Everyday Living

The Stockings Were Hung: A Collection Of Christmas Mantels

~ Christmas, Decorating, Holidays

“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2:3-4‬ ‭

Can you believe it is November 15?  We have a little over 5 weeks before Christmas…and it’s definitely not too early to start thinking about Christmas decorating!  This past weekend, we pulled out some small trees to go in my dining room window and I caught the Christmas decorating spirit!  It took my mind to beautifully decorated trees, smells of pine and cinnamon, twinkling lights, and mantels decorated with garlands of magnolia and cedar!

  Whether its an elaborate decorating job or simply stockings hung by the chimney with care, chances are your mantel gets a little Christmas love!  One special memory I treasure is decorating my Mother’s mantel for Christmas and she loved whatever I did!  

  Today, let’s take a look at some ideas for those mantels…be sure to check out my Pinterest Board Joyeux Noel!

Click each photo to go to the original source.


This is unique…magnolia leaves formed into a bow!


A perfectly balanced mantel!

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Thanksgiving Grace In Our Living Space

~ Autumn, Decorating

“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭107:1‬ ‭

When we turn the calendars forward to November, it seems like all eyes focus on that fourth Thursday that comes and goes so quickly!  It’s the day that we set aside to talk, laugh, eat, and above all…give thanks.  Here in our home, we always want to take time out to pause, reflect, and be thankful…because there is so very much to be thankful for.  The little vignette you will see today brings together the elements of autumn and the fast approaching holiday with the warm colors and its rustic vibe.  I guess you could say it adds that thanksgiving grace in our living space!  

 
I dressed the French chest in our family room to usher in the season!  

 
“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.”
      G.K. Chesterton

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Mixin’ It Up!

~ Autumn, Decorating, Home Tours

“Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his steadfast love endures forever; to him who alone does great wonders, for his steadfast love endures forever”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭136:3-4‬ ‭

Thanksgiving is in the air!  And so is Christmas!  It seems like every year, the lines continue to blur as to when to put away the pumpkins and drag out the trees. Thanksgiving is perhaps my favorite holiday, because it seems like it’s the holiday with no expectations…only to eat and enjoy family!  But may I pose the idea that you can decorate with both in mind?

You may remember last year when I shared the Caroline House with you all!  It’s a lovely house that the women of Briarwood Church decorate to usher in the Christmas season, and it’s definitely worth pulling out of the archives today!  Katy and I went and loved every room – they were all decorated beautifully!  While most rooms were decked out for Christmas, the sunroom lent itself to both Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Today, let’s take a look at what happens when we mix it up!

 
The pineapple is a symbol of hospitality…fresh fruit is perfect for Thanksgiving and Christmas!

 
My eye was immediately drawn to the cross on the window!

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