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Christmas Sparkle In The Living Room

December 18, 2019

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Random sparkle Christmas mini lights are all the rage and what a charming look.

Only one out of every ten twinkles for a subtle holiday glow. Here's a sneak peek at how they look on my tree.

And where you can get them.

Cottage Style Christmas living room

This morning I woke up and realized that while I've been busy decorating and DIYing around my little cottage for weeks now, in preparation for Christmas, I haven't shared much of it with you.

Oh boy.

I don't know what I was thinking, but today, when I realized that Christmas is exactly a week away, that old "I'm late, I'm late..." Alice In Wonderland mantra began running through my head.

And I sat down at my computer.
It's something I haven't done much of lately.

I've been too busy taking it slow, enjoying quiet moments by the tree, with my family and with my thoughts. For some reason this second year without my mom, seems harder than the first.

So it took me a while to find that Christmas spirit once Thanksgiving passed, but when I did, I was off and running.

I started by simplify things even more than I have in the past, displaying only my most special and sentimental decorations.

I decided I didn't want to waste a moment of my time unpacking things that didn't really touch my heart anymore.

Christmas Tree with lights and Without Ornaments

That included a lot of our ornaments.

We actually had a bit of a family dispute over putting them on the upstairs tree. You can hear that story and take a peek at my fabulous new sparkle lights in this video, if you like.



I used to have lights like this years ago, but once they burned out, I couldn't find them again.

And trust me, I looked high and low.

This year, they've added a little bit of cheer to what started off as a rather dull feeling season.

They were the tinder that finally lit my holiday fire.

Here's a look at my Christmas decorations from other years.

They inspired me to fix up my old wooden reindeer and put it on display. To tackle some Christmas crafts by the fire with carols playing in the background.

Wooden reindeer statue seated on a heart stool with votives around it

To get out of the house, even on terribly rainy days, to purchase new decor, like these bottle brush trees to keep my old Santa company.

Bottle Brush Trees on a table with Santa statue and votive candle

They inspired me to dress up my thrift store tray.

I still can't believe this beauty was only a few bucks.

Christmas Tray Display with apples, flowers and votive candles

And to grab an old shower curtain out of the closet to use as a tree skirt instead of spending money on something new.  

I mean it's the perfect color.

And free.

Creative Christmas Tree Skirt under the tree with presents on it

They also motivated to make a few new pillows with the last scraps of my favorite fabric and add a delicious knit and sherpa throw to my newly skirted chair.

I have to admit though, I still spend more time admiring it from across the room than sitting in it.

I just love the view.

Cottage Style Christmas Chair with skirt in front of lighted tree

Simple. Sentimental.

And sparkly.

And quietly joyful.

Which is how I feel this year.

🎄

How do you feel this year?

Merry Christmas, Friends!
Kim Signature


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  1. Your tree really is pretty! And I love that wonderful white tray! Thanks for sharing and Merry Christmas!

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    1. Thank you, Carol. It's all very simple, but it feels just right this year. Merry Christmas!

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  2. Oh, Kim, your tree is so pretty and you are so right, it just sparkles. It was very relaxing to stare at it while listening to your sweet voice, as normally I do not like the twinkle lights. Our tree has about 8 different settings for the lights and all the ones that are not still remind me of a gerbal running on a wheel and drive me crazy. But I think I could handle the ones you found. I so enjoy your quiet way of Christmas, truly, but though I may try, I just can't get there!. I guess I am OK just the way I am (I seem to have no choice!)..It all looks beautiful, my friend, and have a very Merry Christmas with your family..xxoJudy

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    1. Judy, thank you so much for all your sweet words! The lights we had years ago were so subtle, they twinkled and glistened in the most delicate way. I haven't been able to find anything even remotely like that but these came pretty close. To be honest, I had a credit at Amazon and the lights were $4.99, so it really wasn't worth it to send them back. Plus after they were on the tree for a few days they kind of grew on me.

