Well, the sun never came out (welcome to a Washington December!), but despite the dreary day I managed to take a few photos of my Christmas mantel. This year I kept the palette calm—green, silver, white, and brown—while adding brighter red accents in the dining room. Our family room already has a lot going on, so I wanted this space to feel visually restful.
I mixed a variety of shapes and textures for the mantel this year. Mercury glass brings shine, the wooden letters and metal flower bucket add a rougher, rustic element, and the white pitchers introduce soft curves and subtle sheen. Quilted white stockings provide softness, while green foliage lends natural texture. I finished the look with a book-page wreath layered over the textured mirror, which ties everything together.
Done!
I’ll step back and share the tree and a few other festive corners of the house on Monday.
Because I get emails and comments asking to see more photos of Jack (he really should have a fan club), here’s a little behind-the-scenes of our attempt to get him to pose with his Santa hat.
Easier said than done.
We couldn’t get the hat onto his head at first—he grabbed it before we did.
We really tried to get it out of his mouth and onto his head. We tried.
It turned into a tug-of-war—his favorite game. Eventually we got the hat out of his mouth, but he wouldn’t keep it on.
Maybe by Monday we’ll succeed in getting him to pose with it on. Maybe not. Either way, he keeps us entertained.
Thanks for stopping by to see my Christmas mantel!
I look forward to having you back on Monday.
The 2011 Christmas Home Tours at The Inspired Room begin at 6PM PST on Monday!
*I’m linking this mantel post to seasonal home tour parties and sharing it with friends who enjoy holiday decorating.