Last December we were knee-deep in finishing our media room makeover, so we didn’t fully decorate the whole house for Christmas. We put up one tree in the living room filled with the kids’ homemade school ornaments — which was still lovely — and left the rest intentionally simple.
That pared-back approach taught us to value minimalism during the holidays: doing less to make room for more meaningful time together. This year we focused decor where we gather most and skipped embellishing every room. The result felt calm, cozy, and just right for our busy-but-homestay life.
Brick Colonial Christmas Porch
Decorating the porch was a slow, enjoyable process this year — savoring the small details and stringing lights where they felt most impactful. With twinkle lights highlighting projects we’ve completed since 2022, the porch felt like a polished welcome: the new front door, the foyer refresh, and architectural touches all looked extra warm when lit up.
We leaned into classic red ribbons and bows and avoided cluttering the space with too many ornaments. That restraint kept the porch feeling both festive and refined — a good blend of minimalism and seasonal charm.
Modern Traditional Christmas Living Room
Our living room stayed simple but special. The single family tree with handmade ornaments anchored the space, and thoughtfully placed garland and candles added glow without excess. If you click any photo in the tour below, you’ll find curated decor resources on our Bless’er House LTK page. I’ve also linked relevant DIY tutorials and decorating guides for each room.
Mantel | Mantel Garland | Sofas | TV Frame | Fandelier | Limewashed Brick Fireplace | Christmas Tree
Curtains | Console Table | Coffee Table | Coffee Table Decor | Coffee Table Books
Moody Christmas Media Room
Our media room hosts the family tree every year. It’s the most sentimental tree — filled with childhood ornaments from Robert and me, handmade decorations from our girls, and travel keepsakes. The kids and Robert decorated it together while I stepped back and enjoyed watching them create something meaningful.
I added a touch of blush ribbon as a little nod to The Nutcracker’s pointe shoes, and that was enough. The result is perfectly imperfect: a beautiful, story-filled mess where every ornament carries a memory.
To encourage unplugged family time, we place boxes of board games or Christmas storybooks beneath this tree each season. It’s an easy ritual that helps our family slow down and spend time together away from screens.
Media Room Furniture | Curtains | Sunburst Light Fixture | Ruggable Rug | Built-In Shelving & Movie Screen | Wallpaper | Teal Paint
Modern Colonial Christmas Dining Room
Our formal dining room is reserved for special occasions, and dressing it up for the holidays feels intentional — like putting on a party dress. We don’t use it every day, but when we do, the space feels a little magical. For the season, we layered luxe touches, statement greenery, and classic ribbon to keep the room elegant and festive.
Mural Wallpaper | Chandelier | Furniture | Curtains | Tree Ribbons | Navy Blue Paint | Decor
Colonial Christmas Foyer
I previously shared a full tour of our refreshed foyer and staircase. Lit at night, the entryway feels especially cozy and welcoming. I’ll be posting a candlelight Christmas tour of the foyer and the rest of the house soon.
Stained Cabinet | Staircase Molding | Gallery Wall | Sage Green Paint | Staircase Garland
If you’d like to see the sources for items in our home, visit our Shop Our Home page or click any photo in this post to find links on LTK.
Merry Christmas, y’all!
More Christmas Decorating Sources
- 5 Minute Christmas Bow Ribbon Art
- Outdoor Christmas Lawn Decorating Ideas (No Ladder Required)
- Simple Christmas Dining Room Decorating Ideas
- The Most Realistic Fake Garland + How to Make It Even Better
- 18 Simple Natural Christmas Decor Ideas You Can Do Yourself