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Natural Autumn Mantel

Some might say that I am somewhat of a natural girl
I love fresh product and whole grain breads
and think a lunch date with my husband at the salad bar at
Fresh Choice or Whole Foods is pretty fantastic.
;)

When it comes to decorating my home
I tend to like everything a bit more natural and fresh too.
Whether it's florals mixed with fruits, birds nests or simply branches from a tree
I seem to gravitate towards decorating with nature


For Fall, sometimes it's  just a basket of white pumpkins on the sideboard
 or an Autumn wreath above the mantel
or maybe a couple little pumpkins tucked into an existing vignette.


Out in the little cottage
 the  fireplace mantel is covered in dried hydrangeas
 and sprinkled with a few pretty pink roses.
It is simple and natural.


A vintage inspired statue that takes center stage was a HomeGoods find.
It took me a little bit to get this  big. solid. concrete. statue  into my cart
but I knew right away he was coming home with me.

A scattering of pinecones gathered in the Santa Cruz mountains 
 and just a few little white pumpkins bring the first touches of Autumn


I love the mix of subtle greens, blues and golden yellows
with the pink in the roses and the soft white pumpkins.


It certainly doesn't shout Fall- it's a bit more simple and quiet
but it is perfect for this room.


I have had a hard time finding white pumpkins  this year and have only found a few small ones so far.
This mantel might get a little tweaked as I find more but for now
 I am liking it.



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69 comments

  1. AnneSeptember 22, 2012 at 5:19 PM

    Courtney,
    Love your nature inspired mantle!
    xx
    Anne

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  2. LeRaeSeptember 22, 2012 at 5:26 PM

    Courtney, if you have a Safeway close try them. They have (at least the one close to me in Sacramento does) a wonderful selection of white pumpkins for .59

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  3. Kim @ Savvy Southern StyleSeptember 22, 2012 at 5:42 PM

    Courtney, that is so pretty and romantic.

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  4. Penny PhillipsSeptember 22, 2012 at 5:45 PM

    I love your mantle! Hugs, Penny

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  5. ℳartina @ Northern NestingSeptember 22, 2012 at 5:51 PM

    Your mantle looks beautiful Courtney! That last shot is stunning! Happy Fall!

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  6. SplenderosaSeptember 22, 2012 at 5:55 PM

    Pretty Pretty Pretty! Loving the colors.
    xx's

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  7. Gee Singh NewbanksSeptember 22, 2012 at 5:56 PM

    Been catching up some blog reading and saved yours for last!!!
    I knew I was going to want to re read :-) and look at the pictures slowly.. again! I really luv your soft French Country style.
    Thanks for sharing Courtney :-)
    Pop on over and see me at my place..
    www.simplymedesignsbygee.blogspot.

    Cheers, Gee

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  8. Vicki SheadSeptember 22, 2012 at 6:02 PM

    So pretty! I love it! We have tons of white pumpkins here... but that might be just a midwest thing.

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  9. SherrySeptember 22, 2012 at 6:11 PM

    That is beautiful! I've not found one white pumpkin in my area. About to break out the spray paint! Your mantel is gorgeous. I love the natural elements.

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  10. BarbaraSeptember 22, 2012 at 6:35 PM

    Just beautiful Courtney...need I say more????
    Hope you are enjoying a wonderful first Fall weekend!

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  11. Debra @ Common GroundSeptember 22, 2012 at 6:41 PM

    just beautiful, Courtney, and I agree, nature always does it best!

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  12. La DolfinaSeptember 22, 2012 at 6:55 PM

    YOU are a great stylist and GREAT photographer!!!
    Absolutely beautiful.... I like the way you do Fall Decor.
    I am so glad our mutual friend Sandy Bryan told me about you:)

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  13. Shenita @ Embellishments by SLRSeptember 22, 2012 at 7:07 PM

    Courtney, this is so pretty! I love your soft interpretation for fall.

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  14. Dewena CallisSeptember 22, 2012 at 7:19 PM

    Just right!

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  15. Sandi@ Rose Chintz CottageSeptember 22, 2012 at 7:19 PM

    I love the softer side of Fall too. I'm not big into orange and always look for white baby boos before the orange pumpkins. Love your mantel; very pretty! Have a delightful weekend.

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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  16. Tattered TiquesSeptember 22, 2012 at 8:07 PM

    This is just lovely! Beautiful mantle. I love your pretty, soft take on "fall".
    Julie

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  17. TardevilSeptember 22, 2012 at 8:17 PM

    Beautifully decorated mantel!

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  18. DebraSeptember 22, 2012 at 8:25 PM

    It's so pretty! I love the colors. White pumpkins are my favorite.

