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Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Snowflakes and Silver Trees-Christmas Mantel 2012

I've decided it's finally time to decorate for Christmas.

Christmas is only 2 weeks away.  Yikes!

Are you ready?  I am not.

I did finally get my mantel and china hutch decorated this weekend.  But I've only take photos of my mantel. And it was this morning before I left for work.  So the light wasn't the greatest.  But hey, it's done.  Yipee!


I decided to go with a neutral color scheme this year.  As much as I love traditional Christmas colors,  I think I love neutral colors even more.


My theme this year is snowflakes and silver trees.   I only had to purchase a few things this year.  And not because I needed them, but because I wanted them.  Heaven knows, I don't need another Christmas item.  But I'm a Christmas junkie.  So I just keep on buying.


The giant snowflakes are a new purchase this year.  Found them at Hobby Lobby at 50% off.  I have been so happy to finally have a Hobby Lobby in California.  And one that is only 20 minutes from my house.  Hubby, he is not too happy.  But I am.    The glittery snowflake on the pickle jar is also new this year.  It was an ornament from Target.



I'm still in love with my chenille snowflake.  I purchased a couple of them online a few years back.  I'm now wishing I had purchased about 10 of them.


The silver mercury glass tree on the right was a new purchase from Kohl's.  I stood in line for 2 hours on Black Friday to purchase it.   That and quite a few other items.   I told you that shopping for Christmas decor is a sickness I have.  I'm willing to wait in line for 2 hours and something I don't even need.  Tell me that I'm not the only one with this sickness.  PLEASE!


I love my snowflake lights.  I've had them for almost 20 years.  And they are still going strong.  Well, they are now after hubby fixed them.  I had them all arranged, plugged them in and..... nothing.  They wouldn't work!  UGH!   But lucky for me, I have a handy, dandy hubby who can fix almost anything.


I had planned on making a fabulous banner for my mantel this year.  I have the same plan every year.  And every year, it never gets done.  Being a procrastinator and a lazy one at that sure puts a cramp in my plans.  But I did have this JOY banner in my stash.  I'm happy with it.  At least for now.


The larger mercury glass votive candle holders came from Target a few years ago.  The smaller two in front I found at a fabulous store in Temecula called the Western Eagle Bargain Store.  I love that store.  You never know what treasures you will find there.  And for cheap!  My kind of store.


I can't remember where I got the tree on the right as I've had it so long.  But the tree on the left came from Dollar Tree about 2-4 years ago.  It was a disco mirror tree.  Much to bright for my taste.  So I used some watered down brown craft paint on it & wiped it off.  Made it look more like mercury glass.  Much better.


I put some Epsom salt in a couple of large pickle jars (the kind you get at Costco or Sam's Club).  Placed a battery operated candle inside.  Tied some jute twine at the top to hold my new glittery snowflake ornament from Target.  I love it!

I love real candles more than battery operated ones.  But I've almost burnt my house down a couple of times using real candles.  So fake it is!


I'm so glad that mercury glass is still in fashion.  Can you ever have too much mercury glass?


Well, I hope that you have enjoyed this years Christmas mantel.  Hopefully I'll get photos of my china hutch soon.  The lighting in my family room isn't the best.  I might have to wait until the weekend when I will be home during daylight hours.

I'm hoping to get my Christmas tree decorated by this weekend as well.  I just need someone to help me take down 6 boxes that are in the way up in my attic.  Hopefully this year, I'll actually get it done.  Last year was the first time in my 50 something years that I didn't have a Christmas tree.  



Linking to:





Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage

10 comments:

  1. Your mantel looks like a winter wonderland, even if it is in sunny California! I love that chenille snowflake, too.

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  2. Your mantel is beautiful. I love all the sparkle and snowflakes.

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  3. The mantel is lovely. You are such a "crafty" lady I bet you could make more chenille stars yourself.

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  4. I'm with you - flameless candles are the only way to go. Love the mantel.

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  5. I love everything you do! You are one of my FAVs!!! Please post a little more often as I miss you!!! Donna K.

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  6. What a gorgeous mantel! Every detail I love, the snowflakes are my favorite! New Follower!

    Jody

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  7. Blue and silver are my favorite Christmas colors. :) I love your decorations, especially those pretty silver trees!

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  8. Your mantel looks great! I have the same affliction. Might have even been known to hide something in a store on Christmas Eve in order to get it 50% off the day after.

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  9. Beautiful! I love the wintery feel! You could even leave some of it up in January.

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  10. Nope! Can't have too much mercury glass! I LOVE it, you did a beautiful job!

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