Snowy Christmas Mantel

We're finally getting things back together around here after the kitchen cabinet painting craziness.  The drawers are in and we've started rehanging the cabinet doors, but have run into some issues with the new hinges.  Trying to change out hinges on custom built cabinets from the 60s is not fun.  There were no standard measurements used to make these doors.  But...we are making progress.

In the meantime, I started putting up our Christmas decorations.  I finished the mantel this afternoon and wanted to share.

The black framed DIY antiqued mirror (if you click on that link please ignore the awful photography) made a return.  I used some 3M picture mounting strips to secure that gorgeous canvas from Lindsay Letters onto it.

The silver deer and spindle things are Hobby Lobby finds from a couple years ago.

I used some "snow-covered" pine branches to fill the top of the mantel.

The larger silver striped stockings were from Lowe's last Christmas.  One for me and one for Seth.

The smaller cable knit stockings I found at Target last year.  There is one for each animal.

In case you're worried about Fred, he has taken up his former residence above the TV again.

Next on the list is the tree.  It's up but has been sitting bare for the past week.

Our Bright and Cozy, Mixed Metal Christmas Mantel

Our Christmas mantel for this year is complete and I couldn't be happier.  It brings me joy every time I look at it. After a little trial and error, everything started falling into place.  Without further ado…

I took my inspiration from some of the mantels in this post.

I started by layering this wreath over our DIY antique mirror.  The candelabra wall sconces were a yard sale find from months ago.  They were originally brass and I almost left them alone.  However, they weren't the prettiest brass color and they had some areas of tarnish, so I ended up spray painting them silver.  I found the sparkly pewter colored candles at Marshalls.

The small sweater stockings are from Target (only $4 each!).  There is one for each of our fur children. The two silver striped stockings are from Lowe's.  I used clear command hooks to hang the stockings as I didn't want any stocking hangers competing with the rest of the mantel decor.

The marquee letters are a DIY project.  I essentially followed this tutorial.  The letters are cardboard letters from Hobby Lobby that I spray painted gold after removing the front piece of cardboard and punching out the holes for the lights.  

The lights are these battery operated globe lights from Lowe's.

I made the tree out of scrap wood, a dowel, and pieces of garland.

I used wire to secure the garland pieces to the dowel and then wrapped the base of the tree with some gold polka dot burlap from JoAnn's.  I tied it in place with the same gold ribbon that I used to hang the wreath.

The faux sheepskin throw is from Marshall's.  I just love the coziness it brings to the mantel.

Our mantel exudes exactly what I want it to for Christmas - feelings of brightness, coziness, and warmth.

Christmas Inspiration: Mantels

This is the second post in my "Christmas Inspiration" series.  You can find the first one here.  I am so excited about decorating our floating fireplace mantel for Christmas.  Here are some mantels that are inspiring me.

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This twinkling canvas is simple and right on trend with the chalkboard craze.  It doesn't hurt that the quote is from my favorite Christmas song.

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Again, I'm drawn to the simplicity of this mantel.  The green, white, and mixed metal color scheme is divine.

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The giant star is inspiring me to make a new topper for our tree.  I also like the playful woodland feel that the deer and mini Christmas tree add to this mantel.

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Another toned down color scheme with a rustic feel results in a cozy, calming fireplace.  And how cute is that deer perched on top of the E?

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Ahhh.  Marquee letters.  What's not to love?  Something similar will be making an appearance on my Christmas mantel for sure.

What I'm drawn to this year for our mantel:

• a mostly neutral color scheme
• a simple, uncluttered design
• a cozy, organic feel with a bit of rustic glam thrown in

Rainy weather this weekend delayed our shutter project.  Instead I spent my time working on the mantel, creating a wreath for our back door, and starting on our Christmas tree (yes…we put the tree up yesterday - I LOVE Christmas, remember?).  I'm having a small issue with the wreath, but I should have the finished mantel post ready for you later this week!