Okay ladies, we've only got 42 Days and counting!
Are you getting ready for the two biggest holidays of the year? I am! I've been cleaning, moving furniture, planning decorations and menus. I have a big CHRISTmas design show in two weeks and I've been getting ready designing wreaths, garlands, centerpieces and tabletop decor. SOOOOO busy has been my middle name!
Do you like to change up your decor each year or do you like the tried and true?
Some things like the kid's stocking being hung on the mantel are a given. A grand nativity displayed in the entry is another given. But beyond that I constantly look for new, fresh ways to decorate each room of a house.
In the pictures that follow you will see a collection of rooms from my "Inspired Me" file. Each one features a fireplace mantel - some are in living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms. I think it's fun to browse photos for new updates on this iconic home feature.
What do you do if you don't have a fireplace mantel?
Try the same treatment on a long shelf or the top of a hutch!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWEpyPUAJ1CRtEuZEChgTkb6g1dYQOydJwjgOBDGYDaDBGanN8iAFX11UWRI1AJw8EAjLPdc8o_WpPOHp7luVwswRSbKOyILI07Q77oIEXnE_ovDRXS6kOccL85QLKs9f5N5MBrNSRkqOm/s400/Yellow+fruit+decor.jpg)
What inspired me in this photo was the use of fresh seasonal fruits nestled among the lush greens of the garland. I also liked the way the garland was draped below the mantel as well as on top of the mantel shelf.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibNMI-kCAJg6i2NcPWl6pe0rER2uXG4BOOs8X5dqjQdiSZriwu33TR6OBMpG_fCGU5w4OPYM1ymb2x5KkahrzqJWtlrUFiKRfvcpxzXJzgPs1FdQcPNndXny_H4rv0jVKrVqwudnnI2BvL/s400/simple+pinecones.jpg)
In this photo the designer used a simple mix of evergreen, pinecones and red berries. It is not a complicated or fussy treatment but the wow factor is great because of the gorgeous wreath hung on top of the gilded mirror. The bright red bow adds a touch of festive color and complements the red roses of the centerpiece.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2RLIRND8-J61AyUdSIfBQ5AwSnfyxA-cuF1nalPU8HFTyGYegLyPqoSGZbv_hvuZur0fu3Zw90qog49JuFk6elYnHfb9WTX1jXOBiuyN5YKKiI0shFGadKk-t8CZ_uRiB8FJ41ESmwnuq/s400/winter+wonderland.jpg)
I don't use very much blue in my holiday decor. Mainly because I don't have very many rooms decorated in this color. However, when I saw this picture I stopped cold. The wintery scene in the oil painting is perfect with the understated mantel garland. The addition of the silver finials and blue ornaments bring the perfect balance to the grouping.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1rOlxMChDMGUlALO-Yd5SwxN3xbKTAD4xCJr2aAONDxsh3xNbjPR7JNVpqqAqnmKQWFq9GtbcE9-FdmNH7T38S60dshtzzT6RkN-0WihQr4SdwrUvH4MlM1hUXo0CZjyMedq-dmw5ke2/s400/soft+and+romantic.jpg)
Here is a sweet and soft look. A simple evergreen garland hung below the shelf leaves plenty of room to display candles and family photos in pretty gold frames. What a dreamy little getaway. I could dream away hours during the holiday season in this cozy little room.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHtWDCwZzIJpR71gozvlAahUo4spaFZFYmgbcXgvS9tQjPU9zhuUEzUW044X-WuV1iYQqZRp2mgteNmweMhf2RW40lobZSi-qmm8BOHMWlda4T3wAwdBEm_iusggm8iDLX5g5yvCslwMEx/s400/natural.jpg)
I love this look. It doesn't fit in my house anywhere but the sparse evergreen twigs and single stocking hung by the fire is understated elegance at its best.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi25oUhrtX7EFrTD24LSK_9aJss4WHIIfj2Jmovkndl0BSZKOVCM66qMx9P869cbGKYUj4V_TRALxKuZwqa9qAA1LrnNUNCgB78ZFDFsPFkVWmlru9KSnsPHIyd4BbyApJuUHddVFkN1xnL/s400/orange+and+yellow.jpg)
