Have you started decorating for Christmas? I've been dragging my feet this year for sure. In all honesty, if I hadn't signed up for this blog tour I might not have shared my Christmas decor with you. Sometimes, it's a good thing to have a deadline. =) Today, I'm sharing my Simple Christmas Home Decor. Make sure to stick around to the end of the blog post to hop around and see all the amazing Christmas tours linked up.
Let's chat about the Christmas decor. I wanted simple this year and I didn't want to buy anything. I think both of those things allowed me to just let the decor go a bit and focus on creating memories together.
Last weekend, we went out for our 2nd annual Christmas tree cutting down adventure. It was a fabulous day. Greyson picked the tree and then Luke and him cut it down together. We had been talking about simple decor for the tree and decided that three boxes of candy canes would be fun.
Greyson loved the idea of every once in awhile picking candy off the tree to eat. In the eyes of a child, right? I think he's going to look back on that expeirience fondly. The tree looked a bit sad with the candy canes though, so we did add a few ball ornaments. It's definitely not fancy but it's festive.
The "tree skirt" is just a fir blanket that I wrapped around the bottom.
I'd used the same advent for a few years and wanted something just a bit different this year. I saved these printable tags and added numbers to create the countdown.
I used little closeline clips and yarn to hang them from the branch. Over the top of the branch, I added some greenery and a bow. Simple but kinda cute.
Each bag has something different inside.
Some of the things are:
Send a funny text to someone (Greyson loves sending emojis!)
Do a Christmas craft
Take hot chocolate and drive around to see lights
Surprise someone with a drawing
Christmas movie night
Unwrap a book (we have a few Christmas books that I put back every year and then rewrap to surprise him)
The little man has a lot of fun with the advent.
I printed the Christmas tree at Staples (click to download your Christmas tree printable) and just popped it in the frame that was on the wall. The little deer print is another free printable.
Another free printable that you can print out at home is this "Merry and Bright" print.
I added a little bit of greenery and some twinkle lights to the open shelving in the kitchen.
It's so cute at night.
A few other things are sprinkled around the house, but just a few small things. That's it guys. I think it feels festive yet not overwhelming. I love to look at Christmas decor in other peoples' homes but it totally stresses me out having all the extra stuff in my home.
Ok, prepare to get lots of Christmas decor ideas from this great group of ladies.
*Special thanks to Carrie from Lovely Etc. for organizing this fun hop!
If you loved this tour, then you may love:
Simple DIY Travel Ornament Tutorial
Or
Designing Vibes
Oh my! I am so in love with your simple, modern take on Christmas. This is simply beautiful.
Much Love,
Erica
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Erica! xoxo
Julia@Cuckoo4Design
Wow it's so you, so pretty and so festive! Love it
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Julia! Simple but festive.
Breanna
Love the simple touches of christmas you've added! And your advent calendar is such a great idea!
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Bre! You'll have to hop on the advent train soon!
Lindsay Eidahl
Love your Advent calendar idea and your kitchen is gorgeous! I love the ceiling fixture!!!
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Lindsay!
Amanda
First of all, your advent calendar is amazing! Secondly, I'm totally crushing on your kitchen. Everything is gorgeous!
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Amanda! The kiddo loves that advent calendar!
Cassie Bustamante
love it, ashley! your home looks so cozy- the living room is a great place to spend christmas morning! and your kitchen always gives me heart eyes.
Ashley Mayes
Thanks so much girl!
Carrie
Ashley, I love your simple Christmas decor. Sometimes all it takes is some greenery and twinkle lights!
Ashley Mayes
Yes! Thanks Carrie!
Gretchen@BoxyColonial
simple is good! I love the twinkle lights on the shelves--I might steal that idea next year :). And the tree is so sweet--love that you cut it down yourselves!
Ashley Mayes
You totally should!
SARAH LEMP
I LOVE your tree... and that huge window it's sitting in front of! Oh, and the advent calendar is super fun!! I'm also obsessing over your kitchen just a bit <3 <3
Ashley Mayes
Haha, thanks Sarah!
LZ Cathcart@ The Summery Umbrella
I just love your home, Ashley! It always makes me want to curl up with a good book and a BIG cup of coffee. Not to mention, your holiday decor fits in just perfectly. So stunning 🙂
Ashley Mayes
Thanks so much! Love me some big cups of coffee!
Kim
This is beautiful! I love the tree. And the advent calendar is super cute.
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Kim! =)
Aniko @Place of my taste
I adore your home, Ashley!! Your living room is cozy and very inviting! And your kitchen...my dream!! Happy Holidays, Friend! ( I am printing that Chrismas tree...!!)
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Aniko! You should totally print it! Free is always good. =)
Beverly
How lovely! I love all of the greenery you've used. Your tree is gorgeous. Thanks for sharing at Snickerdoodle. Pinning to my Christmas Board.
Ashley Mayes
Thanks so much!
Carol @ CAD INTERIORS
The "sending a funny text" Advent activity is awesome! Love the simple but impactful Christmas decorating you did. Finding and cutting down your Christmas tree sounds like a great tradition that will carry lasting memories. We don't have that in So Cal. 🙂 Wishing you and your family a merry holiday season!
Ashley Mayes
Glad you liked that one! Hope you and your family had a great one! xoxo
Theresa
Lovely ideas for the holidays. Thanks for sharing at the Inspiration Spotlight party! Pinned & shared.
Ashley Mayes
Thank you!
Tara @ Lehman lane
Your Christmas tour looks great Ashley! Love the tree in front of your windows and your sweet advent idea! Merry Christmas
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Tara! We kept it simple but that was great for us this year.