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Cozy Christmas Home Tour

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A Cozy Christmas Home Tour with traditional Christmas colours and classic holiday elements like fresh greens and rich plaids.

Today I’m joining Marty at A Stroll Thru Life for her 2021 Christmas Home Tour! If you’re coming over from Lori’s home at The Stonybrook House, hello and welcome! I hope you can take a moment to take a tour through my Christmas home, and the homes of my bloggers friends in the links at the bottom of this post. Enjoy!

A quick introduction if we haven’t met already! I’m Jo-Anna and the blogger behind A Pretty Life in the Suburbs. Welcome to my home, I’m so happy that you are here, come on in!

Christmas on my Porch.

Let’s start on my front porch. This area is always so fun to decorate for the seasons, especially Christmas. I love being able to greet family and friends with a cheery and festive welcome.

a black craftsman front door with a Christmas swag hanging on it. on the porch are three mini evergreen trees, decorated with red berries and plaid ribbon. there is a black and red buffalo plaid mat in front of the door.

The decor on my porch this year was inspired by 3 little evergreen trees I found when we were out getting our indoor Christmas tree. I wanted alllllll the greenery out here…so I bought the 3 trees, a fresh evergreen wreath and more greenery. I love the pop of green in our grey winter skies and I love the smell as you enter our home.

a mini evergreen tree on a front porch is decorated with pine cones and faux frosted red berries. the tree sits in behind a small stack of birch wood logs

Once I had all the trees and greenery arranged, I started gathering things around my home to fill in all the spaces…plaid blankets, layered mats at my door, stacks of wood, birch logs, lanterns, and I even added one of my mini DIY Yarn Wreaths to my birdhouse. It’s the little things.

a wicker chair has a fresh evergreen wreath and buffalo plaid blanket sitting on it. in the foreground is a white birdhouse decorated with a mini grey wreath
a white birdhouse decorated with a mini grey wreath sits in front of pine stems and a wicker chair

Once I had everything arranged on my porch, I hung my Christmas Swag that I made and I think it’s the perfect finishing touch!

a Christmas swag decorated with a red bell, dried orange slices and pine cones, hangs from a black front door

Nothing left to do but wait for snow! And wait I did. After I put this porch together I waited a week for snow before I took pictures…we didn’t get much snow YET, but we did get a dusting and I’m grateful for it.

a black craftsman front door with a Christmas swag hanging on it. on the porch are three mini evergreen trees, decorated with red berries and plaid ribbon, a white bird house, a wicker chair. there is a black and red buffalo plaid mat in front of the door. snow falls in the foreground

Christmas in my Living Room

Now come on inside, it’s Christmas in here! Let’s start in my living room…there’s a glass of Homemade Baileys and cookies waiting for you.

All the plaid.

As you’ve probably noticed by now, I’m a big fan of plaid at Christmas. I just can’t quit it. I pull out the same pillows and blankets every year, but these are the little things we look forward to each holiday season. And isn’t that what the season is all about? Maybe one day I’ll try something different, but for now, it’s about tradition and nostalgia…and that’s really important to me, especially in these times.

a white couch is decorated with plaid pillows and blankets. in the background is a stone fireplace with the mantel decorated with mini houses. the white shelves beside the fireplace are filled with white picture frames, cedar branches and stacks of wood

I really love the look of the plaid against the stacks of wood and fresh evergreen garland on my shelves.

a white couch is decorated with plaid pillows and blankets. in the background are white shelves filled with cedar branches and stacks of wood
a white couch is decorated with plaid pillows and blankets. in the background are white shelves filled with cedar branches and stacks of wood

And apparently so does Blu…he’s always sitting here in the cushions staring out at the birds on the bird feeders.

a black and white dog sits on a white couch looking out the window. in the background are plaid pillows
a black and white dog looks at the camera as it sits on a white couch. in the background are plaid pillows

My Simple Christmas Village Mantel

This year I created a little Christmas village on my mantel in my living room…I love the simplicity of it. You can see more of that here if you like.

a stone fireplace with a white mantel is decorated with mini houses. the white shelves beside the fireplace are filled with white picture frames, cedar branches and stacks of wood
a stone fireplace with a white mantel is decorated with mini houses. the white shelves beside the fireplace are filled with white picture frames, cedar branches and stacks of wood. in the foreground are plaid pillows stacked on a white couch

And because I still have a young child in my home, our Elf arrived for the season and made an appearance in our village haha!

a mini white ceramic house and bottle brush tree sit on a white shelf. tucked in and hiding behind is an Elf on the Shelf

Oh Christmas Tree.

