Cassie Bustamante

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My First Holiday Housewalk Featuring Budget-Friendly Decorating Ideas (and MAJOR kitchen peeks!)

December 3, 2019 by Cassie 34 Comments

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It’s My First Holiday Housewalk!

Christmastime in blog land is a long time favorite for me.  I just love seeing everyone’s homes decked for the holidays, cruising for fresh and creative ideas, and just basking in the joy of the season.  For years, I have especially drooled over the homes in Jennifer Rizzo’s Holiday Housewalk, so you can imagine my delight when I was invited to be a part of it! (Ok, delight and self-doubt… me?!?!?  really?!?!? What if I let them all down?!?!)  Truly I am honored to be a part of this tour this year and excited to have you here to end day two of the tour. Not only is this my first time on the Holiday Housewalk, but it’s also my first time decorating this house for Christmas since we just moved in at the beginning of this year.  To be honest, I was feeling uninspired and stumped, but a trip to our local farmer’s market was all I needed to get me in the right mindset. If you are just hopping in today, make sure to start at the very beginning at Jen’s house to check out her beautiful and creative home. (This blog uses affiliate links).

If you are visiting from Kindred Vintage, welcome.  Susan has one of the most fun and eclectic homes that you don’t want to miss.

Now I am excited to show you my own home.  As I mentioned, this is my first time decorating this home, but what I didn’t mention is that it’s the first time in a long time we have a toddler running around the house which means things have to be kept minimal where little hands can reach.  Additionally, after renovations, braces for the kids, and other expenses, our budget is really tight this year.  However, I won’t let that stop me from decorating!  You can bet that this tour is going to be budget friendly, and simple.

Let’s start on the porch which is one of my favorite spaces to add seasonal touches.  One of the only places  that I actually spent some money this year on decorations was at my local farmer’s market where I scooped up fresh garlands, a miniature fresh Christmas tree, and pink rose cabbages which should last until spring in North Carolina, I am told.  Of course, I already killed the ones I had on my fall porch, so we’ll see.Christmas Porch Decor

I just loved the beautiful pinks of the cabbages and knew they would look great with our pink door.

pink cabbage

I never was a pink person until I painted that door last Spring, and now I am totally converted.  One of the other items I purchased this year was shatterproof ornaments in pink, gold, and silver.  As I mentioned, toddler fingers abound in our house, and these seemed safe and pretty.  I actually bought them for inside the house, but had plenty left over so decorated the little farmer’s market tree.

Christmas Porch

I added some lights, a white ball garland I already had, and I used my $5 rug from Five Below as a little skirt just to cover the stand it was in.

On the white wall, I added a snowman made of grapevine wreaths. I have seen some pretty elaborate snowmen wreaths in my time, but I truly prefer the simple look with just a few grapevine wreaths and a scarf.  All I did was wire a few of these wreaths together.  I actually made him a few years ago, and he traveled with us here to our new home.

simple DIY snowman wreath

On the door, I added some brown vintage skates I found at a yard sale years ago.  I loved that they were brown and different, and I really love how the brown plays off the snowman.

They have so much character, and I can only imagine the miles they have skated in their time.

Now let’s head inside where the theme of black, white, pink and natural continues behind that door.

Christmas Entry

I am actually going to give you guys some huge sneak peeks of our newly renovated kitchen today, too.  You can see it just beyond our entry there, but we’re going to check out some other spaces first.

Small Holiday Entry- eclectic and natural decor

 

Our entry is rather small, but I will say that I am grateful we have one.  So many ranchers built around the same time as ours (1966) have front doors that open right into a living room, and we at least have a tiny dedicated space. One of the first projects I did in this house was stenciling the walls here and replacing the light to suit the home and our style.

small christmas entry

I also added this fun rug remnant from my friend Ed’s shop.  I love the quirkiness of the shape since it was salvaged from a damaged rug.  And the colors could not be more perfect for our home! He has a whole collection dedicated to remnants and they’re such an awesome price… it’s a great way to get a vintage look at a fraction of the cost.

Now, I am not going to sit here and pretend our entry usually looks like this. Typically, there are slides and sneakers on the bench. 😉  But for today, let’s pretend that I just got home from shopping for wrapping paper.

christmas entry bench

 

I do always use my Apolis bag for any shopping.  It’s so sturdy, can hold a ton (not literally, of course), and it’s cute!  I added a Beatles line from a special song to mine.  I do realize winter  hasn’t officially started yet, but “Here Comes the Sun” has meaning to me. I’ve also added my favorite ponytail beanie, and this pair of black boots from J. Crew that I have had since 2002 and they are still going strong! I actually have two pairs I bought that year and both are doing well.  They’re worth the investment!

