Tour 7 Homes With Fresh and Cheery Holiday Decor
Festive place settings, garlands and trees personalize these warm and inviting homes for the Christmas season
Janet Paik
December 24, 2019
Houzz Associate Editor. Passionate about creative homes and the people behind them. Loves thoughtful design, improving her family's 1950s fixer-upper and VW buses. Former designer at the San Jose Mercury News.
Houzz Associate Editor. Passionate about creative homes and the people behind them.... More
Whether you like to keep your holiday decor neutral with a sleek and pared-down palette or go traditional with plaids and vintage ornaments, there are so many different ways to decorate for the Christmas season. See how these seven homeowners from our My Houzz series have made their interiors merry, bright and beautiful.
Photos by Angela Flournoy
1. A Festive and Tasty Holiday Dessert Exchange Party in Dallas
Who lives here: Cake artist Shane Morgan of Posh Cakes, attorney Michael Walraven and their five dachshunds
Location: Dallas
In 2008, Shane Morgan and Michael Walraven started a sweet annual tradition for their friends and family. “There’s the cookie exchange where everyone brings a cookie recipe,” Morgan says, seated at right in red. Walraven is pictured standing, in blue. The couple extended the traditional holiday party idea to include all baked goods, with guests bringing a pie, cake, cookies or bars to share. Guests are also asked to bring copies of their recipes. “When everyone leaves, they’ll take copies of the recipes with them, and it’s almost like a miniature cookbook,” Morgan says.
Shop for holiday decorations on Houzz
1. A Festive and Tasty Holiday Dessert Exchange Party in Dallas
Who lives here: Cake artist Shane Morgan of Posh Cakes, attorney Michael Walraven and their five dachshunds
Location: Dallas
In 2008, Shane Morgan and Michael Walraven started a sweet annual tradition for their friends and family. “There’s the cookie exchange where everyone brings a cookie recipe,” Morgan says, seated at right in red. Walraven is pictured standing, in blue. The couple extended the traditional holiday party idea to include all baked goods, with guests bringing a pie, cake, cookies or bars to share. Guests are also asked to bring copies of their recipes. “When everyone leaves, they’ll take copies of the recipes with them, and it’s almost like a miniature cookbook,” Morgan says.
Shop for holiday decorations on Houzz
Walraven created a festive natural tablescape on their dining table using eucalyptus foliage mixed with white and lavender roses. “We wanted the dining room to look like Christmas but not the traditional red, green and blues. We wanted the table design to complement the room,” Walraven says.
Serving platters balance the dramatic greenery and blooms to complete the setting. “I try to provide a few different desserts for the table and have the pretty Christmas cake as the centerpiece,” Morgan says. The centerpiece confection is a rich three-layer Earl Grey cake garnished with cranberries and orange slices.
“Guests are already asking what’s the date for next year. It’s something that our friends always look forward to,” Morgan says. “Everyone loves sweets.”
Serving platters balance the dramatic greenery and blooms to complete the setting. “I try to provide a few different desserts for the table and have the pretty Christmas cake as the centerpiece,” Morgan says. The centerpiece confection is a rich three-layer Earl Grey cake garnished with cranberries and orange slices.
“Guests are already asking what’s the date for next year. It’s something that our friends always look forward to,” Morgan says. “Everyone loves sweets.”
The homeowners have five dachshunds, who get into the holiday spirit with festive sweaters and accessories. “We try to incorporate our dogs into anything we have,” Morgan says. Pictured from top to bottom are Sherman, Imelda, Braxton on the left, Martha Sparkles on the right and Fletcher.
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Photos by Caroline Sharpnack
2. Wreaths and Garland Galore in a 1913 Tennessee Home
Who lives here: Architect Tracey Ford of EOA Architects
Location: Lockeland Springs neighborhood of Nashville, Tennessee
Architect Tracey Ford has lived in her 1913 Victorian cottage in Nashville, Tennessee, since 2002. In 2016, a fire that started in the laundry room severely damaged the home, and she worked with Bootstrap Architecture + Construction to rebuild.
After losing all of her Christmas decorations and ornaments in the fire, Ford invested in high-quality decor she can reuse, like this faux pine garland seen on the living room mantel. To complete the look, she added collected pine cones, twigs, twinkle lights and other seasonal accents. In the corner, black ribbon and black and gold jewelry add flair to a dress form. Two glittery gold wreaths flank the fireplace.
