More on the mantel

I did a little more fluffing on the mantel this weekend.  I like to add or tweak as the days go by and I have the time, come across an idea or stumble across a forgotten ornament or a sale in a chic little boutique (okay, in Harris Teeter, ornaments were 75% off!).  If I can, I'll post an udated picture this week.

In the meantime, I wanted to show you some pictures I saw on another blog that I enjoy reading--Habitually Chic.  Here's a mantel that is gorgeous, BUT it looks like a fire hazard for those of us who actually use our fireplaces.  Yes, there's a roaring fire in the photo, but I just can't imagine...  Anyway, pretty picture, great mantel.  I'm a sucker for pine cones.

Here's another one, realistically more to my liking

Southern Accents

I'm going to try to remember this one for next year.  Not a big fan of that wreath hanging on the wall, but I like the clean, quiet vibe so much.  Will keep my eyes peeled on my shopping adventures for a long, narrow container for the center, and maybe can put something taller in it.  Then I wouldn't need the wreath. 

I liked this idea also:

Again, clean lines, simple.  Looks kind of beachy to me. 

Here's one more.  I've put candles in old champagne glasses many times, but this is a new twist for me--a little greenery in silver chalices.  Just wanted to use the word "chalices," thanks for letting me.

Have a great week. Light candles, make cookies, play with a child (or a childish adult).  Breathe.

Ciao,

Anne



The Christmas mantel

Yesterday I pulled out the pre-decorated garland that I bought several years ago--an excellent investment because it makes the mantel a fast and easy project.  Plop down the garland, rotate the artwork, give Mr. Moose and Mr. Deer their rightful place, add the sparkly trees that look like something Tim Burton designed and I'm good to go.  I like imperfection, that's why those sparkly trees are still around.  They're shabby chic in the truest sense of the word.  Our family room mantel now looks special, but still clean and simple. Stephanie Fracasso did the still life oil painting.  It's lovely.

Ciao,
Anne