When I made the move to Tampa several months ago, I decided to nix most of my decor in favor of newer, more modern pieces. Plus, the move on its own was expensive enough with everyone migrating — so it was simpler to leave behind a dining table that wouldn’t fit, or a couch that had lived in four different apartments and a house over five years. I went from a one bedroom to a two, desperately needed a space for my Peloton and other exercise equipment, and needed a dedicated spot for my remote work.
I slowly got settled in and furnished the space the way I wanted and while it looks the way I planned — decorating for the holidays is what really has made my place shine. Still, I wish I could do more and I know I’ll be sad when it’s time to take the decorations down in a few weeks. I typically leave my decor up for Armenian Christmas (January 6th) and then take it down — but last year I left it up until February. I feel like at this point — nearly two years into a pandemic– you should do whatever brings you joy, so if you want to leave your decorations up year-round, you have my full support.
Before I traveled for Christmas with my family, I invited a few friends over for some light bites and drinks. It was the first time I’d entertained in my space, or had anyone besides maintenance inside to see it! Getting feedback from others made me so happy about my choices for decor — and getting festive — and it was nice to have a small sense of normalcy celebrating with a few people!
Looking for something to make for a holiday gathering? I know cream cheese is in short supply, but if you can track some down, my Cookie Butter Cheesecake is always a crowd-pleaser! Can’t recommend it enough.
I’ve been collecting my Christmas decorations for years, so there is some new and some old. My Christmas tree is on sale at a DEEP discount right now (linked below). I typically have a real tree, but this year because I was traveling, I opted for a faux tree. Here is my decor this year:
![My Christmas Tree, Garland and Poinsettia on my TV stand in my living room](https://www.essenceoferika.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/IMG_8192-1024x683.jpg)
Tree: Lowe’s (On sale for $20!!!), Letterboard sign: HomeGoods, Faux Pine Garland: Similar, Galvanized Tin Snowflake Garland: Similar, set of 2, Buffalo Plaid Tree Collar: New Traditions
![My Christmas tree and buffalo plaid tree collar](https://www.essenceoferika.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/IMG_8213-683x1024.jpg)
![The centerpiece on my kitchen island from West Elm intertwined with holiday garland](https://www.essenceoferika.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/IMG_8202-1024x683.jpg)
Brass + Gold Globe Centerpiece: West Elm, Pine, Berry and Pinecone Garland: Michael’s 2020 – Similar, Gold picks: Michael’s (On sale $2.49), Blue Votives: World Market (set of 4, Golden Sands), Counter Stools: Meridian Furniture Heidi Collection
![The centerpiece on my kitchen island from West Elm intertwined with holiday garland.](https://www.essenceoferika.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/IMG_8222-683x1024.jpg)
![My new wooden Tampa snowflake ornament from local boutique Hazel + Dot](https://www.essenceoferika.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/IMG_8180-1024x683.jpg)
See more decor:
When you decorate for the holidays, do you decorate one room or all the rooms in your home?
xo,
![](https://www.essenceoferika.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/IMG_9877.png)
(This post contains some affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase after clicking on the link, I may receive a small commission from your purchase.)