southern fried gal

Christmas came early in the Southern Fried Home this past weekend – that is to say Momma got her way with the deep cleaning of the downstairs. I love how we are purging, organizing and simplifying! You’ll notice the same theme in the back of home Christmas tour. Here’s the front of home tour in case you missed it.

This is the view as you walk in the door and pass the formal living room. After soliciting your advice over a year ago I started the search for the perfect table in this space. I finally found it a few weeks back at TJ Maxx of all places! I also added a bench from there to the breakfast area to accommodate more little buns at family gatherings.

Here’s how the table looks decked out for Christmas. I am mostly happy with it. It’s still a little off but I’m not going to fuss too much until after Christmas.

On down the hall you’ll catch another glimpse of the family room. This is the cozy room of our home and where we spend a lot of family time together. My boys love this time of year because they can cozy up in front of the fireplace.

At the end of the hall is the breakfast nook in the kitchen. I found that wooden tray for around $20 back in November. I envisioned a rustic centerpiece for the table with fresh greens and berries. The greedy birds around here picked every last berry of the bushes so I had to settle for faux. And of course I had to add a touch of whimsy with the cute Santa plates. Simple and fun!

I didn’t do much on the work side of the kitchen. This mistreatment made from towels, fabric glue and a tension rod gives a nod to the season. This side of the kitchen is still a bit of a mess with half-painted cabinets. Maybe I’ll get the energy (and budget) to get this project finished in 2012.

The powder room gets a touch of nature and another unexpected mistreatment. That is actually a table runner turned window hanging with a few simple folds and tucks over the existing treatment. Festive, fun and easy peasy – my kind of decor!

Finally as we circle back around the stairs we get to the formal dining room.The china cabinet is topped with a lighted greenery garland. A simple centerpiece of burlap, sugar pine cones, arborvitae and bling top the table. And that’s it! Simple, simple!

Can you believe we are starting the last week before Christmas? This is the first time in the last few years where the downstairs is tidy and organized going into Christmas. Usually I’m snapping pictures around blue Rubbermaid buckets all the way up until the big day. 

~Southern Fried Gal

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