Well, peeps… better late than never, right? I’ve been enjoying keeping my little baby grandson so much that I’ve FALL-en behind on my fall decorating! But I finally managed to complete this cozy and colorful Fall Mantel. Here she is:
The focal point above the mantel is an old printer’s tray. Well, the tray’s old… I don’t know how old the printer was! LOL. This has been in our family since the early 80’s and has been stored away for years! Back then, I filled many of the spaces with miniatures (yes, folks. That was cool, way back when). Today I like it just by itself, in all its own glory!
I tacked a bronzey ‘W’ to the front of the printer’s tray and swagged a leaf garland from above. To the left is a tall glass container with curly willow and dried berries. There are polished stones in the bottom of the vase. Stones are a great stabilizer instead of foam when your container is transparent. Also on the left is a bronze bowl with a raffia pumpkin inside.
To the right is the same iron candle stick used on the summer mantel. It works so well with the fall décor, I decided to keep it there. And the candles are the perfect color to coordinate with the throw on the little rocking chair. Finishing touches to the mantel are the three (real) pumpkins in the middle {see the HINT below} and the glass vase on the right side with mini gourds. Behind that are shutters I recently painted and distressed.
Speaking of the rocking chair! This is an heirloom from my husband’s family. We don’t know exactly how old it is, or who made it, but it was already old when our baby girls were rocked in it when we would visit their grandparents! It is in line for a makeover, as the fabric is pretty worn, but it looks great with the orange popcorn throw draped over! And guess what has the seat of honor? Yep, the {thrifty} Burlap Pumpkin!
Also in front of the fireplace is a rustic magazine rack. Flowing out of it are fall leaves and gourds.
As much as I LOVE neutrals – and you know I do!- I just felt the need for some color this year! I also love orange, and what color says fall better??
How is your fall decorating coming? Are you using a lot of color?
Happy Fall!
HINT:To give your real pumpkins a pretty finish, give them a bath first in a solution of warm water, dish liquid and a capful of bleach. This will discourage spoilage. After completely dry, spray a real pumpkin with a sealer to give a rich finish, as well as discourage the growth of mold, etc.!
