Get a jump start on your holiday planning this year with some Christmas in July home inspiration.
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Christmas in July Home Tour Blog Hop
I know that Christmas is still five months away. But it is my favorite time of the year! And, for a blogger like me, six months means that the holidays will be here before I know it! So, I’m thrilled to join a few friends today to share some Christmas in July home inspiration with you.
If you are joining me from Michele at Vintage Home Designs, thank you for stopping by.
The tour is packed with ideas to decorate your home for the holidays. Be sure to scroll to the bottom of the page to see all of the other Christmas in July home inspiration.
If you are visiting my blog for the first time, welcome! My name is Jen, and I’m so glad you’re here! A born and raised Nebraska gal, I enjoy living life here in the Midwest with my husband (Kirk) and our two daughters (Peyton and Harper).
I love to share about all of the things that help make your house feel like a home. From simple DIY’s to affordable home decor, inspiration for the seasons, made from scratch recipes, and more. You’ll find it all here.
You can read more about me [HERE] and find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok. I’d love to learn more about you too, so don’t be shy. Introduce yourself in the comments at the bottom of the page.
Christmas in July Home Inspiration
I love the fall. The crisp air. The crunchy leaves and all of the apple and pumpkin goodness that comes with the season. I don’t want to rush through it or past it.
But…
I would be lying if I didn’t tell you how much I am looking forward to Christmas. If you love it too and are looking for some festive ideas to get a head start on your holiday plans, then this post is for you. So let’s take a look back at my home from last Christmas.
(And I may share a few hints at what I’m planning for this year, so be sure to read through to the end!)
How to Use Classic Christmas Colors in Your Decor
Last year’s Christmas decor was inspired by a traditional color scheme of red, gold, and tartan plaid.
Some of my favorite ways to use these classic Christmas colors in my home are with decor like a plaid throw blanket, gold lanterns, bells, and a mix of greenery.
Mercury glass trees and ornaments are also a great way to add some vintage whimsy to your Christmas decor. The real deal can be a bit pricey, though. If you’d like to use some (and don’t want to pay retail prices), be sure to read my tutorial from last fall on how to make DIY mercury glass. It’s easier than you might think!
Get Inspired to Style a Cozy Holiday Home
One of the things I love most about decorating for the holiday season is how it makes my home feel.
And last year’s red and gold holiday home tour was all about the cozy.
The Entry
This is the first view that greets you when you walk through the door, and it happens to be one of my favorites.
The front entry is filled with a mix of traditional and vintage decor, including this repurposed dresser that was a $60 Goodwill find!
My holiday decorating style is an eclectic mix of both old and new decor, including pieces like these Christmas postcards that I found on Etsy last year.
This adorable little plaid lunch box is another vintage find. I love the rusty red color, and the plaid print is perfect for the holidays!
Greenery is one of the easiest ways to add a touch of holiday style to your home. Here in the entry, I draped a faux cypress garland above my shelf. This garland is so life-like! It is one of my favorites to use throughout our home.
To the garland, I added a string of bells and some battery-operated fairy lights.
Nothing makes the holidays more magical than twinkle lights, right?
Then, to complete the entry, I hung a plaid blanket and a pair of old skates from the hooks on the shelf.
The Dining Room
Right off of the front entry is our formal dining room.
We don’t eat here daily, but I do love to use this space to entertain. Especially during the holidays! Gathering around the table with family and friends for a meal is one of my favorite Christmas traditions.
Another one of my favorite traditions is decorating our Christmas trees. How many trees do you have in your home? This tree in our dining room is one of three, and I would probably add more if we had space!
Last year I carried the red, gold, and plaid holiday color scheme throughout our entire home. Even the tree decor and wrapping paper matched!
The Bedroom
One of my favorite ways to make our bedroom feel extra cozy during Christmas is by changing up our bedding.
First, I start with soft flannel sheets and then layer on a quilted coverlet to add extra warmth for those cold winter days.
I also like to include a throw blanket and a few decorative pillows. The plaid pillows seen here were a DIY project from a few Christmases ago.
Would you believe that they are made out of napkins?
My favorite thing about our bedroom last year was our red and gold tree.
It took a few years of convincing, but I finally talked my husband into putting up this flocked tree in our room. He won’t openly admit it, but the truth is that we both love it. There’s nothing like being snuggled up in bed at night by the cozy glow of the tree.
