Some Christmas Cheer

Christmas is almost here and like many of you, we've been quite busy!  I haven't had much time for photos and posts but wanted to share my mantle that was created after I attended a fun workshop on decorating mantles for the holidays.  I wanted to use a lot of elements I had on hand.

We're planning to build a new house next year so this may be the last Christmas in this home.  We have been working with our architect and have decided there will not be a fireplace in our new home.  Mantle decorating may be a bit challenging next year. 

Here's the mantle I created for this Christmas.

I've had the greenery for several years.  I love the light green accents, they go well with this painting Wonderful Hubby and I bought years ago at an estate auction.

I added the velvet ribbon from my stash.

The only new element is this Lenox Santa I purchased when we visited Favorite Son this summer.  He served as an intern near Lancaster, PA. 

I tried to continue the same colors on the coffee table.

I found these Star of Bethlehem flowers in our local flower shop and thought they would make a simple yet pretty arrangement.  I've use them in the past and love how they continue to open their blooms all the way to the top.

Baby's breathe fills out the vase.  (...and Precious Daughter LOVES the fragrance of it!)

I just love this color green!  (Can you tell??)

I hope you're enjoying this beautiful season! 

As we prepare to share gifts and the love of family and friends, remember the One who loved us first and gave us the greatest gift of all!

Merry Christmas!

Zenda


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Christmas Mantle Workshop

Our local home décor shop, All About Home, recently hosted a Christmas mantle decorating workshop.  The owners, Lori and Greg, provided great ideas and delicious snacks.  I took a few photos for inspiration.  I apologize for the lack of quality, I was shooting around other participants, lots of gorgeous décor and a very busy lady.

 

Here's what we learned...

 

Lori started with a lovely tradition display.  These red candles were actually a string of lights.  A garland of greenery, wintry pics and a simple sign created an easy and pretty mantle.

Her next example showed us something a bit more modern and minimalist.

She explained the importance of height, drama and visual rest.

This mantle uses the new color, champagne, combining it with some natural elements.  I love these colors!

After several examples, Lori encouraged participants to create their own displays.  This was not only fun but really helpful.  As participants 'shopped the store', Lori gave suggestions and advice. 

This one used traditional reds and greens. Love those velvet poinsettias!

Adding an elegant ornament under a cloche completes the look. 

Another participant wanted to create a mantle display using this beautiful reindeer and sleigh piece she had recently purchased.

Her completed mantle! Gorgeous!

Several ladies were interested in creating displays with a brick background. Lori demonstrated how using whites with color can make your display pop against the darker background.  Here's how the display evolved.

Using some everyday pieces you have around your home can make your display personal and save money.

Lori suggests taking a picture as you create. She demonstrated how these beautiful twisted, sparkly branches seem to disappear.

Adding a bit more color.

The white branches stand out better than the champagne branches.

The mercury glass and champagne trees are replaced by white bristle brush trees. Extra touches of red complete the look.

By changing a few elements, this display can go from Christmas to Winter.

This workshop was not only inspiring but really put us in the Christmas mood.  The shop was beautifully decorated!

I loved this natural, dramatic display.  I have an old dough bowl....

Here are a few trees around the shop.

Isn't this Snowman Tree clever?!

I think I'm ready to start decorating! 

(After I host the final Thanksgiving Feast this Sunday.)

 

What's inspiring you this season? 

Whatever it is, remember the TRUE reason for the season and enjoy!!

 

Zenda

 

 

Linking to:

 

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The Lady of the Manor is Also the Queen of Halloween!

Earlier this month, Valerie Roberts at Candlelightsupper Style Your Table  was celebrating her 1st Year Anniversary and had a give-away gift perfect for Halloween. Guess what?  

I WON!!!!! 

Isn't this the neatest Halloween spatula?!!  I've used it already to whip up some Chex Mix and a batch of chocolate chip cookies.  They kids are coming home for the weekend.

It's made this "Lady of the Manor" feel like the "Queen of Halloween!!"

Thanks, Valerie, and HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!

We've been busy doing some work on our property lately.  I'll post more about that soon.  Here are some Fall shots I took while we were working.

 

I'm wishing you all a very happy (and safe) Halloween! 

I'm also hoping your Fall is crisp and colorful!

 

(Thanks again, Valerie!!)

 

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Amaze Me Monday

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Harvest Table

I'm sharing some new dessert plates I found at Wal-Mart this fall.  They are from the Better Homes and Garden's collection and blend nicely with my everyday plates. 

There are two different designs.  One has a pumpkin.

The other displays gourds.

The rust tablecloth is making another appearance.  I used it last week here. 

I don't usually do complicated centerpieces but Precious Daughter's fiancé picked some cotton on his way back from his mother's home south of here.  She wanted some cotton to use in her home décor and he had an extra plant for me.  The white bolls worked in nicely with the plates so I had to include them!  The only wildflowers blooming now around here are meadow weed so I worked them in too.

Cooler weather will be moving into Missouri this week and the leaves are starting to turn.  Wonderful Hubby and I will be taking a road trip along the Missouri River later in the week and we're hoping for a colorful ride.

Wishing you a beautiful Fall!

 

Thanks for stopping by!

 

 

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