Christmas House Tour

As part of our Christmas present this year my step-mom Penny got my sister-in-law and I tickets to a local Christmas House Tour.  It happened to be the same day that we had planned our annual cookie baking and peppermint chocolate day so it worked out perfectly. The big girls headed off in the morning with our coffees to tour 5 beautiful homes all decked out for the holiday season.  I have gone before with friends and it is such a nice way to kick off the holiday season, inspire some of your own decor choices, and get into the holiday spirit!  I took a few pictures of a few of my favorites on the tour.  It is interesting how some houses you totally "get" and feel comfortable and at home in.  And in others you realize how different people's design sense is.  I definitely like the more rustic, natural and traditional charm.  But all of the houses were beautiful.  And some of the backyards and views were simply spectacular!  Thanks Penny for a fun Christmas present and all the inspiration that went along with it!!

What a beautiful welcoming front porch!

This kitchen was divine.  Loved all the birch bark incorporated in the displays.
And of course in this natural themed house a gaggle of turkeys walked through
while we were admiring the back yard.  

Love the backsplash and the saying:  Dinner Choices 1. Take It. 2. Leave it. 

My favorite part of this house was the little nooks and crannies for crafting
 and gardening all tucked in and cozy off the front mud room.
I think I liked this house the most as I took the most pictures here.  I could see the
design choices and decorations at home and in NH.

These pictures in the background of their bar were mounted on the back of plates.
The glass protects them from water damage and makes a different way to
display art work and pictures than traditional frames.

Loved all the M's around this house as well as the NOEL sign added to an
existing display of pictures on the mantel. 

A beautiful vase to display holiday greens.  

Love the view and the holiday decorated dancing frogs on this
gorgeous balcony overlooking the ocean.  This is how the other half lives!

Simple paper ornaments that my daughter's love to make incorporated on the tree.  

Love this bulletin board.  Makes me want to start taking instagram pictures!
I even like the simple tin can with greens.  

Of course the ducks and ribbons made me think of NH!

Now to have my dad design us one of these!!  

Rod, KT thinks we need this wine opener!! 

A simple bowl of greens and bulbs on the table. 

Love this idea for a trellis in NH on the lakeside of the house.
Architectural and practical.