Getting Your House Ready for the Holidays: My Birch Lane Mood Boards

This year looks so different than most years. I have so much travel that I'm staying very low-key this Christmas. I'm putting up the pre-lit tree I got last year and decorating it with our decorations, and maybe putting out a few more things. I won't be doing my mantel this year.

My Christmas will look different. But if you're one of those who has people coming in and you need a refresh, these are some of the ideas I put together.

The blue and white Christmas table

It's always nice to have a table all set. I imagine at some point I'll have my children and grandchildren over for a Christmas-like dinner.

I love the tree votives especially. I don't need any new dinner plates, but if I did, these are the ones I'd really want. And I love these lighted mercury glass trees. I think they really add to a dinner table.

• Spode Blue Italian Christmas plates: dinner plate and salad plate

• Handmade stoneware tree

• Tree votives, gold inside

• Lighted mercury glass trees

A cozy Christmas living room

I love this one because it's so nostalgic. The ceramic tree that lights up reminds me of my grandmother's house, and the nutcracker reminds me of the ones I've had forever. This whole board just gives me a cozy feeling.

• Reindeer knit throw

• The ceramic tree that lights up

• Checkered knit stocking

• Striped candlesticks

• Nutcracker

The mantel and front door

I'm not doing my mantel this year, but if I did, this is how I'd do it. I'd start with this pine garland. I love these brass stocking holders, and the nutcracker stocking holder too. When my boys were little, we always had these kinds of stocking holders.

• Lighted wreath with a big red bow

• Norfolk pine garland

• Toile stocking

• Brass stocking holders

• Nutcracker stocking holder

A cozy guest bedroom

If I had somebody coming, this is what I'd be doing: getting that room all ready so they feel comfortable, warm and welcome.

Nothing says warm and welcome like a candle on the nightstand and a fur throw. It just feels so good. And velvet and sateen bedding make a room feel so inviting. That's what I want when I have guests.

• Cotton sateen quilt set

• Scalloped rattan bedside lamp

• Faux fur throw

• Velvet lumbar pillow

• A candle for the nightstand

Hostess gifts

I love this one. I always like to take something to the parties and events I go to during the holidays.

One of my favorite things people have brought me when we've had parties is a candle. I always love a candle. I love the tea towels too. And these glasses are just perfect. I love them so much.

This year I'm going to bring a hostess gift when I stay with family too. I'm not sure exactly what yet, but a tea towel would be the easiest to travel with on the plane.

• Spode Christmas tree glasses

• Balsam & cedar candle

• Scalloped marble cheese board

• Holiday tea towel

• Twisted taper candles

These are just a sampling of things to get your house ready for the holidays, because they're right around the corner. What are you waiting on?

Looking for more gift ideas? Here's my holiday gift guide for her and my gift ideas for the grandkids.

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