In between crafting projects and kitchen messes, I have been working away at decorating my mantle for the holiday season. I have dubbed it the ‘nostalgic’ mantle because this year’s design includes an oil-style red lantern, pine cones, my grandmother’s knitting basket and wool carders that belonged to my great-grandparents. And in addition to these special family relics, I have mixed in fresh Norfolk pine trees. I love the faint smell of the fresh green trees…it just makes the house smell like Christmas!
And as much as I tried to go for a bit of a more modern look this year, I seem to go back to the natural elements I love…branches, trees and wicker..with pops of red here and there.
We often think of getting rid of the piano because no one plays it anymore, but then where would be mantle-scape go? Plus, did you know that antique pianos are extremely hard to get rid of right now? It seems that no one wants these once-prized family possessions. I recently chatted with an antique dealer and he said that he has a warehouse full of them…which is such a pity because they have the most amazing sound and nothing modern compares to it.
When I am decorating a mantle, it seems to turn into a week long affair where I add and subtract things until I think it works. Do you play this game too? I am certain that I am not the only ‘tweak freak’ out there.
I will soon have a whole house tour coming up, but in case you missed it…here are a few decorating projects so far:
What Christmas projects have you been working on so far? I would love to hear!
Thank you so much for visiting!
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Your mantel looks so pretty, Angie! Yes, I do tweak ~ every area, not just my mantel. I think that is the part I dread the most. I'd like to just get it right the first time and be able to relax and enjoy it all!
Saw your link at Savvy Southern Style's party, and so glad I did – I going to love your blog and can't wait to read back through more. You had me at the "pops of red!" The mantel is awesome, I love the vintage elements for sure. Thanks for sharing with us.
Mary
"Tweak Freak" – Love it! You are SO RIGHT, there are a lot of us out there! Your mantelscape is lovely! I like that you combined some sentimental items with the fresh greenery and the books are a wonderful addition. I didn't know that older pianos were not sought after anymore – seeing yours, I want one and I don't have a musical bone in my body!
DD
Your mantel looks lovely! I am in the process of doing mine and needs a few more tweaks before it's ready 🙂
Oh my that mantel look gorgeous! I just love the red and rustic elements and that lantern and pine tree is too cute! I just finished creating a baby sock advent calendar for my kids!
SO beautiful! Looks like my Mom and Martha have some serious competition 😉
So pretty, Angie! Love your front porch too. I must get around to doing something like that this year (although I'm sure it will all get covered up with the snow we are having this year!).
such a pretty mantle, I love it! And that HoHoHo plate is just absolutely adorable!
Thank you for sharing, Now following you!
Sheena @ http://thekeeperofcheerios.blogspot.com
I absolutely love the idea of using a lantern in decor. I've never thought of it before, but it looks great! I'd love if you'd link up to The DIY'ers. http://homecomingmn.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-diyers-39.html
I love that you brought some nature and natural elements into your Christmas mantle! It looks so fun and festive. I'd love for you to link up at our Link It or Lump It party going on right now!
http://www.delineateyourdwelling.com/2013/11/link-it-or-lump-it-15.html
Beautiful as always! Sharing on my FB page. Thanks for linking it up at Monday Funday!
Your mantle is stunning, I love how the red just makes it all pop!