jillivictorio@gmail.com /

This week, I’m sharing how I “winterized” two features in our home: the entryway and the fireplace mantels—how to make those areas feel like a little winter escape with a nod to the holidays (yes there are stockings, but tree’s not up…YET) in early November that could easily be added to for Christmas, and is giving me all the cozy feels.

Entryway – Creating a Simple, Elegant Welcoming

Sources:  1. French Country Mirror | 2. Mini Wreath | 3. Silver Bell Ornaments | 4. Metal Lantern | 5. Dew Drop Lights|

I styled our entryway and fireplace mantels, using mostly Target products (Wondershop, DollarSpot, Threshold, and Hearth & Hand) all in this beautiful natural winter vibe. The general aesthetic theme was “hygge ranch” so I kept everything simple and minimal (with a couple of statement pieces) to work with.  The main palette was set with whites, metals, woods and greenery rounded out with lots of soft ambient lights and twinkle lights…starting at the front door.

 

Fireplace Mantels – Adding Traditional and Statement Holiday Elements

Sources:  1. Large Wire Wreath (sold out from 2018, similar here)| 2. Garland | 3. Metal Lanterns (from 2017, similar here) | 4. Mini Trees | 5. Dew Drop Lights|

 

Probably one of my favorite features of a home is having a fireplace mantel to decorate for the holidays. Lucky for us, we have two fireplaces, so I get double the fun to decorate both mantels.

I made the garland above by combining three different garlands and faux stems for a fuller look, and wove in dewdrop lights, then swagged the garland to one side so it’s off centered from the mantel for a more modern vibe.  I plan to add more candles scattered across the mantel for more soft lighting as lighting is so important during these darker days.

Hands down, my favorite new holiday item from Target’s Wondershop this year is this fabulously large, simple yet striking, lit wire wreath, pictured on my accent wall at the kitchen. At night, the ambiance is calming in this room from the wreath’s twinkle lights.

Sources: 1. Lit LED Wire Christmas Wreath “Joy”   | 2. Garland | 3. Light Fixtures (from remodel June 2019)| 4. Wreath on Hood |

Target DollarSpot finds this season: four mini wreaths I attached to the backs of the counter stools, and a sled and mini holiday sign to add to the kitchen vignettes.

While our home is already pretty neutral, going with softer colors instead of traditional holiday hues like red and green (or even blue and silver) neutral colors really extends the life of the “winter” look. Plus, if you’re like me, right at New Year’s Eve, I get a little anxious to take down any signs of Christmas already.  I can’t imagine getting tired of cozy, furry pillows, cozy throws, and glowy candles, piece I could still carry throughout to early spring.

I’m full-on ready now to bring in winter (even though it still hits near 70 in the afternoons in DFW)!

Stay tuned for the next holiday post where I’ll share our Christmas tree and front porch!

 

 

 

 

jillivictorio@gmail.com /

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…

https://youtu.be/u8_4knRjKPo

My favorite part of the season is when we transform our home into a Christmas wonderland: putting up the Christmas tree, decking the front porch with lots of  prelit garland , pulling out our favorite decor from past years, and keeping it fresh with the prettiest pieces from (where else?)  Target’s New Holiday Collection .  We love lighting the fire and cranking up the Christmas tunes to turn our holiday decorating tasks into a festive occasion — with hot cocoa for the boys, and beer and wine for my hubby and me.

 

LIGHT IT UP

Nothing says “the holidays are here” like twinkling lights. Thanks to Target’s festive decor, greenery and prelit garland  my home will have a warm, cozy glow all season long.

shop the look: Phillip’s  prelit garland ,  Flocked Pine & Pine Cone Wreath

 

CHILDHOOD CHRISTMAS

One new family tradition we started when Jonah was born is that each Christmas, we get a new family ornament to hang on the tree so that our collection grows with meaningful pieces. We’ve also gifted to our boys their own customized embroidered stockings that they love to put up each year. We have one stocking made for Gir (RIP) and Chaka that we will continue to proudly display for years to come even though Gir is no longer with us. It’s a special way for our family to remember her.  The kids love having their own little Christmas tree and a mantle in the family room where they can add their own creativity and fun touches.

Kids’ Family Room Tree

shop the look:  White Berry Pine Needle Wreath ;  prelit garland ;  3ft Prelit Balsam Fir Christmas Tree ;  Burlap Flocked Christmas Tree ; kids and pet wool stockings are from Garnett Hill;  Toy Christmas Telephone

 

 

 

Main Living Room Tree

WINTER WONDERLAND

I always start my holiday decorating process by laying a foundation with lots of greenery – garlands on the mantle, wreaths on the doors and windows, and of course a towering Christmas tree and the kids’ own tree.  I’ve been sticking to a single color palette over the years with wintry shades of white and frosty sage warmed up with cozy faux-fur, rich velvets, and pinecones, while letting the kids go wild with color and fun decorations on their tree.

shop the look:  Gold Wire Wreath ;  Candlestick Holders in Gold ;  Eucalyptus Pinecone Garland ;  prelit garland ;  Faux Fur Christmas Stockings ;  Burlap Flocked Christmas Tree ;  Letters to Santa Mailbox

 

BRING ON THE COZY

When relaxing at home, I’m all about the cozy vibes. To make the house feel extra inviting, I love layering a few extra throw pillows and draping big fluffy blankets over couches and arm chairs. I also like to add a few seasonal pieces such as art, objects and figurines to my bookshelves that I can rotate throughout the year.

shop the look:  Faux Fur Throw Pillow ;  Faux Fur Throw Blanket ; Framed Art Trees ; 

Holidays, we’re ready for ya! I hope that you all have the best time decorating your space this year and enjoying the holiday magic all season long.