Merry Mantle Redo

I wasn't feeling my original mantle, so I did some redisgning.  After finding two great pieces at a local thrift store on Saturday, I took everything down from the mantle and started over.  First, I used some garland that I previously had outside and added some pinecones to it.  Then I added the two new prints, the mercury candle holders, some fresh white flowers, and our stockings (which I think I want to trade in for burlap ones when I find some on sale).

I am really loving these Christmas prints.  They were $6 each and they are in perfect condition.

I am really liking this new mantle scape.  It will be hear to stay 'til Christmas.

The Tree

The tree is up and decorated.  Here is the tree before the decorations, yes it is a crooked, fat-bottomed tree.  The husbo claimed to love the tree and had to have it. Since it is his birthday month, I let him. But I still don't like it's bottom-heaviness.  The thing is bigger than my couch.

I'm liking it more with my decorations though: burlap ribbon, green and silver and gold.  I call it rustic sparkle!

Yup, it really is that crooked.  Truly hope it doesn't fall over. 

And here is one of my favorite shots of some of my favorite creatures, a birdie, squirrel and snowman.  All I'm missing is my owl.

And that's my big fat Christmas tree this year!

Merry Mantle

This year I went for a fairly simple and clean looking Christmas mantle.  Mercury glass candle holders, 3 mini pine trees, stockings and some scattered pine cones.

I'm not sure if it's enough for me yet.  I might have to add my garland for a bit more Christmas like last  year.  What do you think, not cheery enough?

Need to tackle the tree first though, it's been bare for too long!

Ornament Swap Part Two

The Ornament swap mentioned in my last post was a success! All the girls had a great time and it was fun to see what people made.  I managed to fit 17 people and my baby cousin in my smallish kitchen and living room area.

My wine cork on a string was the most made fun of ornament in the creative/whatever category.  I ended up getting it back so I think that was fair.  One of the best Made ornaments was this one from my best friend's mom who couldn't even make it to the party :(  It looked bought off the shelf but it was definitely made.  All the stars were strung around a circle to form a wreath and a HOHOHO ribbon was attached to hang it from the tree.

Everyone ended up leaving with 3 ornaments.  The favorite of the three that I ended up with is this knit owl. (My owl addiction was first posted about here.)  I loved him the moment I saw him, but I had to trade post-swap to get him.

And here he is chilling on the tree by himself since it's not decorated yet.

All in all it was a successful night.  It may even become an annual thing!