As I mentioned our entry is rather small with limited wall space, but there was enough room for me to add these bells.  For the holidays, I added a fun little wooden tag to them.  On the other side it says “nice,” but let’s be honest… naughty is more fun.

Christmas bells with naughty tag

I love that I can see these bells as I come down our hallway.  I painted the hallway last spring as well.  What can I say? I am a fan of black and white pattern.

Painted Hallway

I also changed the ribbon on my pom pom wreath to suit the black and white color scheme.  I scored this black velvet ribbon at Homegoods and just loved it!

pom pom wreath

We’re going to skip over the kitchen for now (saving those peeks for last!) and head into the dining room which recently received a makeover as part of the One Room Challenge.

Eclectic Christmas Dining Nook

Before we head into this space, here’s a closer look at my Christmas letter board. As you can see, I’ve added more fresh farmer’s market garland between our living room and dining room.  I had to hang it a little higher off the ground in here because of Wilder.  I wish I could drape it on the floor, but I also know if I did that I’d be cleaning pine needles and sap off of that kid for days.

christmas letter board

The biggest change to our dining room was creating a banquette that works well for our family, gives us more space, and makes this corner cozier. We had a custom cushion for it made by Naptimes & Notions, and pillows were made by Victoria Sturup.  I didn’t change the pillows for the season because these suit our holiday colors perfectly this year.

eclectic modern dining room

We typically have an end chair which holds Wilder’s seat, but I wanted to give you a better view of that gorgeous table that was custom made for this space. As you can see, I also added some fresh garland above our windows.  This particular garland is a cedar from Lynch Creek Farm and it smells glorious!  We have some in our bedroom as well, and I love falling asleep to that fresh smell. (Thanks to Lynch Creek for gifting me this garland).

eclectic dining room at christmas

In the window I added a Christmas countdown that was a gift from a favorite etsy shop.  Autumn makes these as well as many more fun things!  As you can see, I shot this photo in advance so I hadn’t yet moved the clothespin… oops! christmas countdown

One of the new features of our dining room is a gorgeous mural from Anewall, and I took advantage of the sun/moon in it to add a little Santa sleigh and reindeer silhouette.  And I mean little.  I totally misread the size on etsy when I ordered it…. OOPS! I would have made my own if I had a Cricut, but alas, I do not! (Santa, I want the pink one!)

Santa Sleigh Silhouette

I hung Santa up and Emmy laughed at my mistake, but I still think he’s cute.  I should not place orders when I am rushing to make the most of nap time- lesson learned!

As you can see, I also hung a disco ball I already had from my chandelier (which by the way, is less than $50!) I simply hung it with ribbon and added some greens from our one evergreen tree in our front yard.disco ball with greenery

On top of the table, I created a little tablescape using all items I already had plus the addition of those shatterproof ornaments I also used on the porch.

I thrifted the pink goblets, and the black flatware was a gift last Spring from my friends at Craft & Kin.  The gray dishes are our every day dishes from Ikea.

In the center of the table, I added a copper vintage tray a friend handed down to me.  I filled it with my DIY log candlesticks, ornaments, and then added a few vintage glass star candlesticks I found a few years ago to the table just to get more candlelight.  On each plate I added a healthy flourless gingerbread muffin.  These things are delicious, and so soft and not full of junk!  Everyone in my family loves them so we’ll be making them again, I am sure.  I baked them in these fun elf on the shelf cupcake papers. gingerbread muffin

Now, I won’t yet be revealing the kitchen because we still have some tweaking to do, but I am so excited that I finally get to share some real shots of this space!

eclectic dining room nook open to kitchen

The star of our kitchen is easily this brass farmhouse style sink which is a total showstopper.   This is the biggest peek you are going to get, so enjoy it. 😉 On the window behind the sink I hing some greens and holly from my yard that I bunched together with my black velvet ribbon.  Oh, and side note… if you love that awesome mat in front of my sink, I am giving one away on instagram!  Enter here.

