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
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14 comments:
They are all very nice and inspirational
How wonderful to spend a day in that glorious shop, playing with all those Christmas pretties and gaining oodles of inspiration. I look forward to seeing what beautiful mantlescape you design. Your day spent in this wonderful shop does sound as if it was a lot of fun.
Many thanks, Zenda, for sharing these beautiful mantels. I'm going to begin decorating today and really appreciate the inspiration. I have a cloche, and may try that ornament idea! Good luck with your family feast today. I'm sure the family will have a good time and appreciate all your efforts! Rosie @ The Magic Hutch
What a fun workshop to attend and the fact she let you design mantles yourself afterward her lecture is incredible. I have never been to a workshop that they actually let you design yourself...I will look forward to seeing your decorations up and beautiful....
That would be so much fun; they all looked so pretty! The snowman tree is adorable!
Thanks so much for sharing at AMAZE ME MONDAY!
Blessings,
Cindy
Zenda- what a wonderful and practical workshop!! Beautiful displays and ideas--- I love the wooden bread bowl used as decor!!! You took some exceptional photos of the workshop:)
Vicki
Love the mantles...So pretty! I needed some inspiration this year with my mantle! Now If I could just muster up the energy. LOL!
Hugs and blessings, Cindy
Zenda,
Gorgeous mantle workshop, dear one!!!
This brought back many wonderful memories of working retail!!!
We used the countertop at the ca$h register and did many of the same things!!!
Thank you for sharing!!!
Fondly,
Pat
Wow what a fun workshop you attended! I love the photos!
Thank you so much for sharing these ideas! Each one is a treat. Since I love pine cones so much I guess I will have to go with that one as my favorite. Ha! Each mantle and tabletop is truly pretty!
Sheila
How neat is that! Thanks for sharing at Home Sweet Home!
How gorgeous and how fabulous to attend such a workshop. Just great and thanks for sharing these ideas with us.
Thank you for your sweet comment on our new bundle of joy.
Have a happy week.
FABBY
I am a floral designer and worked at a place that did demonstrations like this too. It was so much fun! I also decrated peoples homes for Christmas along with restaurants a B and B etc. I look back and wonder how I had time to do all that:):)
What a fun workshop! Great inspiration for my mantle.
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