It has been a whirlwind few weeks and I have been anxious to get to this post. Finally, I am here!
It’s official, I am a blogger! On December 3, I was invited to attend the Home Blogger Meet Up at Nashville Parade of Homes where I was afforded the opportunity to preview the homes on tour before they opened to the general public! Yes, I felt like a rock star, thank you to my amazing friend, The Decorologist, for the invite. I was truly inspired by all the gorgeous homes decked out in their Christmas glory.
In my typical rush to get things done, I ran out of the house without my camera. A blogger without a camera? This is not good. So please forgive the iphone photos and share my journey regardless. As I toured, I snapped ‘A Few of My Favorite Things’…
While the greenery on this front door is GORGEOUS, what really caught my attention was the sweet little elf hiding in the entryway chandelier. Drees Homes with Master Floral Designer Mary Clingan.
Then there is this awesome modern fireplace with its PEACE banner. Beautiful!
And check out this tree skirt on the Grammy Themed tree for Make-A-Wish by blogger RainonaTinRoof.com. I love the painted gold records, it is ingenious and perfect for our Music City.
Did you see this on the cover of Greater Nashville House & Home magazine? I am in love with burlap Christmas pillows.
And what about the tobacco sticks ceiling! Love, love, love! This was in the Gregg and Rains custom built home. This home had so much character. Design by ReFresh, Lauren Blalock and Kara Blalock. Be sure to visit the ReFresh store in Franklin, TN.
I again notice this emerging trend of ‘no candles’ in the candlesticks… Seeing this everywhere these days. I like it!
Three things going on here that I adore: gas lamp, burlap bows with fresh greens and the painted white brick exterior. It is so stunning and a welcome change to the abundance of traditional brick homes so common here.
This home also had light green distressed shutters. Had I not seen it personally, it’s probably something I would never choose (due to light on light) but it looks amazing!!! Home by Tennessee Valley Homes, a 3rd generation builder of fine custom homes –a shout out to our friend McClain Franks.
Check out this marble ‘waterfall’ island. The cascading marble adds a touch of elegance and brightens the room.
Hands down, my favorite space on the tour is this upper deck with these amazing oversized porch swings! With our mild Middle Tennessee weather— plus this woodburning fireplace, I could totally enjoy this year round. House by Arnold Homes LLC.
How about this special room for pets cleverly tucked away in the wainscotting of the great room? My fur-babies would love it!
Oh dear, the deer… the iconic deer head motif was seen everywhere! It is growing on me, what do you think?
If you haven’t had a chance yet, please visit the Nashville Parade of Homes @kingschapel which runs through December 21. You will leave inspired. Be sure to check out and bid on the silent auction Make-A-Wish trees, especially the Christmas in Greece tree designed by my friend, home blogger, and stager, Kristie Barnett.
Kristie Barnett, The Decorologist and Melissa Allen, The Allen Team RE/MAX Choice Properties
Brentwood Area Homes 
Melissa,
What a wonderful post! I loved the things you pointed out, many of them I missed in the whirlwind of that day – I should go back and really take it all in. Thanks for the shout-out, I always love hanging out with you!
Thanks Kristie: I am sure I would notice many different things a second time through. There’s so much to see and love!
Hi, Melissa! I’m so glad you shared those pics. Unfortunately, my phone memory was full and I didn’t get too many. I loved the modern fireplace (thought I was the only one!); the decoration above had fallen when I visited so it was nice to see the pic with the decor hanging. I think we share the ‘favorite space’. :-). Sweet. Happy you’re blogging; look forward to following you.
Merry Christmas to your family!🎄
Hi Janice– The modern fireplace may be slightly progressive for our traditional Southern homes but I think that’s why I like it 🙂 Merry Christmas to you all too! I can’t believe how fast your Grandbabies are growing. I know you are loving every minute!!