Welcome to My Rich and Colorful Holiday Home Tour

holiday home tour with the design twins: how to create holiday magic in your home

Create a welcoming and inspired holiday home with the The Design Twins’ fabulous budget-friendly decorating tips and advice.

Welcome to my Holiday Home Tour. Julie and I look forward to decorating our homes for Christmas all year long. If you’re anything like us, you love to decorate your home for family and friends to enjoy throughout the Holiday Season. The beauty you create in your home sets the stage for all your festivities.

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Whether you are just starting your own family traditions or are following generations-old customs, your home is the all-important backdrop to memory-making events that happen throughout the season. From caroling, cooking baking, tree decorating, wrapping, gift giving, party throwing, we know that the ambiance you provide plays an integral part.

This post contains some affiliate shopping links for your convenience. Shopping with us helps support our blog and we are so grateful.

Holiday Home Open House chrismtas tree and stockings

Welcome to My Holiday Home

No pressure and no worries. Come along with us and take a tour. We want to show you our best decorating ideas to help make your holiday home beautiful and inviting. Our budget-friendly, easy tips will have you ready for guests in no time at all.

This post contains some of our favorite products and vendors for your shopping convenience. We truly appreciate when you help us support our blog by choosing to shop with us.

Want to see more of Julie’s and my best Christmas decorating? Enjoy Julie’s Christmas Home Tour, our Holiday Home tours from last year here, Julie’s Christmas Home Tour 2016 and Jodie’s Christmas Home Tour 2016.

Fun Side Note: My Holiday Home Tour from last year is currently featured on a 12-page spread in the holiday edition of Cottages and Bungalows magazine. Grab a copy this December and enjoy.

Holiday House Tour front porch with pine garlands and poinsettas

 

Christmas Home Tour front door decor with red poinsettas and evergreen garlands

Make a Festive Entrance to Your Holiday Home

The keys to creating an inviting holiday front door are simple:

  1. Choose your color scheme and stick to it.
  2. You can’t go wrong with the colors of the season.
  3. Bring the space to life with faux or real plants.
  4. Frame the door like I did here.
  5. Add some lights so it looks good greeting guests day or night.

See? It really is simple when you break it down.

Holiday Home Tour family room shot

Budget-Friendly Holiday Home Decor

I know I’ve told you this before but stick to a tight budget. And I know many of you do too. Whether you are frugal by choice or necessity it doesn’t matter. Regardless of my circumstances I never like to go overboard on spending.

With that said, I love to show how with a few key accessories and creativity you can create magic.

Colorful Holiday Home with red plaid accent pillows

The Importance of Pillows in your Holiday Home Decor

You have heard me say this before too, but I’ll just say it again to make sure.

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PILLOWS ARE EVERYTHING.

You’ve seen me completely change the look of my rooms over and over again just by swapping out my pillows, so the proof is in the pictures. Pillows are powerful, relatively inexpensive and easy (they’re called throw pillows for a reason).

Have storage issues? Save space and money by getting in the habit of buying seasonal covers only. An entire stack of pillow covers takes up less room than one extra pillow.

Rich and Colorful Home Tour with christmas garland

Holiday Home: Use What You Have Creatively

In order to create the Christmas display above I spent very little. I reused items that I already owned and use all year long, but in new and creative ways:

  • Filled my glass canisters with inexpensive snow and little twinkle lights
  • Framed the entire cart with lights
  • Repurposed an old wreath that had seen better days but looks great here
  • Bought an inexpensive felt pom-pom garland for a few dollars that packs a wow
  • Used my tin Christmas banner from last year

Easy as pie. And by reusing what I already owned and employing my creative juices I kept it well within budget. High five (insert appropriate emoji here).

Budget Friendly Holiday Home with glass containers filled with artificial snow

 

Christmas lights accent wall with family photos

Turn Everyday Areas into Festive Displays

This family gallery wall and decorative seating area sits proudly in the center of our home. I love swapping items out seasonally to reflect the mood of the moment and to keep things interesting. Once again, I achieved fresh appeal without spending a lot.