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  19. Kristin @ Simply Klassic HomeSeptember 22, 2012 at 8:28 PM

    I love it Courtney! I love the quiet simplicity and how it's not "traditional." It's beautiful.

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  20. Judy at GoldCountryCottageSeptember 22, 2012 at 8:40 PM

    Courtney: The mantel looks beautiful. Just perfect for your little cottage. I love the soft colors. One thing blogging has taught me, it's not just all about orange! I'm slowly catching on to the idea. Happy Saturday..Judy

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  21. JunkchiccottageSeptember 22, 2012 at 8:47 PM

    The mantel is just gorgeous. I am a fan of the soft colors for fall and I think you did a beautiful job on your mantel.
    Kris

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  22. Heaven's WalkSeptember 22, 2012 at 9:54 PM

    Love the natural simplicity, Courtney! Your mantel is gorgeous! Have you thought of painting some orange ones white?? Adore the dried roses, too.... :)

    oxo laurie

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  23. melody-maeSeptember 22, 2012 at 10:04 PM

    I am LOVING this mantel...just lovely!

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  24. Botanic BleuSeptember 23, 2012 at 2:15 AM

    The statue's crown is wonderful. I like how you used the dried roses mixed with the hydrangeas and pumpkins. The local green produce stand has white and 'blue' pumpkins, but they are expensive. I'm going to look at our local Safeway as suggested by another reader.

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  25. Botanic BleuSeptember 23, 2012 at 2:18 AM

    The crown on the statue is wonderful. I like how you used dried roses with the hydrangeas and pumpkins. The local green produce stand has white and 'blue' pumpkins but they are expensive. I'm going to look at our local Safeway as suggested by another reader.

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  26. Honey at 2805September 23, 2012 at 2:20 AM

    Your mantel is gorgeous with the soft pinks, whites and browns. It looks wonderful!

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  27. Vintage GalSeptember 23, 2012 at 3:51 AM

    Your mantel is just beautiful. I Love all of the natural elements and the different textures ~ just lovely

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  28. White Weathered Hutch,September 23, 2012 at 5:18 AM

    Love all the natural elements. Very pretty Courtney! Linda

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  29. Carol@HouseandHomeDefined.comSeptember 23, 2012 at 5:36 AM

    Stunning! And I never would have guessed home goods for the statue. Totally inspired!

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  30. Sherry @ No Minimalist HereSeptember 23, 2012 at 6:25 AM

    Beautiful, Courtney! Love the natural elements.

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  31. Calypso In The CountrySeptember 23, 2012 at 6:42 AM

    Such a pretty and elegant mantel!
    -Shelley

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  32. RonSeptember 23, 2012 at 7:14 AM

    Your vignettes are always magazine ready!!!!!

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  33. ShirleySeptember 23, 2012 at 7:56 AM

    Love everything! Your mantel is beautiful and that mirror is stunning..I want one!

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  34. TriciaSeptember 23, 2012 at 8:03 AM

    I love the colours, so beautiful : o )

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  35. DeseraeSeptember 23, 2012 at 8:16 AM

    Your mantle is so stunning! I usually don't like the typical fall decor for my home since orange is usually what you see. However the way you mixed the materials on your mantle gives me a whole new outlook and is so inspiring!
    ~Des

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  36. DonnaSeptember 23, 2012 at 8:24 AM

    What a gorgeous fall mantle! I never would have thought of combing roses with white pumpkins, it is stunning! Thanks for the inspiration:)

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  37. 20 North OraSeptember 23, 2012 at 9:03 AM

    Beautiful! So Fallish yet so elegant. You did a great job.

    Judy

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  38. Elizabeth (Blue Clear Sky)September 23, 2012 at 9:21 AM

    With the gorgeous kitchen and now this pretty mantel area, your guests will not want to leave your lovely little cottage. So very pretty.

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  39. ErinSeptember 23, 2012 at 11:34 AM

    Gorgeous!!! LOVE the colors, love the naturalness and just love it period!!

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  40. Blondie's JournalSeptember 23, 2012 at 12:12 PM

    This is just perfect, Courtney! You have that magic touch that makes simple look extraordinary!

    XO,
    Jane

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  41. Naptime ReviewSeptember 23, 2012 at 1:12 PM

    What a great blog!

    New follower from Thee Networking Blog Hop. Love for you to stop by and return the follow when you can. I am hosting Mom's Monday Mingle later tonight. Love for you to network with some other mom blogs ;)

    www.thenaptimereview.com
    Julie @ Naptime Review

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  42. AnonymousSeptember 23, 2012 at 1:39 PM

    I love it, unusual and just beautiful!

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  43. BeccaSeptember 23, 2012 at 1:54 PM

    It is gorgeous, Courtney ... I would expect nothing less from you! I love your new statue and the "natural" elements you used. The white pumpkins nestled in are fabulous!