Our sweet Himalayan, Chole, agrees.
Gather Around the Table in Style
For those who know me well, the fact that I love the holidays as much as I do should come as no surprise.
After all, I start listening to Christmas tunes on repeat in August.
So it’s fitting that I started my Christmas decorating extra early last year as I partnered with The Home Depot to style a festive brunch for their annual Holiday Style Challenge.
A beautiful tablescape is an easy way to infuse style and charm into any meal during the holidays.
One idea to make a statement is to create a unique centerpiece with a pair of lanterns filled with red and gold ornaments, as I did here.
A table runner made of garland and twinkle lights is a fun way to add some extra holiday sparkle to the table. And unexpected details like the tiny bells tied onto the champagne flutes give each place setting a personal touch.
To create texture and layers on your table, use some wooden chargers and some fringed napkins. Then finish the festive brunch look with classic cream stoneware and some gold flatware.
Deck the Halls with Easy DIYs
Winter here in the Midwest can be a bit brutal, so hot cocoa is a staple in our house from December through February.
Christmas is the season for all things warm and cozy, last year I styled a simple hot cocoa bar complete with some DIY printable tags.
Our buffet table is the perfect size for creating a hot cocoa bar with all of the necessities. And since our dining room is right next to the kitchen, it is easily accessible.
It’s perfect for grabbing a quick mug of cocoa before snuggling up to watch Christmas movies.
If you don’t have a large space, don’t worry. You don’t need a formal dining room or a buffet table to make your own hot cocoa bar.
You can use a bar cart or style a simple tiered tray on your kitchen counter like the one I have.
When it comes to the toppings, you can include as much or as little as you like.
I went all out and included chocolate chips, candy canes, peppermint chips, mini marshmallows, whip cream, and several different types of caramel and chocolate drizzles.
It was a huge hit with the girls, and I loved it too!
To organize your toppings, pour each one into a small glass jar. I used some canning jars that I already had on hand and then added these wooden scoops for serving.
Then finish your cozy hot cocoa bar by adding some red and white striped paper straws and don’t forget the printable tags!
The black chalkboard background and pinecone design make them neutral so they can be used all winter long.
If you aren’t already an MWLS subscriber, sign up below to get your free printables now!
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How to Style a Festive Front Porch
Last up on my Christmas in July home inspiration tour is a peek at last year’s holiday porch.
28 square feet. That is the total size of our tiny little front porch. When it comes to styling this space, I’ve learned how to get a bit creative. And while it may not be big in size, it is big on holiday cheer!
One of my favorite ways to style our porch for Christmas is by adding fresh greenery like these DIY winter porch pots.
To add a pop of color, I hung some red and gold ornaments on my potted cedar trees. I love the subtle hint of sparkle, and because they are shatterproof, I don’t have to worry about them breaking.
And, of course, I couldn’t forget about the front door itself. The garland is the star of the show, so I chose to keep the door decor simple with a wreath, plaid bow, and my favorite gold bells from Ballard Designs.
Christmas 2021 Sneak Peek
If you’re still hanging with me, you’ve earned a gold star. And, as promised, here’s a little sneak peek at my holiday decorating plans for Christmas 2021.
Courtesy Kelley Nan Courtesy Craftberry Bush
I adore traditional Christmas colors, but this year I want to challenge myself to try something a bit different with my holiday decorating.
Courtesy The Lily Pad Cottage Courtesy The Gray Cottage
Lately, I’ve been doing some late-night scrolling on Pinterest for ideas. These inspiration photos filled with dreamy shades for blue, green, gold, and bronze have stolen my heart. I can’t wait to put my twist on this color palette in just a few months!
Christmas in July Home Inspiration
I hope you enjoyed taking a look back at my home last Christmas! Next, be sure to visit my friend Kim at Shiplap and Shells to see her nine easy tips for how to prepare for Christmas in July.
And after you visit Kim, don’t forget to see what my other friends are sharing too! Just click on the links below.
Thanks so much for stopping by the blog today for some Christmas in July home inspiration! If you loved this post, don’t forget to pin it for later and see more of my styling tips for the holidays [HERE].
More Christmas In July Ideas
Click on the highlighted links below to follow along on the tour.
