Finally! A Bit of Inspiration for a Spring Mantel

I got back from my weekend in Chicago just in time to catch our cherry tree come into bloom. What a lovely surprise, especially walking home from the 7am school bus run after a boozy busy weekend.

Anywho, this beautiful sign of Spring provided just enough inspiration to finally tackle an update on our den mantel. Honestly, I've been in such a creative slump lately - this was just the kickstart I needed. 

Simple white cut-out containers, found at HomeGoods, stuffed full of Spring branches. The white blossoms I borrowed from our cherry tree, the twigs are a couple week old purchase from the grocery store. I didn't have much luck "forcing" them, but I love them just the same.

Tip: I filled standard glass vases with warm water and placed them into the HomeGoods containers, then added the twigs and finally accented with the blossoms. 

Why is it that every time I go to make two identical arrangements for the mantel, they never look the same? Nature's imperfect and so are my arrangements. That's my excuse and I'm sticking with it.

Happy Spring, y'all. 

linking in with:

Savvy Southern Style

until next time, 

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Christmas Mantel 2012

I can hardly believe that it's already December and time to start sharing our holiday decorating. But, alas, it's time...so here we go!

I'm sure it's of no surprise that my mantel is first on the list to be decorated and shared. It always feels like such a likely jumping off point. This year, I took a lot of inspiration from my research, which I shared in this post, to create a natural, casually elegant mantel. 

The golden starburst mirror is such a standout feature, that I wanted to keep the rest of the mantel neutral and natural...no Santa or candles or what have you to distract from the mirror and the greenery. 

But, a neutral and natural mantel still needs to be interesting. So I played with height, color tones and textures to keep the whole thing from seeming like one gigantic green blob.

5 trees of varying shapes and sizes, connected by a layer of faux green garland, create the foundation of the mantel. I'm a big believer in mixing your greens, both faux and real, as well as variety. 

I've used white pine and cypress, magnolia leaves and boxwood stems. Both magnolia leaves and boxwood dry beautifully, so you don't have to worry about replacing them throughout the season. 

Hidden amongst the stems are two of my birds (I've got a little bit of a bird obsession, in case you didn't know). Their tonal color works so well with the mirror that I just couldn't resist including them. The bird in the back is propped up on a wooden block so he can be seen too!

There you have it. My nature inspired Christmas mantel. Now, onto the rest of the house...

We're taking full advantage of all this mild weather here in Chicagoland to work on the outdoor decorations. I can't wait to get the outside of the house all festive looking.

linking in with:

Savvy Southern Style

Met Monday

The Lettered Cottage

Ten June

until next time, 

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Christmas Mantel Inspiration

December 1st is right around the corner, which means Christmas decorations are coming out of hibernation around here.

In fact, I'm almost feeling a bit behind as most of our neighbors already have their trees up and decorated! 

pinterest, via

via

First up, on my decorating list, is the mantel. I think it always sets the mood and tone for the rest of the decorations. 
It's so easy to fall into a rut and do the same thing year after year. In the hopes of keeping it fresh, I did quite a bit of research this year. Just check out my Pinterest board for proof. 

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via

This year, I'm hoping to keep it fairly natural looking. No Santa, candles or any other type of embellishment (within reason). Just greenery, really. The trick will be keeping it interesting and not just one dimensional. Tones, textures and height will all play an important role. 

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Cottage and Vine


You have to admit that the natural look is so beautiful in it's simplicity. Perfect for this time of year. 
I'm off to get cracking on our mantel. Trial and error, that's the name of the game. And sleeping on it overnight.

Check out my mantels from 2010 and 2011.

until next time,

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The Mantel, Again.

As the seasons change, I'm always inspired to make changes in my home as well. Couple that with the upcoming remodel in our dining room and I was left searching for a new home for my starburst mirror. 

Actually, my SIL suggested trying it in the living room. And, boy, am I glad she did. 

Isn't it funny how sometimes all you need is a fresh eye? 

I wouldn't have thought to move my black painted mirror, seeing as I painted it specifically for that space. 

But, I am loving the pop of glam that it adds to the room. Not to mentioned the warmth from the golden tones of the metal. 

Um, yeah, good call Ash. Love it.

The cream, Asian-inspired urns used to reside on the dining room table. As did the autumnal toned bird duo. 

I just love creating a whole new look by using my own things paired in different ways. Happiness.

One of my other SILs once commented on how often I posted about my living room mantel - she's right - it is a reoccurring theme on here. Maybe it's because I haven't found a combination that I love enough to keep for the long haul. Or maybe it's because it's such a quick, easy, and affordable way to give your room an updated look. Whatever the reason...it's fun. And I love it.

So, tell me, who else likes to change their mantel seasonally or even more often?

linking in with:

Met Monday @ Between Naps on the Porch

Fall Mantels @ Centsational Girl

Jennifer Rizzo

until next time, 

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Stuck in a Rut

I just realized I've been stuck in a rut. How did this happen? Me, the perpetual re-arranger, stuck in a rut? Not possible.

It's true, it's true. I've just realized that I have had these same three candlesticks on my coffee table since we moved into this house, which is slowly creeping in on 3 years now.

Sure the other accessories have changed over the years, but not the candlesticks. 