2. Wreaths and Garland Galore in a 1913 Tennessee Home
Who lives here: Architect Tracey Ford of EOA Architects
Location: Lockeland Springs neighborhood of Nashville, Tennessee
Architect Tracey Ford has lived in her 1913 Victorian cottage in Nashville, Tennessee, since 2002. In 2016, a fire that started in the laundry room severely damaged the home, and she worked with Bootstrap Architecture + Construction to rebuild.
After losing all of her Christmas decorations and ornaments in the fire, Ford invested in high-quality decor she can reuse, like this faux pine garland seen on the living room mantel. To complete the look, she added collected pine cones, twigs, twinkle lights and other seasonal accents. In the corner, black ribbon and black and gold jewelry add flair to a dress form. Two glittery gold wreaths flank the fireplace.
Ford is seen here on her front porch. Red and gold ornaments decorate a Christmas tree by the door.
Browse outdoor holiday decor
Browse outdoor holiday decor
A custom holiday floral arrangement serves as a centerpiece on the dining table, and a decorated 8-foot Christmas tree enlivens the corner. Red, black, white and gold ornaments complement the existing color scheme in Ford’s home. “The holiday touches reinforce the gold tones found in my home, and adding a touch of live greenery gives it that holiday feel,” she says.
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Read more about this home
Photos by Rikki Snyder
3. Nature-Inspired Christmas Charm in a New York Farmhouse
Who lives here: Shawn Lang and Kristofer Prepelica and their Chihuahua, Rocco
Location: Hortonville, New York
Shawn Lang and Kristofer Prepelica took a nature-inspired approach to decorating their renovated 1800 farmhouse in Hortonville, New York, for the holidays. “The great room is already a cozy room in the house, so adding a little greenery makes it so festive,” Lang says. Simple green garlands and holiday-themed throw pillows adorn the space this time of year.
Throughout the year, the two change up the decor on their entry table, which was made from a vintage sewing machine stand base and wooden tabletop. “We always do something different with it.… It’s a great welcoming to our guests,” Lang says. Butterfly cloches, stacked vintage books and a fresh mini Christmas tree complete the holiday vignette.
3. Nature-Inspired Christmas Charm in a New York Farmhouse
Who lives here: Shawn Lang and Kristofer Prepelica and their Chihuahua, Rocco
Location: Hortonville, New York
Shawn Lang and Kristofer Prepelica took a nature-inspired approach to decorating their renovated 1800 farmhouse in Hortonville, New York, for the holidays. “The great room is already a cozy room in the house, so adding a little greenery makes it so festive,” Lang says. Simple green garlands and holiday-themed throw pillows adorn the space this time of year.
Throughout the year, the two change up the decor on their entry table, which was made from a vintage sewing machine stand base and wooden tabletop. “We always do something different with it.… It’s a great welcoming to our guests,” Lang says. Butterfly cloches, stacked vintage books and a fresh mini Christmas tree complete the holiday vignette.
Lang stands in the bed of their green 1972 Ford F100 Ranger truck while Prepelica looks on. They use the truck to bring home their Christmas tree, which they cut down at a local farm on Thanksgiving weekend each year. “It matches the house,” Lang notes.
The home’s green-and-white exterior is decorated with pine garland that spirals around the pillars of the wraparound porch.
The home’s green-and-white exterior is decorated with pine garland that spirals around the pillars of the wraparound porch.
The homeowners start their Christmas morning in the dining area by lighting the fire, turning on holiday music and opening presents. Near the compact stove and stone hearth is a pair of rocking chairs that makes this a perfect place to relax. “When the fire is on, we’re usually in the rocking chairs reading a book or favorite magazine,” Lang says. “The great room is where we spend most of our winter nights by the fire.”
The mantel decor is all about layering. “We use mostly faux greenery and garland, then add some large pine cones we collect on our property,” Lang says. “We always add a wreath and of course our plaid stockings.”
The mantel decor is all about layering. “We use mostly faux greenery and garland, then add some large pine cones we collect on our property,” Lang says. “We always add a wreath and of course our plaid stockings.”
The couple’s farmhouse-style renovated kitchen includes more nature-inspired decor. “Adding some wreaths and garland go a long way in our kitchen,” Lang says. Three wreaths hang on the original built-in hutch, with plaid ribbons for an extra-festive look.
During their kitchen renovation, Lang used Houzz photos to find ideas. “The kitchen is definitely the heart of our home,” he says. “We love to cook and bake around the holidays, and it’s a perfect space for guests to cram into when we host parties.” The kitchen also leads out to the wraparound porch.
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During their kitchen renovation, Lang used Houzz photos to find ideas. “The kitchen is definitely the heart of our home,” he says. “We love to cook and bake around the holidays, and it’s a perfect space for guests to cram into when we host parties.” The kitchen also leads out to the wraparound porch.