Eclectic Kitchen with brass sink

Beyond the greenery, I simply added some of my existing holiday decor and fresh snips to my kitchen shelves.  I didn’t buy anything new for this space, because hello… we just bought a new kitchen. Luckily, I had a whole bunch of vintage bottle brush trees I found at a yard sale years ago.  The vintage bug was also a yard sale find!modern kitchen christmas shelfieThe sequin bulbs were a gift from a very crafty friend who just reopened her etsy shop after a several years long hiatus.  Wahoo!  Aren’t they so cool?

sequin vintage lights

I bought these white village houses at Target years ago, and found the vintage white deer at a yard several years back as well.  The vintage lustreware on the counter was found last Spring at a yard sale and I knew it would look great in this kitchen eventually.

Modern Eclectic Neutral Kitchen at Christmas

Three years ago, I had a really cool opportunity to partner with cookbook create and make my own holiday treats cookbook.  I’ve put mine on display for the season.  Also, in case you are wondering, I will be sharing more details about the countertops soon, but they’re fabricated here in North Carolina by Terrazzco, and I couldn’t be happier with the final product.

I also added a little hot beverage section to this corner of our kitchen.  Each morning I use my electric kettle to make hot water for my french press coffee. I look forward to that morning ritual every night when I go to bed. 😉  I also added some hot cocoa pouches (inside the bird dish) and candy canes.  Oh, and as you can see I added another tiny Santa and sleigh silhouette… they may be really small, but I got a bunch of them.  😉Christmas Hot Beverage Center

I have one more set of shelves to share with you… we opted for a lot of open shelving as you can see.To the right of the sink, I added more bottle bush trees and fresh sprigs of greenery.  How cute are those sconces from Sazerac Stitches?

In between the kitchen and dining area we have a door which heads to our back yard.  I’ve also added a fresh green wreath from the farmer’s market there.  I just love the life that all of these greens bring to our home.

kitchen door wreath

Finally, I have one more little space in our kitchen I want to show you.  I am planning to add a large family calendar to this wall, but for now it was the perfect place to hang Emmy’s handprint tree from years ago. And yes, we need a new microwave but it’s not yet in the budget.  Hoping to get the cafe one to match our other appliances once we’re ready!)

Thank you so much for coming by to check out my tour today!  I truly appreciate you taking time to spend with me today and I hope that I’ve shown you that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to have a cozy Christmas home that is perfect for your family.  Be sure to come back tomorrow when Jen from Tatertots & Jello will kick it off with her happy colorful home.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

Christmas porch lights at night

 

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Filed Under: Christmas, Dining Room, Entry, hall, Kitchen, making our home, Porch

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Comments

  1. Bliss says

    December 3, 2019 at 7:10 am

    I had good intentions for our porch, but the snow and cold came early and my good intentions went south. Maybe you have inspired me? For sure you have inspired me to make a long cold lonely winter bag, I love it, and the kitchen now looks like it belongs to Cassie.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      December 3, 2019 at 3:04 pm

      oh yes, get out there and do it!

      Reply
  2. Jennifer Rizzo says

    December 3, 2019 at 9:19 am

    I love your home and all of your fun touches!! Your kitchen shelfie is amazing!! Thank you for being on the housewalk!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      December 3, 2019 at 3:04 pm

      thank YOU for all of your hard work and for having me! i was SOOOOO excited when you asked me!

      Reply
  3. Shannon Fox says

    December 3, 2019 at 9:43 am

    Oh Cassie! It was a DELIGHT. From the porch… and then I stopped looking after that sink blinded me with its dazzling brilliance 😉 LOVE that thing big-time. The house looks wonderful.
    Happy Christmastime to you. xo

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      December 3, 2019 at 3:03 pm

      thank you so much, shannon! it was so fun to be a part of this tour!

      Reply
  4. [email protected] says

    December 3, 2019 at 9:55 am

    I so enjoyed seeing your kitchen! It looks so beautiful! That star stencil in the entrance is so perfect for Christmas. Loved the tour.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      December 3, 2019 at 3:01 pm

      thank you so so much, julia! i appreciate it! i thought the same of the star stencil!

      Reply
  5. Kelly Elko says

    December 3, 2019 at 10:26 am

    My porch is naked! Santa is going to put me on the naughty list once again! But I can live vicariously through your porch and that fun snowman! Nothing and I mean nothing can beat that tiny Santa and his eight minuscule reindeer silhouetted against that full moon!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      December 3, 2019 at 3:02 pm

      tiny santa brings tiny gifts to all!

