start to the new year!
I too decorate for January, I live in south Florida but I put out snowmen and a door plaque that says winter. You have given me great ideas for other decorations, rthank you. I love white and your decorations are just great. I am digging out my white pitcher and putting greenery in it and using my white dishes for everyday during this month.
Have a happy new year.
I love this idea, I kind of do something similar. I live in a one bedroom apartment, I put up a small tree and then usually decorate the living room with lots of snowman and garland. This way I can take the tree down and still be decorated for the winter until Spring gets here! Your home is beautiful!
Simple, lovely, and still so very fresh! Enjoy, Vanessa!
xo Heidi
So smart! I need to work on this a bit more next year!!! I unwrapped the gift I picked out this year from the hubs – a red Kate Spade bag! To give the hubs some credit, he went shopping with me to pick something out!!! Happy New Year!
Everything looks amazing.
Thanks Marty!
My word this year is intentional and I so love this. I love the intention. I love the pics. I love it all!!!!
Thanks so much Deborah!!
Oh Vanessa, I love it all! What I love most, though, is that it’s “winter” and your decor reflects the season outside instead of jumping ahead to spring. It’s all just perfect:-)
Thank you so much Anita!! I was SO excited when I was at WalMart the other day and saw your beautiful bedroom right there on the cover of a magazine!!! Congrats to you my friend! <3
All so pretty! Hope you have a blessed and Happy New Year!
Blessings,
Cindy
simply beautiful! I wanted a way to leave the garland and white lights over my living room window, but felt it still looked too Christmassy . I did leave snowmen (tea stained) and some white lights and lots of pine cones… wish I would have thought to keep greenery. I love winter!
Great ideas
I went simple this year, as well. I didn’t put much out for Christmas so that it was simple to put back and then minimized winter decor with only a few snowmen on and around the mantel – and I have 3 poinettia’s and 2 greenery plants. Looks very neat!
Vanessa, where do you get your lovely greenery and garlands? The only thing I can find in my small town is the fake wiry bushy stuff. I want so much to use something that looks like I snipped it out of my backyard, but I don’t know if what you have is real or fake. Can you share where you got yours? Thanks!!
Hi Loni! I get most of my greenery/garlands from Craft Warehouse. They have some of the most realistic ones I’ve ever been able to find! 🙂
Love your blog! Was just wondering if you can share where you found the wire basket and greens inside? I will begin at Craft Warehouse. Thanks!
I am so in love with your sleigh. Where did you find it please?
Hi there, just happened on your site, although we are now into 2017 and I’m a year late, I loved what saw! what a lovely way to keep in the spirit of winter!! It’s nice to know that I’m not the only one that keeps it wintry after the holidays!!