Thursday, December 02, 2010

Nature Inspired Mantel

We haven't brought Christmas down from the attic yet (hopefully this weekend), but I needed to do something to my mantel.  Here is a simple idea without having to purchase much...inspired by nature.



Love my burlap for texture (and to hide my ugly mantel).  Now I'm sure you have a planter somewhere around the house. Put something inside to raise up your candles and have fun filling with cut greens from your yard (or neighbors). You can also use artificial or a combination of both and add some picks for a little more interest.  Just be careful with your placement and lit candles or just use electric for safety. I also placed lots of pinecones around here and there.



I added a couple of inexpensive trees for height and tucked in some paper hydrangeas - dried will work too.


So, the only problem with the real evergreens is they will dry out and get messy especially if you're lighting a hot fire below. But I love the look so much that I just replenish during the season. You will also find that certain greens hold up much better than others.




Oh I just realized, my favorite little bird fits right in here.



Resources:

Trees: Try Michaels or ACMoore or your local crafts store

Urns and little bird: I used to sell them in my shop but try TJMaxx

Burlap, planter box, berry picks : Hydrangea Home

Assorted greens and pinecones: Backyard for FREE!



Now there are lots of great mantel ideas over at Layla's so check it out!

12 comments:

Restoration House said...

I really love your mantel.This is so me. Nice job.
Kim:)

BeingBrook said...

Beautiful! Love how simple yet how pretty it is. I got a bunch of fresh greens when we got our tree and I've been looking for some ideas to use them.

French Basketeer.com said...

this is soo pretty! I can't believe all the mantels on Lettered Cottage; you are all so creative! I love the burlap and also the fresh greens; I use real too, and just add in a little new stuff before Christmas.

julie - eab designs said...

My style of Christmas decorating. Love the planter!

Honey at 2805 said...

Love yout mantel with all of the natural elements! I'm you latest follower and hope you will drop by for a visit.

Anonymous said...

Just beautiful

Lou Cinda @ Tattered Hydrangeas said...

I love this!! The natural look is really appealing to me this year! I think it is gorgeous!!! I am a glitter girl, but next year I may try a more natural approach!

Thanks for the inspiration!

Lou Cinda :)

Becky@Beyond The Picket Fence said...

Love it--natural is so simple and never old--beautiful!

Sherri said...

Love the pinecones and fresh greens. I cut leland cypress for our mantle. Used a few pinecones also. I just love the nature country feel!

Unknown said...

Hi Dawn!

WOW..love the pics of the mantel. How pretty. It's so much for to decorate and that is gorgeous display. Hope your are doing well pinkie. Haven't see you lately. Have a fantastic week,
xoxo
Janet
Janet's Creative Pillows

gerre lynne said...

How lovely your mantel is! I have fallen head over heels in love with burlap. After purchasing twenty yards to use at my Christmas Boutique heck, one might even say I am obsessed with it! (*_*)

Regards,
gerre lynne
http://gerrelynne.blogspot.com

Roxie Morrow said...

Hi Dawn!
Love the planter box on your mantel, I might want to try that idea. So festive!

Hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas!

xoxo
Roxie