Hello there! My name is Jessica McLain and I’m from a small town south of St. Louis, MO. Because my husband and I are both teachers, we are lucky enough to spend the holidays together as a family with our 7-year-old son and 10-year-old Weimaraner!
Twelve Days of Christmas Tour
I have never viewed myself as a great decorator. We’ve lived in our quaint house for a decade and I’m just now finding my way around our walls. I would say my style is simple while trying to keep it cozy…on a budget!
I recently started a project with our faux mantel. I’ve wanted something to fill out the inside and finally decided on sliced wood. Unfortunately, I ran out of wood to complete the vision I wanted before I took my photos. I actually don’t hate how it looks, though!? Maybe I won’t finish it after all? We’ll see!
We bought a new Christmas tree this year (from Walmart!) because I am loving the flocked look. Actually, most of the greenery you’ll see throughout my home is from Walmart. It fit with my style and my budget! I enjoy getting a great look for less!
(Our coffee table was thrifted for $35!?)
Making memories during the Christmas season is the best part! I just love going through the ornaments and having all of those memories bubble up from trips and life events!
There are a few family heirlooms you’ll see throughout my living room. I have two elves that were a gift from my 99-year-old paternal grandmother! I can’t wait to place them on the tree each year.
Another very special piece from my dad’s side of the family can be found on the coffee table tray. Every time I see the 50+-year-old reindeer pulling Santa on his sleigh, it brings a smile to my face!
The last of the precious pieces scattered throughout my decor is the nativity from my maternal grandfather. It was passed down to me a few years back and I love being able to share the true meaning of Christmas with this special touch!
The newest addition to the living room is the “woodgram” I found at Pier 1 for under $20! Of course, I chose a light-hearted quote from Home Alone to stay up through the holidays. I can’t wait to change the saying each season!
You can’t miss our gingerbread house…at least our Weimaraner never misses it! Ha! We make one every year and displaying it on a cake stand shows our work off all season long!
The small wreaths you see in our kitchen aren’t actually wreaths at all! They are made from garland found in the dollar bin at Target! I attached a ribbon and voila! Such a festive and affordable addition to my home!
Our favorite traditions are baking cookies, going to the Missouri Botanical Garden Glow, Jack Jingles “the Elf,” handing out Thank You cards to those that have nativity scenes in their yards, and we started a scripture advent calendar this year! One of my personal favorites, though, is putting up the Christmas tree with my boys while watching my favorite holiday movie…White Christmas!
Thank you to Michelle of Diamonds or Pearls for having me on the tour! May you all have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
You can find Jessica at Jessicamclain.org, on Facebook at JessicaMclain-ThePreppyChristian, and Instagram at Jessica McClain.
You may also like to see Jessica’s Summer Outdoor Living Tour on Diamonds or Pearls.
Tomorrow on the “Twelve Days of Christmas” tour, Holly Kearns will be inviting us into her MO home. Holly’s says she loves Christmas, junk, and everything old school. She describes her home as an old red schoolhouse. When you tour her home, you are going to want her to invite you over to enjoy all of her family traditions, the warmth of the fire, and to admire all of her amazing collections; especially the handmade German Bells her dad taught her to make.
If you haven’t been following along, click the name of the tour you would like to see below to begin!
Twelve Days of Christmas Tour
Linda’s Home – The Spirit of Christmas
Sandy’s Home – It’s a Holly Jolly Christmas
Keli’s Home-Dreaming of a White Christmas
Ashlee’s Home – Dressed in Holiday Style
Amy’s Home – The Magic of Christmas
Linda hites says
Jessica, I loved seeing your home. Is so cozy and inviting. You can tell that you love it?have a merry Christmas with your family!!
Francis says
Loving all these house tours! Your home is very cozy and beautiful ❤️ Hope you have a great day.
Peggy Velasco says
Love it! Where did you get the tray that’s on your coffee table?
Charlotte Harris says
Jessica, your home looks so warm and festive for the holidays. I loved the sliced logs in the firebox! I wouldn’t worry about putting more logs in when it looks so great the way it is. Merry Christmas!
Ashlee says
I love your merry and bright home, Jessica! That flocked tree is stunning. I think my favorite detail is the beautiful black and white ribbon! Merry Christmas!
Donna Rawson says
It looks beautiful! Love all the family touches. Of course, I love your family! Beautiful home and beautiful Christmas spirit.❤️❤️
Sharon Wallace says
I love your home Jessica! The logs look great in the fireplace and your tree is beautiful! I wish you and your family a wonderful Christmas!
Claudette says
Thank you for sharing your home with us Jessica! Your Christmas tree is lovely and I especially liked the presence of your Nativity Scene and that it has a special place in your heart & home.
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas ?.