My French-Inspired "Mantel"

I use the word mantel loosely above because I don't actually have a fireplace. Nope, just a found-on-the-side-of-the-road entertainment center (ha! I use that word loosely, too!) that houses our tv and accessories. My husband and I don't have cable, so we couldn't really justify spending a bunch of money on entertainment center. Although that's not to say I don't wish all the time that we had something nicer.......

Moving on!

As I went through most of my Valentine's decorations this year, I realized that most of them were incredibly cheesy and just weren't "me" anymore. I only saved about two or three things. My mantel has just a hint of the pink and sweetness needed to make it "Valentiney" without being overkill.

Even though it needs to be spray painted come spring, I am in love with this great Eiffel Tower I found at a thrift store last week, and it gave me the "Frenchy" idea.

I went through my stash of ribbon and saw this pink piece of tulle and wrapped it around my candle holder, securing it with a straight pin.

The XOXO acessory was from TJ Maxx a year or two ago and one of my fave finds ever (only $7.99!). I added my strand of pearls around the bottom to girly it up a little bit more.

I took my $1 apothecary jar and filled it with white and pink vintage buttons from my stash. I put a piece of dried hydrangea in it and cut out the word "France" from a piece of 25-cent scrapbook paper I got this week on sale at Michael's.

It's funny how you can put anything in glass and it adds such a touch of elegance to it!

All combined, it makes me feel like I'm in a little French ballerina's dressing room every time I look at it. Simple and girly without being overkill - works for me!

Find more great "mantels" every Friday at Beth's party!

Also, find other pink ideas at Pink Saturday at How Sweet the Sound!

Check out other great home ideas at Finding Fabulous!