Happy Holidays and welcome to Whiskey Paddock. My name is Melissa and I’m excited to share our home.
We recently moved to Waterford, VA, after living in Chicago. We love Western Loudoun County and we’re always trying to infuse some of our favorite things from this area into our decor (to include shopping local and picking most of the greenery from our backyard).
Our Hunt Country Christmas was inspired by our passion for our family, horses, dogs (we have three!), whiskey and the fox family that lives in our backyard. Enjoy!
Foyer
We love all of the natural light in our foyer and always choose seasonal decor that keeps it fresh and bright (it’s also Bailey’s favorite place to look out the window).
Dining Room
This year we introduced a fox hunting theme to this room in honor of nearby Hunt Country as well as the adorable fox family that resides on our property.
Since moving to Waterford, we’ve collected historic photos, maps and books that speak to the history of our quaint town. Our gallery wall is a mix of photos of our family, local sites and the wonderful wildlife from our backyard.
Living Room
The Living Room is my favorite room in the house! Floor to ceiling windows bring in natural light while the stone fireplace serves as the focal point for our entire home.
We always try to find a large fresh tree to fill the space that we decorate with ornaments that represent our family, travels, hobbies, and local critters.
Kitchen
Our kitchen recently received a “refresh,” and we are loving the bright and open space.
We chose simple greens to help frame the picturesque window overlooking our backyard as well as inviting decor and treats for the family to enjoy over the holidays.
Basement
My husband, Gordon, gets all of the credit for our cozy and entertaining basement. His whiskey collection served as the backdrop for our holiday decor and we are looking forward to watching movies, sipping cocktails, and catching up with family in this space in the coming weeks!
Sparkle of the season!
There’s something really special about our home in the evening. Whether the twinkle of Christmas tree lights, the glow from the fireplace, or the lanterns sprinkled throughout our yard, it’s truly a magical place.
We truly love where we live (our home and local surroundings). We enjoy the rolling hills, wineries, driving down dirt roads, and hiking through Virginia. We hope you enjoyed our house tour and that you take the time to visit Western Loudoun!
Everyone in our family receives new holiday pajamas on Christmas Eve. It’s customary to wear them when opening presents on Christmas morning. The PJs are always a surprise and we include any and all guests in the tradition when they join us for the holidays.
Tomorrow on the 2020 Christmas Home Tour is Heldy from Florida. Heldy’s style is transitional with Elegant and Romantic touches. She sprinkles lavender throughout her home because it is her daughter’s favorite color. You are going to gather tons of inspiration from all of her gorgeous trees and beautiful photos. Be sure to check out her magical home tomorrow.
If you haven’t been following along, you can start the tour by clicking below!
2020 Christmas Home Tour
A Virginia Christmas: Michelle’s Home
A Ranch Christmas: Jane’s Home
Silo Winter Escape: Danielle’s Silo
I hope you will stay connected…. Facebook Instagram Pinterest
Jane B. says
Melissa,
What a wonderful place to live! Your home and surroundings are lovely. My favorite photo is of your three dogs on the front porch. And what a cool idea to show all the ornaments piled up, ready to be put on the tree! Thank you so much for sharing your home. I could comment about each picture – I love it!
Melissa Preston says
Thank you, Jane! Our dogs are certainly front and center at our home and the pic of the ornaments is one I take every year…..it’s fun to see how our collection evolves.
Thanks agin for joining the tour and Merry Christmas!
Keli Rudge says
Beautiful home, Melissa! I love all of your woodwork throughout your home and of course your dogs & fox! I love your idea decorating with local finds, such a great idea.
Merry Christmas!
Melissa says
Thank you, Keli! Our lovely town and neighboring local stores create constant inspiration! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Thanks again for joining the tour and Merry Christmas!
Hillary Pavia says
Gorgeous, welcoming, warm and full of holiday spirit! I LOVE This home. You can tell that Melissa and her family take great pride in where they live and love supporting the local businesses. Beautiful!!!
Melissa says
Thank you, Hillary! We love supporting local and infusing that throughout our home. If you ever find yourself in Northern Virginia I’d be happy to share some of our favorite shopping locations!
Gina says
Melissa WOW! To many favorites to list; your home is beautiful! Love your critter decor. My daughter said one time “You are the only Gramma I know who has cows rather than kids hanging in the living room” ! Note all kids and grandkids are pictured in the library cabinet ? ❤️❤️
Melissa says
Thanks Gina and I can completely relate. We try to have a balance of critters (to include cows) and kids throughout.
Thank you for joining my tour and Merry Christmas!
Janine says
Truly beautiful! Great style.
Melissa says
Thank you Janine!
Merry Christmas!
Paula Nicholson says
Melissa you have a beautiful home! I think you did an excellent job styling your urn pots with all the greens. Lucky you to be able to retrieve all that from your own back yard. Virginia looks like a place I would like to visit! Thank you for sharing your home and Merry Christmas to you!
Melissa says
Thank you, Paula!
We love foraging local greenery….it also makes it unique year after year as you never know what you’re going to find!
You won’t be disappointed if you visit Virginia and please let me know if you head this way as I would be happy to share some of my favorite destinations.
Thanks again and Merry Christmas!
Kendra Lyons says
Gorgeous! I absolutely love the theme. So personal and authentic – what a beautiful way to celebrate.
Melissa says
Thank you, Kendra!
We love the them as well! It was fun to pull it together and will be even more fun to add to it in the years to come.
Thank you for joining my tour and Merry Christmas!
Melissa Barrows says
Melissa, you home is gorgeous. The decor is perfectly styled, cozy, and inviting. I loved seeing your puppies take part in the tour. Merry Christmas!
Melissa says
Thank you, Melissa!
Our puppies seem to make their way into almost everything…..to include our holiday decor!
Thanks again for joining my tour and Merry Christmas!
Tracey Holupka says
Beautiful!! So many thoughtful, oh so special touches. Merry Christmas!!!
Melissa says
Thank you, Tracey!
I’ve always been in awe of your holiday decor….means a lot coming from you!
Thank again and Merry Christmas!
Linda hites says
Melissa, your home is so beautiful. I enjoyed all your Christmas decoration. Wish I had a Fox in my yard. That would make me so happy. Thank you for sharing your home.
Melissa says
Thank you, Linda!
The Fox is definitely one of the highlights of our home….especially in the spring when they have their kits!
Thanks again for joining our tour and Merry Christmas!
Michael Haynes says
WOW …just a FANTASTIC tour of your beautiful home young lady ??
Very proud of the wonderful house that you and Gordon have turned into a Beautiful HOME ?- Best of Holidays from your Colorado friends!!