I wanted to share with you some pictures of how I decorate for Christmas. I’ve been collecting cute little Christmas knick-nacks for quite a few years now, and pulling them out to decorate brings back memories of the place in my life I was when I got them… many before I was married. I love the decorate in the traditional red and green with silver sprinkled in. I’ve seen beautiful hand made decor all over blog land, with varying color schemes that are breathtaking. It seems everyone has a whole new set of decorations each year, but I like the comfort and familiarity of my history coming out with the decor. So welcome to the Duke Home for Christmas!
We have two trees. Some people come into our home and make mention of that as if it is super odd, but it doesn’t seem odd to me because my mom had about 10 trees in varying sizes. I think a lot of people have two, right? Ok, maybe not. We go cut down a tree each year at a tree farm an hour away. My husband grew up with the fresh smell of pine trees at Christmas, and we’ve carried on the fun tradition. This year, I sweet talked him into purchasing a 12 foot pre lit tree. I’ve always wanted a super tall tree, and this being our 3rd Christmas in our home with a tall ceiling, it was a dream I was super excited to fulfill!
I love my wrapping paper to be red, green, and silver. Crazy? I just look for those colors when I need new.
Kristen Duke
Latest posts by Kristen Duke (see all)
- Breakfast in PJ’s Birthday Party - June 18, 2013
- Tips for helping people feel comfortable at photo sessions - June 15, 2013
- BlogHer Food 2013 Blogging Conference - June 14, 2013
LOVE it! So beautiful. My decorations mostly fall under the red/gold/copper colour scheme and I totally match my wrapping paper to my decor. We also have two trees, like you do. In our new house we have two large living spaces and we put our main tree up in the front living room. I love having it up there, but it felt like the back space wasn’t very Christmas-y so I’ve started putting a smaller tree up in the back. I think it is so fun to have all areas of the house decorated for the season.
Ok, good, glad to hear another 2 tree-er! I also like a tree showing through the front window, but our family room with main present tree is in the back.
I love your decor Kristen! It feels so homey and classic… and SO festive! I’m with ya on using items that are collected over time… here’s the link to OUR Christmas decor! http://www.sawdustandembryos.com/2012/12/the-christmas-tree-its-decorated.html
Thank you, Beth, it’s definitely classic and festive! Excited to see yours…
So fun and festive! I have a very similar round beveled mirror…and I love the tin foil table!!!
I do love my tin foil table…where is the round beveled mirror? I don’t think I have one…
So cute, Kristen! I love the tall tree, too- my parents have a tall tree in their family room that has a tall ceiling.
I love how you have it right there in the middle of the house, reaching upstairs! 
Thank you, Heather! It has really been fun to have the height, makes a big statement!
Your home looks warm and inviting,
Thank you, Suzanne! I hope it is warm and inviting, and when it’s clean, it is MUCH more than well…most of the time when it is not;)
I LOVE your green buffet and sliding barn door TV hiding thing.
All the colors in your living room are great, and that big circle photo on the wall is really cool. I agree with you about tradition and decorating for Christmas. I like to put out familiar things, and I think it makes it more special for the kiddos too. I’ve added several new things this year, but there are certain things we definitely get out every year. Here’s a link to some of our Christmas decor:
http://www.familybees.blogspot.com/2012/12/christmas-around-our-house.html
Jenny, I LOVE your Christmas decor. I already commented on that post, but I’m pretty sure I need to figure out how to get my hands on a mini chalkboard easel!
You are not crazy! We have two trees too! A 12 footer in entry way and 9 footer upstairs! I was just thinking I’ll be kinda sad to see all the decor go away. Love the lights at night, just makes the house glow. Call me, I want to hit Pier 1 with you!
. Your house looks great! Merry Christmas!!
Ooh, Ok, lets go to Pier1! Ok, good, another 2 tree-er. I knew there were others out there! it is so much effort to put all the decor out, and just makes everything fun, it is sad to see it go away.
You’re home looks beautiful…very festive and bright! I love the decorations, and especially love that nativity scene from Jerusalem-amazing! You’ve done a remarkable job of creating a space that’s elegant, yet looks comfortable enough for friends to feel right at home.