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Photos by Rachel Loewen
4. Fresh Holiday Touches in a White and Bright Chicago Loft
Who lives here: Jenna Jeffery Petersen and Ryan Petersen of Chi Loft Style; their English springer spaniel, Ranger; and their cat, Chessie
Location: Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago
Jenna Jeffery Petersen and Ryan Petersen renovated their loft in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood to make it a light and airy space. “We immediately knew we wanted to brighten up the place and bring out its true loft potential,” Jenna says. The couple painted all the walls, doors and ceilings a bright white. They also repainted the existing cherry cabinets a bright white and added brass drawer and cabinet pulls to update the look, as well as a white quartz countertop. “We love it,” Jenna says. “It’s super durable and doesn’t come with the same worries of marble, yet we achieve a similar look.” They also used quartz for the backsplash.
Emery dipped gold leaf bar stools: Safavieh; quartz countertops and backsplash: Granite Selection
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4. Fresh Holiday Touches in a White and Bright Chicago Loft
Who lives here: Jenna Jeffery Petersen and Ryan Petersen of Chi Loft Style; their English springer spaniel, Ranger; and their cat, Chessie
Location: Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago
Jenna Jeffery Petersen and Ryan Petersen renovated their loft in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood to make it a light and airy space. “We immediately knew we wanted to brighten up the place and bring out its true loft potential,” Jenna says. The couple painted all the walls, doors and ceilings a bright white. They also repainted the existing cherry cabinets a bright white and added brass drawer and cabinet pulls to update the look, as well as a white quartz countertop. “We love it,” Jenna says. “It’s super durable and doesn’t come with the same worries of marble, yet we achieve a similar look.” They also used quartz for the backsplash.
Emery dipped gold leaf bar stools: Safavieh; quartz countertops and backsplash: Granite Selection
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“Holiday decor just immediately makes us happy,” says Jenna, seen here in the living room with Ryan and their dog, Ranger, and cat, Chessie. “It exudes positivity and warmth. We have inherited a number of really cool holiday pieces from Ryan’s grandmother that are sprinkled throughout our entire home.”
The couple love to buy a 14-foot Christmas tree each year. “Luckily, with our super tall ceilings we can get the biggest tree they have,” Jenna says. “Last year we were so disappointed when January came around and we had to take it all down. But it makes it that much more special when we got to put it back up this year.”
The couple love to buy a 14-foot Christmas tree each year. “Luckily, with our super tall ceilings we can get the biggest tree they have,” Jenna says. “Last year we were so disappointed when January came around and we had to take it all down. But it makes it that much more special when we got to put it back up this year.”
French doors open to a fireplace in the master bedroom. The couple painted the existing tile a dark gray and covered over the hearth tile with a Carrara-marble-patterned removable vinyl. The revamped fireplace is decorated for the holidays with faux fur stockings and decorative birch logs.
Read more about this loft
Read more about this loft
![by Design Fixation [Faith Provencher]](https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/5e91ee020866ee4a_5006-w618-h411-b0-p0--home-design.jpg)
Photos by Faith Towers Provencher
5. Inviting Farmhouse Charm in Connecticut
Who lives here: Pat and Lauren McBride; their son, Landon, and daughter, Noelle; and their Rottweiler, Ammo
Location: New Haven County, Connecticut
Lauren and Pat McBride live in an airy farmhouse-inspired renovated home in Madison, Connecticut. They and their two children love to celebrate the holidays, and at Christmastime a tall, generously decorated tree takes center stage in the living room. The white-flocked artificial tree is the perfect backdrop for a collection of silver and gold ornaments. A burlap garland and sprigs of artificial foliage add to the decor.
A warm cozy throw blanket and cream-colored pillows on the sofa make the living room a cozy place to gather.
Browse Christmas trees on Houzz
5. Inviting Farmhouse Charm in Connecticut
Who lives here: Pat and Lauren McBride; their son, Landon, and daughter, Noelle; and their Rottweiler, Ammo
Location: New Haven County, Connecticut
Lauren and Pat McBride live in an airy farmhouse-inspired renovated home in Madison, Connecticut. They and their two children love to celebrate the holidays, and at Christmastime a tall, generously decorated tree takes center stage in the living room. The white-flocked artificial tree is the perfect backdrop for a collection of silver and gold ornaments. A burlap garland and sprigs of artificial foliage add to the decor.
A warm cozy throw blanket and cream-colored pillows on the sofa make the living room a cozy place to gather.