I created a festive “frame” with some retro globe lights (I specifically chose a dark cord so it would contrast with the light walls). I used what I owned except for the two new trees. The two little basket-held trees are Julie’s and my favorite new décor of the year. A staple like these are a great investment as we know they will get reemployed year after year. Shop the trees and lights conveniently below.

Holiday Home Tour

Festive Holiday Vignettes

Truth be told, this sweet vignette is a personal favorite. We’re allowed our favorites. My heart beats just a little bit faster each time I look at it, whether in pictures or real life. Happens every once in a while, when I become smitten by my own décor. Shop some of our favorites below.

Holiday Home Open House with holiday wreaths and mini trees

 

Christmas Home Tour with holiday vignettes

For this vignette, it all started with this beautiful wreath from Jessica @the.accidental.farmgirl. Wreaths are a huge part of my Christmas decor every year, and when I saw this pompom wreath I knew exactly where it would go. The wreath is linked in our shop. Once I had the wreath the rest of the decor just flowed. I chose creams and neutrals with gray accents. And just a touch of red. Done and done.

Have Fun Decorating Your Holiday Home

Julie and I are surprised how often people contact us with decorating questions, and we can hear the sheer panic in their messages. Our best advice is this:

  • Worry less
  • Follow your heart
  • Trust your instincts
  • There really are no rules, at least none that matter.
  • Express yourself and care less about what others think. It’s you that matters.
  • If you’re not having fun decorating, start the list again.

When you let go of the fear of “breaking rules” and the worry of pleasing others, you free yourself to start enjoying the process. Allow yourself to develop. Decorators aren’t born overnight, but they grow from practice, patience and a passion for decorating (the three P’s).

Holiday Home Tour living room

Holiday Home Tree and My Inspiration

I’ll be very honest with you: I’m not much of a planner. I live and decorate organically. In other words, my life is a free for all. But before the holidays I actually did a fair amount of brainstorming. I wanted to have at least a guiding inspiration before I began decorating. Plus, I had to gather my supplies.

Click Below to shop my King of Christmas tree.

Christmas Tree Decorating family room holiday decor

I asked myself what I truly love in decor, and thought, well, besides pillows (and we’ve already been through that) flowers. I am all about flowers. Why not infuse Christmas with florals? In my imagination I could see my beautiful floral tree taking shape.

Holiday Tree Decor and christmas decor for your living room

I went straight to Afloral.com to shop. They have an incredible selection of silk flowers that are the most beautiful and most life-like I have ever seen. I selected an assortment of roses, cottage roses, peonies, and dahlias. For my color palette I began to picture rich, bold colors that would create lots of pretty contrasts. I started gathering flowers in deep burgundy, rich plum and mixing different hues of white, cream and soft pinks.

Rich colorful christmas decor for your mantelpiece

Christmas Mantel Disply with stockings and floral accents

 

Holiday Home Tour with flowers and mantel garlands

 

Holiday Tree Decor with stockings and floral tree

The Best Tree Accessory: Presents

Want to know how to give your tree that extra “je ne sais quoi?” Just add a pile or two of beautifully wrapped presents underneath for the perfect touch. I used a combination of white, traditional red and green plaid, and black & white plaid. I added burgundy velvet ribbon and real & faux greens. Et voila.

Easy Holiday Decorating Ideas for under the tree with presents

 

Easy Christmas Presents for decor under your tree

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Holiday Decorating with DIY gifts

 

Christmas Decorating Tour with faux present ideas DIY

My Holiday Home: Basket Tree Collar

Do you see my natural woven basket tree collar peeking out from under the tree? When Julie visited last year for Christmas, she surprised me with it. Not only does it look great, but it reminds me of Julie and her sweet generosity. Shop the same one below.