      And I don't think there's anything wrong with your way of Christmas decorating. I adore all of your treasures and I envy your energy. Maybe someday in the future I will go back to my old ways and decorate great every inch of the house, but for now this feels just right. Merry Christmas my friend! xoxo

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  3. I wouldn't worry about being late; there's still time before x-mas. Everything looks wonderful!

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  4. So beautifully written, and such lovely decorating! It's warm and inviting. I love your little chair! It's perfect. My husband admired your beautiful floors. He's here reading over my shoulder. He said to please tell this nice lady to have a dead bolt lock installed on her door. He says with glass in your door, those turn locks are easily broken into. Hope you don't mind the suggestion. Merry Christmas!!

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    1. Thank you Bev! And thank your husband, as well. I wish I could take credit for the floors, but they were here when we moved in almost 20 years ago and they still look fabulous. And thank you for the dead bolt suggestion. I don't mind at all! We are very safety conscious around here, my brother actually laughs when he comes to visit and says it's like Alcatraz, with all the locks!! Also that door is deceiving, it does actually have a deadbolt and it doesn't lead to the outdoors, there is another room behind it. But there's no such thing as being too careful, so thank you and Happy Holidays!

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  5. Hello, new here! You decorating is just beautiful!

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    1. Thank you so much for your kind words and welcome! I wish you the happiest of holidays!

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  6. I love your tree! I also am late and running behind. I just put up my tree yesterday and I also kept it very simple. Your home looks so cozy and cheerful.

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    1. Oh Briana, I'm so glad to hear I'm not the only one! While I have done a little bit of decorating every day since Thanksgiving, I didn't finish up until this past weekend when we put the ornaments on the tree. It feels good to be done. I'm sure your home looks cozy and cheerful, too. Enjoy your view! Merry Christmas!!

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  7. Your tree is so pretty. Don't you love the sparkle at night?! I kept my decor very simple too. I am loving the simple look.
    Have a great rest of this week leading up to the big day.
    Hugs,
    Kris

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    1. I do you love that sparkle at night, Kris! I think that's what defines the entire season for me when it comes to decorating it's all about the lights. I hope you have a fabulous weekend, surrounded by your own sparkle in your own beautiful home! xo

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  8. Love your sparkly tree, It’s a beauty. They newly covered chair is lovely. I do love ❤️ red too. The tray is a wonderful find. Enjoy your pretty Sparkly Christmas decor. Counting down until the special day.

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    1. Thank you, Linda! It's a very old tree so it's fun to do different things with it every year like add a little sparkle or leave the ornaments offer a bit. Merry Christmas!!

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  9. When I was little, you could buy individual bulbs that blinked. They were in colors and placed randomly on the strings of lights. We called them 'twinkle lights' and my dad said they brought the tree to life...now there's a guy I miss every day. Thanks for the memory, Kim.

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    1. I'm glad I could bring you some warm memories, Ann. I think when we were younger there were a lot of very special Christmas decorations that fell out of vogue and were considered old-fashioned for a long time, but they're coming back. I'm remember my brother-in-law's family had candle candle lights that bubbled on the tree. Very cool! I expect to see them nextI expect to see them next!

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  10. Everything looks so pretty in your living room. I like the pretty white lights on the tree, the cute tray, and the blanket on your diy chair. I hope you have a Merry Christmas Kim. :)

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  11. Just lovely Kim!! I love the subtle twinkle - it's perfect! And that chair....drooling!!!

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  12. How beautiful Kim! And your chair is so charming❤️I could sit there for days 💕

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    1. Come on over, Christina! Let's sit! 😊

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  13. Hi Kim - found you from over at Junk Cottage. I think your home is such a perfect back-drop for Christmas with its white and red! Seems like so many of us are trying to simplify this year - which in itself is a challenge, indeed.

    Don't feel bad about being late - I have hosted 3 parties in two weeks and I still haven't shared a house tour! Let's hope I get it done soon, right? But I am off to go ring the bell at a local store for a few hours, so it must wait.

