Christmas Mantel

I always love changing things around on my mantel, but never 

more than at Christmas time.  I never liked the wreath that

I've hung over the mantel the last five years and wasn't sure what I

was going to do to replace it.  Then I remembered my Grandmother's antique mirror that I hadn't hung in years.  I got it out, hung it up and it was perfect.

 

Next, I needed something for the middle of the mantel with some

height.  I was thinking some type of candleholders and found these

three at Goodwill for $1.49 each and red candles from

Dollar Tree for $1 each.  This is my idea of affordable decorating.

 

The mantel is balanced by a small lamp on one end and 

an antique looking clock on the other. 

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My garland is an inexpensive artificial garland, but I spruced it up by adding clusters of red berries, sprigs of glittery red fern, and artificial pomegranates. The pomegranates I purchased this week at Pier One on clearance for only $.68 each.  I found them online and the website tells you which area stores still have

them in stock.  I wanted to use them for Christmas decorating in various areas of my home, so it took me visiting 3 stores to collect the 27 that I bought, but at that price, it was another inexpensive way to decorate.  After attaching everything to the garland, I sprayed small areas with clear "Tacky Spray" and sprinkled artificial snow on it before it dried.

 

 

I change out all the lamp shades in my living room at Christmas to red which gives the room an instant transformation and Christmas look.  I usually leave them on until Valentine's Day to give the room a punch of color through the dreary days

of winter.  I saw this idea at our Saks Fifth Avenue store last year.  I was amazed how simple their Christmas decor was, but all their table lamps had red lamp shades, giving the entire store a very classy look and Christmas glow.

 

 

The last touch is to add the stockings waiting to be filled with surprises.

 

I'm linking with

 Cottage Instincts for "Make it 4 Monday"

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The House in the Roses for "Show off Your Cottage Monday"

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Between Naps on the Porch for "Deck the Halls"

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Dittle Dattle for "Amaze Me Monday"

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Centsational Girl for "Holiday Home Craft Party"