Holiday Home Tour with basket tree collar and faux presents

Puppies Make Great ‘Tree Accessories’ Too

Cutest Christmas Decor with pug puppy under the tree

 

Holidays at Home with sleepy puppies under the tree

What do you do when your brother brings over his new little pug puppy and she decides to curl up under your Christmas tree? You take pictures, of course. Fifi is actually my sister-in-law’s cute little pug. It only took Fifi a few minutes after getting the lay of the land to find the absolutely softest spot in the whole house. When I found her curled up on my new hand knit chunky knit tree skirt from Becozi I just about died from the cuteness.

Everyone knows that these 100% Merino wool hand knit blankets are super soft and luxurious, but now I understand why they make the best dog beds too. You can shop Becozi’s entire line of chunky knit blankets, throws and products and don’t forget to use our coupon code TWINS10 for 10% off your whole order. And if you are interested in learning how to arm-knit your own be sure to read my Arm-Knitting blog post. I share everything you need to know to arm-knit your first blanket.

Cute Dogs under Christmas tree on becozi tree blanket

I added little sprigs of greenery to the simple ribbons to complete the package detail. You can use faux or real sprigs, whatever you have on hand. I’ve always loved the look of pine added to Christmas presents. Not only do they look festive, but they smell good too.

Colorful Holiday Decor for your christmas tree with bows and florals

Our Best Tips for Creating a Magical Tree

(Julie helped me with these)

  1. Think outside the box. You don’t have to stick to “ornaments”
    • Ornaments can be anything
    • The more original the more fun
  2. What do you love? To truly make your tree speak your language make it personal.
    • Is your family musical? Roll up sheets of music tied with bows.
    • Are you a vintage lover? Cover the tree with antique items, not just antique ornaments but your favorite items from around the house. Items too big and heavy for the tree itself you can arrange underneath in fun ways.
  3. Balance the tree, place items in overlapping diamond-shape patterns all over the tree.
  4. When is it enough? It’s a very personal decision, but we recommend taking your time to decide.
    • Build your tree over the span of a few days
    • Allow time for your eye to adjust and time to play
  5. There are no rules, pretty soon we’ll be known as “The No-Rules Twins” and we won’t mind. Seriously, have fun and make it your own (those are the only rules).

The Kitchen Eating Nook Gets All Dolled Up for the Holidays

Christmas Home Decor for your dining room with pinecone chair garlands

As you can see, I carried my theme of rich colors like burgundy and fuchsia into the kitchen eating nook. These colors create such a bold statement when paired with white. Flowers and velvet ribbon give everything a rich elegant twist to my otherwise casual modern black kitchen table and chairs. To make these fun festive pine cone ribbon chair decorations take a look at my blog post. And those cut crystal trees add the perfect wow factor, don’t you think? When the sun comes in it reflects off the cut glass and literally sparkles sending light bouncing off the ceiling and all over the room. Talk about magical. Shop them right here.

Holiday Tablescape with mini trees and and florals

 

Holiday Home Tour for your dining room

Holiday Fun in My Master Bedroom

Christmas Bedroom Decor with red plaid pillows

A Few of My Favorite Things in My Holiday Home

Center stage is this fabulous hand-made pom-pom banner that Julie & I picked up in the most wonderful in Notting Hill, London, England called Katrina Phillips @katrinaphillipsinteriors. On a side note, I just have to take a moment to say how absolutely lovely Katrina is. By the time we left the store not only were we simply stunned by her talent, but we had made a dear friend. If you ever find yourselves in London Katrina Phillips is a “must see” and please tell Katrina Jodie and Julie say, “We miss you!”

Easy Christmas Decorating for youro master bedroom with red accents

I carried the floral theme into the bedroom using extra flowers I had from my Afloral stash. I love how my beautiful handmade gray linen shams from Rhonda @hallstromhome look good no matter what I have going on in here (a feature not lost on this practical girl’s heart). Find her amazing collection of linens and handmade decor on her website, www.hallstromhome.com.

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Use our coupon code to save 10% at Hallstrom Home:  THEDESIGNTWINS

budget holiday decorating for your master bedroom with pom-pom garlands

Hoping to Inspire Your Holiday Home

What do I love almost as much as creating fun & festive decor? Sharing it with all of you, in hopes that it inspires you to create holiday magic in your own homes.

