Christmas Mantel: Believe
Our Christmas Mantel is a bit different this year, in fact most of our Christmas trees and decorations are not our usual style. I’ll have to admit, it’s taking me a little time to get into the spirit this year, not sure if it’s the lack of snow, being so busy or simply life. So this new spin on our Mantel and other decorations is very refreshing for both Doug and I.
The Mantel started with a feeling…a wish…that the spirit of Christmas could live in all of us, not only in just the hearts of little children. You know…that sparkle and smile when a child sees the Christmas lights or sits on Santa’s lap. The warmth you get from believing about more than the presents or cookies.
And so, after lots of thinking and chatting about my idea, Doug and I designed our “Believe” Christmas Mantel…
Just like in the Polar Express book and movie, the bells of Christmas ring for those that believe! So we began with the jingle bells as our theme and added lots of different white accents.
I decided to change up the usual garland that goes all the way across and just had a piece on each end of the Mantel. I started with one 9 foot length for each side, added the lights and folded it in half, securing it to the Mantel with wire. Then I added some picks with white tiny snowballs, ribbon and some white ornaments including a white bird, acorn and pinecone.
We found the deer at Michael’s, they began as gold paper mache’ and we transformed with white spray paint, spray adhesive and glitter. A white Santa, a boot filled with bells and other various sizes of bells were added on top of a piece of white fur fabric.
A treasured woodland Santa got tucked in the end.
On the opposite end, a little wagon received a new look with a coat of white spray paint, then filled with Epson salt, fresh greens to resemble a tree being brought home in the wagon, a deer and a few more bells.
More white deer, these were ornaments and I just removed the string and yes…more bells!
The Chalkboard, which is actually slate, anchors the Mantel with “Believe!” The wooden initial received a coat of spray adhesive and sprinkle of glitter, then the rest of the word is in chalk. My little trick for drawing with chalk, wet the board and wrap the chalk in a damp cloth…works like a charm!
The stockings I made last year from thrift store sweaters, received strings of twine tied with bells.
And more twine with bells across the top of the Chalkboard.
Do the bells of Christmas ring for you?
“At one time most of my friends could hear the bell, but as years passed, it fell silent for all of them. Though I’ve grown old, the bell still rings for me as it does for all who truly believe.” – Chris VanAllsburg from The Polar Express
May the bells of Christmas continue to ring for you this year and years to come!
Linking to…Holiday Mantel Party at Lettered Cottage, Show & Tell Friday, Weekend Wrap up Party, Graphics Fairy
What a great mantle. The neutrals are fabulous! I would love for you to come link this up to my party going on! http://alivedinhome.blogspot.com/2012/12/get-social-sunday_9.html
Just beautiful! Would love if you came by the mantel party to link up!!
The party is happening now!
Stacey of Embracing Change
I especially like the stockings!
I’ll say “high five” because I also have three sons 🙂
really good ones, too 🙂
A beautiful way to capture the spirit of the season. Love it!
Christmas blessings,
Christi @ A Southern Life
Gorgeous!
I am loving this mantle. Especially the theme and how you incorporated it. Lovely.
Thanks so much for stopping by! I’m thrilled you like the Mantel!
~Liz
I love using white in Christmas decorating… it seems so clean and easier on the eyes than the red, green and glitter everywhere!
What a beautiful mantle you have arranged! It is stunning! I sure hope Santa is good to you this year!
Thanks so much Leslie! I’m thrilled you like the Mantel!
This is so visually beautiful, just the right amount of items. The stockings….swoon, you are a clever woman. Come visit my house and bring your needle and plenty of cupcakes. lol
Oh I love company! Thanks for stopping by!
Liz I’m loving these muted colors- so peaceful. I need some peace this time of year 🙂
Wow this is beautiful! We don’t have much space in our home for decoration unfortunately, especially for holidays like Christmas (we don’t even have room for a tree!). So I live vicariously through other people who do.
Thanks for stopping by Raquelle! I’m thrilled you like the Mantel! Maybe a table top tree would work for you.
~Liz
Hey Liz – You know I have tried a table top tree. I got a small spruce bush from my local garden shop. However, there is such poor air circulation in my basement level condo that the bush died a very quick death. And the needles got everywhere. I’m not sure it was worth it. We thought of a wreath for our door but wouldn’t enjoy it as much as something inside. We are just waiting until we buy a home so we can do some festive decorating!
This is beautiful! Sometimes the understated makes the most lovely decoration.
Thanks for stopping by Wendy! Less is definitely more this year.