I can NOT believe it.

Nothing breaks a rut like a forced rearrangement. 

Here's how it happened: I had to clear everything off the coffee table to make room for the precious cheese board at our annual FSCP. Hence the forced rearrangement.

Instead of just storing away my beloved candlesticks, I figured why not just relocate them. You know, change it up a bit - it's only been 2.5 years after all. 

As long as I was working on the mantel {again}, I figured I might as well throw a bit of spring into the mix. Who can blame me, it's been the mildest winter I've ever experienced in Chicago. 

Fresh green paired with white feels so springy to me. 

Of course, it's still only February, so a bit of winter coziness is in order - candles and pinecones.

The perfect mix of spring time greenery and wintery coziness.

Hello late winter/early spring mantel. I hope you stay awhile, perhaps not almost 3 years, but awhile all the same. 

linking in with:

met monday

Until next time, 

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A Christmas Mantel

Earlier I shared my Christmas entryway, my dreams of rustic elegant holiday decor, and a teaser of my Christmas mantel. 

So what's the next stop on this holiday decorating train? 

 Like you don't already know!

The mantel, of course.

Anyway, let's take a peek to see what progress we've made.

Ah, there she is looking all festive. 

Let's move in for a closer look.

I went with another symmetrical approach this year, but focused more on the natural elements and included the stockings now that our oldest is old enough to request them :)

Believe it or not, the location of the stockings was the number one most asked question on last year's mantel. Speaking of, if you want to check it out, have a look here. 

Now back to the mantel.

 To the right I have one of my biggest Santa's - paired with my trusty birch wrapped candles. I swear, these guys may never leave my mantel - I just love them too much! 

Are you sick of them? I'm not. Obviously.

This year, the greenery is punctuated with pinecones, red berries and raffia only. No need for additional bling, as nature takes care of that all on it's own - you've heard the expression natural beauty, right?

To the left, I have a trio of trees. My pinecone and berry tree from last year and this year's new addition, the birch wrapped tree. 

If you follow me on Facebook, you'll know that I saw this tree over at Alderberry Hill's blog and immediately feel in love. I set about duplicating it just as soon as I could - that's the highest form of flattery, in my opinion!

Have I mentioned how much I love to decorate with pinecones? This time of year they are literally everywhere. I know some people find them hard to work with, but not me. Love them!

The raffia was an unplanned, last minute addition - sometimes these are the best types of decisions. I love how it lightens the whole feel of the mantel. 

So there you have it. The mantel in all it's glory.

Don't go too far; I've got more planned - like the tree, for instance. And, of course, you can't forget to decorate outside!

I've also got a tour planned to catch a glimpse at all the little bits of holiday strewn throughout the house.

So much to do, so little time. I do LOVE this time of year.

Linking in with:

Southern Hospitality

My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

Hooked on Houses

Wow us Wednesday

Home Stories A to Z

Until next time, 

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Falling up the Mantel

Fall is here - in case you didn't already know!

In the Chicagoland area, the change was pretty abrupt - 80's one day and 60's the next, but it's all good with me because this is my favorite time of year.

Of course, I couldn't wait until October to start bringing the fall decor out. 

Best place to start - the entryway.

Second best place to start - the mantel!

This year I decided to add my wood shaving wreath to the mix. It's hung by a ribbon, which is tied to the picture wire on the back of the mirror. I'm loving the added texture and interest to the mirror!

My birch candles have made a reappearance from last fall/winter. 

As well as my pineapple planter filled with ivy.

You know I love a little pop of green!

My white ceramic pumpkins, which appeared in the dining room last year, have moved to the living room mantel. Adding a bit of fall without being too over the top or predictably orange.

All I need now is a roaring fire!

If you follow me on Facebook, you know we've already had our first fire of the season - I can't wait for the second!

What about you, have you started bringing fall into your home?

If you enjoyed this post, may I suggest:

Summer Mantel

School's in Session

Fall Nesting 2010

Linking in with:

Met Monday

The Lettered Cottage

My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

Until next time,

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Summer Mantel

Last I left you, I had completed my mirror makeover and was in search of a final home for her to reside. 

Did you guess where she would end up?

Over the mantel, of course!

And now she is accompanied by her summer friends. 

Let's move in for a closer look.

This painting was actually the original reason for the mirror. 

I love this little painting on it's own stand, but I really struggled with where to use it. 

Layered with other artwork, always seemed to be too much. 

But it needed a support partner on the wall - enter the mirror.

Obviously the painting was the first item to be placed on the mantel once the mirror was in place!

My orchid just finished blooming, but I still love the shape so decided to include it set against the black backdrop of the mirror. 

And of course, no mantel is complete without candles - ambiance is everything in my book!

Now I know everyone loves a good before and after...

Before: Spring Mantel

And after - Summer Mantel

Definitely a lighter look for a summer. 

Until next time, 

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Spring Mantel

Spring is definitely upon us - a new season, calls for a new mantel design.

A simple update to include boxwood topiaries wrapped in burlap, a pair of green birds, ginger jars, and glass hurricanes containing birch wrapped candles.

I wanted to bring in natural elements paired with bright pops of color to really get that Spring feeling.

What do you think? 

Did I succeed? 

Are you feeling Spring?

Until next time,

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