Hello and Merry Christmas from MO! My name is Linda Hites, and I am the mother of Michelle, who started Diamonds or Pearls blog. I feel honored to be starting the Christmas tour out for the third year in a row.
This is my favorite time of year; I love wrapping presents for friends & family, decking my halls, and the warmth of the season.
Twelve Days of Christmas Tour
“Christmas is not a time or a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.” President Calvin Coolidge
This year I decided to use traditional red and green on the exterior of my home. I sometimes experiment with color, but always go back to my tried and true!
I have always loved porch swings, and we added this cute rustic one this past summer. With a simple garland and some comfy pillows, this space is cozy for the holidays.
Welcome to my Lake Cottage! Beyond the wooden door, you will hear Christmas music playing, the smell of cookies baking and feel the warmth of the fire. I hope you relax and enjoy the tour of my home!
The entryway tree was added to a flower pot to give it more height.
I collect Beyer’s Choice carolers and display them throughout my home.
The sitting room is used the most in our home. It is small & cozy and where we go to relax every evening after a long day.
This tree is decorated in a Fox-Hunting theme, and it reminds me of my favorite little town Middleburg, VA.
I love to gather in the living room around the holidays because there is a beautiful view of the lake. The cozy fireplace and tree laden with my favorite ornaments also make this space cheerful & cozy.
I chose a ribbon with a Ralph Lauren look to it that I found at Nell Hill’s in Kansas City, MO. I blended it with a black and white ribbon that I use yearly.
Ornaments are very special to me and I pick one up everywhere we travel. Every year I take them out, I start reminiscing about all of my wonderful trips.
My Santa was a gift from my husband a few years ago, and I love him.
Christmas Tip:
I don’t buy tree skirts; I use pieces of fabric or tablecloths to make my own.
The Christmas cheer from the living room flows into this space because of the open floor concept. I kept the decor simple and just added a cute Santa and some Christmas plates.
I host a couple of Christmas brunches in December. I look forward to this tradition and always try to change my table up with a different theme each year. This year it is the Polar Express!
It may be a little chilly to use this space year round, but I still deck it out for the holidays. On a warmer day, it is such a wonderful place to sit and enjoy the beautiful view of the lake.
I have always wanted a She Shed and was able to get one this past summer. I still have some work to do on it, but the work is half the fun!
The kitchen is the heart of the home! The island is where guests love to gather and hang out for hours. For this reason, I don’t do a lot of decoration in this space, so there is plenty of room to move around.
My master bedroom is a cozy haven to relax in after a busy day.
We recently finished a large family room in our basement and chose a dark wall color (Cyber Space by Sherwin Williams) to make the large open room feel cozy and comfortable.
My gallery wall is a collection of pictures from travels and antique stores.
This tree is a collection of things I already had and is sentimental because it has pictures of loved ones throughout it.
You will even spot a teapot! I love the whimsy of adding items you wouldn’t think of to my trees!
I wanted this room to be welcoming & comfortable for my guests. I added a little garland and wreath, to make it happy & cheerful!
My favorite tradition is getting a hot chocolate and my family gathering in the car and riding around looking at Christmas lights. There is something so magical about it!
I hope you enjoyed the tour! May your bells jingle and your days be merry and bright!
Tomorrow on the Twelve Days of Christmas tour is Sandy Kelley from MO. Sandy’s Craftsman style home is a blend of traditional and eclectic decor. She has a talent for making her home feel welcoming and cozy. You can definitely feel the magic of Christmas as you tour her home.
You may also like to read Linda’s Christmas tour from last year HERE.
Linda, your home is simply beautiful!!! Touring it was a great way to start my day!
Linda your home is absolutely stunning and so merry! I love your Byers Choice Carole’s collection and how you incorporate them throughout your home! Every detail is beautiful! Merry Christmas!
Thank you Gail! That is so sweet! I appreciate it.
Merry Christmas to you Amy! Thank you so much for the sweet compliments! They are much appreciated!
I can’t tell you how much I’ve looked forward to this post Linda….I still go back and drool over last year’s Christmas post. You are soooo talented! I would love to know how to “tie” your bows/ribbons. Your home is so cozy and inviting….well put together yet it doesn’t scream “don’t touch”. You need to have an Instragram account if you don’t already. Thank you again for sharing your beautiful home decked out for the Christmas season. Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Judy, thank you so so much. Your comments are so sweet. I would love to help you with bows or anything else. The cozy part is the best compliment ever??Merry Christmas to you and your family❄️
Mom your home is so beautiful, cozy and inviting! No one does Christmas like you! Love you!
Thank you sweetheart! Your too sweet!
Oh Linda everything looks beautiful! No wonder we all call you Mrs. Claus ?. Can not wait to see you on Saturday. Merry Christmas dear friend!!!
Thank you Paula! I can’t wait to see you too!
I just loved your tour! You definitely live up to your name, Mrs. Claus. I would like every piece of furniture and lamp in your home. You have the best taste! Merry Christmas!
Thank you Lauren. I appreciate the compliments. I loved your house also! Your so sweet!!
As always your house is beautifully decorated. I love “touring” your home looking at all the details. It is stunning! Thank you for sharing.
Aww! Thank you Sheryl. Stop by and see me anytime?
No one does decorating like Linda Hites! Stunning. But, then she puts her Christmas magic to work!