Thank you, Trinity, that is very kind of you. I do aim for comfort and cheer!
I enjoyed my gift for writing on your blog in November….best one I got all year!!! (sorry to be vague people, but I don’t want to ruin it if others haven’t received theirs yet)
yay, ashley, glad you love it! I did mail out all of them the same day, but that was thoughtful of you;) I’m thinking we are safe now. I plan to post about it on Monday probably;)
I love your decor! I’m with you and love pulling out the same familiar Christmas decorations. Especially my ornaments that all hold such a special place in my heart. And my mom has done two trees for a few years so its not strange to me
You have a ton of Christmas decorations!! Your house is just beautiful! Where do you store it all when it’s not Christmas time? I can’t wait to have a house big enough to put up a bunch of decorations. We don’t even have a tree this year in our tiny Italian home since it would take up half of our living room and my 1 year old would be hanging from it anyway. =) Thanks for sharing your pictures! Merry Christmas!
I’ve got a great attic storage! Christmas is in your heart, you don’t need a tree! A cozy Italian home sounds wonderful!
I am hoping to have two trees next year, one for the kids and one for me. That is a super tall tree and I love the ladder next to it, so cute. And the barn door is awesome and love all the trunks! I don’t let myself buy too many things since we move so much (and all our Christmas decor was ruined in a flood 2 years ago) but this is what I came up with this year http://carianthony.blogspot.de/2012/12/decorating-for-christmas-without-mantle.html
Oh no, lots in a flood? It is nice to have one tree for the kids and one for me. Going to check out your link.
I absolutely LOVE the “joyful” sign. What a great reminder throuout the season. I’m a complete traditionalist when it comes to Christmas decos. My mom and dad gave each of us girls a dated ornament every Christmas to save for our own Christmas tree when we grew up. I Love putting them up each year and all the reminiscing that comes with it. We’ve done the same for our kids and I don’t think I could ever have a “pretty” tree without all the memories.
of course, we may need to have 2 trees soon b/c our tree is getting VERY full. 
You know, I’m pretty sure my mom gave us ornaments each year, but I’m not sure where all of them are…maybe at her house still? I should do some research on that one;)
Oh, it’s gorgeous, homey, comfy, classy, beautiful… can I spend Christmas at your house???
Have a merry, blessed, wonderful Christmas!
Thank you, Aline! Come on over!
You were fortunate to get that olive wood nativity scene for $40! When my husband and I visited the Holy Land in 2007 I wanted to buy one in Bethlehem, but they were hundreds of dollars.
There was a shop that had specials for the students there, I got lucky!
Your home is lovely and bright! Love your painted furniture and your decorations, especially the step ladder. I never thought that I would have an artificial tree either. When we lived in Hawaii I ‘converted’. The live trees there had to be shipped in from the mainland and by the time Christmas came around they would be so dry and such a mess – and a major fire hazard. This is the only holiday decoration that I made this year (and I am trying hard not to buy anything new): http://pinterest.com/pin/141159769542177535/ It is a nod to our proximity to the beach. I may keep it up all year!
I love that wreath! Thank you for your sweet words, too!
The colors throughout your home just make me feel happy!
EJ, you make me happy!
I love your tall tree…beautiful! We have two as well, you are not alone
And your nativity scene is amazing!! LOVE it! I’m thinking I might see you at Pier 1…those little guys were cute 
Oh yay, I’m finding others have two trees, too! See you at Pier 1!
your home is so happy and full of joy! i love that red ladder by the tree0 it’s perfect!
Thank you, Cassie! That makes me happy to hear;)
I love the decor you have. So fun ! I grew up in a two tree household, and my grandma also had two trees, so it’s seems very normal to me. My Christmas decorations are all ones I have collected over time. I don’t like to change it up year over year, since I love the tradition that Christmas can bring.
And that nativity is fantastic! What a treasure! Thanks for sharing!
Your home is so beautiful! I LOVE your big tree.
Love all your holiday and regular home decor. That rug in the first shot is perfect! I’ve been on the hunt for a new area rug and love that one. Your holiday decor has inspired me to switch things up a bit next year!