Everyday Living

Christmas Cheer & Changes In Our Family Room

~ Christmas, Decorating, Holidays

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭91:1‬

Merry Thursday dear friends! Are you all finished with your Christmas shopping?  It is hard to believe that Christmas is less than two weeks away!  

Today, I am so excited to welcome you into my family room, where you will find a whole lot of Christmas cheer!  This summer, we made some changes in this room, and I had planned to share it with you before I decorated for Christmas, but I never got around to even taking photos!  But today we are here, so grab a cup of coffee and let’s take a look!

It took me a few months to convince My Renaissance Man to let me paint the fireplace, but he finally gave in. We built our home in the country almost forty years ago, and it was to be our starter home. But, country living so agreed with us that we could never leave this twenty five acres of woods, pasture, and a view of Lookout Mountain. It is a small home by today’s standards but it is the perfect size for us.

My mantel and hearth are decorated almost the same from year to year!

This is a photo from last year with the brick unpainted. The decor is tweaked a little this year, but not much.

Our tree in the family room is filled with memories!

The large nativity sitting on the hearth is getting rather old, but it is one my favorites. If you look closely you might see a couple of broken fingers on the Wise Men.

You might notice that the natural cedar walls have changed. We had them pickled, but I like that the natural wood is still visible.  I placed one of the many Santa’s made by my beloved Mother on the French chest with a little natural and faux greenery, keeping it simple.

You can see more of the wall detail.

I don’t think I have ever shown a view from the family room into our dining room. I am loving the blue walls that we painted this summer. I chose a lighter shade of blue from the fabric on the bergere chairs and window treatments in the family room.

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You may have noticed that I use a mix of fabrics…plaids, florals, toile, leopard! I have always loved the English country style of decorating where rooms evolve over time and are filled with the things that are loved and well worn. I am not one to go with the current trends, but I stick to what I love. I don’t think there is anything wrong with being on trend, if that is what you prefer.

A sleigh with ornaments and a pitcher of faux tulips sit on the coffee table.  

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Another cherished Santa from the hands of my precious Mother!

This shot allows you to see more detail of the nativity!

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Thank you for visiting and for taking time to leave a comment. Wishing you a joy filled day!

You don’t want to miss any of the fabulous Christmas Tablescape inspiration!

Monday
Home is Where the Boat Is | Everyday Living | Knock it Off Kim | A casa di Bianca

Tuesday
Life and Linda | The Painted Hinge | Panoply | Corner of Plaid and Paisley

Wednesday
Debbee’s Buzz | Follow the Yellow Brick Home | Living With Thanksgiving | Home and Gardening With Liz

Thursday
Red Cottage Chronicles | The Painted Apron | Our Crafty Mom | Celebrate & Decorate

Friday
From My Carolina Home | Sweet Sensations | Me and My Captain
Zucchini Sisters | Bluesky at Home

 Linking with:
 Pieced Pastimes,, Dwellings-Heart of Your Home, Savvy Southern Style, French Country Cottage, Stone Gable, Confessions of a Plate Addict, Worthing Court, Between Naps on the Porch, Cedar Hill Farmhouse, A Stroll Thru Life, The Charm of Home, Katherines Corner,Petit Haus, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,  Vintage Mama’s Cottage, Marilyn’s Treats Eclectic Red Barn, Love Of Home, My Soulful Home, Celebrating Everyday Life, Little Farmstead, Starfish Cottage, Rustic & Refined,The Freckled Rose, Life and Linda, DIY 180, Celebrate & Decorate, Sweet Sensations, The Dedicated House, Shabby Fufu, Designthusiasm, Imparting Grace, Calypso in the Country

Comments

  1. Love the painted brick and picketed paneling. Your nativity is beautiful. Since I am older, I ,too, do what I like. I agree that if you want to be on trend that is fine,but I need to stick to what I like.

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  2. Thank you for sharing the beautiful Christmas decorations in your home. The white fireplace makes all the difference and really makes the Nativity Set stand out. I too, love “Old English” fabrics and furniture, having grown up with my English grandparents! Merry Christmas. Pam (my name also!)

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  3. Lovely Pam. The painted brick and pickled wall finish looks wonderful. Love the nativity scene especially since your mother made it. I have a few pieces my mom did in ceramics class years ago but haven’t set them out for a while. Your furnishings are lovely. That new blue color in the dining room is so pretty. I like how light and fresh it is. ?

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  4. Well my favourite shot would have to be the current fireplace one, just beautiful. I’m a sucker for nativities. Always have to have one at Christmas. I like everything in that shot.

