Tuesday, December 3, 2013

{Christmas Home Tour} & Handmade Decor Ideas

Welcome to my home!
I am thrilled and honored to be among 30 incredible bloggers
who are virtually sharing our Homes decked out for Christmas.



My French Country style home is situated in the beautiful Hill Country of Texas. I enjoy decorating and the creative process
of making my own decor items.

So grab another cup of coffee, settle into your favorite chair and enjoy the pictorial tour of my home.

Entryway
The stone we chose for the exterior of our home has a variety of colors, so we incorporated it here on the entryway wall.


The first of many Nativity scenes that I enjoy displaying and a book telling the story of the Birth of Christ.
This Nativity has special meaning because it's the one I had at home growing up. I remember gazing and studying it as a child every Christmas season.

Living Room

I began changing the Christmas decor color scheme last year.
The Christmas tree got a color makeover this year.
Can you guess what I used to make the large paper ribbon?Click HERE to find out.
This winter white Santa is frosted and glittered.
A simple greenery spray with a satin ribbon sits atop the piano.
Isn't he wonderful and a little bit quirky?
I love exposed beams, architectural salvage pieces,
and special antique items added for interest.
This tarnished silver bowl holds my Grandmother's vintage ornaments. These hung on her Christmas tree for as long
as I can remember.
This Nativity set is made of wood blocks for printing
and I love those old organ keys.

The mantle and stockings were new additions last year. 
You can read the tutorials HERE and HERE.
The glittered Nativity in front of the fireplace is one I copied from my friend Doreen at Hymns and Verses. I made a smaller version of hers, and you can find all of her instructions HERE!
The 3 wise men have a lovely patina. 
I think it's clever they included a horse among the camels.

Word games are a favorite of mine, so some wooden Scrabble 
letters on the coffee table makes for some fun, 
as well as some glittered and ribboned jingle bells.
The three large windows in the Living Room just needed wreaths. 
To spell out JOY seemed perfect. Glass glitter anyone? 
I am such a fan and I might be addicted, 
which means you may see more glitter on this tour.
This paper ribbon actually glows because it's so thin...
and I love my addition of the "Words of God" in differing fonts.
Click HERE to see how I made my sheet music ornaments.
For some reason, rustic and elegance go together. A barnwood frame and mercury glass...burlap and velvet...twigs and glitter.
It reminds me of our King born in a lowly manger.

Dining Room
The table is decorated for a simple dessert buffet. 
The chalkboard wall gets dressed up for Christmas. 

 I'll be sharing my Christmas dinner tablescape 
and more pics later this week.
Ornaments dangling from the chandy 
and satin ribbon are an easy addition of "wow".
This silver ice bucket was a wedding present. I'm using it here 
as a tarnished vessel for the table's centerpiece.
Each place setting has a miniature flower arrangement
tucked in a silver creamer or sugar bowl. 
An easy to make table runner out of discontinued fabric samples
and sheet music placemats add practical elegance to the table. 
And who doesn't love candles? They add instant ambiance.

Kitchen 
Our fireplace is shared in the Living Room, 
so I have another mantle to decorate in the Kitchen. 
I might have fallen in love with bottle brush trees and silver!

I think I spy more glitter...
A spray of fresh greenery and 3 ornaments hanging
on organza and satin ribbon adorn the Kitchen hood.


Breakfast Room
If you live in a climate where you don't have snow, 
you might as well try to simulate it. 
This polkadot garland is made from book pages and vellum.
A silver tray holds 3 easy to make topiary trees
nestled in pots edged with glass glitter.
You can click HERE to see how I made the moss trees.
Small ornaments, votives and crystal filler add to the sparkle.
NOEL printed on Christmas Hymnal pages are edged in glass glitter (I know, I am addicted) and propped on top of greenery.
The glass glitter really does sparkle like diamonds,
hence my addiction.

Front Porch
My porch decor, garland and wreaths
welcome you to the white winterland inside.
You can see how I made them HERE and HERE.
I hope you were inspired and that you enjoyed
the pictorial tour of my home.

I will be sharing all my handmade Christmas decor in the upcoming days and weeks. I'd love for you to follow me by email, Facebook, Twitter, etc. so that you don't miss a thing!

There is more inspiration waiting for you.
 Here's the Christmas Tour list and links for the week:

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

The Christmas Tour hosts are offering our readers a $200 giveaway from the fabulous One Kings Lane. (click on their name to see their fabulous selections of accessories and furniture for your home)

It's easy to enter the giveaway. There are also some other fun prizes. Good luck to everyone.
                                  a Rafflecopter giveaway
xoxo

93 comments:

  1. Beautiful Christmas home, Janis!
    Merry Christmas!

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  2. Oh, how I've enjoyed my tour of your lovely home! Everything is so beautiful.
    Be a sweetie,
    Sheila ;)

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    1. I'm so glad you enjoyed the tour Shelia! Thank you so much!

