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Subtle Holiday Mantle

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November 15, 2011 By Jackie

Mercury Glass owl

This adorable mercury glass owl was sitting on a shelf in the Christmas decor at HomeGoods calling to me, “Whoo, whoo…buy me!”  How could I resist?  More seriously, I knew this guy would be the perfect addition to my very neglected mantle.  See, this is what our mantle has looked like for the last 18 months…

Mantle Before

Let’s not even talk about how the same two-story great room has had half painted walls (only the first story and one coat) for well over 6 months.  Well, the owl finally convinced me it was time to at least do something about the mantle.  But I didn’t just want to do a holiday mantle, that would get taken down after the holidays leaving me with the before situation again.  Instead, I opted for an everyday mantle with some subtle holiday hints.

Mantle Decor

The only problem…I can’t decide which way it looks better.  In Option A, I started by adding the smaller tin star resting on the shelf.  I layered in the white vase with the faux grass.  I love the light green shade of the grass.  I borrowed my favorite vases from the dining room.  They will add some much needed color over the mantle.  I put them both off to one side with the mercury glass owl.  To balance out the owl on the other side of the mantle, I filled a small cylinder vase with silver jingle bells.  Just a hint of the holidays.

Jingle Bell Vase Filler

I started to wonder if the aqua vases looked good together.  I also debated if the owl and the squat vase should be right next to each other.  So, I switched it up for Option B.  I moved the star behind the owl.  I really like the shimmer of the owl in front of the matte star.  Then I moved the squat vase to the other side.  Since it is a similar shape to the owl, I think they balance each other out.

Mantle Decor

It must be obvious I am a mantle-decorating-virgin.  I tried to use a basic triangle technique with the large star as the top point of the triangle and the other accessories tapering off in height.  I varied it a little bit in Option B with more layering, but ultimately preserving the triangle shape.

What do you think?  Do you prefer Option A or Option B?  Anything else you would add or take away (sorry folks, hubby says the center speaker stays)?  I appreciate the advice.

UPDATE: We stuck with Option B and brought in a little more holiday with DIY personalized stockings!

Helvetica Stockings

Sharing this project here:
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Comments

  1. Heather / It's So Suburban says

    November 15, 2011 at 4:23 pm

    I LOVE the bells in the jar! But oh my gosh, tell your husband that the speaker has to go! I like option B better, but I think the speaker is the cause of your difficulties.

  2. Lisa says

    November 15, 2011 at 5:48 pm

    Wow. What a difference a few items can make. I like Option B the best since it looks less cluttered. The holiday bling is really subtle too which I like.

  3. Susan says

    November 16, 2011 at 9:56 am

    I also prefer option B…why do husbands insist on stereo equipment being displayed? We have a gigantic stereo base taking up a whole shelf in my built-ins next to our fireplace. husbands.

  4. Tiffany says

    November 17, 2011 at 10:40 pm

    Option B! Love the layers varying heights in this one – def has a more connected feeling. We have speaker/electronic equipment issues here – feeling your pain!

  5. Amber Becht says

    November 18, 2011 at 12:22 am

    I like option B better, option A just looks like you just placed items on your mantle without any thought. I like the subtleness of the Christmas decor that can easily be updated for any holiday!

  6. CherylM. says

    November 18, 2011 at 2:13 pm

    I agree the speaker has got to go!! Option B looks better.

  7. Erin{LavenderandLemonDrops} says

    November 22, 2011 at 11:57 pm

    I vote B :)

  8. Ashley says

    December 8, 2011 at 5:32 pm

    I LOVE the colors. The stockings especially. I agree with the others – that speaker is bad news. Maybe you could get some bead garland or some of those lighted blossom or will branch strands to help hide it? Just an idea :)

  9. the cape on the corner says

    December 16, 2011 at 12:11 pm

    option b with the stockings looks fab!

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