Unintentionally, camels became the theme of my holiday home tour this year.
I didn’t mean for it to happen. It just did. I looked around my living and dining room after all the decorations were up and realized I had multiple camels varying in heights of nine inches to two feet looking back at me.
We’re just going with it, ya’ll. Embrace the camel this season. When Christmas camels become a trend, just remember you saw it here first.
Before you see the camels in all their holiday glory, let me first welcome any new folks here hopping over from Haneen’s Haven as part of the It’s a Colorful Life Christmas Home Tour. If you hadn’t already determined from my camel spill, I’m not all there. We just go with that too around here. Embrace it.
Let’s get on with the tour, shall we?
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A Colorful Christmas Living Room
Green Chairs / Multi-Colored Pillows / Mustard Pillows / Lion Art
I never really mean to change out and switch up my holiday decor, but it never fails that I end up doing exactly that. And spend waaaay too long debating whether or not Santa should go on the table or Mrs. Claus. Or both. But then what would go where the other was supposed to go?
Yea, it doesn’t make sense to me either. Again, just go with it.
This little table and quite a few of the things on it are new additions. I scored the table at a yard sale as a package deal with a matching bamboo bar cart for $10. I know, crazy, right? And there’s camel #1 is taking up residence on the bottom shelf here. I’m lucky to have a group of friends who are always on the lookout for each other when it comes to holiday and general home decor. One of those friends, Ashley, found me that pretty camel at a thrift store. I had a great urge to put a holiday attired Barbie on top of him. I abstained. I won’t say it won’t happen before the holidays are over though.
And here’s where Mrs. Claus ended up! She was a yard sale find and the sleigh she’s in was a thrift store find. Marilyn made the sleigh in 1985 and I know this because she signed it on the bottom along with the date. Marilyn, wherever you are, I love your sleigh and will take good care of it. That’s why Mrs. Claus is in it and not Santa. Sometimes you just can’t trust a man.
See that little drum? It was not that pretty when I found it at the Goodwill. In fact, it was downright hideous. The fabric on it was atrocious. But I deconstructed it, re-wrapped it in pretty wrapping paper and for $0.99 ended up having a damn pretty drum. You can too – don’t pass up the hideous ones at thrift stores. Unless I get to them first, then there won’t be any for you. I’m feeling a drum themed Christmas coming on for next year.
If you are new around here, I’m sorry-not-sorry if you were expecting a beautifully themed color-coordinated Christmas tree. We don’t do that. Our tree sports special ornaments, stuffed animals and even a shoe or two.
Coffee Table (similar) / Sofa (similar) / Floor Lamp / Navy Pillows with Colorful Trim / Santa Pillow / Leopard Print Pillow
This little vignette is a favorite of mine this year. The Staffordshire dog was a Goodwill find from the summer and obviously, it’s not a Christmas specific decoration, but I dare you to find a Staffordshire dog that’s prettier than when surrounded by holiday decor. Also, I’m sure it’s not one of the real Staffordshire dogs, but I’ve never shook at my head at a faux fur before and I’m not going to start shaking it now at fake Staffordshire dogs.
Those jeweled coasters are a new favorite of mine as well. I bought a set as a gift this year and loved them so much that I bought myself a set too. They are absolutely the most gorgeous coasters I’ve ever seen. The dog agrees.
Sidenote: If you tie pretty satin ribbon on anything non-holiday-esque, it automatically becomes authentic holiday decor.
There’s the dog arrangement again. Because everyone should see it twice. From different angles. Did I mention I’m not even particularly fond of dogs? #gofigure
The teal poinsettias are at Michael’s this year. I’m usually not a fan of faux flowers, they tend to be the only faux thing I shake my head at, but these oversized beauties stole my heart the minute I saw them. We’re faux-ever friends. I tied an ornament cluster (find out how to make those here) around the vase for an extra pop of color. And because there had to be something else substantial there to even out that oversized poinsettia.
I also adorned just about every piece of oversized art in my house with hanging ornament clusters. Because you can never have enough colorful ornament clusters around your house for the holidays. Tell me I’m wrong.
Lion Art / Red Drapes / Green Chairs / Multi-Colored Pillows / Mustard Pillows
Introducing camel #2. I spotted him on Facebook one day when someone from my hometown posted pictures of their yard sale and he was in it. My dear Judy, our group mom and also direct line to Jesus, went to pick it up for me. We don’t just call her a saint because she keeps us on her prayer list, it’s also because she’ll also do anything to help us even if it means picking up a stray camel from a yard sale.
The teal poinsettias struck again in this vase flanked by a vintage Santa and bottlebrush trees. I also bought some extra poinsettias to stash away for future Christmases. You never know when you might need an oversized faux teal poinsettia. It’s always best to be on the safe side.
