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Christmas / Cozy, these two words play well together…in our hemisphere Christmas usually means a cooling trend. Even in the desert, December is cold at night.
What better way to enjoy the season then wrapped in the comfort of your own home, fire in the grate (if possible) and a throw at your feet. To me these rooms are cozy and inviting by design and furnishings.
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…one of the coziest homes in blogland…Kelly, of talk of the house always gives us cozy with style.
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My home version of cozy…this is before the tree went up.
Here is our tree…
Seeing is believing, but sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we can’t see.
~the conductor; The Polar Express (2004)
I hope you are allowing yourself some time just to enjoy the season. This final week will be hectic to be sure, be safe and have fun in all that you do.
Garden, Home & Party 
Dawn said:
Your home is just filled with festive coziness, Karen! I love peeking through your window at your green, leafy yard, too. Such a treat in December! Enjoy the sparkle of the holidays! ♡
Karen B. said:
Thanks Dawn. I’m having such a fun December. Maybe it’s “maturing” but this year for the first time, in a long time, I’m enjoying each and every day and not stressing over the small stuff. I hope you are having a relaxing, enjoyable December too. xo, Karen
On Wed, Dec 17, 2014 at 4:59 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote: > >
Leslie @Pretty Petals said:
Karen, my favorite holiday storybook is Polar Express. Your images are so pretty and yes.. cozy is right on. I’m glad you are enjoying the season and not stressing. I still have work folks coming and going which means a constant stream of dust and clean up. It’s one event after another including my son’s birthday tonight so I’m looking forward to this weeks end as I will only be working Monday and then I have some time off until after to New Year. My Mom arrives tomorrow and I plan to hit the PAUSE button over the weekend and just enjoy the season.
Have fun today:) xxleslie
Karen B. said:
Leslie, I’m so happy you’ll have some nice down time after Monday. I am most fortunate with my employer since he provides us with a wonderful Christmas lunch on Tuesday and then we’re off until after the 1st of the year as well. Happy Birthday to your son, what a fun event to kick off the season. I hope to read the Polar Express to Livi again this year and figure over time it could become her favorite Christmas story too! 🙂 Enjoy your season and your lovely newly remodeled home, my friend. xo, Karen
On Wed, Dec 17, 2014 at 8:28 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote: > >
Tone on Tone Loi Thai said:
A cozy Christmas sounds perfect!! What I love: a roaring fire, hearty food and warm laughter plus festive decor. Wishing you a wonderful Christmas, Karen! Cheers~
Karen B. said:
Merry Christmas, Loi (and to Tom). I know you’ll have great food when your family arrives. Have fun. xo, Karen
On Wed, Dec 17, 2014 at 10:08 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote: > >
Vicki said:
Karen, your tree is gorgeous. Love a tree packed with ornaments, and the red ribbon!
How fun. I’m just going to daydream about curling up on a chaise in front of the fire now, (and ignore the suitcases needing to packed….)
Karen B. said:
Vicki, I was wondering if you had to begin the process in getting ready for your trip. I’m sure it’s a lot of work, but so worth it. Have a great time with your family and thanks for visiting my site and commenting. I’ve so enjoyed meeting you. xo, Karen
On Wed, Dec 17, 2014 at 10:37 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote: > >
Victoria • Restoring our Victorian said:
As of this afternoon both of my brothers will be home at my parents’ house and it will FINALLY feel like it’s really Christmas!!
Your tree is GORGEOUS! I love the cranberry explosion out the very top… I’ll be stealing that! Happy, happy, happy holidays!!
Karen B. said:
That’s great that your brothers are going to be home for Christmas…I know you guys always have fun! Happy, happy Christmas to you and yours. I sure am happy you commented on my blog so many years ago! Our Austin family arrive the day after Christmas and we’ll celebrate with the entire clan on the 27th. Our local Bunch will come over for Christmas Eve to enjoy dinner before the whirlwind chaos that is the Austin team. 🙂 xo, Karen
On Wed, Dec 17, 2014 at 11:37 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote: > >
Kelly - Talk of the House said:
Karen, thank you so very much for including a photo of my house in your beautiful collection here. I loved the shop window with the gingerbread houses. And your tree is gorgeous!!! Still no tree up here so I am jealous. Loved the quote at the end of your post and I can “hear” Tom Hanks saying it as I read it.:)
Glad you are enjoying this season of beauty.
Karen B. said:
Kelly, I think you get a pass this year considering you untimely pneumonia! Your home is one of the most warm and welcoming homes I have ever had the good fortune to visit via you weekly posts.
