Christmas photo shoot — what didn’t make it in the magazine

I had the amazing opportunity to shoot photos and write a story for this December’s Romantic Homes Magazine. Over the course of a couple months, I shot a lot of photos and thought I would share the ones that didn’t make the story with you all here, starting with the  main living space.

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I tweaked things a lot and finally came up with something that I thought was unique to me, but also would appeal to others.

Of course, there was lots of pink, fresh greenery, vintage ornaments, and some family pieces. 

The little house I made out of cardboard is a replica of the original house my dad grew up in on the property here. 

Of course, the doll my grandfather sent my mother from France during World War II, was featured prominently as well as the little cars my dad put together when he was a teenager. 

I am still in love with this Everlands Nobilis Fir tree I bought from Grandin Road last season. It has that old fashioned look I like, with realistic looking tips, but no mess and I can leave it up longer than a real one. I bought the unlit version as I wanted colored lights. Grandin Road had it in stock earlier in the season, but apparently do not offer it now. 

I wrapped pink tulle around the trunk, then used vintage Shiny Brites, Jewel Brites, snowflakes my kids and husband made, my great grandmother’s glass beads, tinsel and icicles. 

On the windows, I hung faux wreaths but added fresh greenery to them and fuchsia grosgrain ribbon.

We finally got snow, so I was glad I waited to shoot photos.

These are the living area photos that did not make the spread, so I’ll share the other spaces throughout this week and have a brand new, and different tour of this year’s decor next Friday as part of Marty’s 2016 Christmas Home Tours.

I’ll be joining:

Metamorphosis Monday

Inspire Me Tuesday

Wow Us Wednesdays

36 Comments

  1. Pamela Gordon
    November 28, 2016 / 2:45 pm

    Anita, your living room looks beautiful and your tree is gorgeous!! I love the ornaments and icicles on the tree. I'm not a hot pink person but it really adds a bright pop of colour in your room that is quite refreshing. I'll look forward to your look for this Christmas. Have a great day! Pam

  2. GrammyBear
    November 28, 2016 / 3:31 pm

    Love the colors and vintage pieces

  3. Marty@A Stroll Thru Life
    November 28, 2016 / 4:55 pm

    These are all so beautiful. Congratulations on the magazine spread, it was totally amazing too. Can't wait to see your tour next week.

  4. Jane
    November 28, 2016 / 5:29 pm

    The tree is just so lovely – it's like something out of a childhood dream!

  5. Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things
    November 28, 2016 / 9:25 pm

    So beautiful! Congrats on the magazine feature!

  6. lynn cockrell
    November 29, 2016 / 12:02 am

    Your living room is so bright and beautiful, Anita. I am in love with the cardboard replica of your father's boyhood home! The church is beautiful too. Wishing you and yours a blessed Christmas holiday season. Congratulations on the Romantic Homes feature!

  7. karen
    November 29, 2016 / 12:40 am

    love the pink , never tire of it. always fresh.

    • Anita Diaz
      December 19, 2016 / 6:27 pm

      Thank you Karen! I love it too and love that I can always update with a different shade or hue of pink.

  8. Unknown
    November 29, 2016 / 12:45 am

    Such a beautiful old fashioned Christmas tree especially with the tinsel and the fuchsia pink added a modern look to it. Looking forward to your home tour.
    Kathleen in Az

    • Anita Diaz
      December 19, 2016 / 6:26 pm

      Thank you for coming by and for you sweet comments Kathleen:-)

  9. Pat M.
    November 29, 2016 / 1:22 am

    Every photo of your living room was magazine-worthy. How did they possibly choose? I love the pink – it is original and unusual and your home is so welcoming. Congratulations ….

    • Anita Diaz
      December 19, 2016 / 6:26 pm

      Thank you Pat, I appreciate your kind words!

  10. Cassie Bustamante
    November 29, 2016 / 1:39 am

    so beautiful, anita! love the hot pink!

    • Anita Diaz
      December 19, 2016 / 6:25 pm

      Thank you Cassie!