    Hope you have a fabulous Christmas and a very happy and healthy new year.

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    1. Hello Michele! Thanks so much for the visit and the comment today. Isn’t Kris just the best?

      It sounds like we have a lot of company this year, both with late posting and simplifying. Seems to be the trend. I have a few parties to host in the next two weeks and I’m looking forward to them. Your cookie party looks like it was a blast. I’ve always wanted to host one. Maybe next year!

      Thanks again for the super sweet words and the lovely holiday wishes. Right back at you and I hope to “see” more of you and your pretty posts in the new year! ☺️

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  14. Kim, everything looks so lovely! I'm like you - I'm late in getting my posts up for Christmas. Love all of your touches and that corner with your tree is so cozy looking! Thanks for popping in to see me.
    Merry Christmas,
    Shelia ;)

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    1. Thank you Sheila! It seems like we're not alone this year, that one short week really threw a lot of people! Merry Christmas!!

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  15. So cozy and inviting. Have a wonderful holiday, Kim. Merry Christmas.

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    1. Thank you Cheryl, and you too, have a wonderful holiday! Merry Christmas!!

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  16. I'm new here but feeling very much at home. thank you for sharing the pix of your tree and Christmas finery - your space is the very definition of warm and cozy.
    I love the tree lights - ours go on super early so the tree is lit when I go to the gym in the morning, then off until about 4 when it gets dark. I've just been thinking I'm going to miss that warmth when the season is over.
    Happy Christmas to you!

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    1. Jeri, thank you so much for the visit today and the very sweet comment. And I'm with you, missing the lights already! Hope you come back to visit again!!

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  17. Kim,
    Love this sweet little corner of yours!! The chair and the red background of the cabinets just touched my heart!!! Since I am retired this year, I have truly embraced Christmas this year and enjoyed everything about the Holiday Season!! Merry Christmas to you and your family!!
    Hugs,
    Deb

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    1. Thanks so much, Debbie! It sounds like you had a wonderful season. Fabulous, that's the way it should be!! Hugs to you!

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  18. Your tree is so pretty. Everything looks so cozy and warm. Merry Christmas to you and your family!

    xoxo

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    1. Thank you so much, Melanie and all the best in 2020!!

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  19. I am so in love with the simplicity of your Christmas decor. As where other blogs are about more and more and another layer of more. As I am pushing the Big 50.... I find I need and want less. I love reading your posts and finding I am not alone in this desire. I have to admit I've gone back and read so many of your older posts and when I read about your laminate countertops... I was like yes....someone else who loves the durabilitiy and affordability of laminate! Thank you for being real and honest. I hope you have a very Merry Christmas!

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    1. Dena, thank you so much for your very lovely comment. You just made me smile ear to ear. I am all about simple now, I'm a bit over 50 and I feel the same way. I need to put my energy into things that make me happy and right not it's less. I'm glad to know I'm not the only one out there who feels this way, too!! I hope your holiday was wonderful. I wish you a fabulous 2020 and hope to see you in the comment again!! ☺️

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  20. I think you tree looks lovely.
    Thinking of you and wishing you a Merry Christmas.

    All the best Jan

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  21. "Simply" lovely, Kim. As you know, my Christmas decorations at home are typically very low key. It's especially easy to live with this year as working at Pier 1 I've been saturated with Christmas since the first of November. So, I get my overwhelming Christmas decor fix during working hours and then can come home to a few simple decorations and truly enjoy them. Merry Christmas, my friend! Hugs, Nancy

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    1. Thank you so much, Nancy! My Christmas decor has been getting progressively more simple as the years go by...it's basically all just about the lights now. There are a few treasures I keep putting out year after year, but I seem to leave more and more in the tubs with each passing season. It certainly makes set up and clean up easier! And I was in Pier 1 several times this year. I bought a few pretties!! All the best in 2020!! Hugs!

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  22. Beautiful my friend. I like simple and I went that way this year as well.

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    1. Thank you Carla...and three cheers for simple!! xo

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