I always cheat and use wrapped gifts as decor around the house too. I mean, what’s the use in going to all that trouble wrapping gifts and making them pretty to just stick them under the tree barely seen all season? Again, tell me I’m wrong.
This space is really dark and so I tried to lighten it up with the white garland, lots of colorful ornaments and candles. Of course, the candles also illuminate the Studio54 jeans art print. And that ain’t a bad thing. Everyone needs to see how great quality those jeans were. 😉
There’s more drums – see I’m already priming for next year’s holiday theme.
A Colorful Christmas Dining Room
Glass Table (similar) / Rug / Red Drapes / Abstract Art Print
The dining room is pretty low key, compared to the living room. We use our dining room table for meals every night I cook, so I don’t like to clutter it up too much with holiday decor that I just have to move every night. I’m lazy. I admit it.
I added a tree in here this year. I mean, a friend was selling a silver tinsel tree and I had this big box of vintage ornaments I’d bought at a yard sale with no tree for them to go on. I needed the tree. I really didn’t have much of a choice, right?
Also, photographing a silver tinsel Christmas tree that has multi-colored lights on it that’s right beside red velvet curtains is like the hardest thing ever. You’re guaranteed to get a redish overcast that may make you question whether or not there are a few demons around trying to steal our holiday joy and take over the souls of the nutcrackers to wreak havoc upon your home.
I really hope that doesn’t happen.
Bar Cart / Record Player / Woman Art Print
And for the finale, the almighty bar cart.
And of course, camels.
I found these glorious souls a couple of years ago. They don’t get stored away with regular Christmas decor; they have their own special cabinet they go in to make sure they are safe and protected throughout the year. We treat our camels right around here.
The lamp tassel is something that stays on all year long, but just so happens to work well with holiday decor. Again, it’s really just another way for me to be lazy. See how to make the lamp tassels here.
And of course, I added on an ornament cluster to the edge of the cart for good measure and all.
The little golden nutcracker is actually a corkscrew – another thrift store find.
You can find the tutorial for those mini Christmas ornament drink stirrers right here. it will take you all of 10 minutes to make them and your holiday guests will think you’re totally the hostess with the mostess and not the hot mess that you really are. Or at least, that’s the case with me.
To summarize this post, hand-to-God, I was legit sober during the writing of this post. This is the normal me. And that folks, is terrifying.
Up next is Mum Little Loves – I’m sure she’s sane, y’all.
Catch any homes you missed with the full It’s a Colorful Life tour lineup below!
Tuesday, December 4
Wednesday, December 5
Thursday, December 6
Jewel says
AHHHHHHHH!!!!! I LOVE IT ALLLL!!!! I don’t even know where to start, but the colors, the glam, the style! I adore you!
Jenna says
You are too sweet, Jewel!! Thank you so very much!
Regina S. says
Love all the color and of course the camels! I spied a lovely lamp shade on your console table. Any chance you have a link to those? Kind of looks like snow leopard ?.
Jenna says
Thanks, Regina!! That lamp shade came from At Home. It is kind of like a snow leopard shade. It was only like $20 too I think. I looked for it online, but couldn’t find it. If you are in the market for a new lampshade or two, I highly suggest looking at At Home – they have a huge selection of really pretty ones, that aren’t expensive. Sometimes those patterned or colored ones are just outrageously expensive, but not there!
Kelly says
Ok it’s official- your Christmas decor is MY FAVORITE!!!!!!! It’s just so fun and whimsical and it goes together so well – definitely going to pin a few pics for inspiration for next year!!
Jenna says
Thanks so much, Kelly! You made my day! I love for it to be pretty, but putting a few fun touches on it make it, well fun! haha!
Danna Leahy says
Your house looks AMAZING!
Jenna says
Thank you so much, Danna!
Stephanie says
Loving everything. The tinsel tree sure brings back memories!!
Jenna says
Thanks, Stephanie! I am so glad I found that tinsel tree! 🙂
Wendy says
I ended reading through your, “All Hail the Christmas Camel,” with my eyes tear-filled. I, too, would decorate my home with a different theme every year, i.e., nutcrackers; 12 Days of Christmas; early-1960’s Barbie stuff to decorate the tree (it was right after 9/11, and I HAD to do something fun); pears; blue and white (to honor my husband’s Jewish heritage); the three kings; even those red polka-dotted mushrooms, to name a few years. …I have lost my mojo. I haven’t cared about decorating for a few years now. BUT, when I saw your pictures of all the adorable and wonderful ways you created a fabulous Christmas atmosphere for you and your family, I am inspired once more! I vow to jump in TODAY and start creating!