For the next stop on our tour we hope you will have fun visiting our friend Karan at Designs by Karan. Enjoy.

Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, Joyeux Noel, Feliz Navidad, Buon Natale!

Whatever your language may the true spirit of love, thankfulness,

and giving be alive in your hearts this season and throughout the year.

With love and blessings for a Wonderful New Year!

jodie & julie

Magical & Merry Holiday Home Tour

Brought to you by:

The Belmont Ranch | The Design Twins | Designs by Karan | Grace In My Space | Happy Happy Nester | Jor Decor | The Little White Farmhouse | My Vintage Porch | So Much Better With Age

Magical and Merry holiday home tour with 9 talented bloggers pin

 

Welcome to My Rich and Colorful Holidau Home Tour pin

 
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Welcome to My Rich and Colorful Holiday Home Tour
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Welcome to My Rich and Colorful Holiday Home Tour
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Create a welcoming and inspired Holiday Home with the The Design Twins' fabulous budget-friendly decorating tips and advice!
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  1. karan says:

    Just Gorgeous Jodie!
    Happy almost weekend.
    Karan

    • jjdesigntwins says:

      Thank you Karan, What a treat to be “touring” together this holiday season! Love sharing and learning from each other. Many blessings, dear friend, with love, Jodie & Julie

  2. Natalie says:

    Love your home tour and all of the tips! And those glass jars with the snow! ????????

    • jjdesigntwins says:

      Dear Natalie,
      When people ask us “who inspires you?” do you know you are time and again the very first person that comes to mind? It’s true…just thought we’d share that! With love and blessings, Julie & Jodie

  3. Bette Anderson says:

    Jodie dear, your grandmother loved flowers, and on many a walk I found she could name almost every type of flower she came upon. If you’ve ever wondered where your love of flowers comes from it is indeed from my mother, Nan. You make us proud with gorgeous decorations and your beautiful home. It’s inviting and filled with love. Merry Christmas to you and yours. Love, Mom & Dad

    • jjdesigntwins says:

      Mom, That’s beautiful and amazing. Nan is never far from our minds and is always in our hearts. So wonderful to know she truly still lives in us! Bianca asked me the other day, “Who showed you the most kindness in your life?” and I answered, “Nan”…she was pure love. I know the love she gave us all continues in our hearts and I believe continues to live as we share love and kindness with the world. Your grateful daughters, Julie & Jodie

  4. Carolann says:

    Everything looks simply stunning! Wishing you and yours a blessed Christmas season!

    • jjdesigntwins says:

      Thank you Carolann, We are so glad you loved the Christmas decor we created! Thank you for your support and especially, for your kindness. It truly means a lot. Happiest of Holidays! Jodie & Julie

  5. Gladys Multari says:

    Julie and Jodie I am in awe of your gorgeous homes.
    You decorated your homes so beautifully and festive. I couldn’t tear myself away from your stunning photographs. It was truly a treat that I indulged in.
    Merry Christmas. ❤️
    Gladys

    • Gladys Multari says:

      Julie and Jodie I am in awe of your gorgeous homes.
      You decorated your homes so beautifully and festive. I couldn’t tear myself away
      from your stunning photographs. It was truly a treat I indulged in.
      Merry Christmas.

      Gladys M.

    • jjdesigntwins says:

      Gladys,
      It is a treat for us to hear of your enjoyment! It really makes it all worthwhile! So thank you not only for coming on and joining us, but for taking the time to share your kind reply. We appreciate you! With blessings & gratitude, Jodie & Julie

  6. Sarah says:

    Jodie everything in your home is so festive! I love all the details you added.

    • jjdesigntwins says:

      Sarah, You are such a blessing, in so many ways. Julie and I truly appreciate you, my dear! With gratitude, Julie & Jodie

  7. Lori Nell says:

    Thank you for the invite! I loved your home at Christmas ????. Hope you get a little time to relax and enjoy, now!! ????????

