When we found an old fireplace surround and had it restored, I was really excited
about decorating the mantle each season (or more). Little did I know
how challenging it could be, especially placing things against a red brick background.
My first try this Christmas just didn't cut it (I don't have a photo it was that bad).
Then I thought to go to all red and white.
This was voted down quickly.
The third try, I think I found something that worked.
Our old mantle came with our old house (1921). The challenge of it is that it's 12 feet long. It covers the fireplace and book cases on each side. When I put up our Department 56 Village, it holds all 27 pieces plus accessories. When I don't (this year), it looks needy.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas!
Best,
Bonnie
P.S. I love what you did with yours, especially those containers with the sweet scenes.
ReplyDeleteB
Your mantel looks lovely and I am sure the first try was not that bad.
ReplyDeleteI would think that having a brick background would be wonderful to work with because my husband's art always shows beautifully in venues with brick walls.
Have a lovely Saturday - just a few days to Christmas!
I long for a fireplace! I like the color lights! It is cheerful!
ReplyDeleteDeanna
Very pretty, but I like the all white, too. Happy holidays, Tammy
ReplyDeleteI like both looks Dotsie. They are both very pretty but the elements of the 'keeper' are really pretty (snow jars) with the coloured lights. Have a very Merry Christmas! Blessings.
ReplyDeletePam
Yes, that works very well. I like it a lot!
ReplyDeletePodso,
ReplyDeleteYour mantle looks amazing, dear friend!!!
I've tried some all white decor in the past. ..but it's just not me!!!
LOVE your Traditional red and green throughout. . .even against the brick!!!
Just enough white to be style savvy right!!!
Fondly,
Pat
I miss having a mantle to decorate but we opted for a wood stove looking gas fireplace in this house. I like the all white version best on yours but the red and green is nice too. Just think of the opportunities as the seasons and holidays change...
ReplyDeleteDecorating my mantle is rather easy. I just use a ready made garland that has its own decorations attached! But you've taken the time to arrange yours and it is quite lovely.
ReplyDeleteYour solution works very well...so much of decorating, like photo taking, is nope, nope, nope, YES!
ReplyDeleteIt looks lovely...and so cozy!! Isn't it satisfying to play around with different things and then hit on the right one? I love that! :)
ReplyDeleteThe fireplace surround is beautiful, and the mantel decorated by you looks just wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI adore the coloured lights and the wreath above!
Have a lovely Christmas! ♥
The colored lights and wreath look beautiful! Lovely decorations for your mantel. I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteI do like the arrangement you chose! Lights and a wreath are always cheering and festive. Once I decorated our tree, about all of my creativity had been used up. lol I do put lights and cranberries here and there, though.
ReplyDeleteThank you for linking to Mosaic Monday Dotsie.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas!
Well done!!! Very festive!! Merry Christmas to you and yours!!!
ReplyDeleteIt looks very beautiful! I always loved having a fireplace in NC but thought is was a challenge, too. Sometimes I put a sign or piece of wood in the center for a background. (and placed things in front) Something just to break up the bricks....so to speak! Merry Christmas.
ReplyDeleteI love the greens and the colored lights on your mantle! Very festive and works very well with the brick!
ReplyDeleteOh yeah...the green pops the most and looks so fresh and festive. Great job! Mantels are so hard... mine is huge and such a focal point. I think next year I'll do a bit of what you've done...my walls are cream and not much I have stands out.
ReplyDeleteLove to you and yours and Merry Christmas!
Jane xx
What a beautiful Christmas post Podso. I love your declrations and photo,s. I wish you and yours a happy Christmas.
ReplyDeleteOh...I really like the contrast between the white and the brick! And I really like the choice you went with...like I always say, you can't go wrong with red and green...I'm traditional like that...lol! Merry Chistmas!
ReplyDeleteThe third try is really very beautiful and now next year, you will not have to wonder how to adorn the mantle. It is very early here, but I wanted to be sure and say Merry Christmas to you. My left arm is still not pain free and it is causing numbness down into left hand and so I will be copying and pasting this message for my blogging friends, but did not want to leave anyone out of this greeting, coming from my heart to your own. We have a blog draft in the works for publishing on Friday and then a hope and a prayer that the New Year will be good to everyone~
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas. Your mantle displays are so creative. I like them all. All the best to you for Christmas and the New Year!
ReplyDeleteI love it, the brick is wonderful!
ReplyDelete