Sunday, December 5, 2010

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"
~
Centsational Girl for "Holiday Home Craft Party"




 

17 comments:

Brenda Pruitt said...

That mirror is a gorgeous antique! Your mantel looks so elegant and festive now.
Brenda

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

This room is so warm and cozy. Great job on the mantel.

Crystal Rose Cottage said...

Cindy....Your mantle is lovely! I love the bargains you found! Don't you love GW and the Dollar Tree? I miss not living close to a Pier One anymore...especially at the holidays. I am going to try and make a trip to Easton in the next couple of weeks to see the holiday decorations and hit Pier One! I like your idea of using the red lamp shades through the holidays and gray days of winter...really warms up a room!~Hugs, Patti

Carrie @ Dittle Dattle said...

So cozy and warm! Beautifully done :D I would be honored to have you add it to my blog party

Amaze Me Monday Blog Party

Pamela said...

Soo pretty! Do you mind sharing what gadget you used for your snow effect? I have tried several and non of them are working right.

Carmen @ Life with Sprinkles on Top said...

Very pretty. I like the idea of the red shades. It adds a simple, festive touch.

Gillian Layne said...

So clever! Thanks for sharing the garland idea with us.

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

Your mantle is lovely...I love how the candlelight reflects in the mirror!

Aledia said...

You Grandmothers mirror is beautiful and just perfect over your mantel! Thank you for stopping by my blog and leaving a sweet comment, Have a GREAT week!

A Bit of the Blarney said...

What a warm and welcoming home you have. Such a lovely clock you have on the mantle. Wishing you well! Cathy

The Tuscan Home said...

Beautiful mantle, you did a great job! XO ~Liz

Pam Kessler said...

Your Grandmother's mirror is beautiful. The whole mantel is gorgeous!

Pamela said...

Grandmother's mirror--perfect! Your mantle looks wider than mine. It's so festive, love it.

Becca Bertotti said...

So pretty! *Becca*

Bonnie@Creative Decorating said...

Your mantle is so pretty and traditional which is what I love! I love that clock!

LindyLouMac said...

Lovely scheme,I like to use red in my living room throughout the winter season, as I agree it makes a room feel so much more cosy and welcoming. After all red is not just for Christmas :)

Carrie @ Dittle Dattle said...

Your mantle is beautiful decorated and I love the antique mirror and clock! Thank you for linking up to "Amaze Me Monday" blog party. Hope to see you next week!

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