My multi-purpose Dining Room

I hope you enjoyed my post yesterday on my top 5 favorite dining rooms.  You will see small elements of those rooms in my own dining room.  I don't have just one room dedicated to dining in, it has to serve as a multi-purpose space, in that it's my entry, as well as my office space.  You'll see further down. In another post I'll share details on sources and projects, but for now, here you go!

This space functions as my office.

And also keeps my son's musical instrument and a basket for shoes. I need to re-think that basket there. 

I love, love, love this wall lamp.  More on that later.

Now we have the entry way. Typically everyone seems to drop their bags on the floor in front of their hooks.

My gallery wall.

One day I would like to either build a closet for coats or find an amazing antique wardrobe.  For now, this Ikea one does the job.

Here's a little reading nook I created.  I can still see the kids but remain a bit removed from the scene (I wish).

If we ever want to visit the Aquarium, we don't have far to go.  Doesn't everyone have a fish tank in their dining space?

My fireplace.  One of the many reasons why I bought this house.  Eventually all that brick will be covered up with molding as well as tile.  One day!

Close up of a few of my milk glass pieces.

I've had these wedding pictures up for almost 13 years now.

Another blogger showed these x-benches in her home and I fell in love.  More details on a future post.

As you can see my buffet is less than in perfect condition but with young kids, and only a $35 price tag, you can see why it came home with me.  Did I mention I just love chinoiserie?  I mean REALLY LOVE.

This orchid/clam shell was an easy to do project but not a cheap one.

The table we've had for 8 years, don't mind the white paint. We do are arts and crafts in here as well.

My  husband usually answers all his emails at the table.  I think he needs his own little corner somewhere. 

You can see the door to the right, and here's a bit of a wider view of the room.

Here's one little detail I've always loved.  These are just plain target chairs that I adhered vinyl lettering to each chair, so we know who sits where.

I found a seller on Etsy that is embroidering linen place mats for me.  I'll show those when they come in.

Do you have any rooms in your house that double as something else?

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

     Outside the weather is frightful, but inside the Christmas decor is beginning to look delightful.  I'm glad everything is cleaned off the dining room table.  I decided I'm not putting out as much this year as I have in the past.  Mostly, because I'm over the "over the top" decorating.  My goal is to get back to a more simplified and homemade version of Holiday decorating.  

     

Here's what passes as a Christmas village for us.  Each year the gingerbread houses the children make, have a spot of honor on the fireplace mantle.  More like, we could keep it out of reach of small hands and pets.  They have 1 piece per day.  My son loads his up with as much as he can to try and make it last a little bit longer.  Here are a few of my favorite things below.

  
                               Rudolf the red nose reindeer.

               This was a cute craft we made when he was just 3.

My children made these when they were each in preschool.  Someday the littlest member will attend there too.

Here's a corner of my dining room.  I use fake poinsettia around the house.  I found them all on sale at Michael's Craft Store, years ago.  

Remember this post, where I picked up this hurricane glass and pine cones?  I was inspired to create this, minus the ribbon.

She has so many creative and inexpensive decorating tips.  Now, I'm thinking I need to add red ribbon to mine.

I told the kids that Santa, which is our tree topper is leaning over to keep a better eye on them.  So far it's working brilliantly.

Here's our slightly larger "Charlie Brown" tree. Our theme has always been 50% off after Christmas Hallmark ornaments.  That's my pug stand up which is usually in the fireplace.  We love our little "Tallulah" when she isn't trying to steal food.  

  
This is still in my dining room just as you walk in the door.  I got the print "Baby it's cold outside" personalized and all here.  The deal has expired but you can contact the seller here.

She also made this one. I just popped it into a frame, placed a wreath over the top of it and tucked a letter in it.  It's the only "grown-up" piece of Holiday decor on my mantle.  The paper is a thick card stock and I am happy with the quality, and of course the price.

This weekends to do list.

1. Touch up all the paint spots in the girl's room.
2. Finish the chair by adding gimp.  I already got an email that the rugs should arrive tomorrow.
3. Put together B's new bed.  I measured everything out, but it helps me visually when I can see things in place.
4. Get the necessary parts to glam up the dresser with what's in that mystery box.
5. Make some DIY Holiday decor.
6. Take a nap!!!!!

What are your upcoming plans?  Leave me a comment down below.