    I know what happened. It was dangerous travelling in biblical days. The Wise men were set upon by brigands but would not give up their presents for baby Jesus, instead their fingers were cut off with scimitars. The end. (But not the end, as they were made saints by the church, really.)

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  6. This is stunning, Pam. Absolutely breathtaking. Warm and elegant. I love the view of the living room into the dining room too — a good sense of perspective for when I see your tablescapes.

    I remember your nativity on the mantle before. Why would you ever want to put it anyplace else? It’s perfect there. And I love your tree. It reminds me a bit of mine in that it is filled with all sorts of wonderful ornaments that express your memories. Beautiful in every single way!

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  7. It is lovely Pam, everything is beautifully done. I love the English style. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

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  8. Omg Pam, I don’t remember seeing your den before. The gorgeous combo of painted brick and lush paneling is the perfect backdrop for your stunning furnishings. You never let me down. Thanks for the eye candy, Pam!

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  9. Pam, Your family room is so cozy & the pickled wood and painted fireplace are perfect. Your furniture is beautiful. I love your Mom’s ceramic pieces. She was very talented! The Santa sitting in the holly chair is just gorgeous! It looks as though it is an Andrea piece as it is so detailed. Isn’t it lovely to have memories to display? I love your large nativity set. Wishing your family a blessed Christmas! Clara ??⛄??

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  11. Your room changes are beautiful! I loved the shot of your arched openings from the family room into the dining room. The fire place painted white makes all your lovely accessories and decorations shine. I wish my hearth was high enough to sit on.
    Your nativity is gorgeous. I love how you display it!
    You did have a busy summer with all the painting. Great selections.
    Your mother would be so thrilled to see her hand painted pieces prominently displayed in your home.
    Thanks Pam for your sweet comments about my Garden Club program. It went well.I had a few technology glitches at first and it was stressful but they were resolved in time.

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  13. Oh Pam, I have so enjoyed my visit and tour this morning! Everything looks absolutely gorgeous! I love the painted fireplace…it creates such a lovely focal point. Your decorating style speaks to my heart, and we both share the same decorating philosophy. I adore English Country, and you have showcased this style beautifully. All of your Christmas vignettes are so pretty, and your home definitely is warm and welcoming for the Christmas season. Merry Christmas, sweet friend!!!

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  14. I like your home, Pam. It is welcoming and warm. All your pieces and stunning objetcts make a place where to enjoy life and family. Love the changement, the brick wall and the color in the dining room are both perfect. Very good job, madam ???

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  16. Pam, your home is stunning. I love the fireplace and especially the view into the dining room. The portrait of your handsome young man and your mother’s pieces are truly the things that make a home. I would much rather see personality in homes than Pottery Barn look-alikes! Thank you for sharing. And thank you for the bibles quotes that start your posts. Merry Christmas!

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  17. Peeking inside is an absolute delight and reflects your warmth. Though our styles are quite different, there is commonality in what influences it.

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  18. Pam the painted fireplace brick is stunning and of course I love your nativity on the hearth and the lovely memory that goes with it. The pickling of the wood walls was brilliant as well as beautiful. I especially love your Christmas Tree as it makes me all nostalgic of family Christmases. Your tree and fireplace could be on a Christmas card. Thank you for sharing. Blessings dear friend.

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  19. Pam, this is so gorgeous! My best friend is trying to decide whether to paint her fireplace, I will be sure she sees this. Your dear mother was so talented, and you certainly inherited that talent. The portrait of your son is lovely. Your style of decor is definitely to my taste! I love my smaller house on 20 acres too…even if I won the lottery, I would stay right here!

    One other comment on the step down from your dining room, a cautionary tale. My own dear mother went to see a new neighbor’s house. The house was a vast expanse of beautiful, shiny hardwood with a step down. The neighbor didn’t warn Mom about it, and there was an optical illusion that the floor was level. Mom fell off and badly shattered her wrist. She also had a step down in her home and after her fall, kept a small dark rug to break up that optical illusion in her own house.

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    • I absolutely love your home. Thank you for sharing your Christmas decor. A couple of thoughts…you can disguise the broken finger by painting the white with a matching color of acrylic craft paint. You may have to mix a couple to get a match. If the finish is glazed use a shiny clear fingernail polish after the paint dries. If it is not a shiny glaze, just dab the clear polish a bit before it dries and that will dull it some and still take away the flat look of the paint.

      The other idea comes from a friend who had a step down problem. He removed the board nearest the edge of the step, drilled tiny holes just smaller then the tiny LED lightbulbs in a string of clear Christmas lights. He attached the string securing a bulb in each hole to the underside of the board and hardwired the string to a switch in the home. After reinstalling the board it is beautiful, subtle and effective.