  11. Tania Pelletier
    November 29, 2016 / 2:14 am

    Wow…this is spectacular!! I love all the pink!

    Tania

    • Anita Diaz
      December 19, 2016 / 6:25 pm

      Thanks so much Tania!

  12. Shirley@Housepitality Designs
    November 29, 2016 / 3:00 am

    These photos are gorgeous Anita…if these did not make the spread, I cannot imagine the gorgeous ones that did!…Love your treasures beneath the tree…how special is that doll that your grandfather sent from France. Oh that tree is amazing…will have to check it out at Grandinroad! Amazing photos by a most amazing photographer!

    • Anita Diaz
      December 19, 2016 / 6:25 pm

      Thanks so much Shirley!! I actually liked some of these more than the ones they chose:-)

  13. Anonymous
    November 29, 2016 / 3:21 am

    Anita, I love the tree and the tablescape behind the sofa. My mother would have loved that pink tree too.
    Those bright pops of hot pink are so you and just beautiful. Congratulations on the magazine spread.
    Myrna

    • Anita Diaz
      December 19, 2016 / 6:25 pm

      Oh Myrna, thank you for sharing that:-)

  14. Joanie McLaughlin
    November 29, 2016 / 3:47 am

    Love the vintage-looking tree. The room is lovely!

    • Anita Diaz
      December 19, 2016 / 6:24 pm

      Thanks Joanie! We love it too:-)

  15. Mom
    November 29, 2016 / 1:33 pm

    Stunningly beautiful. What a pleasure to walk into your beautiful home so lovingly decorated.

    • Anita Diaz
      December 19, 2016 / 6:24 pm

      Thanks Mom:-)

  16. Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR
    November 30, 2016 / 3:06 am

    Anita, you just make everything look so beautiful! I love your festive colors and personal touches. You really have created such a warm and inviting home!

    • Anita Diaz
      December 19, 2016 / 6:24 pm

      Thanks Shenita so much!!

  17. Carolyn
    November 30, 2016 / 10:01 pm

    I enjoyed the magazine spread but these photos of your tree are beautiful! I love the decorations, it looks like magic.

    • Anita Diaz
      December 19, 2016 / 6:23 pm

      Thank you so much Carolyn!

  18. Katie Mansfield
    December 2, 2016 / 3:35 am

    That tree is amazing. It looks so real. Cute displays. I love the bright pink.

    • Anita Diaz
      December 19, 2016 / 6:23 pm

      Thanks Katie!

  19. Shannon @ Belle Bleu Interiors
    December 19, 2016 / 3:47 pm

    Your home looks beautiful adorned for Christmas! Congratulations on the magazine feature…how exciting! I hope that you and your family have a very Merry Christmas!!!

    • Anita Diaz
      December 19, 2016 / 6:23 pm

      Thanks so much Shannon!!

  20. Sandi Magle
    December 19, 2016 / 4:13 pm

    Very pretty, I love the pink touches, it works so well with your normal decor. The doll under the tree looks like an early 'Sweet Sue' as I received one in 1952, when I was just 4 years old. It's wonderful to have the old things about and memories attached to them. I love your tree, I scored a primitive (airy) tree this year, and we are so happy with the result. Have a very Merry Christmas, Sandi.

  21. Sandi Magle
    December 19, 2016 / 4:26 pm

    Very pretty, I love the pink touches, it works so well with your normal decor. The doll under the tree looks like an early 'Sweet Sue' as I received one in 1952, when I was just 4 years old. It's wonderful to have the old things about and memories attached to them. I love your tree, I scored a primitive (airy) tree this year, and we are so happy with the result. Have a very Merry Christmas, Sandi.

    • Anita Diaz
      December 19, 2016 / 6:23 pm

      Thanks so much Sandi:-) My grandfather bought the doll in Paris when he was there during WWII in 1944, and had it sent back to my mom here. It is a treasure for sure!

  22. Pam - @diy Design Fanatic
    December 21, 2016 / 12:27 am

    I've seen your living room all over the internet and knew it was yours by your beautiful, signature style! The pink is so pretty and I love the tree!