Our Christmas Mantel

Hi! This year I'm breaking out a lot of the same Christmas decor I have done in the past - I think that's part of what makes this time of year so special, all that tradition, the memories of doing this same sort of thing year after year - but I'm also trying to add in some new stuff, or move things around, etc.

I love metallics at the holidays. Mantels are a good spot for collections (lots of the same thing grouped together always has big impact)..so for the past few years I've been filling our holiday mantel with some of my mercury glass. And one of my fake garlands, of course. This year I decided to add a DIY banner and some vintage graphics.


This "peace" banner was super easy to make. First I found a nice old school font and printed out my letters. Then I cut them out and mounted them onto metallic copper card stock (I wanted something slightly sparkly and warm to tie in to the copper leaves I've been adding to the green garland for the last few years). I sized the copper card stock to twice the height of the finished banner letters so that I could fold half over the jute twine and then adhere it to itself to keep it in place (I taped the printed letters to the bottom half of the card stock before folding it in half.)

{sorry, when I took these pics we had not decorated our tree yet, just brought it inside. put it in a different spot this year too!}

I also love paper. And its such a versatile medium, you can use it at anytime of the year. Plus I have a lot lying around, so it helps me keep my seasonal decorating budget down! I thought it would be nice to add some vintage images to the mantel as well and I had these mirrored frames (from HomeGoods) that I wasn't using anywhere else. My first thought was old Christmas cards, so I scoured my stash and found this lovely sleigh ride image.


After searching the hundreds of cards I've saved from over the years I couldn't come up with another one that fit my requirements to frame for the other side of the mantel (pathetic, right?) - I mean, it had to be horizontal, the right colors, size, the right feeling, etc. (plus most cards are photo cards nowadays). So I went elsewhere and found this snowy, serene image of reindeer in the woods at The Graphics Fairy that said peaceful vintage Christmas to me:)



I'm loving that its all a nice combination of old and new. What about you guys? Do you switch it up every year or are you a sucker for tradition? Hmm...who thinks having a blog forces us to reinvent our Christmas decorating year after year, ha?!


I'm linking this up to the Holiday Home Mantel Linky Party over at Rhoda's Southern Hospitality today. You guys, there are over 275 mantel posts already linked up! You have to check them out if you get a chance:)

Comments

  1. I love it all...Love the sign on the mirror, love the sock monkey on the chair, and LOVE the chevron pillow!

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  2. Your mantle looks amazing! I love the addition of copper paper, and your garland is beautiful :)

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  3. I might need to copy your banner idea. That would be a great addition to our home. We don't have a mantle so I go nuts with the banister, and I keep adding and making it different each year. Interesting thought you bring up about a blog having an influence on the changing decor from year to year...you're onto something. This is going to be a crazy question but how did you find the font that you used? I think your mantle is gorgeous and I love that you appreciate the classics.

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  4. Great ideas, Sarah! I'm sure I could dig up a couple old "frame worthy" holiday cards to place around the house.

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  5. Hi I just found your blog today via the inspired room... your home looks lovely, it is nice to have found a fellow beantown blogger.

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  6. You have done a beautiful job decorating your home that is particular to your style. I love all the touches - the garland, the ,mirrored frames, gift wrap..and yes, paper is so very versatile.

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  7. beautiful! i love the garland and added leaves!

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  8. I love how you hung the garland over the mirror, its such a lovely touch. I am so glad I found your special place here. Thanks for sharing. I will follow on my way out so as I would love to visit again. I hope you will find the time to come visit my place and do the same. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and I look forward to engaging and supporting your blog in the New Year. Cheers SpecialK XoXo

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