Friday, December 21, 2012

Our Christmas Mantel, Plus a Few Others

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!
The mantels are decorated, the table is almost set, and the gifts are wrapped...

For our mantel this year, I didn't go crazy.  Just a garland, paperwhites and candles.
Instead of hanging stockings, I hung a "Merry Christmas" banner.

I found these birch covered candle holders at the wholesale nursery.

Garlands, plants and candles are kind of my formula, as you can see from last year's mantel.

I've accumulated lots of birch accessories over the years and love to use them to create a rustic look.

I was probably inspired by a Pottery Barn mantel like this one, which is where I found all those birch candles!  

Same mantel, but with the addition of white hydrangeas everywhere, leftover from the wedding!

Two years ago, I got "creative" with a mantelscape of burlap, greens and mercury glass.

I think I was inspired by...

...this image from Country Living, probably my favorite mantel ever!



I'm always looking for inspiration and ways to get creative outside of my formula.
On a recent visit to my friend's home, I was wowed by her mantel.
My same formula, however she took it further with the lamps and star on the mirror.
Just beautiful!

Another friend inspired me with her vintage oil painting, books and Santa collection for a mantelscape perfect in a family room. 

Every year, she has a Christmas dinner and I look forward to seeing her home decorated for the holidays.  In fact, tonight is the night!
Isn't her mantel gorgeous?
I can't wait to see what she does this year!

 Recently, I came across this image on Pinterest.  
Thank goodness for Pinterest, there is no shortage of inspiration there!
I really like how the antlers were used to hang the stockings...

...Of course it was my inspiration to incorporate antlers on our family room mantel.

I wanted a natural, Provencal look.

Basically, I'm just too lazy to start over here, so I kept the demijohn and confit pot on the mantel and added ivy topiaries and branches gathered from the Christmas tree lot.

 "Joyeux Noel!"

We can breath a sigh of relief that the world didn't end today!
Now we can enjoy the wind-down to Christmas.  
Wishing you all a lovely weekend!
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19 comments:

Mary Ann Pickett said...

Oh my gosh...GORGEOUS! I love all the natural elements. Merry Christmas!

Rebecca said...

Beautiful. Takes my breath away!

Splenderosa said...

Oh, I do love this !
Sending my best wishes for the happiest holiday season ever !!

Susan said...

Your mantle is so pretty. I love all the birch candles!

Terri~terrileeauthor said...

Both mantels are picture perfect, Delores. I love the tartan Merry Christmas garland.
Merry Christmas
xo
Terri

Cheryl said...

Beautiful and inspiring . Love the natural. And congrats on your table scape honors! Happy holidays

One More Time Events said...

I love your mantle and all the natural elements you used. Very Nice!

Kathysue said...

Beautiful, warm and inviting. Quintescential Delores!!
Merry Christmas my dear sweet friend,
Love you bunches,
Kathysue

Anonymous said...

Thank you for all the inspiration year round. Your manles are fabulous!
Merry Christmas and the best for 2013

Sarah said...

Delores, each version of your mantel is gorgeous. Your decorating style always offers much inspiration for me. I, too, like to use natural elements. Our mantel this year is very simple, green with red berries and a antique French jardiniere filled with pine cones. I adore your tartan touches with the shades and the banner. I have one of the same tartan banners tucked away in my Christmas stash. ;-)
Merry, Merry to you and your family, dear friend. ~ Sarah
PS
Used the tartan candles on my sideboard and window ledge. Will add more to my Christmas Eve table. Will think of you.........Sarah

Anonymous said...

Love your mantels, as well as those from Christmas pasts. Always inspired by what you do. Merry Christmas!

French Kissed said...

Your Christmas mantels are beautiful in every way. Joyeux Noel to you and yours!

Jermaine

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

All your mantels have looked wonderful, but I really love the room now with the grasscloth. Wish I could put some somewhere.

Have a wonderful Christmas, Delores.

:) Kim

Debra@CommonGround said...

Delores, I have to tell you, I'm here every post you share, your home is one of my favorites in blogland! I really enjoy seeing all your wonderful decor, loving your new kitchen and that great grass cloth in your living room. just love your style!! Have a wonderful Christmas week!

Babs said...

Delores, I'm loving all your Christmas decorations on the mantels and especially the hutch. Your home is always lovely.
Wishing you a warm and cozy Christmas with your family.
Hugs,
Babs

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

Everything looks so festive, Delores! Wishing a wonderful Christmas to you and your family!...hugs...Debbie

LENE said...

I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas filled with lots of joy and warmth!
Big Christmas hug from Lene

Pura Vida said...

Wishing you a blessed and Merry Christmas. I have so enjoyed your wonderful blog! Gina

Tanya Anurag said...

Beautiful and inspirational pictures here! Love how the candles add to the beauty.
Merry Christmas and have a great year ahead.

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