Hello there! I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! We had a lovely day with scrumptious food – all made by moi thankyouverymuch. I done good folks. I don’t cook often, but when I do, it’s pretty darn great. (YES, you heard right Dad, I DO cook.) :)
I’m getting closer with the Christmas decor – not sure it’s going to happen by Monday, but I’m having fun with it, and that’s what matters most, right? One of my favorite spots to decorate is our family room mantel. It’s an odd shape (corner fireplace) so it requires some thunkin’ on my part.
Last year, I was obsessed with magnolias, so the top picture is what I came up with. I really adored it, but because it’s in our family room, I’m hoping to tone it down a bit this year – I’m thinking a little more natural, a teensy bit more fun, a little less glam. I’m still going to work in the magnolia’s – at least I hope to. They are gorg.
To get some inspiration, I browsed through the Internet last night and I found some beautiful ideas I wanted to share.
The penguins are the cutest idea yet, and the the other is just classic:
I LOVE the simple glass vases with white “snow” on the penguin mantel – how easy yet beautiful!
The idea on the left below is where my mind is heading…big fluffy pieces of greenery shooting out everywhere (photo courtesy of Country Living). I love the use of ironwork on the one on the right:
Again, simple but fluffy on the left. The picture on the right isn’t a mantel, obviously, but I LOVE the swag and vinyl lettering on the mirror, and the snow globes on the candleholders. Brilliant!:
The left below is F.U.N. and sooooo easy to do. The right mantel is classic, but what really drew me to this picture was the huge disco ball (?) ornament (?) hanging from the ceiling, complete with greenery. You know how I love me some greenery:
Below, classic yet again (can you tell my style?) – one with just a bit of greenery, the other with a boatload of candles. Both oooooh so pretty!:
This one I loved because it could be an ode to my hubs…he would LOVE this. I don’t know why instruments work so well for the holidays, but they scream festive to me, especially when they are displayed like this:
What do you think? Love them? Our mantel is coming together in my head…right now it’s just a pile of fluff and stuff. I hope to show you later on this weekend!
Oh, and I haven’t forgotten about the winner of the jewelry giveaway…but the turkey has knocked me out for a second night in a row. I’ll announce that this weekend too. :) Patience grasshopper…
love the ideas & inspiration! Can't wait to see your mantle this year!
ReplyDeleteI think the mantel is second only to the tree as far as my Christmas decorating goes. I bet what ever you do will be outstanding.
ReplyDeleteOk, so I absolutely love the one with the boatload of candles! But, you just KNOW they don't have any toddlers running around.... ;) So, what about those of us who don't have a mantle to decorate?? Decorate the T.V.? haha
ReplyDeleteI just started following you. I love your blog - so very inspirational! I have lots of reading to do to try to catch up!
ReplyDeleteRhonda
Thanks for the ideas! I think I must be a classic girl when it comes to mantle decor. BUT, they are all gorgeous and isn't it nice to have mantles where we can express ourselves!
ReplyDeleteDi
The Blue Ridge Gal
Just Vignettes
Your mantle is so lovely! Thanks for all the pretty pictures.... I always cute pics like these out of magazines and put them in a binder for years of inpiration to come!
ReplyDeleteThose are all gorgeous! Thanks for the inspiration. I am working on my mantel right now too and I need it.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Traci
Absolutely gorgeous...all of them! I am a classic style girl myself, but I am trying to get out of that box and throw in a bit of funky flair. I love the one with the wrapped presents on the mantle. So.Cute.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see what fabulousness you come up with!
~Amanda
Love these pics- I too was immediately drawn to that huge clear ornament over the table- how different! My youngest LOVES penguins- that living room would make her day! :)
ReplyDeleteThose are all gorgeous!!! I love mixing up my mantle each year. I think my favorite was the last one with varying shades of white. So classic and pure. Beautiful! I can't wait to get my decorations out!
ReplyDeleteXOXO
Jen
I have two mantels to do! The one in our "big" den where the main tree is, I'm basically happy with ~ just needs a couple little things. The one in our "little" den {used to be our kids' room for hanging out with friends} is driving me crazy. Still not sure what I'm doing there as it's a totally different looking fireplace and mantel. Maybe I need to look around for some ideas, myself!
ReplyDeleteLovin' the inspiration here...I'm working on my mantle this weekend, and I'm trying all manner of stuff. My family thinks I'm nuts because I can't leave 'well-enough' alone. :)
ReplyDeleteI tossed a mantle together before Thanksgiving at my mom's request. Still want to add to it. However, I am a busy little burning my fingers with hot glue gun gal trying to get my tree done. I'm making 90% of everything on it and it's a new 'theme' for us. Fun stuff though!
ReplyDeleteI'm loving the inspiration! Can't wait to see what you come up with.
Thanks for doing all the internet browsing for me!!! Love the ideas. . .wish I had a mantle to use one of them on :( Well, will find many other places to put up the inspiration. . .can't wait to see your completed masterpiece!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat inspiration pics. Love them all and such super eye candy. Hugs, Marty
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Inspiration! thanks for sharing with us. I love your porch too....turned out awesome!
