Saturday, December 1, 2012

Christmas Mantel 2012


The Christmas decor linky parties have begun!
It's time to show you this year's Christmas mantel.
As you can see from my mantel last year, I went for a more simple look this year.
Three things made me choose to simplify.
First of all, with the wooden cubby on the library table next to the fireplace, 
I don't want things to look too overwhelmingly busy and cluttered in our living room.
Secondly, my missionary daughter and grandkids are staying with us 
until their trip to Ghana in February.
So,  I want our happy, busy and full house to have an atmosphere of calm and peace, 
even in the way I decorate.
Lastly, I notice that lately I am very much drawn to the "less is more look" of Nordic design, 
and wanted to adapt a bit of that design philosophy into my own home.
As a result, much of my usual Christmas decor stayed in the totes in the garage, 
and I tried to use "just enough", to bring in the warmth of the holiday.
Glitter letters purchased at Walmart spell NOEL and hang from a naturally arched branch,
above a mirrored window.
Pinecones hang on the mirrored window from simple, but festive, ribbon.
Three tiny cypress trees bought at the grocery store were placed in zinc containers on the mantel.
Mercury glass votives are nested in some fresh greens clipped in my back yard.
I think I'm liking my "less is more" mantel!

Still following,

The Lettered Cottage

9 comments:

  1. I like it, too, Elizabeth (and your rationale is SO beautiful also). My husband and I are going on a housewalk of old, Victorian homes today after church. I have deliberately left my mantel "waiting" until I get home. I'm pretty sure I'll choose SIMPLE, too...

    ReplyDelete
  2. Beautiful mantel, Elizabeth! It definitely provides that calm and peaceful mood for your home.
    Very nice!
    Mary Alice

    ReplyDelete
  3. It's lovely. How wonderful that you have your daughter and kids with you this year. I'm going in the same direction as you with the simplification.
    Debbie

    ReplyDelete
  4. Your mantel is simple but just lovely ~ what a warm inviting focal point to the room. So glad you have family there to enjoy ~

    ReplyDelete
  5. Sweet, lovely and simple. Restful.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I just love the trend to simple, and natural! Your mantel is lovely. Your family will enjoy it so much!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I love the little touches like the pine :-)

    ReplyDelete
  8. I love the simplicity of this mantle, especially the little trees. Beautiful and peaceful.

    ReplyDelete

The best thing about blogging is hearing from you!
I'd love for you to leave a comment! Click subscribe by email if you want me to be able to reply to you.