I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me.
Philippians 4:13

Monday, November 24, 2014

Christmas Mantle





Hello again from The French Hen's Nest





The Nest is a buzz of Christmas activity! I want to show you my 2012 fireplace mantle decorations.








I wanted to do things differently this year than in years past.  I picked up the glass domes (cloches?) from Goodwill during the year.  They were the domes over cheap anniversary clocksI paid about $3.00 for each.  Inside I have place little bottle brush trees with Epsom salts for snow.





My favorite things on the mantle are the two artificial amaryllis I have centered in front of the blue transferware plates.  I picked these up at Belk Dept Store last week for 50% off- $8.00 each!


The silver candlesticks I also bought during the year at Goodwill for $4.00 each.  They were black when I bought them but I knew they were shiny underneath.




 

I completely changed the wreath from last year after seeing the beautiful ornament wreaths on so many blogs. The wreath  I originally hung had gold fruit and a gold bow but you could hardly see it against the gold framed mirror.  I took it down and stripped it and added the ornaments and the gold bow.  

I hung the wreath over the mirror but it didn't look right so I removed the mirror.  Then I realized I like the mirror alone without the wreath so I took the wreath down and re-hung the mirror. 


  

My garland is artificial and I have twisted two together to make it thicker.  I used the trimmings from the bottom of our Christmas tree and other greenery from the yard to tuck in here and there for added  realism and scent.  I have white miniature lights running through the garland and it is very beautiful lit up after dark.



Just wanted to show you some acorns I painted gold and silver and am displaying in silver candy dishes on my coffee table.  Aren't they pretty?  






Well, that is my mantle and I am pleased with it for now.  I never leave things alone in the weeks before Christmas, do you?

I would love to hear what you think about my Christmas mantle.

Thank you for visiting the French Hens and have a beautiful day!




Be blessed,
Linda

We're partying with 
Simple and Sweet Fridays @ Rooted in Thyme
Show and Tell Friday @ Romantic Home
Inspiration Friday @ At The Pickett Fence
Home Sweet Home @ The Charm of Home
Feathered Nest Friday @ French Country Cottage
Frugal Friday @ The Shabby Nest
What have you Redone @ Redoux Interiors
Shabbilicious Friday @ Shabby Art Boutique




Rooted In ThymePhotobucketFrench Country CottageThe Shabby Nest



Pin It!

23 comments:

  1. Linda you did a fantastic job on your mantel! It's beautiful.
    Leslie (Gwen Moss)

    ReplyDelete
  2. I really mean it when I say I love your mantle. I've never seen one quite like that (with the plates). I love the blue accents with that gold mirror. STUNNING.

    Hugs,
    Meredith

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Meredith! I was so unsure and finally Jeannie said "I'm publishing!"

      Linda @ The French Hen's Nest

      Delete
  3. Hi Linda,
    What a beautiful mantel! Love the plates and all the elements you have displayed. The wreath was pretty too. Where did you hang it? It's always a treat to visit and see what you have been up to. Enjoy your weekend.

    Christmas blessings,
    Sandi

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Sandi! I was going to hang the wreath in the dining room but after I took photos my sweet husband said he really liked the wreath so I hung it back on the mirror! It didn't photograph well on the mirror but we are enjoying it! What we do (& re-do) for blogging!

      Linda

      Delete
  4. oooohh, so pretty, LOVE all your gorgeous plates above the mantel!! and the amaryllis, just gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, thank you! Such sweet comments! Have a beautiful blessed day!

      Linda

      Delete
  5. Oh, I'm a fool for blue and white! Your mantle has me weak in the knees, just gorgeous!
    Hugs,
    Patti

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Patti! So glad you like my mantle!

      Have a beautiful blessed day!

      Linda

      Delete
  6. What a beautiful mantel! Thanks for sharing at Simple & Sweet Fridays. Love your plate collection and decorations you've displayed beautifully! Have A Happy Holiday Week!

    Jody

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Jody for letting me display my mantle at your great party! So glad you like it.

      Have a beautiful blessed day!

      Linda

      Delete
  7. Good Evening Linda, What a beautiful mantlepiece. I was surprised when you mentioned that your garland was not real as it certainly looked as if it was. The Amarylis looks beautifully positioned. Silver is always a winner at Christmas time and I love the painted acorns they look very pretty....and you know how I love blue and white...perfection. Have a lovely evening. Best Wishes Daphne

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Daphne for such sweet compliments! This is the first year I added live greenery to the garland and it made such a difference. Next year I may just make my own garland!
      We have so enjoyed getting to know you. I hope one day we can have tea with you!
      Have a wonderful day and a Happy Christmas (as you Brits say!)

      Linda

      Delete
  8. Hello, my sweet friends,
    Your Christmas mantel is absolutely wonderful! How I love all your blue and white! Thank you for sharing your lovely home!
    Merry Christmas!
    Carolynn xoxo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much Carolynn! I knew I wasn't moving all those plates so I decorated with them. So glad you like them and my mantle!

      Have a wonderful Christmas!

      Linda

      Delete
  9. Beautiful mantle and LOVE the wreath! I collect blue transferware dishes too!

    Hugs,
    Debbie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Debbie! So glad you checked us out. I wasn't about to remove all those plates for Christmas! I would love to see your transferware. I look around your site now for plates!

      Linda @ The French Hens Nest

      Delete
  10. this is gorgeous, what a wonderful idea to use your plates over the mantel! I need to remember this.
    Leslie (aka Gwen Moss)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Leslie! I really enjoyed exploring your blog today. Have a wonderful Christmas!

      Linda

      Delete
  11. Your mantel looks fantastic! I love that you explained us all your hesitations about the wreath and I think it's great you kept the mirror to reflect the lights at night.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Your Christmas mantel is beautiful! Have a Happy New Year!

    ReplyDelete
  13. This is really a wonderful post.

    ReplyDelete

We Love It When You Comment!