Stacy Ling – Bricks N Blooms –/– Chloe – Celebrate & Decorate –/– Anne & Ann Marie – Simply 2 Moms –/– Cindy – County Road 407 –/– Jenn – Down Shiloh Road –/– Kelly – The Tattered Pew –/– Rachel – The Ponds Farmhouse –/– Mary – Life At Bella Terra –/– Michele – Vintage Home Designs –/– Jen – MIdwest Life & Style –/– Kim – Shiplap & Shells –/– Kristen – White Arrows Home –/– Andrea – Design Morsels –/– Chas – Chas Crazy Creations
Kristin Lenz says
Your home really shines during Christmas time! It looks so cozy and so beautiful! Every element fits perfectly! Love your post!!
midwestlifeandstyle says
Thank you so much, Kristin! I appreciate it. Christmas is one of my favorite seasons to decorate for.
Andrea says
I love how you shared you design plan and it carried through your whole house. That’s a really helpful tip. Your tartan plaid is my favorite. I would have a hard time not reusing that one. I’m happy to discover your blog through this hop.
midwestlifeandstyle says
Thank you, Andrea. Yes, I’m a sucker for the red and plaid. I may have to find a way to incorporate another plaid in this year’s plans.
Cindy@CountyRoad407 says
I bet your kids love having the cocoa bar up all winter long. I would! Everything was so cute and seems well thought out. I need to be more intentional and organized. I think the Christmas season would be quite different (a.k.a. more enjoyable and less hectic) if I’d just have a plan. Oh well, loved all of your ideas and am excited to be able to hop with you.
midwestlifeandstyle says
Thank you, Cindy. I’m not sure who loved the cocoa bar more….my girls or me!😆 I’m an event planner by day, so planning is in my nature. I think it really helps me get ahead. Especially since our weekends get so busy once school starts again.
Chas says
What a great read! I really like the traditional colors and LOVE the idea of a cozy home. Couldn’t be more perfect to me 🙂
midwestlifeandstyle says
Thank you, Chas. I’m a big fan of the traditional red. It may be hard to do something different this year, but excited to try!
Chloe says
Wow, it is like you have taken through every inch of your home and showed us every little thing you did to make your home so warm and cozy for Christmas. I am sure your family appreciates the wonderful Christmasy home you make for the season. I love the classics you used, the reds and greens and all of the warm plaids! It was great to hop with you!
midwestlifeandstyle says
Thank you, Chloe. Christmas is one of my favorite holidays to decorate for, so I like to add touches throughout our entire home.
Kelly Radcliff says
Jen I love how you do Christmas! I’m a huge fan of all your pops of plaid and touches of vintage decor too! I’m excited to see what you do this year. Ps- I too love listening to Christmas music early!!! Pinned!
midwestlifeandstyle says
I knew there was a reason we were friends.😘 Yay for Christmas music and let the holiday planning fun begin!
Mary from Life at Bella Terra says
Jen, I just love your use of bells everywhere. What a festive detail that is often overlooked! Your home is so lovely and I would be the first at the hot cocoa bar every day! Just love that! So excited to be part of this talented group of bloggers on this Christmas in July blog hop! Thanks for sharing.
midwestlifeandstyle says
Thank you, Mary. The bells were one of my favorite things from last year. Don’t be surprised if they make an appearance again this year!
Kim | Shiplap and Shells says
I love every single detail, Jen! I love all your plaids throughout and nothing says holiday like a pair of skates hanging on the hook! Loved this so much!
midwestlifeandstyle says
Thank you, Kim. I’m glad you enjoyed the tour. So happy to be hopping with you today. Let the countdown to Christmas begin!😘
stacy says
Jen your home looked so beautiful this year. I really love your table – it’s so elegant and rustic! Love it! Can’t wait to see how you decorate this year! xo
midwestlifeandstyle says
Thank you, Stacy! I have so many ideas already. Can’t wait!
Rachel Harper says
Jen,
I loved all the inspiration. Your home and decor is so lovely. Great job. Thanks so much for joining me today.
midwestlifeandstyle says
Thank you, Rachel, for organizing this tour and for including me. So fun!
Anne says
I just love all the holiday details in your home, and the design inspiration board? Genius! Pinned!!
midwestlifeandstyle says
Thanks so much, Anne! I’m already looking forward to putting together another one this year.😘
michele/vintage home designs says
It all looks beautiful Jen! I love the plaid on your bedding and the beautiful tablescape!
midwestlifeandstyle says
Thank you so much, Michele!