We always get a real tree for our living room…this is our family tree that is loaded up with sentimental ornaments and I couldn’t, wouldn’t have it any other way. Also, if I tried to do something else here I think my family would overthrow the matriarch haha!

a close up view of half of a decorated Christmas tree as it sits next to a fire burning in a stone fireplace. under the tree are wrapped gifts

I did manage to get some plaid on it though!

a close up of a decorated Christmas tree

I also put out a few little gifts early this year because I enjoyed wrapping them up with the little printable gift tags I made and I love how pretty everything looked under the tree.

a top down view of a wooden table holding nine small kraft paper boxes decorated in ribbons, dried orange slices, candy canes, cedar sprigs and gift tags
a top down close up view of gifts under the Christmas tree

But being honest here, these gifts didn’t last more than the 2 minutes it took for me to take a few pictures because I have this little black and white fluff ball puppy that can’t just leave things alone. Sigh.

a close up view of a decorated Christmas tree. under the tree are wrapped gifts

Good thing he’s cute because he’s a menace and is always lurking. LOL

an image of a living room decorated with red plaid for the holidays. in the background is a black and white dog staring at the camera

Dress the Stairs

I almost didn’t add garland to my staircase, because truth be told I’m tired this year, but then the kids asked when I was going to hang it because it’s their most favourite Christmas decoration. So how could I possibly say no to that…exact words “MOM they’re the OG Christmas decoration, you have to!” Done.

a front view of a white staircase decorated with an evergreen garland decorated with twinkly lights, plaid ribbon, pine cones, dried orange slices and red faux berries

Hanging Garland on a Staircase

I’m really glad I listened because I LOVE how it turned out this year. I start by hanging a faux evergreen garland with lights, then I tuck in fresh cedar, pine and fir. I don’t tie it in, I just stuff it. That way, if it gets too crusty and crumbly, I can just pull it out and easily replace it.

a close up front view of a white staircase decorated with an evergreen garland decorated with twinkly lights, plaid ribbon, pine cones, dried orange slices and red faux berries

Then I finish it off, of course, by adding some plaid ribbon, hanging dried orange slices and tucking in a few pinecones and faux frosted berries. Boom done.

a close up front view of a white staircase decorated with an evergreen garland decorated with twinkly lights, plaid ribbon, pine cones, dried orange slices and red faux berries

Simple Christmas in the Kitchen

Now moving on from the living room to our kitchen nook. I kept things really simple in my kitchen and eating nook this season, I’m trying to simplify things but it’s hard to sometimes. Anyway this year I did bring back my kitchen Christmas tree and I absolutely love it. We started a family tradition of chopping down a tree in Kananaskis and the tree we chose is PERFECT in the nook.

a selfie image of a man and woman in the winter woods

I LOVE the simple Scandi-look of our tree. I threw on a string of lights, hung some dried orange slices, my gingerbread salt dough ornaments, some cinnamon stars and a few more simple baubles. I love how it turned out.

a close up of a Christmas tree decorated with dried orange slices, gingerbread men and red ornaments. in the background is a cabinet with Santa mugs on top
a wooden table and white chairs sits in a eating nook with a decorated Christmas tree, and a white chest of drawers holding Santa mugs

Then I switched out the every day chair cushions for my red and white checked ones that I bring out every year. This simple touch really adds a lot to this space.

a wooden table and white chairs sits in a eating nook with a decorated Christmas tree, and a white chest of drawers holding Santa mugs
a wooden table and white chairs sits in a eating nook with a decorated Christmas tree, and a white chest of drawers holding Santa mugs

Holiday Drink Station

I also made a little hot drink station in our nook. I keep a chest of drawers in the corner that stores all of my kitchen linens and tea, and it’s the perfect spot for it.

a wooden table and white chairs sits in a eating nook with a decorated Christmas tree, and a white chest of drawers holding Santa mugs
a white chest of drawers holds Santa mugs and mini red and white ribbon Christmas trees

On chilly nights I bring out all the Santa mugs, hot chocolate, seasonal teas, cookies, marshmallows and treats and put them here for everyone to help themselves.

a top down view of a table filled with Santa mugs filled with hot chocolate, plates of marshmallows, and candy canes
a close up view of Santa mugs and mini red and white ribbon Christmas trees

Christmas in the Backyard

Now out to our backyard! I thought I would show you one more space I decorated this year…a little corner of our yard. It’s out here where we’ve spent a lot of time, especially over the last couple of years as we’ve had to gather with family and friends outdoors. We took the opportunity to make our yard a cozy little gathering space, so I had to add a few festive touches!

an image of half of a fresh fir wreath tied with a red and black buffalo plaid ribbon

Christmas wreaths tied with plaid ribbon, fresh evergreens, twinkly lights and cozy blankets for gathering around the fire. So pretty.

an image of an adirondack chair sitting in a snowy yard. in the background is a fresh fir wreath tied to a tree branch with a red and black buffalo plaid ribbon
an image of adirondack chairs sitting in a snowy yard. in the background is a fresh fir wreath tied to a tree branch with a red and black buffalo plaid ribbon

Keeping it real.