    • jjdesigntwins says:

      Lori, Thank you, Sweet Friend, for your kind support. It means so much. So happy you enjoyed the tour. And yes, it’s definitely time to relax a bit and enjoy. Blessings to you and your family this season and in the New Year. With love, Julie & Jodie

  8. Sarah Melito says:

    Jodie and Julie, your homes are gorgeous! I loved your tour. The pops of greenery and your tree is absolutely stunning.

    • jjdesigntwins says:

      Thank you Sarah, Your kind appraisal means a lot. So glad you liked our tour. Now it’s time for us all to enjoy our creations, right? Blessings, Julie & Jodie

  9. Jean C. says:

    So many great ideas and so many lovely pics to look at! It did my heart good to see this today. And thank you for reminding me to use what I have and instill my own personality into my holiday decorations. I went to a holiday store yesterday and was stunned at how expensive their items were. But it helped me realize that I can make some things and re-purpose some items – and that’s fun!

    • jjdesigntwins says:

      Dear Jean,
      Absolutely, use and repurpose! So glad you enjoyed the tour and found some inspiring ideas to take away. We love to browse stores to get ideas that we can then make our own (without too much spending). We feel blessed to have your kind support of our blog. We hope you continue to enjoy! Blessings, Julie & Jodie

  10. Beth says:

    So many beautiful ideas! I can’t wait to get to work!

    • jjdesigntwins says:

      Beth, Thank you for visiting our blog. We sure are delighted to hear you were inspired. We hope you enjoy the “work” as much as we do. And we hope you’ll visit us often here on the blog. Happy Holidays, Sweet Friend! With gratitude, Julie & Jodie

  11. Jamie says:

    Your home is so gorgeous! And congratulations being in Cottages & Bungalows! So well deserved my friend.
    Hugs, Jamie

    • jjdesigntwins says:

      Jamie, Thank you so much for visiting our blog and taking the time to leave a sweet reply. We love hearing from our visitors. And yes, it was a real honor to be featured in Cottages and Bungalows…very fun! Thank you again for your kind support. Happy Holidays to you and yours. With love, Julie & Jodie

  12. Loren says:

    As always, every detail and space is so very beautiful and inspiring! Love reading your tips and encouragement too! 🙂 Every time I see your homes, I wish I could just pop over for a cup of coffee and take it all in in person. Your homes just exude the joy and magic of the season!!

    • jjdesigntwins says:

      Loren, Your kindness wraps our hearts like a loving and warm blanket! We feel your love as a true blessing on our journey. We are blessed to be connected and look forward to continuing our friendship in the New Year and beyond. With love and admiration, Julie & Jodie

  13. […] Belmont Ranch | The Design Twins | Designs by Karan | Grace In My Space | Happy Happy Nester | Jor Decor | The Little White […]

  14. […] inspiring and beautiful Christmas homes. If you’ve come to me from the wonderfully talented Jodie http://www.thedesigntwin… thanks for coming by. I… View the […]

  15. Cindy McCallister says:

    Oh my, it just makes my heart so happy to see such a beautiful and welcoming home. Every time I see a post from Julie or Jodi I get excited! Thank you for sharing your decorating gifts with us. May God richly bless your families at Christmas and in the new year. ❤️❤️

    • jjdesigntwins says:

      Cindy,
      Thank you so so much for your kind comment sweetie! This truly means so much to Jodie and I. You are so welcome my friend. God Bless you love and happy holidays!
      Lots of love,
      Jodie & Julie

  16. […] inspiring and beautiful Christmas homes. If you’ve come to me from the wonderfully talented Jodie http://www.thedesigntwin… thanks for coming by. I… View the […]

  17. Mary says:

    I now want to paint my front door red! Thank you for all the inspiration!

    • jjdesigntwins says:

      Mary,
      Aw we are so glad to inspire you sweet friend. This means the world to us. Thank you for the love!
      Happy Holidays,
      Jodie & Julie

  18. […] und schöne Weihnachtshäuser. Wenn Sie von der wunderbar talentierten Jodie zu mir gekommen sind http://www.thedesigntwin … danke fürs vorbeikommen. Ich … Den Beitrag […]

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