Did you know that I have had some of my Christmas decorations up since September?
I have. Though- like a tree in the living room and the office
though they were not fully decorated yet.
But working ahead for print- it has advantages.
It gives you time to play with a few different looks and try a couple things.
Like something whimsical in the living room maybe
or a little more bold and beautiful and colorful in the cottage
Mostly though,
what I almost always seem to come back to
whether mixed with bold colors or simple whites
are the simple natural decorations like fresh greens, wreaths and garlands.
So whether I am in a romantic type mood- or a traditional mood
natural touches are almost always a part of it.
I thought I would share a couple ways I have decorated the mantels this season
using fresh cedar, pine and bay leaves and flowers for most of the decorating.
Romantic Christmas Mantel
You know how sometimes you are just feeling a little blue?
Mix the blue with a little romance like pretty vintage ornaments
ribbons and a fresh bouquet of peonies
and you find yourself decorating a romantic cottage mantel.
I was inspired by that soft blue with the dark greens
and so I placed blue jars filled with peonies along the mantel.
A loose cedar wreath { diy here } tied with a pale blue ribbon
and a few glass baubles was all it needed.
I love the sweetness and the unexpected look but
it didn’t stay that way 🙂
In the Holiday Home Tour that I just posted
the living room mantel was wearing simple fresh greens, whites and silvers
which is far more traditional.
I am seriously in love with fresh bay leaf this season
and that.wreath.
I made the mixed fresh greens garland
I made the mixed fresh greens garland
(tutorial coming soon)
and thought it was perfect for this 8′ long mantel
I really am feeling a simple look with nothing but an abundance of fresh greens this season so
this is my cup of tea.
Another place I have been keeping it simple this year is in the office.
Fresh sprigs of greenery are the perfect pairing with the shabby antique mantel
This mantel wears a simple mix of pinecones and baubles and not much else
but I love it.
You can see more about this mantel in the free magazine
just released HERE
I will be sharing a few more looks soon- like the bedroom mantel-
it might be one of my favorites this year
as well as the little cottage mantel- which is getting its Christmas on this week.
What do you think?
Are you a simple and sweet- or bring it all type of mantel decorator?
I hope you will stop by and visit each of the blogs sharing in todays tour
and gather some more inspiration for decking your mantel
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Your mantels are always so lovely, dreamy, and very romantic, Courtney!! So inspiring!
Mary Alice
Oh my, that bay leaf wreath and mixed garland, dripping over the mantel…………{{{sigh}}} Just beautiful.
Evertything is lovely as always, Courtney. How many mantels do you have? Did I count four? Lucky you!
And they're all so gorgeous. I am in love with those pink baubles.Pretty, pretty, pretty.
You always do beautifully romantic mantels. Heads up your link pics are blank.
Simplistic, yet over-the-top stunning (as always)! Love your use of fresh greens and flowers … adds such a romantic, classic and festive look. Happy Holidays!
Courtney, I love all of these looks.. you are very talented and sure do know how to bring whatever mood you're after.. In love with them all and I can't wait to see the other mantels! xo Jen
Courtney everything looks utterly gorgeous! Your gardenia mantel is just stunning. Thank you for joining us for the mantel blog hop. Happy holidays my friend!
I have just sighed all throughout this post….cannot describe the beauty that your mantels exude in words…the fresh greens are just amazing…love the pastels and the greenery with the pears are just perfection!….
Love your beautiful mantel Courtney! Your draped garland gives a touch of romance.I love the simplicity and beauty!
I love the looks you always create, either all or small, so pretty.
Very pretty colours of ribbon with the greenery. I was leaning towards turquoise ribbon with greenery for the mantel this year, but I have so many pieces in white and soft gold that I stayed the course. I may hunt for after Christmas sales and throughout the year to create something different for next year.
They are all so pretty, but my favorite is the blue!
Courtney you home is just so picturesque! I love all your photos of every little nook and cranny and it is always stunning! I would love it if you would come link up any of your home tour over at my Style Sister Christmas Home tour link up party! http://thestylesisters.blogspot.com/2014/12/the-style-sisters-christmas-home-tour.html
Karin
Just gorgeous, Courtney. You definitely have the magic decorating touch! 🙂 Your pretty posts never disappoint!
Absolutely breathtaking, Courtney….absolutely breathtaking!!!
JP
Very beautiful. xo Catherine
Courtney,
I love the ideas here! I have an abundance of pine and cypress and I think I can manage a wreath like yours. Your mantels are simply gorgeous! 🙂
Jane xxxx
Lovely. I'm curious about the frosted pine cones. Did you buy them or craft them? I've been looking for instructions to make them for a while. Nothing so far seems to work to achieve the thick frost look. Any ideas?
I just love the simplicity and beauty of the natural elements that you used on your mantels.
Love your mantel. It is absolutely beautiful.
Mary @ Orphans With Makeup
Courtney I am loving this holiday mantel decor tour and of course love yours. Sometimes simple is the best. It showcases the beautiful choices you have made and I adore it all!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
Courtney, I'm all about keeping it simple on my mantel this year. I seem to struggle with what to do on the mantel every Christmas season, and honestly have never been 100% happy with my results. This year was the same. I ended up taking down all that I'd done and started over. Now my mantel is very simple, no greenery this year, and I'm very happy with the look.
Whoa…this is simply lovely! So pretty and simple….just perfect!