Mantels - What to do with them?
Since we have all been social distancing and staying home more, I have been looking at my home more, particularly my mantels and am so tired of what I see. But I can’t go out to my favorite store or antique shop to find that inspiration piece or fun find. I can find an inspirational photo of a mantle that I love. Pinterest is my go to for inspiration a lot of the time. I went to my mantel board on Pinterest and found a photo that was nice. I liked the gold touches and all of the candles. The greenery in the fireplace box gives a spring-fresh feel that I was hoping for.
For me I needed to clear & clean off my mantle. Confession time- I still had my Christmas mantle stuff there until sometime in March. It was not Christmasy colors, more wintery so I was okay with it. It was not a priority. After I have everything put away it always looks so naked after Christmas and I am ready for something new.
Second, shop your inventory of items. In my inspiration photo they had a piece of art over the mantle. I didn’t have a piece that I wanted to use. So, I left the mirror there because it is gold and would go with the look. I searched my stash of silk greenery and found some things I could use. (I tend to let real plants die.) I started pulling brass candlesticks of all sizes and some books for height because there are some in the inspiration photo and books are always good on a mantle. I needed something green/twiggy and found some silk florals to put in a gold vase for the organic movement and height. I also added some “chicks” (succulents) in mini urns that I’ve had for years and love. I played around with the placement of the items and added my plain white candles to all of my brass candlesticks and just love how it all turned out. I didn’t have any of the items like in the inspiration photo but I did have candles of different heights and sizes, books, frames and greenery. After I was finished it still looked a little naked. So I added the mini boxwood wreath on my mirror with some ribbon. The wreath is actually a candle ring. I really like the touch of green in a very gold/white mantle scape. Greenery is a life giving element that should not be overlooked in design.
I didn’t spend a dime :) and won’t feel bad when I’m ready for a change. I am enjoying looking at my mantle and the personal touches that I added with the special photo of my daughter & I plus the framed word HOPE. She hand wrote that for me on a piece of scrapbook paper. I like that reminder. I think we all need that during these times. We are not alone or forgotten!
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12
Enjoy your people and this time at home!
Love and Blessings,
