The BEST Christmas Open House

Can I tell you that one of my greatest pleasures is Christmas Open Houses? There’s something simply magical about entering a home or place that is in full Christmas regalia.

It draws you in, warms your heart and makes the world a better place.

At least that’s what it does for me.

All of my married life I have looked forward to the first weekend in November that heralded the first beginning of Christmas in our community.

Christmas trees, decorations, foods, and music always brought out the newest when those doors were opened wide.

The line of cars from one shop to the next meant laughter and budgets were loudly on display.

Recently, a sweet card came in the mail. This one.

Christmas Open House had begun…

Charlene’s has been a tradition for many years…with many friends who would hop in the car together for the nearly 2 hour drive to Halls, TN.

Facebook lives had already given me an overview that helped me try and focus on a “list”.

Can I tell you that the “list” goes out the window when you are shopping at Charlene’s?

And today, that proved to be true….again.

The day began at the Just Divine Tearoom.

Lunch at the Just Divine Tea Room never disappoints. On days when we visit, you just order the special. Often before they close, groups of us will gather again there for dessert. That didn’t happen this visit; but, those points on my weight watchers plan would not be counted today.

Do you see that little transfer ware pitcher with the Christmas greenery?

That was just the beginning.

Even the centerpiece on the dining table needed to come home with me…and it did.

See what I mean about the “list” that you really don’t need to make before arriving?

Christmas began at Neely’s Farmhouse.

These planters filled with magnolia were perfection.

Don’t you love magnolia and red ribbons for outdoor decorations?

The planter didn’t come home with me…but, the inspiration for gathering magnolia from my trees was noted.

There will be things that inspire you. Things you’ve been looking for or didn’t know you needed, right in front of you.

Neely’s had more primitive gifts and decor and so many things that I loved.

So many different types of sleigh bells were everywhere.

And then…to Charlene’s.

Be still my heart.

The masonry work, planters, statues and that entryway…stunning!

Oh, how I wish you had been with me.

There is just nothing like the feel of a room embraced by the holidays.

The entry began with the most magnificent fall decorations.

From doorways, to tables, and planters..it was beautiful designer artisanship.

That doorway made me know I need to add more fall to my doorways at home.

So many things I had in mind for decorating would appear on a tree, in a basket, or in a display.

Vintage and traditional touches…

Elegant Mantels…

Sheer Christmas Elegance.

More beautiful trees and doorways decorations…

Christmas Inspiration everywhere…

From candles to gifts, there were perfect items for so many on my list.

Inspired Moments…

There was so much inspiration provided on how to add Christmas in new ways with things I already have at home, like this statue.

Isn’t she lovely?

My “girls” will now be ready with their Christmas decor when decorating begins.

And then,

I looked up and my heart stopped.

The Canvas.

Remember when I shared that I went with the “list” and somehow Charlene’s always knows and has what I need before I know I need it?

That’s what happened.

That canvas hanging at the top of the wall spoke to me. From the sheep to the shepherd and the dog in the field.

It was the missing piece of art for my dining room.

Do you remember when I shared my dining room makeover after the fire?

The larger sideboard meant a larger piece of artwork or pieces.

On that mood board were large botanicals.

I had a set of 8 Laura Ashley fruit botanicals that I had taken down that just didn’t fit over that large sideboard.

This was what needed to come home with me.

Perfect artwork. Right price. And even a great return policy if it didn’t work.

It was loaded into the car.

The Reveal…

The moment I set it on top of the sideboard, my heart was full.

Don’t you love moments when you know you have added something that is loved and fits your home?

It’s like the ambiance created adds to the welcoming for guests that you desire.

The canvas is not yet hung…the tag’s still on the corner and I haven’t pulled in all of the right accessories with it; but, it brings me joy.

So, my take away from Charlene’s Christmas Open House?

With perhaps a few tears of joy, my heart is overflowing.

Each and every time I go?

I am inspired.

Any piece purchased from Charlene’s is loved and a perfect fit for my home. From the towel rack in my master bath to the sheep in my bookcases, or the cookbook cabinet from my last trip, each piece is loved and is like it was perfectly selected for our home.

There were Christmas gifts purchased today that have given me a great head start on my holiday shopping.

AND? This Open House will definitely put you in the mood to begin to pull out the Christmas bins and tree and begin to decorate for Christmas in your own home.

Thank you, Charlene’s for the inspiration, another great piece, and for the joy I experienced in sharing and shopping with those around me. Those who designed each and every room were more than amazing this year. Your staff went above and beyond with everyone.

Whether you are able to join them for the Christmas Open House this week OR any other time of the year, you will not be disappointed. If only to enjoy the magic of breathing it all in, that’s worth the drive.

This is just a tiny bit of the Christmas wonder that is in more beautifully decorated rooms that couldn’t fit into this story.

If you are too far to travel…just follow Rachel on Charlene’s LLC Facebook page for her tours. The next best thing!

And…thank you for coming along for my trip there…it’s like taking along your best friend.