ReplyDeleteBonnie
Love the pictures. Thanks for the idea. I'll show you my mantel after I'm finished...it's my favorite and least favorite part in decorating as we have an angled 2 sided mantel. I'm not sure this year...
ReplyDeleteHave a blessed holiday season.
Love,
Anna
Just popping in to say how much I appreciate all your hard work at giving us new ideas. Your blog always makes me smile and enjoy the day a little bit more. When I see all the mantles and ideas together like this I finally realize why I have a hard time defining what I want because I want them all. Have fun with the decorating.
ReplyDeleteI'm back with a note for everybody to check out last years Christmas blogs on TDC. Fantabulous
ReplyDeleteWe moved last year into our wonderful REAL cottage in Fairhope....The ONLY thing I miss?? This house doesn't have a fireplace,thus NO MANTLE. I've been begging sweet hubby to build one to lean up against the wall, but we haven't had time hosting Thanksgiving and all....Now that it's over my mind is spinning...WHERE am I going to hang our stockings?? Where am I going to put my huge Santa collection that ALWAYS goes on the mantle??? I miss my mantle ;(
ReplyDeleteThanks for the inspiration...one of these or more will show up on my blog this week i'm sure...esp. if I can find some penguins!
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty much more of a traditional gal when it come to Christmas as well. I love all of these photos, I can't choose a favorite. Thanks for the inspiration. The penguins are so cute! I love the one with all the white candles, I saved it in MY decorating file. :)
ReplyDeletewhat inspiration and ideas! Love the snow in the jars..so simple but wonderful. I tend to go towards snowy stuff...I guess to make up for not having it anymore. Can't wait to see what you come up with.
ReplyDelete*hugs*deb
WOW!! Those mantels are ALL beautiful. I think my favorite is the one with the gate. I think I might try that next year...
ReplyDeleteCheck out my mantel this year, I think I did a pretty good job :)
http://bethouaknight.blogspot.com/2009/11/baby-its-cold-outside.html
We don't have a mantle :(
ReplyDeleteI think I will treat the top of our entertainment center as a mantle when I decorate. Thanks for some inspiration. Can't wait to see what you do this year!
OH, you ARE my favorite. I just L.O.V.E.D the simple glass vases with fake snow... So my style. If I decorated more...
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU for posting this, it was just the inspiration I needed.
So pretty & twinkly. Can't wait to see more.
ReplyDeletePassing the Kreativ Blogger Award on to you! Check my blog for the image and rules
I have to say I decorate my mantle the same every year, but your pics made me wondere if I should change it up. Very cute, although I am partial to the penguin one. I collect penguin things. Love the snow in the glass containers. Very cool!
ReplyDeleteIt's so funny you just posted pictures of mantles because I just got online to find some ideas. I thought I would check your blog first and lowe and behold you had a whole entire post with ideas! I think I will incorporate several ideas. Thanks for doing all the hard work!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE mantels at Christmas. My fav are #s 3and 4 ... simple but festive.
ReplyDeleteI love the first 3 on the left side going down. The penguins are ADORABLE and I love the glass with snow, too. That one probably wouldn't work in our house, though...my 2 year old would drag that penguin around everywhere!
ReplyDeleteI love how light and airy the 2nd one down on the left feels. Glam, yet comfy.
The 3rd one is very classic, I think. Looks like it came out of George Washington's home...very stately. I love the chandelier and the wreath on the mirror.
They are all very pretty!! Can't wait to see yours!
Gorgeous gorgeus inspiration ! As I said to Layla, I'm cracking up because all three of us are talking about Christmas mantles today. Ha! Similar minds....
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see your beautiful creation !
Kate
Thank you for posting all of these ideas! I'm getting ready to decorate and having all of these ideas in one spot was so handy! Thanks for all of your inspiration.
ReplyDeleteLauren (a fellow hoosier)
I absolutely adore the musical mantle from Better Homes and Gardens. It is crisp, opulant and gorgeous! I can't wait to see what you decide.
ReplyDeleteDon't ya just love Country Living? They always come up roses with me. And speaking of roses. Reminds me of all the RED in those precious inspiration photos. I do love my greens (as in gardening), but honey, red is my color! Can't wait to see what you come up with!
ReplyDeleteBrenda
I told you that I would be enjoying all of your decorations since there will be none at my house this year. This is great inspiration for next year. I have a fab (as you would say) staircase that will be beautiful to decorate next year.
ReplyDeleteIts really a very impressive information on your blog. Keep it up.. I also visited this Christmas site, it has also very nice information.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.christmas-day.org/
I love this mantel inspirations! I love decorating the mantel in my house as it is next to my magnificent tree, so I need it to be great and this year I'm not very sure what to do, although I know I want a snowed up one. Thanks for sharing, I just found you, I'm becoming a follower, I hope you visit me, thank you in adavnce. Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteFABBY
Sorry...I've been your follower from before...I'm so glad! I love your blog! Hugs,
ReplyDeleteFABBY