My Christmas Mantel(s) 2012

Hey everybody!  Between Thanksgiving and all of us having colds I haven’t blogged for a while – but you’ll be seeing me more regularly this month because there’s lots of fun parties to link up with over the next few weeks! 

Today is all about mantels.  I use the word mantel super loosely here because we don’t have a fireplace mantel or even an entertainment center to decorate.  Annnnnd I wasn’t really sure what space in my house to call a “mantel” since there are two places I change up every season – so you’re getting both.  Lucky, lucky you.  :)

This year I have been craving neutral colors in my Christmas decorating.  Reds and bright colors are not appealing to me right now – maybe because my pregnant brain is always on top speed so I need calm things to look at?!  lol

In a few weeks the Nester will do her annual tour of homes and you’ll get to see the rest of the house, but for now, here’s two Christmas-y spots in our home:

The entryway hutch is the first piece of furniture to greet you when you come in the front door.

 

The “wreath” is really a garland I got recently at Hobby Lobby (p.s. we just got a Hobby Lobby an hour away!  It was a happy, happy day – on par with birthdays and Christmas in my world.).  It was 50% off the day I went and I just love it.  I didn’t use wire or anything – I just twisted it and put some sheer gold ribbon around the top to attach it to the hutch.  Seriously could not have been easier! I LOVE having the pop of green against the wood – I just might leave it up all year round!

 

 

 

 

On the bottom I have my favorite thrifted Goodwill lantern and my beloved $13 Willow Tree Set.  I used scraps of burlap I had already and just wove them in and out of the figurines.  It reminds me of big fettuccine noodles – did I mention I’m 7 months pregnant?!  lol

 

 

The other spot I routinely change out for the seasons is on top of my husband’s grandmother’s antique bookcase (say that five times fast!). 

 

I added the Dollar Tree ornament garland I made last year to the artwork to give it a little bling. 

 

On one side I have two burlap trees I made years ago and a gold bottlebrush tree that’s only $5.99 this year at Target (love!).  The combination of rustic and glitter makes me so happy (I am a total dork but that is completely true! haha)

 

 

On the other side I have my mini collection of bottlebrush trees (all but two – you’ll see those in a few weeks).  I love how they’re slightly quirky – I’m always on the lookout for more!). 

 

 

So there’s my two “mantels” for 2012.  Thanks for peeking in! If you’d like to see more of our living room, just click here. :)

 

 

Linking up with The Lettered Cottage today!