There are lots of opportunities to feature your mantel this week. Check out the parties (see my link ups at the bottom of the page), and join in the fun!
I’ve had my mantel ready since the weekend after Thanksgiving. So, I’m very excited to show it to you today. I got inspiration from various places…Pinterest, blogs, etc., did a mental mix and match of the elements that I wanted to put together, and got to decorating! I used an earth tone color palette of brown, green, bronze, white and cream with a splash of seasonal red.
It was not intentional on my part, but I love how the reflection of the light in the mirror shines above the nativity like the star that guided the Wise Men.
Kelly from the Essence of Home posted pictures from a shop she visited, and I loved the berries, bows and bells on the corners of the garlarnd, as well as how the garland was draped across the front of the mantel. That pic was quickly pinned to my Christmas decor board on Pinterest. I incorporated some berries that had been purchased a few years ago, and fashioned some bows from ribbon I already had. Groupings of red ornaments substituted for bells.
Somewhere online, I saw green apples mixed in with garland and thought it looked very festive. It just so happens that I have some artificial green apples. So, they made it into the garland.
Year to year I always struggle with where to put the nativity. Since I wanted to keep the focal point of the decor in a monochromatic color scheme with the mantel, I decided to try it out. I think it makes a great focal point.
I’ve wanted natural looking stockings for years. Maybe something in burlap…but never felt like I could afford them. So, I tried using some linen remnants I had to embellish our old stockings. After staying up all night in an effort to save money, I ended up taking them down and buying new, inexpensive stockings at Walmart. I’m really enjoying the new stockings.
I’ve had my eye on initial charms for a few years, and this was the year to make it happen. I bought the M and the S at Target for $2 each. Not bad. I need an H for the middle stocking, but they are hard to come by. I still need to do something about the stocking hanger that is showing. Any suggestions?
I’m enjoying my merry mantle.
Until next time,
Sharon
I’m linking to:
the mantel party @ my uncommon slice of suburbia
First Annual Holiday Mantel Party @ From My Front Porch to Yours
SNS @ funky junk interiors
Speaking of parties, my very first link party is going on now. Be sure to come by and link up.
mrs. hines class 
Hi Sharon! Oh, what a delightful mantel! I love it! How wonderful to have the Holy Family in the middle – the center – where Jesus should be! Just beautiful! Thank you for popping in to see me.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia 😉
Sheila, it’s always a delight to visit you. I’m so glad you enjoyed my mantel. Thank you for coming over.
Very pretty! Your photos are great!
Charlene,
I really appreciate you taking the time to comment. I’m so glad you like my photos. My photography skills are a work in progress. Have a great day.
Hi, Your mantle is beautiful, it is like mine in that the Nativity is the focal point. That is what I wanted as well. Yours is very colorful and uses such beautiful elements, such as the green apples and pretty red balls.
Hugs, Cindy
Thanks for visiting me, Cindy. Every time I look up, there sits the nativity, reminding me of what life is all about. I’m glad you feel the same way. 🙂 Blessings, Sharon @ mrshinesclass
Lovely — and the light/star is perfect.
All night? You are a better woman than I!
Will see you again soon – glad you are having a party — I’ll attend with bells on.
Yea!!!! I’m so glad you’re coming to my party! It starts at midnight.
And as far as staying up all night…I don’t know about better…crazier maybe. 😉
See you tomorrow!
I love it! So fresh and pretty! Thank you for the visit and the sweet comment @TheDedicatedHouse. It means the world. Hope you’re having a grand evening. Toodles, Kathryn
Your mantel is so pretty. I have a similalr manger scene on mine. (I’m not on the blog party because I didn’t post my mantel yet, but I’m checking everybody’s out just the same!) I love to play with garlands- each year it’s different. Fruit is always a great accent and yours looks great!
Thanks for coming by my blog recently.
Liz
Thank you, Liz. I really appreciate you taking the time to visit and comment.
If your mantel is ready, feel free to post it on my link party tomorrow. 🙂
Sharon
hi Sharon … your mantel is beautiful and so meaningful. Inspired me to get my Nativity set out or at least one of them. I have some peices of a very old set that the figures are large and I love to display them. Hope to get something ready to post to your Link Party. Audrery Z.
Audrey, I’m honored to have inspired you. I can’t wait to see what you link up to the party.
Sharon