Boo Mama 2008 Christmas Tour of Homes

Yeah, it's finally here. Boo Mama's 2008 Christmas Tour of Homes. So, I'll open the front door, and ya'll come on in!
This is my first year to use a boxwood wreath, and I already love it. The best part is I can use it all year long! And the initial. How southern is that! Thanks, Nana, for the wreath and the initial!

Look, even my foxtail fern received a little holiday cheer!

Just inside, the foyer table is decorated with my nativity scene. I received this sweet set from the hostesses of my bridesmaids' luncheon. Although I married in June, I thought this was a very original and ideal gift for newlyweds!

I try to place my nativity scene as soon as you come in our home to keep the true meaning of Christmas at the forefront of our Christmas celebration!

To your left is the dining room. Mom and I purchased these adorable snowpeople earlier this year, and I had so much fun decorating with them and all of my snowy white and sugar coated ornaments and decorations.

Here's the buffet. I kept it simple this year, using the planter and peace plant that I keep out year round. I simply added a wreath around the top of the planter for a bit of holiday cheer. I had fun decorating with my regular and Christmas china and my silver. I have a weakness for china and silver, so I have thoroughly enjoyed having it displayed this season.

Through the dining room, we enter the kitchen. This year a fluffy rooster ornament from my best friend, Valerie, inspired this tree. The tree is decorated with all of my silver demitasse spoons, Christmas spreaders, other small kitchen gadgets and some packaged gingerbread men.

I placed the tree in one of my favorite bowls and filled the bowl with oranges and gumdrops.

Surrounding the tree are more of my rooster items and some baking ingredients. I have had fun this year simply decorating with practical items instead of tons of decorations, and the plate filled with cinnamon, vanilla, sprinkles, nutmeg and other baking goodies is just one example!

Another reminder of the Reason for the season!

Here is my fun snowman dish collection on top of the refridgerator. Again, to keep things practical, these dishes are in easy reach for warm winter soups and other quick meals.

As you enter the living room, you will see the mantle decorated with my favorite pear and pine garland, with some guinea feathers added in. The planters are filled with rosemary plants and ivy. The smell of rosemary fills the room and makes up for the artificial tree:)

Also displayed are my snowglobes from Neiman Marcus. My mother has purchased one for us each of the years we have lived here. It's so hard to believe it's been five whole years!!

And finally, the tree...
Even the dogs atop the tv cabinet received a little sprucing up!

Here are my paper white bulbs! We're hoping for some blooms before Christmas. I just love the smell of paperwhites!!The sweetest little bowl in the house. I have a theory that if I eat little bits of chocolate throughout the season, maybe I won't "binge" during the actual Christmas celebration. Probably won't work, but I'm having a fun time testing this theory out!

This year, I made little bags as a countdown for Christmas. Each morning, Walker and Kathryn open their bag to find a Christmas goody. I had so much fun picking out little gifts like candy, chalk, stickers, socks, etc. And they have had the best time opening the bags!

Here's today's bag. It's actually my favorite!

And don't forget the little green man, the Grinch! He holds down the rocking chair that is perfect for curling up and reading a book. I keep the basket next to the chair filled with Christmas books and other fun things like Santa hats and reindeer antlers!

I hope you enjoyed the tour of our home. May you and yours have a joyous and blessed holiday season! Good tidings of great joy (Luke 2:10) from our house to yours!