Sunday, December 6, 2009

A Christmas Mantel and some Treasures

I'm joining Susan @Between Naps on the Porch for her wonderful Met Monday and Susan @Thoughts from Over the Rainbow for her fun Deck the Halls event.








Don't you love it when you accidentally do something you like? Well, I was putting some Christmas balls on the tree and sat one in one of our children's baby cups - liked it so much, I put one in each cup! It took 10 seconds!


There was a time when I didn't like shiny Christmas balls. Anybody out there remember the 70's and all that wooden stuff? You'll see some later. Anyway, I really like the way they look.




My mantel has meta-morphed from my blog header to this:




I have a thing for lanterns.....and reindeer!



And the famous stockings!



Now this little horse is very nostalgic - got it in 1972 while expecting our first child.



And this one we got in 1974 when expecting our 2nd child! I want to pass them on to the kids, but the tree just wouldn't look right without them.


I do have a Willow Tree manger scene that I dearly love and proudly display. However, I always get out this one and put it down low. I bought it about 38 years ago at Woolworth's - anyone remember that dime store? I thought it would be great for my children to play with - you know, a hands on experience.


One manger scene from Woolworth's - about $5.00



Your grandchildren playing with it....telling Mary that it is Joseph's turn to ride on the donkey - PRICELESS!


Happy decorating! Be sure to stop by both Susan's for some great ideas. Thanks so much to these 2 gals for hosting these events. Linda

24 comments:

Kammy said...

Very pretty mantel ! I love the ornaments in the baby cups - too cute ! I am getting ready for Susan's party too :o)
Kammy

Unknown said...

Love your mantel. The lanterns look great, the unexpected! Cute ideal with the ornamets and cup.
Sandy

Kelee said...

The ornament cups looks great--neat texture combo!

Stop by...

love, kelee

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

Salut Linda! Les ornements dans les tasses enfants...parfait! Et j'adore la chiminée...surtout le miroir. Quelle bonne idée de laisser les petites jouer avec la crèche! J'espère que tout va bien chez toi! Bonne semaine!...Debbie

Destination Seaborn said...

How pretty! I love those lanterns! ~Lisa

Four Paws and Co said...

Love the mantel! I have quite a few wooden ornaments from the 70's & I worked at Woolworth's during the Xmas holidays when I was 18. That was a very long time ago too! ☺

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

I just love your mantle Linda and I do remember Woolworths! What nostalgia, oh those little girls playing with the Nativity is so adorable! Lucky Grandma! Hugs, Cindy

Maggie said...

Your mantlepiece is lovely, I really like the lanterns & the mirror.
Thanks for stopping by in Normandy today and yes that is my mantle in the header shot.
(If you look really close you can just see my hand reflected behind the clock!)
Maggie

susan said...

That IS priceless! Having your grandchildren play with it is very special. I can tell you like to change things around--I like your mantel BOTH ways. And yes, I remember Woolworth's :) Loved their fountain cokes!

Nancy said...

It is wonderful the children can play with the scene. And, look...it lasted to the next generation. Good for you!

Marigene said...

Beautiful mantle. I love the ornaments in the silver cups. Yes, I do remember Woolworth's...almost like it was yesterday! Your grandchildren are precious playing with the manger.

Sue said...

I'd really like to just put ornaments in everything this time of year! It looks so pretty. I love your lantern too.

Sue

Melissa Miller said...

How beautiful is your Christmas mantel Linda. So pretty!

I have the same barley twist bowl shown in my post right now.
Great minds...LOL!

Enjoy this joyous season!
~Warmly, ~Melissa :)

Glenda/MidSouth said...

So many pretty decorations. Oh Yes!! I remember Woolworths!! You could go in with a quarter and come out with a bag of treasures. It may be tiny dolls or candy or nuts or, etc., etc. Thanks for the memory. :)

Karen at Nittany Inspirations said...

I really like the lanterns on your mantel.

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Your mantel looks so pretty. I love those lanterns! How precious that your grandchildren are letting Mary and Joseph take turns riding the donkey. laurie

Jeanette said...

That is so cute about the ornaments in the baby cups. I did the same thing but my ornament got stuck in the cup. I had to break it to get it out. I am glad it turned out so lovely for you.

Sue said...

I remember wooden ornaments from the 70's.... we had just gotten married, had no money, but we bought a few and placed them on the tree with some homemade ornaments I'd made out of gingham and cotton batting. We thought our tree looked just great!
How very sweet that you still have yours, I think mine are all gone. Love that you still have your manger and that the grands play with it.
:-) Sue

Bonnie said...

There is nothing more precious than children playing with the Nativity pieces especially their grandmothers. Enjoyed all your decorations and nostalgic recollections. Yes, I love it when I do something accidentally that I like. The balls in the baby cups are neat!

Carol said...

Your mantle looks great & I love the balls in the baby cups!

Kathleen said...

How prety! I had my first child in 1972 also, and of course I remember Woolworth's!
Merry Christmas!

Unknown said...

Love the ball sin the cups ... great idea. Your home is lovely, your decor is warm & inviting.

Merry Christmas, TTFN ~ Marydon
~~NEW BLOG~~ blushingrosetoo.blogspot.com

Miss Mustard Seed said...

Your arrangement on the pedestal is so cute. Such a simple idea. And you mantle is lovely. Nice job!

Joyce said...

Sounds like you have been busy with your MILs move. Nice to hear the stories behind the ornaments. Yes do keep the mouse on the tree. I certainly remember Woolworths. I thought it was a wonderful place to shop when I was a child. Do you remember the Evening in Paris perfume they use to sell in those little blue bottles? Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Joyce