Tuesday, November 30, 2010

I Stalked Her Mantel!

Yes, I admit it. I stalked someone's mantel. I couldn't help myself, it was just so gorgeous. The layers and layers of beauty and detail just sucked me in and I went back to it over and over again.
During one of our email exchanges I confessed to her about my stalking problem and how I was very glad that she didn't have one of those boxes that show your face when you come over to visit her blog because she would probably question my sanity when she saw how many times I was there...lurking...enlarging that picture of her mantle over and over again.
I finally broke free and decided to attempt to use her inspiration and channel my energy into creating my own Christmas mantel.

This is Mantle Number One...



In case you are wondering where the stockings are, they are over on Mantel Number 2 in our Living Room...'cause that is where the big chimney is...and you know why the stockings need to be near the chimney, don't you?

Here is a closer look...


I had so much fun creating this mantel and blended the old with the new. I had the garland and the ribbon already but purchased the beads and the ornaments from Lowes.

I also already had the candles and candleholders as well as the berry topiaries.
Now, don't be hatin' on my brass accents because when it comes to Christmas, I love the contrast of the brass against my dark wood. It gives it some sparkle and I'm proud of it! I also happen to love that I get to use traditional Christmas colors in my home and I take full advantage of it!

These vases are normally in our office but by moving them in here and adding some greenery and more berries, they add some height to the space.


This is some of the most real looking faux greenery I have ever come across. I have actually had people come up to touch it just to see for themselves!


I felt that the bows on each end needed a little more "umph" and so I snipped these off of a dinky little faux poinsettia plant I found burried at the bottom of one of my Christmas bins. They really help add a pop of color. 

I fell in love with these butterflies and they just clip right on to the garland. I ended up carrying that theme over onto my other mantel but you can't see it...yet!






The size and color of these beads were perfect and draped behind the garland they add one more layer of depth and dimension.



Here is how it all looks glowing at night!



I will have more of this space to show you soon but I didn't want to miss out on all of the fun Mantel Parties going on out there!

Oh, and whose mantel was I stalking?
Well, it was Becca over at Adventures in Decorating!

Becca is not only an incredibly talented decorator/designer, she is one of the loveliest ladies I have ever "met". I would have told you who it was sooner, but I was afraid you would hop over there and get sucked in by all of the gorgeousness you will find. It happens very easily, trust me!

From this Southern Girl at Heart,
Vanessa

Linking to..
The Lettered Cottage Mantel Party
Boring to Better
Boardwalk Bragfest
Feathered Nest Friday

36 comments:

Karen said...

You are too funny! stalking.... I think their is a penalty or that. Vanessa, it looks fabulous. Clean lines, very traditional - my style girl. I'm going stalking, because not one thing looks Christmasey at my house right now. I'm hung up trying to figure our what I'm going to do with two yellow/lime green flourescent adirondack chairs on the deck!!! You got any suggestions or should I ask have you seen any pics, while you were stalking. :)) Will be catching up on posts when I can.

Debbiedoos said...

Ummmmmm....we are not suppose to stalk I take it? That means I be in trouble LOL!!~ Oh I love your mantel Vanessa. That blue Vase is so pretty with the reds and greens. You did a great job!

DIYbyDesign said...

Gorgeous!! I love everything. I love how the garland is swagged in front. I might have to try that next year.

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous mantel Vanessa!

Jessica said...

Hi Vanessa,
Everything looks just beautiful! I love it. I wanted to thank you for your kind, encouraging words on my blog. It really meant alot. Thank you again :)

By the way, where did you find that fantastic table runner you showcased the other day? I am in love with it and haven't seen something so unique. Really pretty!
Love,
Jessica

Beverly@Beverly's Back Porch said...

Your Christmas swag is beautiful. I've have to admit I have been over stalking myself.

Anonymous said...

Vanessa, it's simply gorgeous!!

Christmas-etc... said...

Really lovely! I especially like it with the lights on - who needs a tree in the room with this garland?!
Blessings!
Ann

Becca Bertotti said...

Girl, you are crazy! And, I love you for it! You can stalk me anytime ... although, admittedly, you don't need to! Your mantel is absolutely fabulous! I love your garland ... the blue vases ... the awesome realistic greenery ... how you added the pointsettias to the bows, and the clip-on butterflies on your beautiful garland are too cute! You rocked this! I love it all! And, YOU, my dear are inspiring! Hugs, Becca

michelle said...

You are so cute! Your mantel is just stunning! I love how you put the vases on there, so elegant! And the garland is like one out of a a magazine! You have one of the most gorgeous homes my friend and your creativity is inspiring! I know that people stalk you too!! ;)

~Kristin~ said...

Brass-Smrass! Who cares? If you love it then that's all that mattters, ya know?
I need to get busy with my mantle.
Have a great week Vanessa!

Traci said...

LOVE IT!!! Since you're admitting to stalking I guess it's ok for me to admit it too. I was at Becca's blog enlarging pictures RIGHT before I came to your blog. How funny!!!

NanaDiana said...