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  44. Elle from Elle's Picture BookSeptember 23, 2012 at 2:21 PM

    Love your statue!! Elle x

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  45. carolpieSeptember 23, 2012 at 2:33 PM

    Sooooooo pretty!
    I have been looking for a crown for years. Where DO you find them?

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  46. Beth @A Little Country HouseSeptember 23, 2012 at 2:59 PM

    I love the color scheme, so pretty for fall!

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  47. ChrissySeptember 23, 2012 at 4:31 PM

    Oh I love your mantle for fall. However, I really want your whole fireplace for my home :)

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  48. SherrySeptember 23, 2012 at 4:32 PM

    Courtney! This is beautiful! I love how soft and romantic it is and then that statue and crown just puts it over the top gorgeous! Such a nice job!
    Sherry

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  49. pink*cherub*moonSeptember 23, 2012 at 5:22 PM

    This is so stunning! I want to live in your guest cottage LOL! That statue came from Home Goods? Argh! Wish I'd found one, it's gorgeous!Thank you for sharing! I always get so much inspration from your posts and they always make me smile! Hugs, Leena

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  50. Tracy@GeneralSplendourSeptember 23, 2012 at 6:14 PM

    Oh this is just lovely. Nicely done. Happy Autumn.

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  51. Mama ZenSeptember 23, 2012 at 6:36 PM

    I love the white pumpkins!

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  52. Two Succulent SistersSeptember 23, 2012 at 7:44 PM

    This is a gorgeous mantel! I'd love to have you come over and link up your lovely mantel at our Pumpkin Party. Take care, Linda

    http://twosucculentsisters.blogspot.com/2012/09/thirty-days-of-pumpkins.html

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  53. andrea@townandprairieSeptember 24, 2012 at 2:56 AM

    Courtney- simply stunning doesn't go far enough. Your mantel is breathtaking. Absolutely, truly, romantic.

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  54. Amy @MaisonDecorSeptember 24, 2012 at 4:43 AM

    oh wow, you just keep getting better and better!~this is fabulous Courtney!

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  55. Swede DreamsSeptember 24, 2012 at 5:26 AM

    I always love the photos of your gorgeous home! I think I need to find me some white pumpkins! What a beautiful mantel.

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  56. Sally Lee by the Sea, LLCSeptember 24, 2012 at 8:46 AM

    It is divine! I love white pumpkins too.

    Marie
    Xoxo

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  57. Terri ~the dressed up cottageSeptember 24, 2012 at 11:32 AM

    What a lovely Fall look, in a totally unconventional color palette. Well done.

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  58. Anne Lorys - Fiona and TwigSeptember 24, 2012 at 11:53 AM

    This is just divine, Courtney!!!

    XO,
    Anne

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  59. AnonymousSeptember 24, 2012 at 5:58 PM

    Very distinctive and romantic, love the statue with the crown. Can't get enough of your beautiful blog !
    Blessings,
    Bee

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  60. Sandi~A Cottage MuseSeptember 25, 2012 at 4:55 AM

    Looks lovely! I just finally found some little white pumpkins myself!

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  61. KarenSeptember 25, 2012 at 9:29 AM

    It's a beautiful mantle Courtney, just amazing.

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  62. Shirley@Housepitality DesignsSeptember 25, 2012 at 3:24 PM

    Just magical...such a perfect vignette for the mantel....!

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  63. Meredith GarrettSeptember 25, 2012 at 8:27 PM

    So...this is my favorite mantel of all time. I've always wanted a statue like this on my mantel, so it's nice to actually see it displayed on someone else's.

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  64. Little Miss MaggieSeptember 26, 2012 at 12:32 PM

    It's beautiful. Simple and elegant. Love that statue!

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  65. The Bold AbodeSeptember 26, 2012 at 6:07 PM

    So pretty, Courtney!

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  66. Athena at Minerva's GardenSeptember 27, 2012 at 1:14 PM

    There is so much like like about your vignette, Courtney. The statue and mirror are both scene stealers! I love the hydrangea and pink roses, and those pinecones you gathered are huge and beautiful.

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  67. Boudoir of ParisSeptember 28, 2012 at 5:01 AM

    This is stunningly beautiful!!! I'm a slight bit jealous here. Wow!

    Sacha.

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  68. Ramblings of a Southern Girl ~ Rhonda GSeptember 28, 2012 at 5:44 AM

    Gorgeous!!! Love the statue with the crown!

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  69. Kerryanne @ Shabby Art BoutiqueOctober 3, 2012 at 7:33 PM

    A beautiful mantel Courtney. Thank you for linking up this week at Shabbilicious Friday.

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