Saturday, December 3, 2011

Mantels

I am getting pretty close to finishing my decorating and am ready to join in my first blog party.  And by finished I mean ready to be done.  There are so many good ideas on Pinterest and on different blogs that it is very easy to be unsatisfied with what you have done and feel the need to keep tweaking or make one more trip to H*bby Lobby!  So, I decided to love what I have done, and BE done.  It's a wonderful feeling.  I will admire everyone's decor without feeling the need to "fix" mine.

   Pamela at From My Front Porch to Yours is hosting a mantel party, and as I have 4 mantels I wanted to join in the fun.

This is my see through fireplace.  I get 2 mantels with just one fireplace!  This is the living room, and on the other side is the
library.



I have decorated it this way since we moved into this house, for 5 Christmases.  I love the simplicity and the focus on the Holy Family.  Last year I added some beads for bling, but I like it this way the best.  It looks lovely at night.











Here's the library side.  It is hard to get a photo in this tiny room.  I was having some issues with this mantel and trying a few different looks.


Here's my first try.


This is the final.  I took off the Santas and I like it so much better in this simpler look.   I have had the lanterns forever.




This is the fireplace in our family room/kitchen.  Again, I went for a simple look.  While my sister was visiting we played around with a few of my collections but I decided I like this look the best.  2 snowball candles on one side and my Santa on the other.




A basket of our Christmas books on the hearth.  These are some of my "non" Night Before Christmas books.  I have a collection of those and they get their own basket in the library.


Today is a rainy, gloomy day, but I ran outside anyway and snapped a couple of the outdoor fireplace.




Mason jars and epsom salt ~ simple.  I get the fresh greens at Home Depot in their freebie bin.





Thanks for stopping by and taking a peek at the decorations.  I'll get busy and get some pictures of the rest.  

Merry Christmas!



18 comments:

Sonny G said...

Everything looks so holiday beautiful. I agree the subtle touches are the best.. It was a joy to view your decor.

Happy Holidays
Sonny

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

All of our mantels are just gorgeous. I like that you kept them simple, I think they are so much prettier that way. All of beautifully done. Hugs, Marty

ℳartina @ Northern Nesting said...

Absolutely GORGEOUS!! I loved them all and I love your living room too! Martina

Debbie said...

I'm getting ready to tackle my ONE mantel next on my list and the wreath I'm planning to hang above it.

When I saw that you had mantels, I rushed over for some inspiration.

I got it. I love them all. I love both your nativity pieces (gorgeous!!) and your whimsical Santa.

Anonymous said...

Hi Sue! Wow, so many mantels! I love every one! Your home is just so beautiful! I know everyone who enters your house will love them.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Love Being A Nonny said...

Sue, EVERYTHING looks great.....just beautiful!!! Could you tell me where you got the stocking holders? Love them!

Kim said...

Absolutely stunning Sue. You have created such a warm and inviting home for the Holidays, inside and out.
xoxo,
Kim

Anonymous said...

Your mantels are absolutely breathtaking Sue! Beautiful!

Jen S. said...

WOW--I love everything! It all looks absolutely gorgeous...so warm and inviting and beautiful!

I love the idea of epsom salt and mason jars...super cute and so creative!

Happy Holidays to you! :)

jessica said...

How fun to have 4 to decorate! They all look great!

Unknown said...

Wow! fantastic work on all four mantels - they are all simply beautiful!

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

You are so lucky to have 4 mantels!! I love each and every one of them...
Hugs,
Penny

Chatty Chics said...

Gorgeous! They are all beautiful! Great job!
Melody
Chattchics.com

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous! I love each mantel! Your home is beautiful!

Mandy said...

Beautiful!!! Loooovvveee the outdoor fireplace! It is my dream one day!!!

Pamela said...

Sue I am in love and jealous that you have three mantels to decorate! They are all beautiful! My favorite is you rout door fireplace! Thanx for coming to the party and Happy Holidays!

Teresa@1800 Farmhouse Rd said...

Wow, LOVE them all! Don't you know I would be nuts if I had this many mantels to decorate? Lol I really, really, love the wreath's on the last two. I forgot about your outside fireplace. What I wouldn't give for one of those! Again, all so lovely, Sue!

Barb said...

Hi Sue, it all looks wonderful. So, so pretty!!

Barb