Browse Christmas trees on Houzz
![by Design Fixation [Faith Provencher]](https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/daa1214a08d9692f_1622-w400-h560-b0-p0--home-design.jpg)
Lauren is seen here with son Landon and daughter Noelle. The home decor is an evolving canvas that expresses the homeowner’s love of the fall and winter holidays. All of the accent pieces, from autumnal pumpkins to textured throw pillows to festive centerpieces, are swapped out through the seasons.
![by Design Fixation [Faith Provencher]](https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/5341e5910866ee2f_0690-w400-h560-b0-p0--home-design.jpg)
The mantel is a rotating display of seasonal decor, and here it’s dressed up for Christmas with a collection of pillar candles and a mix of knit and faux fur stockings. Tall taper candles and brass candlesticks accent the fireplace itself.
Lauren sticks to a neutral scheme and adds bits of color through natural accents and accessories.
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Lauren sticks to a neutral scheme and adds bits of color through natural accents and accessories.
Shop for candles
![by Design Fixation [Faith Provencher]](https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/0d5189ca0866ed95_0528-w400-h560-b0-p0--home-design.jpg)
The dining room sits in the front corner of the house and is another space where Lauren loves to add festive holiday touches. The sideboard displays collection of candles and decorative white houses, and a set of wooden shutters leans against the wall, providing a backdrop for seasonal wreaths, such as this boxwood wreath with a vintage horn accent.
The couple built their dining room table by hand, and it’s the focal point of the room. Here it’s set with wooden slab chargers, small evergreen branches and an elegant centerpiece made of metallic candleholders and real and faux greenery.
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The couple built their dining room table by hand, and it’s the focal point of the room. Here it’s set with wooden slab chargers, small evergreen branches and an elegant centerpiece made of metallic candleholders and real and faux greenery.
Read more about this home
Photos by Rikki Snyder
6. Christmas Traditions in an Updated 1850s New York Farmhouse
Who lives here: Bette Hestle of Golden Hill Studio and her cats, Mr. Bud and Claudette
Location: Great Valley, New York
“I was blessed to have had a mother and grandmother who loved Christmas and the holidays. They always made it so special and such a happy time,” glassware artist Bette Hestle says. “In all my years, I never missed a Christmas with them. The traditions may have changed as life changed, but the spirit never did.” Red and green plaids, festive greenery and hand-painted glassware define Hestle’s holiday decorating style in her updated 1850s farmhouse in Great Valley, New York, where she has lived for more than 40 years. “My house is over 150 years old, so there have been many Christmases celebrated at Golden Hill.“
Hestle believes that Christmas trees are the focal point of any home decorated for the holidays. “My tree is filled and stuffed with tons of hydrangeas that I grow all over my property,” she says. “I dry them in the fall, and then the final part of decorating the tree is putting these pretty dried flowers in the spaces. It is a wonderful filler.” The top of the tree is decorated with turkey feathers found on her property. “Usually there is a lot of snow by the 25th, and that makes everything inside the room have a wonderful feeling,” Hestle says.
Find Christmas ornaments and decor on Houzz
6. Christmas Traditions in an Updated 1850s New York Farmhouse
Who lives here: Bette Hestle of Golden Hill Studio and her cats, Mr. Bud and Claudette
Location: Great Valley, New York
“I was blessed to have had a mother and grandmother who loved Christmas and the holidays. They always made it so special and such a happy time,” glassware artist Bette Hestle says. “In all my years, I never missed a Christmas with them. The traditions may have changed as life changed, but the spirit never did.” Red and green plaids, festive greenery and hand-painted glassware define Hestle’s holiday decorating style in her updated 1850s farmhouse in Great Valley, New York, where she has lived for more than 40 years. “My house is over 150 years old, so there have been many Christmases celebrated at Golden Hill.“
Hestle believes that Christmas trees are the focal point of any home decorated for the holidays. “My tree is filled and stuffed with tons of hydrangeas that I grow all over my property,” she says. “I dry them in the fall, and then the final part of decorating the tree is putting these pretty dried flowers in the spaces. It is a wonderful filler.” The top of the tree is decorated with turkey feathers found on her property. “Usually there is a lot of snow by the 25th, and that makes everything inside the room have a wonderful feeling,” Hestle says.
Find Christmas ornaments and decor on Houzz
Hestle gathers with her friends and family near this restored fireplace on Christmas morning. “I start planning months in advance. Everyone has a Christmas stocking, and we take turns opening our gifts. Needless to say, it takes us to afternoon to finish,” she says. “We take our time and have lots of champagne to add to the festive day.”
The homeowner found the fireplace mantel in an old barn in the area and had it restored. “It had about 10 layers of paint on it and was missing some pieces, which I had made,” she says.
