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Tuesday, December 21, 2010

My Christmas Mantle

As many of you know, I moved this year to be closer to my family. 1300 miles closer to be exact.
This is the first year we've lived close enough to family to be able to host a holiday at our house for my side of the family. Sooo, we're having Christmas at our house this year! Woohoo!
I love Christmas!
I think I've told you that a time or two. :)


Anyway, I've been rushing around trying to get the house ready. Every year, when we aren't traveling and I do actually decorate, I tend to do Christmas on the formal side.
This year, I've decided to get back to my country roots, and do an outdoor scene on my mantle.
It's taking some getting used to, but I think it's growing on me.


I'll show you a few pics I've taken along the way.
You'll only see my mantle right now because, well, because that's the only thing I have done so far.
And yes, I DO know it's the 21st! (oh lord help me!)

I'll fill you in on my decor when I'm done, but for now, I'll tell you that the tree branches and pine cones you see came from the very first live Christmas tree we planted in our yard when I was a kid. That was in 1975. I remember my mom and dad planting it that year. It was a big deal for us kids. 
Yes mother, I loaded my car with your yard scraps when I left the other day. :)















There are more memories attached to the mantle, and I'll share those with you in my next post.
(I've already tweaked the bottom part of the mantle after I took these pictures.)
The pictures make it look kind of skimpy, but I assure you that it is quite cozy in person.

I believe I'm actually starting to get in the holiday mood. Tonight I'll be cranking up the Christmas music, popping a bottle of wine, and decorating the tree while hubby sits on the couch and reminisces with me over Christmas' past.
I think that's the part of Christmas I love the most!


17 comments:

  1. It's just perfect Polly!! I love the twigs stuck in here and there and the fabulous window frames! :)

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  2. I love it! I also love snowmen so I guess that's part of the appeal to me. I also love the sentiment that goes along with it. Sweet about the branches and pinecones. I love memories like that.

    Have fun tonight.

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  3. I knew I liked you, Polly! : ) A fellow snowman collector! I love yours and I think I add a new one to my collection every year. I don't think I did this year, but there's always the after Christmas sales! How cool you have some branches from a tree that was planted during your childhood; what a great memory. How wonderful you will get to host the family get together. I'm doing Christmas Day at my house, too, {just the "kids" and the granddaughter, of course} and it will be nice to have them all together. Everyone is so busy with school, work and life in general sometimes. I can't leave without telling you that I love your drapes and the fabrics you used.

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  4. thats adorable Polly.. talk about bringing a Christmas smile to folks faces, your mantle display will definately do that...

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  5. Polly your mantel is just wonderful!! I love how you used the old window frames and the natural theme with pine boughs. Just charming!!!

    merry christmas
    mary

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  6. That is just as charming and pretty as can be!
    I love what you did! It's so original and so perfect!

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  7. Very adorable, I love it! And Snowmen are my favorite.. Super cute..

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  8. A. Door. A. Ble! Love the outdoorsy scenes you've created!

    Polly! Call it done! Put the presents at the foot of the fireplace and gather 'round for opening. It's cozier there anyway. :)

    Donna

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  9. I am totally in love with your mantel...I had to scroll through the pictures twice! How creative you are. It warms my heart to hear that you were able to bring bits and pieces from your childhood into the look.

    Happy Holidays, Polly!

    XO,
    Jane

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  10. I LOVE the mantel! The snowmen, the greenery and that glittery red bird are just gorgeous!!

    So pretty and wonderful you are close to your family now!

    MERRY MERRY CHRISTMAS!

    Lou Cinda

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  11. I love the simplicity yet it speaks volumes! Thanks for sharing your tips & tricks.

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  12. So cute and cozy! I love that you raided your Mom's yard scraps! And good for your changing it up a bit this year and stepping out of your norm!

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  13. Your mantle looks fabulous!! Love the country feel!
    And I love reminiscing as well...it is such fun.
    Merry Christmas dear one
    Hugs
    SueAnn

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  14. Really loving what you did with your mantle, Polly. Looks like you picked up some goodies at tag/garage sales. Snow people just have a way of bringing out the smiles in most people. I wish I could come to your place for Christmas! I will be there in spirit. Thanks for sharing a bit of your home with us. Have fun with the hubby reminiscing.

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  15. Hi Polly...

    I just had to catch up and do a bit of meandering at your place...so glad that I did! Girlfriend, I love your Country Christmas mantel...it's sooo pretty! Besides being fun and so festive...I love the warm, homey ambiance!!! Love how you used the wooden frames! My favorite...the beautiful greenery with all those sweet birds! Sooo very pretty, my friend! Ohhh...and I love that log cabin bird house too! Of course, I have to mention a little something about the star of your mantel...that adorable snowman...he's awesome!!! I love your mantel, sweet lady! Thank you so much for sharing it with us!

    Girlfriend, you must be in your "7th heaven" right now. Moving closer to family and being able to host Christmas at your beautiful home! That's such a blessing...ENJOY!!!

    Warmest Christmas wishes,
    Chari @Happy To Design

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  16. What a wonderful mantle. Everything looks so pretty. I love how you brought so many different elements together, from the window frames to the birds and trees. Very nice!

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  17. Polly, I love your mantle. Bet you could do something similar for spring too.

    Happy New Year!

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