A Little Rearrangin’ and the Christmas Family Room 2013

We got our tree last week. We put it in the same spot as last year, on the wall in the family room where our banister is. We decorated it, had a blast (the kids had SO much fun this year – love how even the 4 year old would say things like, “Awwww, remember when we got this one?” Meanwhile, it would be an ornament bought before he was even born. They were totally in the moment and it was pretty stinkin’ adorable.). And I did VERY well letting them decorate the tree – I STILL have yet to move one of their ornaments, even if there are three candy canes all next to one another…not sure who has invaded my body…or maybe I’m just really learning to let go…?? In any case, I’m patting myself on the back for this one. I’m making huge strides. HUGE.

After the kids went to bed, I was staring at the tree. My husband could tell something was stirring up there in that crazy ol’ brain of mine, and he said something along the lines of “Uh oh. I know that look. What’s going on?”Something wasn’t right. I didn’t get that in-love feeling I usually get the first night the tree goes up. You know, when you turn off all the lights except for the tree and bask in its beauty and all is right with the world, even if it only lasts a night?I had an idea all right. But it required moving a fully decorated tree to the opposite side of the room. Filled to the brim with water. And it was 11:00 at night. Okay, actually none of these things could stop me, but I didn’t want the kids to run down the steps the next morning and be utterly confused, so I waited until the next day to make any crazy moves. Serious self restraint, let me tell you.Oh, and did I tell you my husband had off work that next day for a spinal injection, so there was NO way he could help me – this would be all me. But when it comes to rearranging furniture, I tend to think I can move a mountain if need be. No piece is too heavy when I’m on a mission. A decorated tree, moving across the room? Pfffft. I laugh.

So we return from hubs’ procedure that day. He was a little loopy and fell asleep on the couch.  This was the part of the room that didn’t need to be moved, thank goodness, and literally while he slept on the couch, in the deepest sleep he’s ever taken, I moved all the furniture around him. He woke up an hour and a half later totally confused- it was pretty hilarious.

I had put the tree in the corner of the room, where the sofa and loveseat usually butt up to one another. There’s a green table in that corner. I moved the loveseat and green table to the wall where the chevron chairs go, and put the chevron chairs where the loveseat goes. Confused? Maybe some pics will help you…here it is! (Oh, and in case you’re wondering how I moved a decorated tree, I just slid it and it worked fine:)

See the loveseat on the right? That’s usually where the chairs are, and vice versa. I really love this set up for a couple reasons. A) I love a tree in a corner. And B) when the tree was in the middle of the wall last year (it was right where the loveseat is in this picture), it was kind of a waste of a wall. Seating was lost, because there was only room for one chair, and it just looked odd. I can’t explain it. Something about it just wasn’t right. And the tree juts out a good bit, and I remember having company over for Christmas parties, etc, and it just crowded the room a lot. Now it’s in it’s happy little corner, away from getting knocked into, ornaments flying off because of that, and there’s just so much more seating this way. I’m digging it. And as for the hubs? He thought I was crazy when I suggested it, but he’s a big fan now. And still thinks I’m totally crazy because I did all of this when he was passed out on the sofa. But not the least bit surprised.;)

As for my new favorite spot?

Right here. I love the loveseat under the steps! And something about the lighting in the corner now. It’s just so cozy, especially at night. Funny how moving a lamp changes the whole feel of a room, isn’t it? And there’s my new DIY Christmas card holder there. Know what I mean when I said in that post, how the spot just need something?

The chalkboard says:
Merry be your Christmas
Peaceful be your home
Joyful be your family
Blessed be each one.

I’ve always loved that quote. Used it in a Christmas card a couple years ago, in fact.

And you can see, I like to throw greens here, there, and everywhere. There’s some in that glass lamp (same as I did last year). Some in pitchers, like on this table here…

And around the mirror. Greens are just such an easy way to make anything instantly feel festive.

I use trimmings from our tree all over.

Notice my salsa jar? And on the bottom shelf there, is just a plate with a glass dome – inside are just some Dollar Tree figurines and trees. I think I shared that on last year’s Family Room Tour, but just in case;)

I also used some greens from the tree in my coffee table bowl. I kept the table simple – just the bowl and magazines.

I like a simple coffee table, especially for a family like us, that needs that space for snacks, drinks, legos, projects, etc etc etc…

Oh, and a bonus to using all those greens? My family room smells AH-mazing! Is there anything better than the smell of pine trees? That, babies, and Maryland crabs. Top 3 best smells EVER.

I had some leftover branches from my wine bottle vases, so I decided to put them in a large white pitcher, and sat them next to the loveseat, along with a basket of Christmas books…

You can’t go wrong with a white pitcher. Stick pretty much anything in them, and it’ll look good.

I also already posted about the mantel

…again, nothing too elaborate, but works for this space.

Another thing I like to do is use wrapping paper to make an everyday object fun. Like my picture frame tray – I simply stuck some wrapping paper under the glass, and BAM! Instant Christmas feel.

These ottomans move ALL. DAY. LONG. So I like to keep a tray on one of them, because I tend to move it next to the loveseat for a spot for my coffee or magazine, or whatever. Or the kids will use it for a snack.

The pillows are all ones I already had, purchases from Target and Kohl’s last year, but the red throw is new – a Marshall’s find. So cozy. One thing on my wish list is a fluffy rug for under the coffee table. Just to add another layer of warmth and texture to the room….maybe next year;)

So that’s the room, in all it’s Christmas glory! Thanks for stopping by, and Happy Holidays!

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Before I decided to publish this, I thought it’d be fun to take some nighttime shots of the room for this post. I was going to wait until the kids went to bed, and get some ‘pretty’ shots, but then thought it’d be kinda neat to invite you in with the whole gang there! I’m always interested in seeing glimpses of people’s lives (totally guilty of checking out the backgrounds in friends’ Facebook photos – who’s with me?! 😉 So here’s a typical  night. Bedtime show and snack with the fam (who were totally clueless to the camera snapping away – either that or they’re so used to the crazy lady always taking pictures…yes, it was probably that…ANYwho, welcome!

The Year Without a Santa Claus, feety jammies, sugar cookies, and milk. What could be better? 🙂

Thanks again for ‘dropping in’ – hope you enjoyed it!

 

Comments

  1. Where did you get your Santa train stocking?

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