Beautiful! Everything is so tastefully done and so inviting.
Linda, your home is charming is the most perfect ways.
Thank you Mary! You are so kind. I love Christmas with all my heart. It is such a joy to decorate??❄️ Come and visit anytime.
What a wonderful way to start the Christmas home tours. I love most the cozy feeling you get when viewing each room with that magical touch you have when decorating. Absolutely beautiful Linda!
Thank you Charlotte! I loved your home last year. I would love to see it in person some time???
Gorgeous, Linda!!! Everything looks stunning, as always! I absolutely love your new basement family room! Looks like such a great place to gather with friends and family! The gallery wall and art sconces are perfect!!!!
Thank you Whitney!! Can’t wait to see your home. I’m sure it’s beautiful❄️❄️❄️
Thank you so much whitney!! I can’t wait to see your home. The girls said that it is beautiful. Hope you have a merry Christmas ???
So enjoyed the beautiful tour! I appreciate your sharing and hard work. Merry Christmas in your beautiful home.
Thank you Janet!! Have a very merry christmas❄️❄️❄️
I left a comment early this morning but somehow it didn’t go thru. Linda, I have been looking forward to your post for several weeks. After drooling over last year’s Christmas post, I couldn’t wait for this one! You are one talented lady….your home is absolutely gorgeous. I love how you add touches throughout the home but it’s not too much and not too little….it’s just right! I would love to know how you “tie” all of your bows and ribbons….also if you don’t have an Instagram account you need one so we can follow along to see you work your magic year round.
Merry Christmas – Judy
Well now I see my original comment went thru….sorry for the double comment but I guess that just means I love your home twice as much (LOL) How can I contact you about the bow tutorial? THank you soooo much!
Judy you make me feel so special. Do you live close by. Sorry but I know more than one Judy. I would be glad to help you. My #573-631/9810
Linda, I’m in Montgomery, AL probably too far from you. Would it be ok if I call you tomorrow (Thursday 12/13)…my email is jdy277@aol.com. Thank you again!
Sure you can call me??
Linda, you really do have Christmas magic in your DNA! Your home is warm, welcoming and delightful–just like you! Merry Christmas to you and Gene.
Thank you Mary Kay. I do love Christmas holidays. There so special. You and Len have a merry Christmas too❄️??
Your home is wonderful in every season! Thanks for sharing it with us!
Thank you patti! That’s so sweet???
Linda, Your home is so beautifully decorated and so cozy. I love your new family room in the basement. I believe that is my favorite room of all! Thank you for allowing us to tour your home again. Merry Christmas!
Thank you Cindy❄️We’re loving having the extra space in the basement. Wishing you a merry Christmas ???
Hi, I am friend of Sandy Kelly.
I absolutely adore your home and Christmas decor!
Not only because you have such an natural, authentic talent and flair for making a home simply exude coziness, but also because your decorating style creates a warmth and sense of Southern charm and hospitality I have not seen outside of Alabama and South Carolina where I use to live.
Are you originally from the south? Your style would make me think that you have a background in floral or interior design?
Also, I love the lakeside setting, so beautiful! What lake is this? I can’t wait to see what you do with you ”She Shed”!
Thank you for allowing us a glimpse into your beautiful home.
I would love meeting you one day and enjoy a cup of hot tea with you on one of your gorgeous porches.
Merry Christmas and God Bless!
Lolita Hayes
Lolita, your making me feel good about myself! Ha! I just love Christmas and decorating. The south has definitely influenced me. I try to get all the southern magazines. Those women know how to decorate. We live in a lake development called Terre du Lac. 5736319810. Come sit on my porch sometime. Merry Christmas
Beautiful!
Thank you Judi! That’s a wonderful compliment☃️?☃️ Merry Christmas!
Linda, your home is so warm and inviting! I can just feel the coziness throughout each room. I love your collection of Byers Choice Carole’s . My favorite tree is your tree downstairs with pictures and teapot! Very unique! Thank you for sharing your beautiful home!
Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family!
Thank you Marsha!! Your so kind. The tree in the basement is just a reminder of Christmas past. It’s great to show all of the old photos. Thanks again and Merry Christmas ???
I sooo enjoyed “visiting” with you today Linda….you are so sweet and I believe we’d be good good friends if you ever move South…..I look forward to talking to you again soon!
Linda your home is just beautiful enjoyed the tour!
Thank you Paula. I appreciate the compliment❄️❄️❄️ Merry Christmas !!
Ahhhh Ms. Claus your home is beautiful! Thank you for letting us walk thru and feel the spirit of Christmas. And love the She Shed! Can’t wait to see it all in person this next week.
That’s Sharon!
Wow! Simply stunning! And I love your Christmas tip on the tree skirts!
Fabulous. This is one of the most, if not THE most beautiful Christmas home I have ever seen. Love how you used the antique, plaid, striped theme throughout. Also love the Currier & Ives paintings and the family pics. This is a joy for the eyes, heart & soul. What a talent you have. Can’t say there is one thing in this display that I wouldn’t love to have. How long did it take to gather all these treasures? How long did it take you to decorate? Absolutely breathtaking!! Also love the hunter themed items as well.
I’m homesick ! Longing of Christmases in Missouri. I’m in Florida- hoping to move to NC. My son & family live in Lake St. Louis. Love to visit them. Have a Wonderful Holiday Season!