Every night after my son is asleep and the day’s work is done, I like to settle in front of the fire. Wrapped in a blanket, a favorite book or magazine in hand, this is how I unwind.
These ladies’ homes are all gorgeous, and I’ve seen a few of these mantels in person. And you are definitely going to want to hop over at the end of this post to see what they’re sharing.
I’m actually sharing two mantels today — the keeping room and the master bedroom.
In our house, let’s start in the keeping room, our main family hangout spot. (Excuse the lack of rugs; we have an older dog and rugs aren’t worth the work at this point.)
We have a gorgeous stone fireplace, and I love decorating it for the holidays.
The mantel and hearth generally set the tone for the decorations in this room. It’s more casual, rustic and masculine than other rooms in the house. I think it definitely has a lived-in-lodge feel.
I’m describing this year’s mantel as snowy and cozy with a woodlands vibe., I dressed the mantel with a lighted evergreen garland, decorated with cotton garlands and gold stars.
Since the doors above the mantel house our main television, I like to keep the top of the mantel clear.
A pair of glittery grapevine wreath snowmen stand on either side.
While practical reasons dictate I keep the top of the fireplace clear, I’m lucky to have a substantial hearth to decorate.
I think I need to have a talk with Santa. Me? On the naughty list?
McCoy, the accident-prone dog I mentioned earlier, I totally understand how she made the naughty list? But me? What was Santa thinking? And what does he know? Has that elf been telling tales on me?
Can I tell you, this vintage plaid Scotch tape tin is one of my favorite things in the keeping room?
I picked it up in Pennsylvania this summer when I was visiting Yvonne, another blogger on this tour.
My husband is of Scottish heritage, and I’ve been trying to incorporate more plaid into this room. So, I snatched up the tape tin as soon as I saw it. (Of course, this isn’t the Buchanan plaid.)
I’m something of a ribbon hoarder, so this year I decided to break out some of my favorite patterns and use them in my Christmas decor.
A little ticking, some jingle bells and some jute webbing suddenly become Christmas decor when displayed in a festive red suitcase aside a flocked feather tree.
I’ll be showing some more details from the keeping room tomorrow when I unveil my entire Christmas house tour for 2014.
But for now, let’s move into the bedroom, where we’re lucky enough to have a second gas fireplace.
Having that fireplace is a real treat on cozy winter nights and mornings. There’s nothing like cuddling beneath a down blanket with a fire blazing.
A pair of blue glass candlesticks, which are there all year round, and a real pine garland dress the top of the mantel.
I made a blue and gold Christmas banner, which says “Buon Natale,” to drape below the mantel.
That’s Merry Christmas in Italian, by the way.
If you want to know how I made the Buon Natale banner, you can find a tutorial here.
It’s almost time for me to say goodnight and go sit by the fire.
Thank you for stopping by to see my Christmas mantel decor.
Don’t forget to hop over to see the other bloggers’ gorgeous mantels.
Anne at White Lace Cottage
Kim at Savvy Southern Style/Janet at Shabby Fu Fu
Yvonne at StoneGable/Pamela at From My Front Porch to Yours
Becca at Adventures in Decorating/Courtney at French Country Cottage
Mary Alice at Chateau Chic/Anita at Far Above Rubies
Shirley at Housepitality Designs
Your mantels are so pretty. Love the stars hanging from the one in the keeping room. And the soft blues in your bedroom are wonderful.
Mary Alice
You nailed them both! Your “snowy and cozy with a woodlands vibe” mantel is so inviting (love the rustic feel and tucks of cotton). And, like you, I’d love to curl up with a great read in front of your master bedroom’s gorgeous and simplistic mantel/fireplace! Lucky girl, you!
Becca — thanks so much for your sweet compliments. Coming from you, one of the best mantel stylists I’ve ever met, it’s a definite honor! You always blow me away with your mantels, room makeovers and your fabulousness!
So pretty!! Nice to find new blogs (to me:-) to visit!
Amy your mantels are fabulous. Your blue one is so serene. I love the Naughty and nice list on your woodlands mantel. Thank you for joining us in the bog hop! Can not wait to see the rest of your holiday decor!
Oh Amy…both of your mantels are beautiful….I love that you have a fireplace in your bedroom. The blues are so wonderful…..Hey my hubby is mainly Italian and I did not think he knows the word for Merry Christmas in Italian!!….and I love that Scotch Tape tin too!!!
AMY I am in love with your serene mantel in your bedroom, it looks so peaceful and restful, perfect for a bedroom. The simplicity is what speaks to me and makes me want to sit in there and read a book, Merry Christmas,
Kathysue
Thank you, Kathy Sue. It is a great place to unwind and relax and slow down from the busyness of daily life and the season. I’m in between books. Got any recommendations? I need a good book to read at night by the fire.
Could I borrow that “blue” mantel? Seriously? Love the stone on the other one, too. You have reminded me that I have one of those snowmen somewhere. But, where?! Can’t wait for the rest of the tour.
If you’re the Tar Heel end of that Tardevil, then you can definitely borrow the blue mantel! But if you’re the Duke fan, no deal!
And I’m so glad I’m not the only one who can’t remember where she stashed some fabulous find! Hope your snowman turn up.
Wow, two gorgeous places to unwind!! Love the blue so much and the cotton on the garland is so unique and lovely!! Thanks for stopping by!! 🙂
Amy what a beautiful home! LOVE both of your mantels! I love the turquoise touches on your one mantle. I love the soft glow and sparkle of your star mantel!
Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous!!! I would love to have to fireplaces! So cozy… especially this week. It’s been so so cold. If I lived in the south I would be all about cotton bolls! Just love your keeping room and the snowy cotton! Amy, your decor style make my heart sing! BTW, I did not tell Santa you were naughty… I’ve been telling him what a delight Jackson is! xo
I LOVE it! Absolutley beautiful and ever so festive!! Decorating mantles is such an art and you have totally mastered it!
Love the blue! So pretty and different. I would love it if you would come link up any of your home tour over at my Style Sister Christmas Home tour link up party! http://thestylesisters.blogspot.com/2014/12/the-style-sisters-christmas-home-tour.html
Karin
Amy everything you have created is so lovely! The use of your ribbons ( I have a stash too I should get out!) and the cotton ball garland are wonderful! This is such a fun tour! Thank you for sharing.
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
Thanks so much, Karena. And I’m glad to meet another ribbon hoarder.
So pretty Amy! Love both of your mantels!
Thanks Courtney. Yours are stunners, as well.