Hello, my name is Linda, the mom of the two sisters who started Diamonds or Pearls. I am so excited to be a part of this tour for the second year in a row. Christmas is my favorite time of year and an amazing time to connect with the special people in your life.
We moved into our Lake Cottage about four weeks ago, and I have enjoyed getting it ready for the holidays. There is nothing more fun than filling our home with Christmas traditions and giving it the Christmas spririt.
This craftsman style home is different than any home we have lived in, but I have enjoyed blending my traditional style with a little cottage twist.
The terracotta color on the exterior of the house isn’t anything I would have chosen, but I love it.
Step into our entryway where you will be greeted with southern hospitality and a collection of Byer’s Choice Carolers. I have always felt like the entryway sets the first impression for whats to come inside the rest of the house.
Merry Christmas and welcome!
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After you enter, the family room is to the right. This space is for relaxing and TV watching so I kept my decor simple. I love the coziness of the tree and the view of the front yard.
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Our master bedroom is to the left after you step out of the entryway. I love to give every space a touch of Christmas, and our room was no exception. Just a few touches of simple decoration are scattered throughout.
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A little Christmas cheer in the bathrooms.
The room nods to a more laid-back style being it is an open concept floor plan. I went with the traditional red and green in this room with touches of mercury glass.
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The coziness of the house and the amazing view of the lake drew us to this home.
I love this space because it is simple and you can see onto our back porch. My favorite detail of this room is the cute little window.
This is the best place to gather with family around the holidays. My tradition every year is to bake my grandma’s sugar cookies.
The crystal bowl means so much to me because it was a gift from a dear friend.
I wanted to share my family sugar cookie recipe with you and have attached it to the end of my post. Enjoy!
Our covered porch on the back of our home is like sitting in a tree house. We enjoy the evenings with a cup of coffee and a warm blanket.
Ribbon is one of my favorite things, so I used it throughout the house. It is so easy to switch up your decor each year just by changing out the ribbon. The one I have used for a couple of years is black and white striped, it looks great with anything!
The evenings are magical with the beautiful glow of the lights and the shimmer of the ornaments. What a way to end the day!
Tomorrow on the tour is Keli’s Virginia home. The theme is “Home for the Holidays,” and it is filled with fresh greenery and beautiful decorations. It is a must see!
Notes
Easy & Delicious!
Ingredients
- 3 cups- Flour
- 2 tsp- baking powder
- 1/2 tsp- salt
- 2/3 cup- shortening
- 1 cup- sugar
- 2- eggs (well beaten)
- 1/2 tsp- vanilla
- 1/4 cup- milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 - 375
- Mix all ingredients together.
- Form small balls of dough and place on cookie sheet. You could also roll out dough and cut into cute Christmas shapes.
- Bake approximately 10 minutes.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle sugar on top of each cookie. Dip in milk and enjoy!
Your home looks beautful! Great job, mom!!
Thank you honey!
Lovely home and decor, Linda!!! I can see where your daughters get their taste from :-))
Thank you so much Alyona! You are so sweet!
Amazing! And in four weeks! Do you have Elves?
Thank you Naomi! As a matter of fact I do have one rather large Elfe. I call him husband. He been at my side all the way!
I love your house Linda! It is beautiful! I’m inspired to find some pretty ribbon for next years Christmas decorating in my own home!
Karen,your so kind! Ribbon is my favorite way to change things up. I just can’t get enough.
Beautiful home! Very cozy and Christmasy! Love the doors, the mantle, and the buffalo plaid and herringbone rugs! Xo
Thank you so much Judi! Saying that our home is cozy is the best compliment ever!
Linda your home is stylish and beautiful just like you!!! ?
You are so so sweet! What a great compliment!
I thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Once again Linda has made her elegance in a home sparkle!! It is BEAUTIFUL!!!
You are to kind! I love you Tracy! See you soon!
Your home looks gorgeous! So festive and I can see your magical touch everywhere. Merry Christmas Linda!
Thank you Paula! We do love Christmas. Can’t wait to see you Saturday! I’m so excited!
Your home looks beautiful! I’ve driven by your home many times and often thought how cute it is and now you have made it look like Christmas! Welcome to the neighborhood!
Oh, thank you Sheryl. That’s so nice of you. Please stop by anytime. I would love to visit with you.
Beautiful, welcoming and elegant~~just like you! Merry Christmas!
Thank you Mary Kay! Such a wonderful compliment. You are so kind!?
Welcome new neighbor! Your house is one of my favorite ones out here! I had no idea it had sold! You have made it even more beautiful!
Thank you Donna ! I so appreciate the compliment! Stop by anytime and visit. I would love that!
Beautiful home! I remember seeing it when we were house hunting. It was beautiful before, but it’s a showplace now!! Gorgeous!
Thank you Whitney!
I have one word: Perfection!
That’s so sweet Charlotte!thank you so much! I can’t wait to see yours.
Beautiful home. A Hallmark Hall of Fame Christopher Remember for sure!
Thank you Mike! That is very kind. Hope your doing well! Merry Christmas!
I just want to go furniture and rug shopping now after seeing your new place! I loved every detail of your home! I remember when you used to host our Pommie Christmas parties and how lovely you made it for all of us.
Thank you Lauren! I’m excited to see your home also. You can get lots of good ideas.
I remember those pommie dinners as I’m sure your mom does. They were so much fun!
Linda, your home is beautiful! And, just as I expected, it has been decorated in the most stunning way. Your attention to details is fabulous. I’m in awe!
Happy Holidays to you and Gene!
Mary I thank you for the wonderful comment! You are so kind. I just love Christmas! Happy holidays to you and lee also. Have a good time with our granddaughter. She is beautiful.
Your home is absolutely beautiful, Linda! And the decorations, perfection! Marry Christmas to you and Gene all the way from Texas!
Thank you Diana! Gene and I loved meeting you and Ed. Maybe will see each other again some day. Maybe at a ginger bread competition ! Ha. Merry Christmas to your family!
Beautiful home, Linda! Love all the Christmas cheer.:-)
Thank you so much Gloria! I truly love Christmas. I hope you have a Merry Christmas!???