Jenna says
Oh Wendy, you’re gonna make me cry!!! I am so honored to have helped a little bit in getting you back in the Christmas mojo! Each of your themes sound like so much fun! I would have loved to see all the Barbie stuff – they were one of my absolute things to play with growing up! I even have a miniature one on my stocking holder! I hope you have a wonderful, wonderful Christmas!!
Pat says
Love it, be BOLD, be BRAVE! And the camels are the cutest ever.
Pat
Jenna says
Thanks, Pat! 🙂
Stephanie Sheridan says
Jenna this is so funny with the dog statue. My. mom had one that the came off a base. Gone now.
You now need a black tree for downstairs with leopard balls or ribbon and teal pointsettas. What a look.
Seeing your house I have get some decorations out. Does not feel like the season.
Jenna says
I have so been eyeing one of those black trees, Stephanie!! It would be great downstairs with ornaments like that – gorgeous idea!
Myrna says
You know Ms Jenna, some peacock feathers would be great with those teal poinsettias. I would offer mine, but the cat chewed them. Remember I get dibs on the living room lamp. Love all the color.
Jenna says
You are so right, Myrna! I’m going to be on the lookout for those peacock feathers for next year now!!
Jennifer Griffin says
Girl, I love to see you do your thing! You have such a unique style that is unmistakably you! I love the personality in your design and am so happy that you joined us for this tour!
Jenna says
Thanks, Jennifer! I feel the exact same way about you and your decor!!! So happy to be included in this tour!
ariel says
Can we hang out? Because on decor alone, I feel like we should besties!
Jenna says
Right?! I’m thinking the same thing!
Marci King says
I love the camels and all the color!
Every year I do a different theme.
Last year was donkeys.
This year it’s my dog Lilly-a Boston Terrier
Keep flying the freak flag – I love individuality in people and decorating!
Jenna says
Oh I love it, Marci! I bet your donkeys were awesome! I am quite the sucker myself for a good donkey!
Brigitte Baker says
I love every bit of this! Our tree is like yours, covered with mementos from when the kids were little. A few ornaments from a set in whatever color I decide to go with that year, and the “year” ornaments. I buy one every year, sometimes they’re crystal or china, sometimes they’re plastic….just whatever happens to catch my eye. I started doing this the year we go married, so we now have 19 of them!
Merry Christmas!
Jenna says
I love that yearly ornament idea, Brigitte! We let the Circus pick a new one every year, so we have those. We also get an ornament from every place/trip we take – all those memento ornaments are the best!
Shannon says
“I’m sorry-not-sorry if you were expecting a beautifully themed color-coordinated Christmas tree. We don’t do that. Our tree sports special ornaments, stuffed animals and even a shoe or two.” OMG i love this- it’s so refreshing!! I am so tired of seeing the same blog posts over and over lol. My mom and I always wonder how people do themed christmas trees, like where do you put all your special ornaments?!!! I love that dog so much…I would keep him up all year too.
Jenna says
Thank you SO much, Shannon!! That makes my day! Yea, I just can’t get on board with the perfectly color coordinated themed tree. I will say that I do have one other tree in my house (it wasn’t a part of the tour) that is somewhat themed, but there ain’t a thing that is color coordinated about it and no ribbons hanging on it either. I did a “America” type tree with all our White House ornaments and pins from presidential elections that I made into ornaments – it’s a nod to of course, America, but also my history geek self. 🙂
Jenny says
I really like the bold color ornaments you have in so many places. Your home looks festive, and merry and bright Thanks for sharing at Merry Monday
Jenna says
Thanks so much, Jenny!
Lisa says
Oh hi. I just found you from a web search basically trying to validate my lack of desire to rid our house of its popcorn ceilings. And then I fell in love with you. But not in a creepy way. I feel like we should be best friends. We juuuuuust got to our 70s house which we purchased purely off of pictures and video and gut feelings and I cant wait to borrow your ideas. I also love that you aren’t a rich, unnattainable-to-normal-people decorator slash renovator. I’m so thankful. Merry Christmas to me! And you. 🙂
Jenna says
Hi Lisa! So thrilled to have you here! Welcome! I think we’ll have lots of laughs together! 😉
Michelle says
Your home is so pretty and so much fun! I found your blog about a month ago, and thought of you when I saw this today. It would be perfect for your colorful decor! https://www.neimanmarcus.com/p/neiman-marcus-holiday-presents-sculpted-cookie-jar-prod214520544?childItemId=NMHBMH2_ Happy New Year!
Jenna says
Thanks, Michelle! That cookie jar is just so fun!! Thanks for sharing that!
Michelle says
You’re welcome!