Published: December 20, 2010, By Abbe Fenimore

Christmas Open House: Centsational Girl

“Oh there’s no place like home for the holidays . . .”   Are you humming all of those tunes these days?

Today we are featuring Kate’s Home. Kate writes a fabulous blog named Centsational Girl. If you haven’t seen it, you must stop by and take a look!

Kate recently welcomed (gulp, 70 to 80) guests for their annual Christmas party and the house looks AMAZING!! The new staircase is decked out with a garland of mixed greens (faux + real), topped with lights, silver beads, some flocked branches clipped from my Christmas tree and plenty of snowflakes.

On the other side of the entry is a dresser all dolled up for the season.

“So this year, we decided we wanted a flocked tree too, as a throwback to their generation.  The decorations are a fun but unexpected mix of gold berries, mini disco balls, teal plastic garland, crystals, brown ribbons and mercury glass, and of course, new and old treasures.”

“The blue, silver, and gold mantel still looks so pretty.  This year, after transforming our living room into the space I’ve envisioned, adding wainscoting, and brightening the space.  I’ve decorated our mantel oh so simply, keeping it elegant, but with the most inexpensive decor.”

“I believe that it doesn’t take a lot of money or effort to create a beautiful mantel.  Just greenery, some old standbys, plus a favorite color of the moment, and you can create for yourself a gorgeous holiday focal point.  My mantel is a mix of something old, something new, simple ornaments, and a hint of blue.”

“Across from the fireplace is the sideboard I picked up at a thrift store earlier this year.  I’m keeping it cleared off to hold desserts.”

Thank you Kate for having us tour your gorgeous home!!!