Chez Noel: a French Christmas Tour

Christmas home tours- Maison de Pax

I have a serious ache…

Christmas Home Tour- Maison de Pax

And I’m not talking about the kind you get from eating too many Christmas cookies (though that may be forthcoming, too).

Christmas Home Tour with Anthroplogie Mug- Maison de Pax

At the risk of sounding entirely obnoxious… It’s been over two years since I’ve been to Paris.

Simple Faux Fireplace Mantel- Maison de Pax

We lived there for about two years; my first son was born there; I made friends from all over the world; I ate way too many raspberry tarts; I had a beautiful, international church family; I took long walks along the Seine with Mr. Pax; I wandered through Notre Dame; I strolled through glorious gardens… I relished life there.

Rustic Christmas Home tour- Maison de Pax

So this French Christmas tour is more than a fun blog hop (though it is certainly that, too); it’s a merging of two things very very special to me: my favorite city in the world… and my favorite time of year.

Christmas tree in gilded mirror reflection- Maison de Pax

You can see French influence throughout my home on my Christmas home tour here.

Christmas Tree with gold and silver ornaments- Maison de Pax

And you can see more of my French Christmas touches in the dining room here.

Joyeux Noel Christmas Sign- Maison de Pax

But in the library this year, I wanted specifically to create a rustic chic Christmas look by channelling my memories of our Parisian apartment:

It was white and gray with punches of color and tall white bookcases…

Christmas Living Room- Maison de Pax

We had chandeliers and an enormous gilded mirror (you can see how I made this one here)…

Romantic Vintage Chandelier - Maison de Pax

There were wood-framed velvet armchairs in the living room; they were a mustard color… but this red suits me better.

Red Plaid Living Room- Maison de Pax

And I couldn’t resist adding this rustic tree stump. We haven’t finished sanding and sealing it, but I’m sure we will eventually.

Wood stump table- Maison de Pax

In the meantime, I hope to relish this most glorious time of year… remembering that the good news of this season transcends countries and languages. And so I leave you with this:

Car un enfant nous est né, un fils nous est donné,
For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given,

Et la domination reposera sur son épaule;
And the government will be upon His shoulder

Wood stump table with Anthroplogie coffee mug- Maison de Pax

On l’appellera Admirable, Conseiller, Dieu puissant,
He will be called Wonderful, Counselor, mighty God,

Père éternel, Prince de la paix.
Eternal Father, Prince of peace.

Christmas Living Room with cowhide rug- Maison de Pax

May your and your family have a joyeux noel!

Be sure to come back tomorrow for my final installment of French Christmas, and don’t forget to visit the other blogs for more French-inspired holiday decor… Today, French Country Cottage is also sharing her incredible home.

Christmas Home tour of bloggers- Maison de Pax

Tuesday:

Cedar Hill Farmhouse | So Much Better With Age

Wednesday:

Maison de Pax | French Country Cottage

Thursday:

Savvy Southern Style | Stone Gable | Craftberry Bush

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43 Comments

  1. Rachel, this is such a pretty post visually and in words. Oh, how you must miss Paris so much. Through this whole post you literally had me at red velvet chair! Oh, how I love it. So thrilled to be joining you on this tour.

    1. Thank you so much, Kim! I do!!! So glad you enjoyed the post and so honored to have you joining me this week!

  2. Your home is wonderful! I have yet to go to Paris but it is the place my daughter and I will go when she graduates high school. Now to choose the time of year… any suggestions?

    1. Oh, dear… that’s tough. I love Paris in the springtime (it’s not a cliche – it’s wonderful!), but I love to travel in the winter when there aren’t any crowds. There’s nothing like having world treasures entirely to yourself. I would avoid June-Aug if you can (which is, of course, the easiest time to go) because of the heat and crowds. Truly, though, Paris is Paris any time of year and absolutely worth going! Thank you for your sweet comment, by the way!

  3. Hello~! Oh, I love your home and Parisian touches! I would love to know where you attended church in Paris…my girl may be going there, and those things are hard to come by… thanks and blessings!

    1. Of course! We attended Trinity International Church (visit their website here). It was wonderful! I hope she has a glorious time if she goes. Merry Christmas!

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  5. Rachel, I’m still soooo jealous you lived in Paris for two years. I’m so glad to be a part of this wonderful tour with you. Thank you for thinking of me, friend. And your house, as usual, is gorgeous. Pinning like mad and sharing on my FB page today 😉
    Big hugs,
    Jamie

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  8. I’m sorry your aching for Paris Rachel, but seeing your home for the holidays makes it feel so Parisian that you should’ve be aching so much anymore! your home is so beautiful dear, hope you enjoy your Holiday season!

    1. You are so kind, Vel. Thank you so very much! Hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday, as well. 🙂

  9. I too love Paris. I love your chair next to the tree and that blanket is gorg. Happy Holidays…… I am a new follower!

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  11. So lovely! You and my husband and your need to get to Paris! He is the same way, but since our first granddaughter was born in Germany last year and new one is due in Germany any day now, Germany has taken priority over Paris for the time being. Amazing how a grandchild can change your outlook on life. I am sharing a lot of links to bloggers’ Christmas House Tours and hope it is okay that I will share a photo and link back to yours, it is beautiful! I hope you get to Paris in the new year!

    1. Of course, Chloe! Thank you for asking – I’m honored. And, naturally, grandchildren have definite priority. 😉 Congratulations on the growing family and thank you for your kind comment!

  12. Joyeux Noël! Je ai apprécié votre photographie parisienne et culminant dans ce monde à travers vos yeux talentueux. Je suis au Texas et ainsi profiter de votre blog.

  13. Hi Rachel! Oh my, what a magnificent home tour! Thank you so much for letting all of us enjoy your lovely French home! Your decorating is flawless and you are to admired for your hard work and perfectionism! You make me want to start all over! I found you through Yvonne’s lovely Stonegate and subscibed immediately after enjoying your blog! I’ll be back for your next posting and I can’t wait!

  14. le sigh. Rachel, I love your Christmas home! I too am longing for the magic of Paris, and love putting touches of France in our holiday decorating. Your home is warm and welcoming, the perfect place to celebrate the birth of Christ with those you love. May you have a beautiful Christmas. On l’appellera Admirable, Conseiller, Dieu puissant. xoxo Lidy

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  17. Hi Rachel,
    What a beautiful and meaningful post, thank you, it was a joy to read and a visual feast. Our worlds align in our design & style choices. Remember me? I was the one who had to have the gray clock! You told me where you got it and I waited patiently and nabbed mine. I love it!
    I have always loved and decorated with the French aesthetic. But, when I actually went to France…oh, my! It was absolutely everything I had expected and hoped for and so much more! Rarely does anything in life not just meet, but exceed expectations, right? (Except maybe children and fudge!)
    You did not sound obnoxious at all, I haven’t been there since August/September of 2013 and wanted to return immediately…I get it! I did not live there, but was there for a little over a month but, would in a minute! Hope you get back soon, Merry Christmas and Happy 2015
    Cathy 🙂

    1. You are so kind, Cathy! And I’m SO glad you found the gray clock! You must have good taste. 😉 So glad to hear Paris was special for you, too… I hope you are able to return soon! I also hope your Christmas was wonderful and that you have a very happy New Year!

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