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  3. Janis, everything is just beautiful. Rejoice...how perfect. Thanks for inviting us into your beautiful festive holiday home. Happy holidays!

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    1. Thank you Laura! It's nice to have it done early so we can enjoy it. Looking forward to your tour this week.

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  4. Gorgeous, Janis! Your ribbon is gorgeous on your tree … love your chalkboards! And, your polk dot garland is too cute! Happy Holidays!

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    1. Thank you Becca! It's been fun to create some new additions this year. I appreciate your kind words. Blessings!

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  5. Hi Janis! I am a new follower via the Christmas Home Tour. Thanks for sharing your beautiful home with us. Have a blessed Christmas season! ~Sally @DrinkingFromMySaucer

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    1. Sally, I'm so glad to have you follow!!! and super excited that you enjoyed the tour! Blessings to you!

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  6. Janis, your home is absolutely gorgeous! I am in love with your collection of nativity scenes; they're all so different and such an important reminder of the reason for the season.

    I love the rustic luxe theme of your decorating; I'm a girl who can't get enough sparkle, as well. Judging by all your glittery decor, I'm betting you're wearing it, too!

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    1. Thank you so much!!! I do love unusual nativities. And I'm sure I have glitter stuck somewhere most days! You know you're a crafter when...lol! So glad you stopped by and thanks again for your sweet words! xoxo

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  7. Your house reminds me of you...always sparkly...;) Merry Christmas, dear friend!

    Holly

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  8. SO BEAUTIFUL! Your whole house is decorated amazingly. My favorite is the polka dot garland- simple, yet so pretty and festive! We would LOVE to have you share your stunning home at the 12 Days of Christmas link up! :) http://jessiejoathome.blogspot.com/2013/12/12-days-of-christmas-link-up.html

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    1. Thank you Jessie!!! Sometimes it is the simplest things that are the most lovely! I appreciate the invite...heading over now! :-)

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  9. Hi Janis,
    What a lovely home tour! You have so many elements that make the spaces so rich and welcoming. I love the paper garland, very cute. If that's the only snow you get, you will be lucky!

    And I love your photo at the beginning of the post, what a perfect way to welcome us to your home :-)

    I hope you have a lovely holiday season.

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    1. Thank you so much Jessica! I'm so glad you came over for a visit...:-)! Have a blessed Christmas!

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  10. Janis, your holiday decor is beautiful! Everything looks so soft and shimmery. Love your paper garland, the use of sheet music; and your table runner is lovely. Everything looks so pretty...you always do such a great job!

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    1. Oh Shenita!!! thank you sweetie! I always love your visit and you are so kind to comment! <3 Janis

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  11. Your home is lovely and in my favorite part of the world!!! We usually make it to the hill country 3 or 4 times a year for a few days. It is definately a place to "regroup".
    Blessings to you this Christmas season!
    J
    another Texas musician...

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    1. Yeehaw!!! and thank you so much for checking out my tour! Love it here for sure! You come back now, J.

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  12. Very beautiful! I never thought to hang ornaments from my chandelier, so I just may try that.

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    1. Oh do it!!! Let me know what you think! Thank you for stopping by.

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  13. Just beautiful! Thank you for sharing your ideas with us. You have a gorgeous home!!

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    1. You are very welcome! Thank you for taking time to look at my pics and crafts. A home is built with love for sure. xoxo

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  14. Janis your home is gorgeous! Love your front doors and your stone wall... and your decor is so elegant! So fun getting to be on tour with you!

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    1. Thank you Maryann! It's my first tour of any kind, so I'm a little worn out! Can't wait to check yours out. I'm a big fan!!! Appreciate your sweet words very much!

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  15. Beautiful! I can't believe you are done decorating, we are just starting here.

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    1. It's kinda nice to do it early, because now we can enjoy it. I usually wait until after Thanksgiving, but was so excited for the opportunity to do a tour. Thanks so much for checking it out. xoxo

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  16. Stunning - love the wood block nativity and your perfectly quirky Santa!
    Kelly

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    1. Oh Kelly, thank you so much!!! Delighted that you stopped by. I do love my quirky Santa!!!

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  17. Such a beautiful and elegant Christmas home Janis. Every room is a delight and that front porch is so welcoming with the greenery and twinkling lights.

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    1. Thank you Kerryanne! I'm so glad you came by for a visit. I appreciate your kind comments very much.

