Pops of color Holiday Tour at Duke Manor Farm
Happy Holidays and welcome to my pops of color holiday tour at Duke Manor Farm. Despite the level of uncertainty that 2020 has brought, one thing is for sure…twinkling lights on a tree, a cup of cocoa, and holiday music really can bring instant joy. My hope is that you find some joy visiting my home virtually or the other beautiful holiday homes participating in Jennifer Rizzo’s Holiday Housewalk all this week. I have been participating in this annual holiday house walk tour for many years and it’s always such a treat. Special thanks to Jennifer Rizzo for always organizing such an amazing tour. The tour begins at Jen’s house here so don’t miss it! You can see my previous holiday house walks here.
If you are visiting from Sheila’s beautiful french inspired Christmas Kitchen at Maison de Cinq welcome. If not, you will want to visit her stunning home here.
Pops of color Holiday Tour at Duke Manor Farm
This year I decided was the year of color…every color, for our family tree. Just about every color ornament I had in the bins was used to create a colorful complement to my collection of nutcrackers used on the mantel and throughout the kitchen area. I was determined to use what I had to welcome the holiday season in a festive and colorful way. Click here to see last year’s tour in plaid.
The bar cart was transformed into a fun candy station. I added a paper chain with small trees in pink, white, and blue. I picked up the paper chain at Hobby Lobby and when I saw it was immediately taken back to my childhood when we use to make them as kids…remember? The wreath hanging above was an old swag that I attached to a metal hoop and added some ornaments and ribbon.
Breakfast area
This is a small breakfast area off the kitchen. It’s generally used for board games or puzzles but I thought I would dress it up for the occasion. A scarf doubles as a table runner ( there’s one on the other table too). My favorite family of brass deer keeps a watchful eye over how much we eat and drink.
Kitchen
The kitchen got a few festive touches without interfering with our day to day use. A simple swag with some green ribbon on the mantel creates just enough of a holiday vibe while I am in here cooking away or doing the dishes. Definitely more of the later.
Even a pandemic couldn’t keep our little elves away this year. They have shown up for over 10 years creating mischief and fun for the entire family. Not gonna lie Steve and Stevie are a lot of work but I wouldn’t trade the memories I am creating for the family. When I first starting bringing the elves out each year, I would create a schedule of where /what they would be doing each day. My kids were so into it and hyped up about those elves, so the schedule helped. These days I am a bit more laid back on where they will show up each day…..obviously. 🙂
A day after I took most of the pictures for the tour we placed our ‘family’ ornaments on the tree. It’s a tradition that I hope continues until the last tree I ever put up. You know the ornaments that kids make when they are little? The ones that you keep and cherish and can’t wait to look at every year? The ornaments with their handprints, candy canes made out of pipe cleaners, and cute reindeer made out of popsicle sticks. All of those……The ones that bring you joy.
More holiday spaces around Duke Manor Farm
More holiday spaces I will be sharing in the next few weeks. Don’t forget to follow Duke Manor Farm on Instagram or facebook for daily holiday decor ideas and inspiration. You can also signup for my emails so you don’t miss a thing!
I am so happy that you came by today and that you will stop back by anytime. Happy Holidays!
Tomorrow Lauren from Blesser House will be the first home on the tour and you won’t want to miss her beautiful holiday home.
Laura! You have outdone yourself! That tree filled with colorful ornaments is my favorite one you’ve ever done and I’m absolutely nuts about your nutcrackers! We did the same thing … added our family ornaments after the pics were taken! Wishing you and your family a merry Christmas!
thanks so much Kelly!
Oh Laura! Your home just gets prettier and prettier! I love the pops of color and that nutcracker mantel!!! We have so many as well that Sawyer has collected and one of these days I want to do a mantel like that. Love all of the special touches on the family tree as well, and you have me itching to make a paper chain.
I couldnt resist having a little fun with the paper chain and nutcrackers this year. Thanks for your sweet comment.
Laura your house looks absolutely beautiful. From the first picture and all that beautiful vivid Christmas color… I was enchanted!!! It is happy, and joyful, and such a holiday treat to tour!!! Merry Christmastime my friend ❤️🎄❤️
Love your “pops of color” Christmas tree! It looks fantastic next to your stone fireplace (which is my fave in all of blogland btw). The dark blue wall in the dining room is gorgeous too! If I lived in your house, I’d spend a lot of time out on that enclosed porch. Love it!!
Laura,
Your house is amazing. I love the pops of color. It’s beautiful and do tastefully presented. You are so talented. Thank you for being part of the Holiday Housewalk 2020!
Laura everything looks so festive and beautiful! Love all the cheerful colors and the adorable bottle brush trees (I collect those too!) 😉
Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Sheila
xo
Thanks Sheila!
Laura, I just love all the color that you’ve used in your decorating this year. That’s what we all need-lots of bright, cheerful color! I especially liked the colorful paper chain on the candy cart!
I agree…along with lots of joy. hope you are leo are doing well and enjoying the holiday season. big hugs
Your home is just beautiful, I love all of your pops of color. Thank you for opening up your cozy and welcoming home to us! Wishing you and your family a beautiful Christmas!
xo
Kristin
Thanks Kristin! I appreciate your kind comment.
I have collected a family ornament every year since our first Christmas together. Each child has been given a special ornament each year, often representing something they have done or loved. I have kept a small journal and noted the ornaments for that year along with where we were for Christmas and who was visiting. And I learned to journal who put up the tree topper each year to prevent an argument the next year!
When our eldest was ready to go out on her own and have her first Christmas tree in her apartment out of state, I bought a journal and updated it with the list of ornaments for each year of her life. I gifted her the journal and all of her ornaments! She was so excited to have her own tree, full of special ornaments and memories. She had kept up the tradition and is now continuing it with her family and two children.
Last year our son and his fiancee got their journal and all of his ornaments. They have enjoyed them and now that they are married I think they will continue the tradition. Our smaller tree still has lots of ornaments and many memories.
This has been one of the best family traditions we have done and hope it gives you some ideas. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
That is such a wonderful idea Pam. Thank you for sharing it with me. Happy holidays.
So beautiful! I love your festive use of color through out your home. Wishing you and your family a wonderful Christmas!
Thanks so much Danielle!
Laura, beautiful as always. Really really love the vibrant color this year. Are there butterflies on the family room tree? ~dreamy
wow, what an eye. sharing that tree next Tuesday. thanks!
Love all the color, Laura! So much Christmas-y fun and whimsy in your home this year. Such a delight. Happy Holidays!
Thanks Courtney!
Your home is so colorful, happy and festive! Beautiful holiday tour!
Thanks Susan!
That colorful tree is a stunner! Kudos to the kids for their persistence. And yes, I also bring out those cute handmade ornaments, it’s so fun to see how they look for those every year!
Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas!