Putting together our Christmas mantel decorations every year is always a challenge.
Because we have one of those fireplaces that serves as a dual focal point in our keeping room.
There’s the beautiful stone fireplace, with flickering gas logs, a large stone hearth and mantel. And above it, a cabinet for our main television.
In years past, I have made the mistake of adding too much garland to the mantel, obstructing our view of the TV and making remote channel surfing virtually impossible.
This year, I kept things simple and uncluttered (for me!) with these vintage rustic Christmas mantel decorations.
Since I can’t add much to the top of our mantel, I focus on the space below it and the fireplace hearth.
I used a pinecone garland along the mantelpiece, then hung a trio of burlap stockings below it. (If you have a stone mantel like I do, you can put a thin piece of wood on top of the mantel. Ours, a leftover piece of trim, has screws and cup hooks drilled on the side so I can hang things from it. Zip ties help secure the bulky garland to the piece of wood.)
I was able to add a pair of rustic owls to the top of the mantel, flanking each side of the TV cabinet.
I had forgotten all about these stockings until I started digging through my Christmas decor bins. I can’t remember where I bought them — somewhere on clearance after the holidays for $8 each. (I only know that because the price tags were still attached!)
But they worked well with the red and vintage theme I’ve used to decorate the keeping room for Christmas.
Here’s just a little sneak peek. Do you spy that buffalo check pattern on the sofa? I’m completely smitten.
Here’s a little glimpse of the ornaments on the keeping room Christmas tree, which sits just to the left of the fireplace, nestled near the sofa.
I pulled out a lot of vintage elements, like my chippy column, tobacco stick star, my mom’s quilt and a toy truck, to dress the hearth.
Would you believe my mom paid $2 for that quilt at a yard sale, probably 30-something years ago?
I also also added a metal bin and the snowshoes that I used on my Christmas front porch last year to the hearth.
I’m really pleased with how the mantel turned out and how the keeping room, which is our main family hangout space, came together. You’ll get the see it all during my full home tour next week.
Until then, I hope you’ll visit the other bloggers in the Christmas Ideas Tour.
Monday – Mantels
Petticoat Junktion
My Creative Days
2 Bees in a Pod
Restoration Redoux
Atta Girl Says
Art is Beauty
Cottage at the Crossroads
Housepitality Designs
Shabbyfufu
Tuesday – Tablescapes
Postcards from the Ridge
Town and Country Living
Hunt and Host
Savvy Southern Style
All Things Heart and Home
HighStyle Restyle
This Makes That
Wednesday – Wreaths
Domestically Speaking
Our Southern Home
Mad in Crafts
H2O Bungelow
Sweet Pea
Around The Watts House
Thursday – Thrifty Crafts
Dukes and Duchesses
Confessions of a Serial Do-It-Yourselfer
Prodigal Pieces
The Interior Frugalista
Cupcakes and Crinoline
Girl in the Garage
Jennifer Dawn says
Every details is lovely! I’ve featured this in a collection of cozy, rustic Christmas ideas for today’s link party. http://www.thelifeofjenniferdawn.com/2015/12/ideas-for-rustic-cozy-christmas-and.html
Atta Girl Amy says
Thank you so much! I can’t wait to check out all the cozy, rustic ideas. One of my favorite styles, as you can probably tell. 🙂
Theresa @DearCreatives says
Lovely holiday décor and special touches. Happy holiday season. Thanks fro sharing at the Inspiration Spotlight party. Pinned & shared.
Mary Beth|Cupcakes and Crinoline says
I love your mantel and all of the touches on the hearth and more. It’s perfectly rustic!
Kim says
I love your mantel this year, Amy. That quilt was a steal. Gosh I wish I could find a red and white one that doesn’t cost a fortune. That truck is too cute!
Angie @ Postcards from the Ridge says
Your mantel is so cozy and welcoming. It makes me want to sit down and enjoy a cup of hot cocoa and listen to Christmas music. I love all of the natural and rustic elements you used.
Janet (Shabbyfufu) says
I just love the pinecone garland…it’s so warm and inviting!
Shirley@Housepitality Designs says
I LOVE this mantel…from that gorgeous pinecone garland to that amazing quilt!….Truly a most gorgeous rustic/vintage mantel….Great job as always Amy!
Jane @ Cottage at the Crossroads says
Amy, I just adore every detail that you included in your mantel decorations! Those stocking are just darling and go so well with your other touches of red in the room. And what a deal your mom got on that quilt!!! Can’t wait to see all the rest of your decorations on your home tour! Pinning and sharing on FB!
Paula@SweetPea says
Your mantel looks so pretty this Christmas! I love your burlap stockings and pretty pine cone adorned garland. I’ll have to admit that my heart did a little pitter-patter when I read that the quilt was a $2 find 30 years ago. I can picture someone lovingly making that quilt by hand and can imagine how many years it kept someone warm. Enjoy this pretty setting all of December!
christy @ Confessions of a Serial Do-it-Yourselfer says
Your mantel is just beautiful! I am smitten with the tiny boots ornament on that adorable little tree…too cute! Your whole fireplace vignette is perfect! XO
Maryann @ Domestically Speaking says
What a fun vintage mantel… love those snowshoes!
Lindsay Eidahl says
I love your mantel! The burlap stockings are too cute and the snow shoes…… I need to find me some of those. I love the pops of red everywhere and the tree is so darling! Merry Christmas!!!