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  18. JANISSS!!!!! OHHHH Janis!!!!!


    That is all.

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    1. KRISTYYYYY!!!! I miss you dear! You are so cute and your comment tickles me! lol <3 you back

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  19. Seriously gorgeous! I love every detail. Your home is so beautiful, especially all the rockwork!

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    1. Awwww, Michelle! Thank you so much!!! I appreciate your faithful encouragement. <3

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  20. I love your grandmother's vintage ornaments! How nice that you still have them. Beautiful home!

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    1. Thank you Jennifer! I have so many wonderful memories of Christmas, so I feel very fortunate to have a few things from childhood. So glad you stopped by. xoxo

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  21. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful Janis! I'm just blown away! I'm especially envious of your nativities and that gorgeous set of 3 wise men!

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    1. Oh Melissa, thank you!!! The glittery nativity I copied and made from Doreen at Hymns and Verses. She has the links on her tour. It's one of my favs!!!

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  22. pray PaintJanis- your home is drop dead gorgeous.
    What a beautiful home you have and at Christmas time it is stunning!

    Enjoyed visiting another Texas blogger,

    Laura
    White Spray Paint

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    1. Oh yea, Texas bloggers!!! Thank you Laura for your sweet compliment and for visiting.

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  23. Wow! This is gorgeous - every detail is simply stunning. I love all the glitter and the JOY wreaths look like they were made to be on those windows.

    Also, my mom had the same nativity set when I was growing up. I'm wondering what happened to it. Brought back memories.

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    1. Awwwww...I hope you can get your hands on it! We used to have the original box and was marked $5. I still enjoy gazing at it today! Thank you so much for taking the tour and also for your lovely comment. xoxo

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  24. Janis,
    First I want to say how welcoming your first photo was and then I was admiring your square wreaths. But then as I got into your tour I realized how stunningly beautiful your home is! I did click over to see what kind of paper you had used to make your God's words garland and that was very clever to use the old player piano rolls so that the light would shine through. All the things in your home are beautiful! Hehe! I couldn't help myself!

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    1. I just popped over to visit here via your little invite on Facebook So glad you brought me over here-thanks Jane!

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    2. Jane, I am so glad you couldn't help yourself!!! You just click away on here...:-)! Can't wait to see what you and Leo have been up to. I can finally catch my breath and enjoy visiting others. Have a blessed Christmas!
      Thanks too for the FB shout! I'm glad Natasha popped over too!!!

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  25. I can't believe I haven't stumbled upon your blog before now. Your tree is stunning, as is your front porch. Love your breakfast nook and that hobo Santa is my favorite thing! If you tell me you made him, I'll just be amazed. Love your front doors and kitchen, too! Merry Christmas!

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    1. I have chuckled over your "hobo Santa" comment! No, he was purchased, thank heavens. There are some projects even I won't tackle!!! lol I am definitely done crafting for awhile, though. Delighted that you stopped by and hope you come back often! Have a blessed Christmas!

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  26. So beautiful! One of my favorite features of your house is the chalkboard wall in the niche. We have a few niches in our house and they are so hard to make pretty..that's my feeling anyway. You really have the touch. :)

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    1. Thank you Stacey! I just repainted the Dining room this summer, and was brave enough to try the chalkboard wall there. I am truly loving it!! I could easily go chalkboard crazy over here. I appreciate your kind words!

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  27. Oh my goodness, where do I start? Your lovely home is full of beautiful objects that I love. Your square vine wreaths on the doors are so unique and beautiful. I love all of your nativities and the garland with the names of Jesus is just wonderful! I especially love that your home has so much focus on the true meaning of Christmas!!

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    1. Oh Pat, your comment really touched me! Thank you so much for visiting and taking the time to let me know what was special to you. To God be the Glory!

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  28. Wow! Your home is truly beautiful! So glad I found a link to your blog via Cottage at the Crossroads!

    Best wishes,
    Natasha in Oz

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    1. I am tooooo Natasha!! Thank you so much for your lovely comment and come back often. I look forward to getting to know you and your blog. xoxo

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  29. Beautiful and so tastefully done. I love all your nativity sets and how you have kept that the focus of Christmas, both in your heart and in your decorating. Thank you for opening your home and inviting us in. Merry Christmas.
    Cindy

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    1. Cindy, I am so touched by your sweet comments. I LOVE the Christmas season, but most especially preparing my own heart to truly celebrate the miracle of it all! Delighted you stopped by, truly! Have a blessed Christmas!

