Thursday, December 3, 2009

Christmas Decorating: Fireplace and Mantel

Fireplaces and mantels are usually the main focal point of a room and are always fun to decorate. I'm doing my Christmas decorating in stages this year, and yesterday was "Mantel and Fireplace Day."

I've had the gold doves for I-can't-remember-how-many-years and they're showing their age, but I haven't seen anything I'd rather use for the centerpiece. [You can click on the photos to enlarge them, if you'd like]

The holly is very old, too, but, again, I can't find anything I like better. I love its "airiness" and simplicity. I added the two birds on stands last year.

The copper coal hod holds three rustic metal bells and some faded greenery.

The little rocking chair on the left was our son's when he was a baby (he's 35 now!) ... and still has the hammer marks he made with his little Fisher-Price hammer. I wouldn't take anything for it.

The Christmas books in the rocker belonged to our son and daughter when they were little. This picture of our granddaughter Avery Grace was taken a couple of years ago, and she looks like she was enjoying her Uncle Ben's rocker and book.

I love using some of my "things-I-would-save-if-there-was-a-fire" treasures to decorate with every Christmas. The precious memories they evoke of Christmases Past are worth more to me than all the fancy decor stuff you can find within the pages of a Frontgate catalog!

There's one more thing I want to share today, and that is a nativity candle I've had for years. I've never seen another one like it.

Oh, and speaking of Avery Grace ... she is coming for a visit tomorrow and I don't know how much decorating I will get done during the next few days. But perhaps, I can share some of our activities which, hopefully, will be even more fun than decorating!

5 comments:

RachelD said...

Just breathtakingly lovely, Janie, and warm as the welcome into your home. All the golds and bronze and the rust-colored old bells in the hod---so evocative of such a royal holiday. The mantel scene with the delicate birds and the painting of lush roses is just perfect---I hope that's the painting's home all the time, as it suits every season.

And the candle on your opening picture, with the graceful scroll lettering---simply beautiful. I'd love to know how to do that.

Enjoy your wonderful times with your little one---they are growing so fast, and time flies faster than a breath.

I wish you a Christmas Season as beautiful as those creations of your hands, and as the meaning of this Blessed, bright time of celebration.

Stacey said...

Your mantel is beautiful which is no surprise to me. I just love your style - so timeless. I know you will have fun with Avery Grace. Be sure and get a picture of her when she spots that candy. :)

Loui♥ said...

Hello from snowy, cold Denver Colorado..
saw your message that you wished for some snow..Currently, there is about 2-3 inches on the ground..the streets..the trees.. I'll share and send you some as frequently as it comes our way..in return, I ask for a bit of southern humidity, but no bugs please!..am a native Pensacola Florida beach girl who misses the Southerness.. you can be sure I will follow your beautiful and delightful blog!
loved Avery Grace in your son's chair..beautiful and timeless photo!!
warm hugs and smiles from Denver..
Loui♥

Donna said...

Your mantel is beautiful! The nativity candle ..to the little chair is adorable and so thoughtful. I have kept all of my daughter's things since they were children hoping I will have grandchildren one day.
Thanks for sharing.

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Lovely, Janie, everything is lovely including that precious little Avery Grace!

XO,

Sheila :-)