Vanessa...that's not stalking...that is complimenting! Don't you know that copying something is the sincerest form of flattery? Well, I don't know what hers looks like-but yours is gorgeous. And, I love that you have used traditional Christmas colors! They are perfect with your dark wood! Hugs-Diana

Janine Claire Robinson said...

That's so gorgeous. It is tasteful and elegant with just the right touch of Christmas cheer! Way to go lovely Southern friend. And I also like your Christmas header =)

Kama said...

If we were not blog stalkers we wouldn't be bloggers!...at least that is what I try to tell myself! LOL. I think your mantel turned out beautiful!! You did a great job:)

Sarah @ Modern Country Style said...

Vanesa, you're so lovely. So sweet and kind.

And your mantel looks so gorgeous Christmassy. The greenery DONE look o real. I almost reached out and touched it!

My only worry is that Santa will get too distracted with all your loveliness to remember to fill your stockings!!

Sarahx

Jane said...

Wow, you have really done a wonderful job! The colors blend beautifully. I especially like the greenery - you are right, it does look very realistic!

Jane

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

Hi Vanessa, I have also been stalking a few blogs for holiday inspiration! Your mantel is beautiful..very festive! I should have swagged my garland like you have done. This would have saved my mantel diaster!
Happy Holidays,
Sherry

Thoughts for the day said...

Looks really nice...good job.

Christie said...

Hey friend! I miss you! hee hee...it's like we are long lost friends!! I do miss chatting with you!! I haven't been on here in some time and then when I finally try to get back on to blog, blogger tells me that I have used all of my 1GB! As if that weren't enough, I fell down my stairs like an idiot and hurt my right hand! couldn't even click the mouse earlier, it hurt so bad! What a clutz! All of my grumbling is not why I came over here! It is to tell you how BEAUTIFUL this mantel is!! Love, love, love it!!! You are very talented and your lovely things are displayed so nicely! ((My hand feels better, but Rob tells me that I am not supposed to return to blogging! I tell him that he is just jealous, because I like it so much! :)) All is well otherwise! I hope you are well and enjoying the holiday season! I hope to spend some time 'catching up' on past post of yours! I have missed your sweet thoughts and decorations!! Christie

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Hi Vanessa, I love your mantel decor. Love the topiaries and candles and then the blue and white vases filled with greenery. Very pretty. Thanks for joining this week!

kara@elements-interiors.net said...

Vanessa!!! I stalk you too! Ahim...Thanks for you sweet comments today! Ive got bronchitis...AGAIN, feel like poo and you made my day!

Love you Girlfriend!
xoxokara

Anonymous said...

Thank you for linking to the Boardwalk Bragfest, Vanessa! Your mantel is gorgeous! What a showpiece!

Debbie said...

So what do you call someone who stalks a stalker?
Either, totally uncreative...
or Debbie.

I would love to have one like YOURS.

Tire Swing Mom said...

You stalker, you! Seriously, a very pretty mantel. I love the picture of it at night.

Tricia said...

Very pretty. I love the pops of red. I was trying to decorate very neutral this year, but it isn't quite workin' for me, I think I'll have to add a little red too. I love the little lights in your swag. How come I don't see a cord? Are they battery operated?

The Decorative Dreamer said...

Haha! Beccas posts are worthy of stalking but so are yours! I love your mantle. You did a fabulous job. I love your big large bows and beads. You are right brass definitely looks alot better this time of year. Cannot wait to see your other mantle too!

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Your mantel looks great! I love your garland! The bows and beads make such a nice touch.

Bonnie@Creative Decorating said...

I knew it was Becca as soon as I saw your mantle!!! Isn't she great??? You did a fantastic job! I am working on stalking her too! You are so funny as I do the same things! However, I copy the picture and put it in a Word document with a bunch of others and I sit and stare at them!!!! My family thinks I'm nuts!!

Oh, and I LOVE traditional Christmas colors with lots of gold (brass!) in the decor! I keep singing "Red & Gold" instead of "Silver & Gold"!!!

Kelly said...

Oh my, there is so much loveliness here! The greenery is wonderful, and I LOVE the topiaries! I also love the contrast of the red with the blue vases.

Kelly

Kelly said...

Oh my, there is so much loveliness here! The greenery is wonderful, and I LOVE the topiaries! I also love the contrast of the red with the blue vases.

Kelly

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

Very beautiful! I love lots of greenery and berries. The arrangement in the blue vase is lovely! I put a blue vase away for the holidays...may want to get it back out! Hugs! ♥

Linda @ Life and Linda said...

Cute post. Love your sense of humor.
I think we all like to dream and get inspired by others. There is nothing wrong with that. Your mantel turned out beautiful. The topiaries are wonderful.

KimMalk said...

Hi Vanessa, I'm just now seeing this...I love it too, I hope you post this early next Christmas season, so I can stalk you and copy it. My faux mantel is already done, but I have pretty vases and can stack garland etc... Hugs, Kim

Honey at 2805 said...

Love your mantel, so pretty! From a fellow stalker (I think it's a big club) and your latest follower.

Courtney ~ French Country Cottage said...

Love your mantle decor Vanessa~ looks so beautiful!! I love the swags and beautiful colors!! The red is gorgeous! Thanks for sharing at my party! :)