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  30. Now that I'm finally finished, I'm catching up with the tour! You were first on my list! Absolutely gorgeous my friend! A few of my favorite things - that paper garland - why didn't I think of that!!! What a great idea! The print block nativity and organ keys - love! The music placements! Really everything!!! Great job!!!

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    1. Doreen, I know what you mean, it's crazy busy putting on a tour! I'm looking forward to catching up on the tour and can't wait to dive into yours! I also am going to do a post on glass glitter with a link to your post and instructions for the nativity. It is still my favorite! I so appreciate your lovely words and really can't wait to get together again! <3 you!

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  31. Wow! Everything is just gorgeous, including you! Thanks so the many beautiful ideas you have shared with us in your great Christmas home tour. I really enjoyed it!

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    1. You are too sweet Gayle! I am so glad you stopped by. Hope all is well with you. Thank you for your kind words. xoxo

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  32. So pretty! Everything is beautiful!

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  33. Janis, your home is so stunning and the beautiful way you have decked the halls for Christmas has taken it to Winter Wonderland status. I love your use of white and silver and little lights!~ I am so taken with the music paper garland. What a way to literally remind us of the true meaning of Christmas! Just stunning!

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    1. Yvonne, thank you so very much! Sometimes an idea works and sometimes it doesn't. I was pleasantly surprised by how the music paper garland came out, and so glad I tried it! It's a great reminder for all of us! Have a blessed Christmas! Can't wait to see your tour!

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  34. Janis, I just love you home and style! Your Christmas decor is just breathtaking. I adore rustic elegance and your tour is spot on! I used a lot of glitter this year as well, but I've got to check out the glass glitter!!! ~Christy

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    1. Oh Christy, just prepare yourself for glitter mania!!!! It is truly amazing and so worth using for those special projects! I'm going to do a post soon on it, with links, so check back. Thank you sooooo much for visiting. Your sweet words have encouraged me! xoxo

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  35. Gorgeous home, Janis! Thanks for sharing it with us!

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    1. Thank you Eliesa! It was a lot of work, a little nerve racking, and a ton of fun! Appreciate you stopping by! xoxo

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  36. Wow oh wow! Just LOVE your home and the tour! It's all so beautiful and elegant.

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    1. Oh Melissa, thank you so much! I am so glad you came over...;-).

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  37. How beautiful your home is! I am in love with it all!
    Sandra
    The Adored Home

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    1. Thank you Sandra! I hope you were inspired. So glad you stopped by! Blessings!

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  38. Thanks for allowing me to wander through. How beautiful it all is. I am going back in for a second peek!

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    1. Feel free to wander as long as you like!!! :-) Thank you for your sweet words. xoxo

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  39. What a gorgeous home from top to bottom! I love the beams on your ceiling - stunning!! I'd love to sit with you at your gorgeous dining room table lit with candles and dish! It's been fun partying with you on this amazing blog hop!! ~ Heather

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    1. Heather, I am so delighted to be on tour with you too!! What fun!! You are welcome any time to come over for a visit! It's been a crazy few weeks and I am heading over to your tour right NOW!!!

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  40. Oooh Janis - your home is simply stunning! I just love your style. Every single room has just the right Christmas touch. I'm in love with rustic and elegant mixed together too. Great job!

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    1. Thank you so much Suzy!!! I'm delighted to have you visit and so thankful to be included in this incredible tour! Have a blessed day!

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  41. It is all so welcoming and warm! LOVE the polka dot garland! I'm going to have to try that for my girls...we NEVER get snow! MerryChristmas! Melissa @ DaisyMaeBelle

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  42. On a cold, gray Texas day, it is a delight to see your warm and cheery Texas home.

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  43. Janis! Your house is 'All things BEAUTIFUL'! Gorgeous! Love ya!
    Blessings,
    Lori

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  44. Love your JOY wreaths!
    Might have to try a version myself next year.
    Amber

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  45. So beautiful! Thanks for sharing!

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  46. The faux snow hanging from the windows is such a great idea for those of us who live in warm climates! Your home is lovely, thank you for sharing!

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  47. Oh my, beyond talented, friend!! This is amazing and oh so gorgeous! I'm going to have to fly you up/over here to South Carolina and help me decorate my new home! Once these boxes are unpacked…Say you'll come?!!

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  48. Hi Janis...just found your blog when I was over visiting Yvonne at Stone Gable...SO glad I did!! Your home is beautiful...love your style! Your newest follower:)

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  49. Very stylish Christmas home decoration, not the traditional red and gold. Well done!
    Bethany, TheNotPerfectHousewife

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  50. The pizza parlor you mentioned....was it in Houston and called Pipe Organ Pizza by any chance? Your House decor is beautiful!

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