My wintry mantel and a little tour

I finally finished up my mantel today. On the weekend we hung our Robert Bateman print 'Winter Run'. Today I added the two little shrubs wrapped up in burlap (they remind me of the snowy branches in the painting). However, the wreath beside them almost didn't get to stay. It kept falling off the mantel and that was OK until the time it hit me on the head, bounced off, crashed onto my finger (the finger that had stitches this past summer) and cut it. I did a little dance around the living room saying a few words (not to be repeated here) but I think they were warranted at the time . . . grrrrr. I finally got the wreath to sit there with a little help from that blue sticky putty stuff. I added a trio of birch logs tied together, a couple of white candles in the holders that I already had, lights, and some silver balls which will match my (soon to be decorated) tree.

first, an early evening view

the overall view - daytime

birch logs and white candles

little burlap-wrapped shrubs from Home Sense

my little antique parlour stove

looking out the great room window - you can see that it snowed the night before

looking into the kitchen/dining area

My new (old) window frame and vintage paper trees

my twinkly banister

It's just my style this year; low-key, natural, partly homemade. I can't put my tree up until the 7th of December but it will be sitting directly behind where I stood to take this photo. Can't wait to start that!

(btw I think my finger is going to be OK as well as my head)


Friday Flair at Whipperberry Christmas Mantel Party at Home Stories A to Z Whatever Goes Wednesday at Someday Crafts Merry Mantels at Southern Hospitality Wow us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style Home For the Holidays at Uncommon Christmas Blogger Block Party at DIY by Design 2011 Holiday Mantel Party at From My Front Porch To Yours Categorically Crafting at Someday Crafts Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home Mantels and Stockings at Funky Junk Interiors Home Sweet Home at The Charm of Home