Welcome to my mom's home –
This three foot Santa is the first thing to greet you when you enter through the front door at my mom's place.
She bought him probably ten years or so ago in the Amana Colonies.
She had three of these exquisite bearded guys but when my dad became ill she eventually decided to downsize to a condo and opted to only keep the smallest one of the three.
His friendly face has welcomed me for so many years now that he feels like one of the family.
My mom has a wonderful sense of style.
I love it when we decorate together but I am unfortunately always offering up an unsolicited opinion. Consequently, I'm afraid I have eroded her design confidence.
She really doesn't need my direction. She does a wonderful job all by herself.
Yes, my mom really has it going on. :)
We have made it a tradition to decorate her place together and we have so much fun doing it.
This year we spent two days pulling everything together.
Maybe not steady decorating. Hehe.
We did stop for a couple shopping diversions, dinner and martinis.
The first day though, I didn't get home until 2 in the morning!
My mom has quite a bit of party in her. :0
The other night I thought I would go over to her place and take some pictures of our efforts for a new Spaces to Inspire installment here at BeColorful.
My mom had a party to go to that night but I went ahead and had fun taking photos of some of my favorite decorations and things that are just so representative of her style.
I would describe her look as traditionally elegant.
I love her Nativity.
It is made of alabaster and the detailing is amazing.
In the past we have elevated some of the figures and placed twinkle lights and a gauzy fabric underneath them but this year we kept it simple.
The figurines are so beautiful. They don't need an embellished setting.
They can definitely stand out on their own.
I love the look and color of the alabaster.
These pieces are timeless and would look as stunning in an ultra contemporary home as they do here.
The simplicity of her holiday decor ends there though.
Simple is not a word I would use to describe my mom.
My mom loves anything that sparkles or shimmers.
She apparently passed that trait down to me and to her granddaughter too. :)
If it reflects light, we all love it.
Look at the bling she pulled together for her coffee table.
You may recognize the mirrored trees. They were from Target this season.
There is a bit more of this tree theme glitz on the server.
Moving into the den, she showcases her pared down collection of Byers Choice Carolers.
The room has one long wall of bookcases that make it easy to stage caroler vignettes,
including this one of A Christmas Carol.
Mom has also had these Christmas geese for a number of years and I always love unpacking them.
I always enjoy their casual elegance.
She put her mirror tricks to work in this space too.
This is my favorite room and I love these two chairs.
I am gaga for anything black and white.
Mom also has an affinity for faux dogs. Too bad she can't have a real one in the condo.
She only has the two but this one, named Chablis, is especially noteworthy.
Chablis doesn't shed, drool, or need to be taken outside. :0
Let me show you her dining room.
She added a few new items here this year.
The wreath on the table with the scattered "diamonds"
and the matching garland that we draped in the chandelier came from Brucemore.
This glittering circle of branches came from the same museum store.
They have gorgeous things.
We placed the branches in front of a wall of mirrors.
The effect is spectacular but it makes for a difficult photo.
Initially we weren't sure where to display these sparkling twigs but then opted for this arrangement.
We bought an inexpensive wreath at Michael's, draped some lights on it and then nestled the branches in the center.
What is the whole thing sitting in?
Well, actually, that is a baptismal font from the old church.
My brother was baptized in this font so I love it that my mom has this piece in her home.
I always think that those unconventional items, especially if they have a history, are what make a room and a home more interesting.
Christmas can even be found in Mom's bedroom.
From the red amaryllis wreath hanging on the mirrored bedroom door
to the red walls, sparkling disco ornaments and white Christmas tree, this room is quintessentially Carol.
She has a remote on the tree so she can climb into bed and admire the tree before falling asleep.
When she's ready she can turn the tree off and never get up. Love that.
Not only is she beautiful and creative but a smart one too.
Mom, I had so much fun pulling this year's holiday look together with you.
It's a lot of work for both of us but you make it fun.
So how should we deck out your place for Valentines? :)
xoxo,
P