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Monday, December 16, 2013

Holiday Mantle Reveal

I am truly happy with how this turned out considering there was no plan. Sometimes that works out better. I had never had a string of lights on the mantle but after having begun to enjoy seeing a string of lights in my daughters' rooms I thought I had to place some here.


The idea was to use whatever I had in the house.

This was before I thought to add the vintage candlesticks or the wreath. 



I wanted something else with some height. It did not have to be too tall. I had these vintage candlesticks, an Etsy purchase from a couple of years ago.

Looking promising but I wanted more height and I knew I did not have any new candles to use here and did not want to go out and buy any at the time. I thought to place the two baubles on the candlesticks.

 None of these items are new. The gold pine cones, the angel and the stocking holders are probably the oldest items here. The candle stand I purchased at a Salvation Army thrift store and spray painted it. Flameless candles are used a lot in my house; purchased at Crate & Barrel.

My little choir boy and choir girl have been favorite tree ornaments for many years. This year they get pride of place on the mantle.

The silver Christmas trees were bought at Crate & Barrel last year. I used them as place card holders when I hosted Christmas lunch for the family.

I love the milk glass compote, another purchase from Etsy.


This weekend I felt I wanted to add a wreath of some sort above the mantle and I used some silver berry garland I have had for years and shaped it into one. It looks organic. 

I hung it up using a small Command micro hook.
In order to camouflage the hook I added some candy cane. 

It ended up looking like a heart but it works and I love the pop of color in the wreath.


The mantle with the wreath. It is complete.

Stockings are one for each child. Purchased at different times. I did not grow up with the whole idea of Christmas stockings and therefore stocking-stuffers were non-existent. Until a couple of years ago the stockings were merely decorative. I like them to one side on the mantle.



During the day. Lights off.



Some kindling and poinsettia.

This is my Holiday mantle this year.

It is traditional, vintage, colorful, organic, sparkly and whimsical. I hope you like it.
It has have traditional festive colors of red and green, seasonal gold and silver sparkle and some lights and some white to balance it all.


I will be sharing more holiday decorating this week so please visit again.

I would love for you to leave a comment. Thank you for stopping by; please do check back often.

 

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Decorating for the holidays - a glimpse of the mantle

I feel like I am way behind in my decorating for the Christmas season this year. This past weekend we bought the tree and the kids put in the lights after I explained a technique I have used for years - they are in training :). And then they hung most of the ornaments themselves. 
Meanwhile, I tackled the mantle. One could be really creative here, choosing to go bold, colorful, simple, organic or vintage. I try to change things around every year.

I went with a traditional Christmas color scheme using items I have owned for at least a year. It is definitely colorful, festive and whimsical and it was truly organic in that it just evolved. Here is a glimpse of it.


The rest I will share with you on Monday. 
But I would like to remind you of what I did last year.







Another glimpse of this year's mantle.

Please do stop by on Monday, Dec 16th, when I will share what I have done with the mantle this year for Christmas.

I would love for you to leave a comment. Thank you for stopping by; please do check back often. 

Monday, December 9, 2013

Decorating with elements of nature during the festive season

Adding touches of nature throughout one's home while decorating for the festive season is a must. Aside from the obvious Christmas tree or two there are numerous ways to decorate with foliage in a big way or with little touches. This not only balances the various colors of the season and the abundance of sparkle and glitter that is to be expected at this time of year,
but nature also does have a calming effect during what usually is a hectic season for most.

 Use Rustic Elements

For the outside of our homes, the presence of nature in different forms creates a great first impression and can be a reflection of the indoors. It certainly adds wonderful curb appeal!

Christmas Greeting Garland

Planters are an obvious choice to complement whatever you choose to use and they work throughout the year .


They certainly make a bold statement for the outdoors.
via

From Christmas trees in any room...
Keep Christmas Additions Casual


Welcoming living room | Country Christmas living rooms | Living room | PHOTO GALLERY | Country Homes & Interiors | Housetohome.co.uk



...and mini potted plants..
Add Tradition-Inspired Pieces

Mix Greenery with Metallics

..and wreaths of all sizes...
Create a festive table display | Christmas light decorating ideas | Christmas lights | Christmas decorating ideas | Homes & Gardens | Housetohome.co.uk

Traditional Holiday Decor - A black front door decorated with a trio of wreaths

...with or without a mantle.
Add Cheer Without a Mantel

Combining some element of nature in your decor this season welcomes all to your home and creates a warm environment within for friends and family, no matter what climate one might live in.
Christmas Decoration

Christmas Decoration

Garlands for a fabulous curved banister is visually stunning in any foyer..
Layered Garland

...or over a mantle...
via


...or framing a perfect view through a picturesque window in the dining room. I love that there is a swag to this garland!
Lush Boxwood Swag

Something I have tried myself in the past. A garland wrapped around the dining room chandelier.
Christmas Decoration

The little touches...place settings with a touch of green helps balance the sparkle all around and makes for an inviting table....
Choose elegant tableware | Christmas decorating ideas | PHOTO GALLERY | Style at Home | Housetohome

..and white is the perfect winter color. It can enhance and add a delicate touch to all that glass and silverware.
Christmas Decoration


A touch of foliage here-and-there.
Christmas Decoration

Christmas Decoration

Christmas Decoration

It can be simple. Just a hint..how perfect.

And one can be so creative. How pretty is this!
Floral window display | Homemade Christmas ideas | PHOTO GALLERY | Housetohome.co.uk

Minimalist Holiday Decor - Vases of red flowers on an elegantly set holiday table


No matter what your style...
Mantelpiece card display | Homemade Christmas ideas | PHOTO GALLERY | Housetohome.co.uk

or color preference...
Christmas Decoration
via 

..elements of nature come in different forms and colors and decorating with some during the festive season - indoors and out - provides an essential, happy balance.
Simple Bay Leaf Garland

Don't you agree?

I would love for you to leave a comment. Thank you for stopping by; please do check back often.