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      • Thank you Kathy, I appreciate your suggestions. My thoughts are the Nativity is old and well loved, I may repair someday. Our home is forty years old and we have had the step down since it was built, hopefully no one will fall. My biggest issue is my little granddaughter wants to ride her little car off of it! Wishing you a Merry Christmas!

    • My comment disappeared. Thank you dear Roxanne, it is home sweet home to us. I always warn anyone who has never been here about the step down. My biggest problem is Ella Mae wants to ride her little car off. She thinks that would be fun. Merry Friday!

      How terrible that your mom fell. I wear progressive lens and I have to be careful with all steps.

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      • That is the key, Pam, my neighbor didn’t warn Mom. She was young and Mom was about 80, so she didn’t think about it. You have your beautiful rugs that show the level change too. Maybe Ella Mae thinks she is the Dukes of Hazard! Or would that be Duchess?!?

      • My sweet 88 year old daddy has trouble with any steps. I am always fearful of him falling. Ella Mae was so funny this week. She has already figured out how to tease me. We are making a gingerbread house on Monday. That should be a treat!

  21. Pam, I am at a total loss for words. Your home is beautiful. I am in love, as I have said before, with your new paint color. And the shot from your family room into your dining room is gorgeous. I especially love the step down into the family room and the arched entry into the dining room. Beautiful details. Decorated for Christmas it is truly magical. I imagine Ella Mae’s eyes just pop every time she visits. Your Nativity is beautiful, I remember loving the photos of it last year. Also love your fireplace painted white, it is so pretty.

    Thank you, Pam for sharing your home with us, it was a lovely – just like you.❤

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  24. I love everything about your style! And I am especially interested in what kind of paint you used for the fireplace. I’ve been thinking about painting over mine. After 39 years of the red brick in my den, I’m looking forward to a change. Lucky me to have the solution right on your blog. Blessings to you and your family.

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    • Thank you so much. Since we no longer burn wood and only use our gas logs occasionally we were able to use a regular paint. If you burn wood, you have to use the paint that your paint store would recommend. I researched the internet. It was time consuming painting over the rough brick and mortar, but well worth it!

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  28. Beautiful, Pam! I love love love the dining room color and the painted fireplace and pickled paneling. I loved these rooms before, and they are even more beautiful now. This is a great example of how wonderful change can be. Even when we are comfortable with what we have, we can create something even better, which you truly did. You are so talented, my friend.

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  29. Merry Christmas Pam, Butch and family! I have been anxious to see your updated reveal. It is stunning! I love the color and everything you did. You are so talented.

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  30. dear friend, I had passed this post and I really was not seeing this so beautiful.
    I love the house with its new color, it looks very bright, beautiful and elegant.
    The ornaments are very beautiful …
    I congratulate you
    Dolores

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  31. Your home looks gorgeous Pam! I love your brick painted white it really makes your beautiful stockings and nativity stand out! I’ve never seen the view of your dining room from the living room, the arches and columns are soo pretty and I love how open it is! I love the way you have a lot of colors, textures and patterns all so beautifully mixed. I think the neutral decorating style is beautiful but I think I would get tired of living in a white world, I am a color person! I agree, decorate your home with what you love and let it evolve over time! Thanks for the peek!
    Jenna

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  32. I so enjoyed visiting you at Christmas Pam, my heart sang as we walked around your home together, I like the painted fireplace…Thank you for such a delightful time! ♥
    Blessings,
    Jennifer

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  33. What fun to make gingerbread houses with Miss Ella Mae! I have loved every second of this Christtmas season, decorating and baking, in fact I have tennis elbow from stirring cookie dough. Ouch! I laughed when the doc told me. I still wouldn’t change a thing as I so love making and gifting the cookies.

    Thank you for showing your beautiful rooms. I love it all.

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  34. Oh, my goodness, Pam! If I lived in your house, I would never want to leave! LOL! It is BREATHTAKINGLY gorgeous. Oh, my, I could just sit and stare at these pictures for hours!! You are such a precious blessing to me and all who come here. You can just feel the warmth and love of Jesus in every post and in all of your decorating and all of the gifts God has given that you so lavishly share with us. Your comment this morning brought tears to my eyes, as I felt the shared sorrow both of us feel in missing our dear mothers who have gone to be with Jesus. I trust your time with your dear Daddy will be extra-special this Christmas. Sending much love and gratitude and many hugs your way this Lord’s Day!

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