It's my favorite time of year again, and the mantel is my favorite space to decorate, so you could say this is my favorite post of the year! I decided to stick with a traditional red and green theme for my mantel this year. Really, the whole house is decked out in red and green, and I LOVE it.
And do you know what else I LOVE? I'm swooning over all things plaid this year. It's a good thing the stores and I are on the same wavelength, because there was a lot to choose from. You'll get a glimpse of the plaid on the mantel, but there will be more tomorrow at my home tour. {I'll share all of the fun Christmas home tour details at the end of the post.}
Plaid {or Tartan} – a pattern of criss-crossed horizontal and vertical bands in multiple colors. Tartans originated in woven wool, but now they're made from many other materials.
So fun!
This mantel was built from two foundational pieces. First, the pallet I put together last summer and then painted all antique white for my fall mantel this year. And then the faux pre-lit garland I bought after Christmas last year. I think I got all 12 feet for $10 or less. Love a great deal!
And of course, I needed a wreath for the mantel. I bought it last year after Christmas as well. I added some pine cone picks, a vintage folding ruler shaped like a star, and a plaid ribbon bow. I bought the ruler on ebay.com for less than $5. It brings so much character to my decor! And I made the bow using this tutorial.
My blessed pillow tutorial: HERE.
With all of the great deals I snagged last year, I also had to grab some new items. Enter pretty trees from Target. I'd been eyeing the berry tree and the burlap and glitter tree since the new Christmas line came out at my Tar-jay! {The Santa is a hand-carved souvenir I picked up in China more than 10 years ago!}
I could have tried to make some pretty trees, but why when the perfect trees exist at the store?? Confession alert: sometimes I just don’t have the energy or time to DIY everything.
We've had the deer and plate stocking holders for a few years now, also from Target. They're still sold in stores.
The stockings are from Pottery Barn and PB Kids. They actually have our names written on the other side, but I like to turn them around in these pics. And I added the plaid ribbon to tie them into the rest of the decor. Swoon! Loving that stuff!!
And now with the garland all lit up! I should have taken pictures at night for you, because it's so fun. I love sitting on the couch with the glow of the mantel and the Christmas trees. Oh, and the fire. So cozy!
Christmas Mantel Sources:
Christmas Trees: Berry Christmas Tree and Burlap Tree with Glitter
Candle holders: Green – Ceramic Pillar Candle Holder and White – IKEA
Stocking holders: Reindeer Stocking Holder and Plate Stocking Holders
Round basket with chalkboard
Blessed Pillow
Stockings: Red and Ivory Stockings and Quilted Stocking with Gingham Accents
Vintage folding ruler: ebay
Plaid ribbon: Hobby Lobby
Red ikat pillow: PD's in Franklin, Tennessee
Have you decorated your home yet? Christmas is only 23 days away. Yikes!! I may have my house decorated, but ask me if I've started shopping? Nada. Better get on that!!
