Decoration Inspiration: Holiday Mantel

To me, nothing says "holidays" more than a decorated mantel.  Our current home has a really huge, prominent one that is one of the first things you see when you walk in the door, so I'm really excited to pull down all the picture frames and cover it in garlands and lights and beautiful sparkly pinecone-y things.

Here are some of my holiday mantel "inspiration pics" for this year.

I love the mint green accents incorporated throughout this one.  And those three little chairs are pretty much the cutest thing I have ever seen.

Via Bennet and Company

I think this Holiday Mantel by Layla over at The Lettered Cottage is adorable.  I especially love the vintage feel of the stockings and the suitcases in the fireplace.

Via The Lettered Cottage

I love this lantern filled with fake snow nestled among the real garland with twinkle lights.  Mmm,  Nothing like that fresh pine-y smell!  And the ornaments hanging from the twigs are adorable.

Via

Here's the full view.  I love the indoor wreath.

Here's a Christmas mantel with a touch of turquoise!

Via The Inspired Room

Although I'm a big fan of stockings on the mantel, these letter-ornaments are super cute and could be hung anywhere in the house.

Via HGTV

This year I really want to incorporate some mercury glass into my holiday decorating.  I think the antiqued silver look is so beautiful and I love how you can collect a bunch of different pieces and group them together so they look cohesive.  The Pottery Barn ones in this pic ain't cheap, but I've seen some great pieces at Marshalls for about a quarter of the price.

Via Pottery Barn

So many great ideas...  And only a few more days until I can pull out the boxes!  Happy Decorating.

Merry November!

Time for my monthly blog post!

Haha, I know, my consistency has been weak at best.  But in my defense I have been working on a very special project (and attending friends' beautiful weddings in Cayucos, California) that will soon be a literal 'feast' for your eyes to see.  But for now it's still a secret and for now I am going to distract you with one of my most favorite of topics... CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS!  I know that Thanksgiving hasn't happened yet but if you remember that I'm Canadian it was totally last month and in my mind when one holiday ends it's onto the next.  Therefore it is CHRISTMAS!  (Even though I plan on celebrating American Thanksgiving because who doesn't love turkey & I hope someone invites me to their house...).  Also, if you are a Christmas nut like me (mmm, the kind with sugar & spices baked on them) then you know that as of this week all of the stores have posted their holiday collections online which has lead to a new morning ritual of cinnamon-spiced coffee & decoration-perusal slash Pinteresting.

Here are some of my favorite finds of this morning that I will soon be purchasing for my personal wonderland:

Vintage Knit Stocking

How is this not the cutest thing you have ever seen?  I have already ordered monogrammed stockings for the mantle but these must find a home somewhere in my house.  Love!

Red Snowflake Candles

Vintage-y and Christmas cottage-y and perfect.  I love these candles and probably won't want to burn them.

Pottery Barn Found Wooden Sled

These wooden sleds are actual vintage sleds from Germany and Austria made in the early 20th century.  SO amazing but at $150 each they're definitely a Christmas splurge. 

Pottery Barn Monogrammed Stockings

I already ordered these!  So far we are a family of two but Pottery Barn has these every year so eventually I plan on adding to the collection... ;)

Mini Knitted Sweater Ornaments

Mini hand-knitted sweater ornaments!  What's not to love?!  I think these would be great tied onto brown paper wrapped presents as well.

Holiday Appetizer Plates

Super cute. I just love the font on these.  I'd probably want to buy little plate stands so I could display them in my kitchen when they're not being used. 

Holiday Dress by Modcloth

And what would Christmas be without a red holiday dress?  Add a sparkly snowflake necklace and a flute of eggnog and you're ready to go.  This one is definitely coming to live with me this year.


So there it is.  My official "Christmas in November" post.  I'm off to bake something that smells like cinnamon...  xo!