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It’s a first. I actually decorated my mantel this year for Christmas.
Now that the big honking TV is no longer there, I have more room for sparkly things. Not that I don’t miss the big TV, and will probably replace it in 2012, but not having it there for this season is nice (and if you were wondering why I don’t have it, you should read this post).
My mantel was pretty inexpensive since most of the items were already owned. To keep things super simple (read: not stressful), I shopped the house and chose a classic color scheme of silver, gold, white and a pop of red.
The large mirror has been a stowaway in the study-o for the last few months (I wasn’t sure where to put it, and you know how that goes – nowhere). The letters were simple chipboard letters that I bought when the rain wouldn’t let up and I got bored (so naturally, I headed to the craft store for inspiration).
The large candlesticks were purchased at Target last year on clearance. I love mercury glass. The shorter, fatter ones are from World Market. (Similar.)
The poinsettias were 98 cents at the Lowe’s Black Friday sale. The ones from last year were killed off by yours truly in record time, so my goal this time around is to keep these alive for the entire month of December. Cross your fingers. Update: I had better luck with a different color in recent years, but I’m not sure why that is!
And as for the stocking weights, I got them as a gift last year (they were from Walmart). As far as this year goes (compared to last), I’d say I’ve made a pretty good improvement. Sure hope that continues next year! How about your mantels? Anyone shop the house like I did? I’d love to see them!
Try watering the poinsettias twice a week. I think they like damper soil than most houseplants. Good luck :-)
I have one from last year, but they don't turn red again unless you do something specific (dark & cold, maybe?) but I didn't bother with that.
The mantel looks great! Shopping your house is always the way to go–you get stuff you like and you don't have to put it in a box after Christmas.
Yeah, just water the poinsettias and pitch 'em out Super Bowl weekend.
You have a beautiful mantel. Each vignette is gorgeous. Please share this wonderful post by joining our linky party, What's it Wednesday this week. I hope you can join us. Have a fabulous Christmas!
Paula
ivyandelephants.blogspot.com
It looks beautiful! I LOVE the “joy” letters hanging from the mirror. I'm your newest follower from the funky junk party, If you get a chance, I'd love you to stop by my blog & maybe follow along too!
Sally
loveofhomes.blogspot.com
You'd never know from the look of things that this is your first year decorating your mantle. It's so gorgeous! Thank you for linking up to the Better Late Than Never Christmas Inspirations bloghop.
Hi! Can you tell me how you hung the letters on the mirror?
Basically just some doubled-up tape that could cleanly come off the mirror. The ribbon is just there for show (it’s affixed to the back of the letters and looped/taped behind the mirror, but doesn’t actually serve to hang them).