      Reply
  6. Kristin salazar says

    December 3, 2019 at 12:08 pm

    Everything is so beautiful, I love seeing more spaces from your new home! Your entrance is gorgeous, it just gives off a huge welcome, come in feeling! Merry Christmas xo

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      December 3, 2019 at 3:01 pm

      thank you so much, kristin!!! i can’t wait to see yours!

      Reply
  7. Tanya from Dans le Lakehouse says

    December 3, 2019 at 2:14 pm

    Everything looks gorgeous and your whole home just GLOWS!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      December 3, 2019 at 3:00 pm

      oh thank you so much! DROOLING over your coop today!

      Reply
  8. Kelly Radcliff says

    December 3, 2019 at 2:48 pm

    Cassie your home is just beautiful! congratulations on your first Housewalk! So well deserved…I am in love with your kitchen! So much eye candy!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      December 3, 2019 at 2:59 pm

      thank you so much, kelly! i really appreciate that!!!

      Reply
  9. Jennifer Rizzo says

    December 3, 2019 at 8:41 pm

    I love all of the personality and holiday fun in your house! Th am you for sharing your home and being a part of the walk!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      December 5, 2019 at 1:38 pm

      Thank you for hosting and inviting me!

      Reply
  10. Andi says

    December 3, 2019 at 8:58 pm

    Ahhh! You are so sweet to showcase my bulbs! I gasped when I saw it lol. But enough about me, I love your decorations!! You have a amazing knack for making anything look elegant without being over the top. I’m in awe.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      December 5, 2019 at 1:36 pm

      Aaaaw the pink is perfect on my kitchen shelf! 🙂

      Reply
  11. Julie says

    December 3, 2019 at 9:07 pm

    You nailed it, and I am so happy to have become friends through this tour (both our first!)! I absolutely love your photos and could study your amazing ideas all night!! I want that SIGN!!!! XO

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      December 5, 2019 at 1:36 pm

      Thank you so much, Julie! Looking forward to seeing your home!

      Reply
  12. Danielle says

    December 3, 2019 at 10:08 pm

    Oh, Cassie, I LOVE everything you guys have done in your new home. I LOVE the kitchen and everything else. It’s all so beautiful. Wishing you the happiest of holidays in your new home. xx

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      December 5, 2019 at 1:35 pm

      Thank you so much, Danielle! Merry Christmas!

      Reply
  13. Shelley Westerman says

    December 4, 2019 at 7:10 am

    You always have the best vintage Christmas pieces! Gah, your kitchen!!! It came together so beautifully. Best Christmas gift ever.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      December 5, 2019 at 1:34 pm

      Thank you so much, Shelley! I really appreciate that!

      Reply
  14. Destiny Alfonso says

    December 4, 2019 at 7:23 pm

    I absolutely loved this tour!! Picture after picture of pure happiness!! Merry Christmas to you!!!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      December 5, 2019 at 1:33 pm

      Thank you so much, Destiny!

      Reply
  15. Sheila says

    December 6, 2019 at 4:06 pm

    Cassie your tour is so pretty! And I can’t believe you’ve lived here such a short time- amazing that you’ve decorated everything so beautifully (and with a toddler!) I love the bells and your pom pom wreath but I think I’m blinded by THAT SINK!!! Wow! Drooling over here….

    Happy holidays to you!

    Sheila
    xo

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      December 10, 2019 at 7:14 pm

      oh thank you so much, sheila!!! i really appreciate that!
      merry christmas!

      Reply
  16. Susan says

    December 6, 2019 at 9:48 pm

    I loved your home tour so much! It’s just so beautiful, fun and unique!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      December 10, 2019 at 7:13 pm

      thank you so much, susan!

      Reply
  17. Hannah from Lemon Thistle says

    December 6, 2019 at 11:54 pm

    Your wreath snowman is my fav! Especially at night with the lights! Perfect Christmas welcome

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      December 10, 2019 at 7:11 pm

      aaaw, thank you so much! i love how easy he was to make!

      Reply

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Hi, I’m Cassie!

I believe that you don't have to spend a lot of money to live a beautiful life and be your best self.  Here you will find budget friendly ideas to live happily, healthily, sustainably, and most importantly authentically.  We all get one chance at this life, and this ordinary girl plans to make hers extraordinary. How about you? Read more...
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Hi! I'm Cassie.

Mother, wife, shop owner, blogger, writer, incurable diy-er, furniture painter, coffee and wine drinker, friend. Seeking happiness and passing it on. Read More…

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