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