You just can't go wrong with magnolia leaves woven into a generous garland.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNlOB9V3fWIvwOzgxfOL-zzs4Bg8Pgd6WQtNP_ZYu3FADm5siL1wV3JxgNJffRCJt0oo9PzO9gSnCBsyyI4YcfkH6pLfZ23k0AbyOFh4qwXk8zaDEAxV2eTieOkEHS_kn5aPXVIRDmPuef/s400/red+plaid.jpg)
Bright Red Ribbon and Amaryllis blooms make quite a pair against the soft green of this wall and surround.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgeZqScQ8f7MNLiY_W6z09OFOqEIrdERQs7SEjnkIqmC1pH0v1Oi5_gKr5zd8nl7XSw3_cXWet37US_LRi06afQb1J5mkc4UAaviPh8pkBjGE4LQNjQkV3y7GJ2h-_uT53KQokMW9oVH8v/s400/less+is+more.jpg)
Pineapples have long been the symbol of hospitality. Here, a sweet pair graces the ends of this mantel with just the right touch.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinekKlFYpyM-pZc7K7MM3RcUcePskEiwCiXc7wzUrPjZEEIiO-TNucfuJigO4uzybPyQNEz3CQryPi-AQmq8QxanxJlneNhNyn1pkIxRWyf1yi9CUVuE4WHIWwouSaxzwPcimqEG0yHLBd/s400/cozy+library.jpg)
A rich and masculine library wouldn't be complete without a blazing fire. The bare tree branches painted gold and displayed on either side of the photo resembles antlers to me.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgax6Ud2HDY44eY4MsVSt1zVnuyDgP3Lo1Y3DapDSdMPJz5T3C1mhXY2uFtwiGw-7O_DBMbQOK-iE0WS5Qo29rAT4B7TPCE8o7JIpvivWNkWC3M7JIfIGSDxZRfixNwS2y-VNLTo-xZ-Ug_/s400/all+natural.jpg)
An all natural treatment is perfect for this cottage look. The varied textures keep the minimal color palette looking fresh and interesting.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjddrdyiYQ9IVPnt9SesFWYeaj4kq3qMoP8NZcuxIHQlA6MKtAAUHAcWgSNNu98RyjPjBo4YaadNvwvJW46EuFxNOQzXYh1ed64cSNg9bcXGHpvV37rk4w5ck-re63JnH3C8XhTBFlWR4iB/s400/so+english.jpg)
This room is so warm and inviting. The warm red and gold color scheme is perfect for the holidays. I love the garland draped over the mirror.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6jx_HRLspiid882TBiCn9GQH_HaCU7D4m1LXWIA_mmEGKvLJdYrUT42hBNT6gwpZIpdHkjGqJhJRiXyh6Uzofy3HCti1ke9C9a8qn1E9tUDTjhD-3Vx92uzvAn9ufKm_JZauynHHwi8b/s400/french+country.jpg)
Another warm and inviting room. The mantel decor is simple but beautiful. I love the use of white magnolias.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_-RF0LVqhSvwx1As9fA97NQjuzVj3w3vYNuOa8NZOHD7-JOPVz8zCuTog3E0QTCYdV9OtVgSrAnYakzoJpcnAG5iuy8XSFRyq2bxkiTijiRWqaOJ8PD0S9DRHEkF14xgRhyBARUvmNOEG/s400/formal+elegance.jpg)
This elegant dining room is a show stopper! The grand fireplace is framed in a generous evergreen and magnolia leaf garland.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKpOXj5Xy5atowMFWhOYVBXCKriSphl743LoOqJHZ3TlTk_mJxD0GCidnvjZob3x292DZSxZ4-RGgsW_jB2M6EaKpV5VnQKhiYox6RpjPwtvcfkjyLND6Uy5ncRaztULGMMPA00VmyjySF/s400/coastal+chic.jpg)
The white starfish add coastal whimsy to this modern room. Decorating with accessories or items that are native to your area makes Christmas Coast to Coast unique and inspiring.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinalGv5zqd9_A99OYxgSv3HM3eP1a6aScNMDKh28XE5fe6SZUjYqfknLzVhTG9VPvf2uFfDBBFjtbyPzUGK3g-RtLxS3Jth_fjtonF-WGCMfGzWH68fLzOc1rF-2K-XvnpXdSqp2ihnVCr/s400/stockings+galore.jpg)
Our last photo is from a rustic, log home in the mountains. Stockings galore is what caught my eye! The thick, colorful mantel garland is generous but not fussy. I love it!
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Hope you've had fun browsing some of the mantels that have inspired me. I am hoping to have all of my decorating complete before Thanksgiving. Rhoda over at Southern Hospitality is hosting a Christmas Home Tour on December 10th. Mark your calendars and join the fun! In the meanwhile visit often to check out our Colors of Christmas. To view last year's colors go to
Colors of Christmas.Until I see you again,
Live Life Beautifully!
~Alisa