Browse popular Christmas stockings and holders in the Houzz Shop
The homeowner found the fireplace mantel in an old barn in the area and had it restored. “It had about 10 layers of paint on it and was missing some pieces, which I had made,” she says.
Browse popular Christmas stockings and holders in the Houzz Shop
“Christmas Eve is our big dinner, and it is very special, as the house just glows,” Hestle says. Every spot in the dining room, including the chandelier, is decorated with greens in preparation for the meal. “I have friends that come all the way from Australia and California. We range in age all the way up to 94! A very special time, and I want my house to glow. At Christmas I have special plates and silver serving pieces that have been in the family for generations.”
When decorating her table, Hestle starts with the plaid linens. “I think that sets the tone as to the type of entertaining that you are doing,” she says. On top of a plaid table runner is a decorative tray used to display pine cones, fragile ornaments and fresh trimmings.
A small Christmas tree in the corner features a collection of blown-glass ornaments from Egypt.
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Browse holiday drinkware
When decorating her table, Hestle starts with the plaid linens. “I think that sets the tone as to the type of entertaining that you are doing,” she says. On top of a plaid table runner is a decorative tray used to display pine cones, fragile ornaments and fresh trimmings.
A small Christmas tree in the corner features a collection of blown-glass ornaments from Egypt.
Read more about this home
Browse holiday drinkware
Photos by Rachel Loewen
7. Cheerful and Minimal in a Couple’s Chicago Apartment
Who lives here: Austin and Mel Holmes with their dogs, Coco and Frankie
Location: Ukrainian Village neighborhood of Chicago
Mel and Austin Holmes decorate their 1875 second-floor apartment in Chicago’s Ukrainian Village with a passion for holiday entertaining. “Do what brings you joy. That is what the holidays are all about,” says Mel, a stylist and founder of local book club What Women Read.
Artificial pine garland accents are found throughout the interior, including here in the living room. The tree is decorated with a handmade silver ornament garland.
7. Cheerful and Minimal in a Couple’s Chicago Apartment
Who lives here: Austin and Mel Holmes with their dogs, Coco and Frankie
Location: Ukrainian Village neighborhood of Chicago
Mel and Austin Holmes decorate their 1875 second-floor apartment in Chicago’s Ukrainian Village with a passion for holiday entertaining. “Do what brings you joy. That is what the holidays are all about,” says Mel, a stylist and founder of local book club What Women Read.
Artificial pine garland accents are found throughout the interior, including here in the living room. The tree is decorated with a handmade silver ornament garland.
“We love hosting and creating an environment that is full of love,” says Mel, who’s pictured here with Austin and their dogs, Coco and Frankie. “The holidays are so special to me,” she says. “I believe it is a time to reflect on our blessings and to bless others. Celebrate the good this season.”
Houseplants and a seasonal garland add lush green touches to the home office. The walls are painted in a blush pink — Abalone Shell by Sherwin-Williams.
Mel abides by the rule of designing from your heart. “Start with love. What do you love? What makes you love more?” she asks. “Your home should be a place that allows you to be comfortable, to recharge and to be your best self. Allow that to help you style it with thoughtfulness and honesty.”
Mel abides by the rule of designing from your heart. “Start with love. What do you love? What makes you love more?” she asks. “Your home should be a place that allows you to be comfortable, to recharge and to be your best self. Allow that to help you style it with thoughtfulness and honesty.”
A mini fresh noble fir decorated with simple white lights adds a fragrant touch to the master bedroom.
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My Houzz is a series in which we visit and photograph creative, personality-filled homes and the people who inhabit them. Share your home with us and see more projects.
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Read more about this home
My Houzz is a series in which we visit and photograph creative, personality-filled homes and the people who inhabit them. Share your home with us and see more projects.
More on Houzz
See other home tours
Find a home professional
Shop for holiday products
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I love them all. Even though Christmas Day is over these photos brought all the joy and smiles right back to me!! Thanks for that!
I'm a near-minimalist at heart but seeing homes like #6 warm my heart and make me smile. I applaud the "all in" mindset. :<)
#4 is a beautiful kitchen but I can’t figure out why it made a Christmas decor article. I had to look several times to find the Christmas touches. I love the simple elegance of #7 but also the ‘all in’ decors too. Not sure I have the energy for that, but I try. I have those narrow wood ‘Amityville Horror’ attic stairs plus two core flights to haul decorations down to first floor. I asked my husband to help one year. Boxes down, decorate, boxes back up, boxes down, undecorate, boxes back up. He said no wonder I’m tired at Christmas.