Have a wonderful holiday my friend and thanks for stopping by this week. xo, Karen
Sent from my iPad
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D'Arcy H said:
Karen, your tree is SPECTACULAR!!! My bungalow feels cozy all year long, but the tree and the lights make it even more so. Nice to sit here and relaxxxx … hope you are doing the same! –D’Arcy
Karen B. said:
Hi D’Arcy, For some strange reason this has been the most relaxing December I can remember since 3rd grade! I’m guessing it will all fall apart when our family arrives, but so far so good. I do believe your home always looks cozy and relaxing and everything looks better decked out with a few twinkle lights and bit of greenery! Have a very happy holiday, my friend. xo, Karen
On Wed, Dec 17, 2014 at 9:05 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote: > >
Leslie Harris aka Gwen Moss said:
Karen the second photo is one of my all time Christmas favorites. You’ve chosen some beauties here and of course I totally agree with the pursuit of ‘cozy’ in the home–it’s what I want my house to aspire to no matter the style. I enjoyed the peek into your lovely room too, it looks like a wonderful place to get comfy in…Love your tree—every year I think about going all white but every year I can’t resist my red vintage bulbs…
hugs,
Leslie
Karen B. said:
Hahaha, Leslie, I’ve been outnumbered every year on the issue of white lights vs. colored. Our youngest son once wanted the outside lights and the tree lights to be multi-colored…I gave in. Then promptly went back the following year to the white lights. Thanks for stopping by. Karen
On Thu, Dec 18, 2014 at 8:42 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote: > >
Chronica Domus said:
Hello Karen,
I can tell you are enjoying the season and looking forward to the cooling trend of winter. It is so nice to have a seasonal change, even though it may not be as drastic as other part of the United States.
So wonderful to see your tree with so many ornaments looking festive. Of all the cozy photos you show in your post, the one that draws me the most is the third from the bottom. I want to sit on that chaise and bake by the inviting fire.
Teresa @ Splendid Sass said:
Such a beautiful post, Karen, as always. Cozy is the word for each and every one.
Thank you for sharing the quote. So much truth in it. We are reminded of that during this season we share to celebrate our Savior’s birth.
Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Teresa
xoxo
Karen B. said:
Teresa, You are always so kind and generous with your compliments, makes my day. I wish you and yours a lovely holiday, can you believe Christmas is less than a week away? xo, Karen
On Thu, Dec 18, 2014 at 4:13 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote: > >
Karen B. said:
CD, That chaise image is a favorite. It conjures up the epitome of ‘cozy’ and I can imagine sitting there, book in hand, wiling away the hour(s). I’m loving the cooler weather and rain, which it sounds like you’re getting a lot of as well. I hope there’s sparkle in your days during this wonderful season. xo, Karen
On Thu, Dec 18, 2014 at 2:45 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote: > >
mydesignchic said:
What a beautiful post, as always, Karen. Love every image and feel a little more relaxed with each one – wishing you and your family all the best in this holiday season and for 2015!!
Karen B. said:
Thanks, Kristy. I’m ready for a relaxing and fun week with family and friends. I know you will enjoy the same. May 2015 bring good things to us all. xo, Karen
On Mon, Dec 22, 2014 at 8:17 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Linda Coble said:
Karen,
Your post really captured A Cozy Christmas for me! Loved the pics – especially your tree. The quote from The Polar Express at the end made my heart glow. Thank you!
Karen B. said:
Thanks, Linda. I hope to read the Polar Express to Livi during her visit. She’s 4 years old now and I think it will capture her attention and imagination. xo, Karen
On Mon, Dec 22, 2014 at 1:34 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Kristy Woodson Harvey said:
Cozy, cozy, cozy! Love these, Karen! And that is one of my favorite quotes from The Polar Express. Hope your year is wrapping us as nicely as one of those gorgeous presents you featured! xo Kristy
Karen B. said:
I’m on a Christmas high that is due in part to our 4 year old granddaughter’s arrival on the 26th and the recent birth of our newest granddaughter here in California…a mere 15 minute drive away. I know your Christmas(es) will be merry and bright. Thanks for being my blog friend! xo, Karen
On Mon, Dec 22, 2014 at 1:43 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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leslieharrisakagwenmoss said:
Hi Karen !!! I’m just stopping by to wish you a beautiful Christmas with your family. What a special year with the new grand baby…enjoy your blessings my friend maybe next year we can meet up in person. I’m so grateful for your support and kindness.
Hugs
Leslie
Karen B. said:
Leslie, Thanks, I’m in a jolly mood this season—maybe I’ve finally realized that one can only do what they can in the time allotted…and that’s okay. 🙂 Have a relaxing holiday with your family. I’d love to meet you for a quick bite and maybe a little thrift store visit sometime. xo, karen
On Mon, Dec 22, 2014 at 4:15 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Gretchen said:
Karen, as I read this post (the first time) I was already in the thick of preparations to pack up Christmas to move everything to Palm Desert. I haven’t had time to respond until now, when our last guest left. I know tonight is your big family celebration since the Austin Bunches have arrived. I hope it’s as wonderful as you hope for. Olivia is the perfect age to enjoy the magic of Christmas. I’ll be thinking about her listening to you read The Polar Express – my favorite Christmas book too!
Karen B. said:
She’s been a whirlwind of delight and she “hears the bell ring” so I believe we will have many years to enjoy the spirit of Christmas together. xo, Karen
Sent from my iPad
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