Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Mantle Madness

Loyal reader Sharon made my day by emailing and requesting holiday mantle ideas. Ah, so MANY ideas. She's hosting a dinner party this weekend and wants something woodsy and natural looking. So let's get started!

First, I love to start with a little (lot) of fresh greenery. The price is right (FREE if you can get it from your yard!) and I love the smell and natural element it adds. I also like to add a little eucalyptus berry from the market. And, you KNOW I'd be throwing in a few feathers here and there...




Next, why not add a little Baby Jesus? He is, after all, the reason for the season. And as Babygirl loves to point out..."he gets a birthday AGAIN this year?!". Funny girl. I LOVE this nativity set from Wisteria.



So, we've got our greenery, we've got Baby Jesus, now we need some stockings.
Ballard Designs never lets me down in the stocking department. I've had their polka dot stockings with leopard trim for years. This year, I especially love these adorable neutral stockings with a vintage look. Very chic and understated. Don't forget to "stuff" your stockings with some plastic grocery bags to give them a little body. I also like to have a little greenery hanging out the tops of the stockings to give them more life.



Now that we've addressed our staple items, it's time to have fun! Add some gorgeous candles such as these from Pottery Barn.



I also LOVE these crowns from Wisteria.


They would be adorable worked in amongst your greenery or even bunched on the ground in front of your fireplace. Have fun and be creative! And, don't forget the fire in the fireplace!



If you aren't loving the mess of a fire but still love the flames and the smell...add some lit candles to the fireplace and mix in one of the Slatkin & Co. "Winter" candles from Bath and Body Works. It is practically an exact replica of the old winter candles sold by Slatkin & Co. at Neiman Marcus for three times the price. You will not believe how wonderful your house smells!

15 comments:

Blair @ Reasonably Swanky said...

Such beautiful things!

MCW said...

That crown is a fabulous idea!

Julie Leah said...

I just posted about the 'winter' candle! I absolutely love it! You are so right, your house will smell absolutely de-lish! Have a wonderful night! xoxo

Ally said...

I will definitely have to check out those candles!

Hokie Girl said...

This makes me sad that I don't have a mantle! BUT, I do have a shelf that we hang the stockings from every year - might have to incorporate some of these ideas into it! Thanks so much!

linda said...

great ideas!

Sharon said...

Hi! Do you have an email address you can share? I'll send you a pic of my final "product"...

Sherrie said...

I was thinking of you the other day. Hope you are doing well.

Ally said...

Missing you, Sippycups!

Tammy B said...

I saw you on the Today Show this morning. GOOD JOB!

Anonymous said...

Can't imagine that this is a very easy Christmas for you this year. You and the towheads are in my thoughts - hope it is a merry Christmas!

KJJ Houston said...

Hi I just found your blog and LOVE it!!! I was trying to find your contact me button b/c I want to ask what lens you are shooting with? Love the portrait photos of the fam!

KJJ Houston said...

oh duh and my email if you want to email me directly is strehlow_jessica@att.net
Thanks!

Sandra said...

Hope you and your family had a wonderful Christmas.

Ally said...

Where in the world is sippycups?!