Thank you for coming along on my Christmas Home Tour, I’m honoured to have had you here! Just as a seasonal reminder, my home is lived in. We have 3 kids, 2 dogs and 1 cat so life happens here. As soon as my pictures are done, remotes go back on the coffee table, chocolate store-bought advent calendars go back in the kitchen nook, dog beds go back in the living room and real life chaos sets in. And it’s the best. Real life is the best.

a black craftsman front door with a Christmas swag hanging on it. on the porch are three mini evergreen trees, decorated with red berries and plaid ribbon, a white bird house, a wicker chair. there is a black and red buffalo plaid mat in front of the door. snow falls in the foreground

More Christmas Home Tours!

Next up on today’s Christmas Home Tour is Shelley from Calypso in the Country so make sure to check out her beautiful home all decorated for Christmas!  Then hop on over to all of the other pretty tours in the links below.  I hope you leave here feeling inspired to decorate your own home for the holidays!

Designing Vibes – The Stonybrook House – A Pretty Life – Calypso in the Country

Clean and Scentsible – 11 Magnolia Lane – Chalking Up Success

Fox Hollow Cottage – Follow The Yellow Brick Home – Casa Watkins Living – Quarters One

Noting Grace – CitrineLiving – County Road 407

A Stroll Thru Life – Up To Date Interiors – Our Southern Home – Southern Hospitality

This Is Our Bliss – Southern State of Mind – Inspiration For Moms

Making it in the Mountains – Decor to Adore – Pink Peppermint Design – Thrifty and Chic

Cuckoo4Design – White Arrows Home – Hymns and Verses

StoneGable – Whispering Pines Homestead – Worthing Court – Grace In My Space

DIY Beautify – Remodelando la Casa – LeCultivateur

Merry Christmas!

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26 Comments

  2. Wow, what a stunning tour! I love the traditional colors and such beautiful photos too. Blu is such an adorable handsome guy. Merry Christmas!

    Reply

  3. Jo-Anna, your home is gorgeous! I’m loving all the red plaid and the overall cozy vibe. Great tips on the stair garland. Mine has been looking pretty sad these days so I didn’t even include it on the tour. Maybe I’ll freshen it up using your suggestions. And how wonderful that it snowed in time for your photos! We just got a dusting last night but I’m hoping for a white Christmas. Thanks for the beautiful tour!
    Cheers!
    Shelley

    Reply

    1. Thank you so much Shelley! I love how my garland turned out…I don’t know why I almost didn’t do it! And yes to the fresh sprigs…they make such a big difference! Merry Christmas!

      Reply

  4. Jo-Anna, I love the pops of red plaid all-around your home. My boys love it when I add red baubles to our tree so I’ve done that this year for the first time in years. Seeing your beautiful home tour has inspired me to start incorporating more plaid into my home decor for Christmas too! Merry Christmas!

    Reply

  5. Love your porch, such a great idea to use all the trees and that door swag is gorgeous. I love how you use plaid for the season, it just seems so perfect to me and that family tree is amazing. I love a tree filled with family ornaments. I also love how you added the stair garland, a great tip to tuck in the fresh and then replace it when it starts to look tired. Thanks so much for joining the tour this season, your home is such a treat to visit.

    Reply

  6. Jo-Anna–your kids are right about the garland–I love how you did the plaid ribbon this year! And how nice that the snow came for the photoshoot of the front porch. Where did you get those darling snowman marshmallows in the hot chocolate?–love them! It’s a pleasure to tour with you. Merry (early) Christmas!

    Reply

  7. Where do I even start? Your home is so incredibly magical, Joanna! Can I come over for some hot chocolate? haha. Such a pleasure touring with you.

    Reply

  8. I loved your tour Jo-Anna! The plaid and all the evergreens, that sweet little naughty puppy, your tree, it all feels so perfectly merry! I’m totally jealous you got snow just in time to take pictures! Where oh where did you find those flat snowman marshmallows?

    Reply

  9. Hi Jo-Anna! What a fun Christmas tour! I love all plaid! The faux and real garland trick on the stairs is genius! Love it! Happy to join the tour this year! Merry Christmas! Blessings, Lori

    Reply

  11. Your home is absolutely beautiful!! Love the plaid, all the fresh greenery, that pretty Christmas tree in your kitchen, the holiday drink station. Ha love it all!
    Merry Christmas!

    Reply

  12. Hi Jo-Anna, nice to meet you! I love your tour and all those plaids! Everything looks so festive and I bet your neighbors enjoy seeing your very very very welcoming porch! Such a fun way let people know how wonderful it looks inside. Enjoyed hopping with you this week and I hope y’all enjoy your Christmas season.

    Reply

  13. Jo Anna I was thrilled to come upon your site. Nice to see someone use color to decorate for Christmas. I’m bored with all the white decor people seem to like. Christmas is meant for green trees and colorful ornaments. It’s so refreshing to see your house.

    Reply