After 6 years in my Town House I wanted to install a real fireplace but my HOA said there was no way I could knock down the outside wall to build the chimney.
So I took it upon myself to build my own faux. You can see how I did it HERE
Since then it's been a joy to have a mantel to decorate every Holiday. One thing that was not in the program for me was, "The Mr. insisted on his flat screen up there" But I've made do and found ways to work around it.
The first thing that must be on the mantel throughout the year is a little ceramic rendition of my Mom sitting with all her grandchildren. It was a gift from my Nephew after Mom passed away 16 years ago. Each of her grand children's names are hand painted on the sides, and how I love it.
I collect Nutcrackers and they are scattered for all to see, around the mantel and wall unit.
Each a gift from friends and family.
Since my kids have moved on to their own lives I've toned down my decorating a bit. It's just not as elaborate as it once was. Now I think of putting it all back at the end of the season so over the past few years I've given my children some of my collectables for their own homes.
My decorations are not romantic or elaborate and at this point in my life, it's just the way I like it but I will say, each item displayed has a meaning to me and my home feels like Christmas.
I'm sharing this post with
The Better Late Than Never Christmas Inspirations Bloghop.
Barb from The Everyday Home
Laura from Top This Top That
Shirley from Housepitality Designs
23 comments:
Love love love your mantle!
I'm with you, after 35 years of marriage and a lot of Christmas collections, I decorate to please me, and the memories some of my decorations hold is priceless to me. I love the memento you have for your mom. So sweet.
Merry Christmas.
Sue
I think your decorations are lovely, and I really love your fireplace. It is wonderful that you knew what you wanted and found a way to make it happen. Just beautiful!
Hi Sandy!
Love the fireplace I know it makes it feel so homey. I love the Christmas touches...I think Christmas is more magical when the little trinkets and things have special meaning to us.
So lovely, Pat
Your decorations are looking so inviting dear.... LOVE you
Your mantle looks very nice and festive..
I love your mantel and it's hard to let go of some of those old collected decorations. Wish I had more from my past.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
Your holiday mantle is just charming Sandy. Love the nutcrackers!
It looks so inviting and cozy. I like the big ribbon, too.
Blessings,
Meredith
Hi Sandy-
Thanks for visiting my blog! I think you did a grand job of creating your own fireplace and surround! It's hard to blend these elements like the flat screen tv's into our decorating but they are a fact of life! I love your nutcrackers and of course the sweet bear with the cubs that your newphew made in honor of your mom.
Your nutcracker collection is amazing! I would have loved to see your house when you went all out!!! I tell my girls that they'll be getting all of their ornaments some day (if I can part with them)!
Kelly
Hi Sandy, I'm repaying your visit and you did such a nice job creating your mantel. The nutcrackers are charming! My little kids love them too and have collected some over the past few years. I love that you are at a place where you are focusing on decorating with items that have the most meaning to you.
Merry Christmas!
Jeanette
Awwww...darn boys and their toys! But the TV actually looks good there and your delightful decor makes me feel quite festive!
wonderfully arranged Christmas cheer.
Beautiful! I love that you use items that have meaning for you...
I love how you incorporated a fireplace into your mantle! My dad had a nutcracker collection as well. My favorite of yours is the chef. Great "C" post.
Beautiful mantel decor and decorations ~ I used to love my mantel too ~ alas have moved on ~ so many changes at times in life ~ grateful for all ~ Happy Holidays to you ~ A Creative Harbor ~ artmusedog and Carol ^_^
what a lovely collection of nutcrackers you have. the mantle look so festive!
What a beautiful, festive mantle!
Your mantel looks great. You did a good job of decorating around the tv.
Love your Mom remembrance piece. :)
After 46 years of decorating at Christmas, there are some things that will always be unpacked each year. Others have come and gone and tastes change. We rely on our fireplace for wood heat during the winter and it serves as a focal point of decorating.
You have been very creative in how you worked around the tv - love the red and white checked ribbon too!
It's quite pretty!
Charming Christmas mantel...
Cool post for the letter C...
Thanks for linking.
A+
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