Saturday, December 11, 2010

My Christmas Mantel & Tree - Finally!

I finally got my mantel done.
It's just like last year's mantel...
lanterns....reindeer...angel....

But I added my silver Noel stocking holders
and these adorable mercury glass acorns from Walmart!







Oh, yes, of course, the stockings (there are 3 together on each side).
I showed these last year.
They are a tradition.....my mother made me one,
I made one for hubby when we were dating in college
and filled it with Christmas cookies.
I made one for our kids...their spouses....and each grandchild!
They are red corduroy with appliques on them and their name, of course.


My tree is the same as last year's tree
(except the tree is fresh cut this year : )
It is full of nostalgic ornaments
from our kids' growing up years,
along with some really old ones from my MIL.
I'd love to do a theme tree, but it would feel
cold to me, because it wouldn't say anything.
These ornaments say....."REMEMBER!"

What? You think my tree is a little bottom-heavy with ornaments?
It might be because my 5 yr. old twin granddaughters
did most of the decorating!
I wouldn't have it any other way.
I can even it up later.......or not.
I love imperfection....did I just say that?

Have a wonderful week.
I'm joining
Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Met Monday
Marty at A Stroll Thru Life for Tabletop Tuesday
Linda at Coastal Charm for Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
Kim at Savvy Southern Style for Boring to Better
Sherry at No Minimalist Here for Share the Decor
Blessings to you!!!
Linda

35 comments:

Vera @ Cozy Little Cabin said...

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful! Love merge of simplicity & elegance!

Bonnie@Creative Decorating said...

I love your mantle! It looks great. I am a traditional Christmas girl and love ornaments with meaning! The tree looks wonderful!

The Decorative Dreamer said...

I love it! No it's not too many ornaments, you cannot have too many IMOP! I can just smell that wonderful tree too. I also absolutely love your mantle with the lanterns, it is beautiful!

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Your mantel is gorgeous. I love it, so pretty with the lanters, reindeer and the perfect angel. I think your tree is absolutely perfect. Having one that the children decorate makes it the best tree in the whole world. I wouldn't change a thing. Thanks so much for linking to TTT. Hugs, Marty

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Good morning Linda,
Now that's what a Christmas tree should be all about Linda...I love that you lets the grands decorate and just leave it...those memories you are making for them are just PRICELESS...Best tree I have so far in blogland...Hope you have a GREAT weekend my Dear friend...Hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

xinex said...

Your tree and mantel are both so beautiful, Linda....Christine

Courtney ~ French Country Cottage said...

It's just beautiful Linda! I love that you have so many memories on that tree and mantle- love the colors and that your grandbabies helped to decorate- so sweet! You are always welcome to share at Feathered Nest Friday as well if you would like to! Have a wonderful weekend!

Blondie's Journal said...

Your mantel is very pretty, Linda. I love the Noel letters and the acorns are very neat {Kmart has some nice things!}. My mantel will probably look the same as last year because I was happy with it!

Your Christmas tree is just beautiful. How sweet that your grandkids helped...I'd leave the low hanging ornaments...they will probably remember just which ones they hung and where! ;-D

XO,
Jane

PAT said...

It's beautiful Linda and I love your mantel too!

I love that the g'kiddo's helped.

Anonymous said...

Your mantel, and tree look just gorgeous!!

Kathy

An Oasis in the Desert said...

Your mantel and tree are both so lovely. The mercury glass acorns are so cute and I really like the bronze colored reindeer.
CAS

An Oasis in the Desert said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Kathy said...

I love that your grandtgs helped decorate your tree it makes it so much more lovely -That is a wonderful story about your Christmas stockimgs

Anonymous said...

Hi Linda! Your mantel is so pretty and I love the NOEL stocking holders holding the little ribbons and bells. Your tree is gorgeous. You did good!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Your mantel is just gorgeous Linda@ I really like what you have done! And I love your tree! I like fresh cut trees and family ornaments the best too!
It tells a story about the family!
Hugs,
Cindy

Jess @ Frugal with a Flourish said...

Adorable!! I would have never thought to hang ornaments off stocking hangers but why not! Brilliant!

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

Hi Linda! I love your mantel...so pretty! The acorns add the perfect touch! And your tree is gorgeous! I remember the first tree little A helped decorate...or undecorate...at two! Nothing better than little helpers! :-) Happy week...and stay warm!...hugs...Debbie

Sarah said...

It all looks lovely! You've been busy! The tree and mantel are both gorgeous. Thanks for sharing. ~ sarah

Gillian Layne said...

Long live the lopsided ornament tree! It looks beautiful-I wouldn't change a thing.

The first thing I thought was--I love those acorns. I'm so excited to see they are at WM. :)

One Cheap B*tch said...

Your mantel is just beautiful! And you should see my tree - all fabric ornaments on the bottom. Why? Two boys! =)

Jeanine

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Linda, everything looks beautiful. I love those acorns. I'm going to have to head out to my Wal Mart to see if they have any of those. I love your stockings. They look similar to some I have from childhood. Your tree looks so pretty (the bottom of mine is heavily decorated also). I love getting out all of the old ornaments to put on the tree. It wouldn't feel like Christmas at my house if we had a theme tree. Beautiful job! laurie

Thoughtfully Blended Hearts said...

Your mantle is so beautifully decorated!!! I love it...red berries are my favorite decoration...real or faux...just love them!!!

Gail said...

How special is your tree...I just love it! I have twin grandsons who just turned four and what fun they are. They are always helping Grandma. Thanks for sharing your home for Christmas with all of us.

Have a wonderful day,
Gail

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Linda, your mantel looks great with the lanterns and lighted garland. Those mercury acorns are from Walmart. Oh, I may have to see if they still have those. I love acorns and mercury glass so they would be perfect. How nice to have a fresh real tree. I bet your home smells heavenly. I featured your dining room a couple of weeks ago, but don't know if you saw that post. Anyway you can grab a featured button if you want. Thanks so much for joining the party.

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I love the lanterns...and NOEL! Very beautiful! ♥

Marni's Organized Mess said...

That looks awesome!


I am your newest follower, maybe you can return the favor? :)

What would you do with a $75 gift card?  I have a  giveaway on my blog right now for just that!  

Come on over and enter!  It's only going until the end of tomorrow…. hurry!

Yvonne @ StoneGable said...

I also did a mantel this week. We both used lanterns. Yours are so pretty! Don't you just love the look of red and white with a touch of black. Beautifully done!
I LOVE your tree. Trees are most happy when the most ornaments are on the bottom. They think it is like wearing jewerly!
Such a delightful visit.
Yvonne

Angela said...

Your mantle is so pretty and I love that your grand babies helped decorate your tree, so sweet!

Becca Bertotti said...

Such a beautiful tree! And, I love the bells on your mantle!

Tammy @BeatriceBanks said...

Beautiful tree! Can't wait to browse around and see more of your pretty home! I'm your newest follower and would be delighted to have you follow me back!
Merry Christmas!
Tammy

Anonymous said...

I saw those acorn ornaments at Walmart some weeks back. Kicking myself for not getting some. I think your grand-daughter's did a beautiful job decorating the tree and your mantle is so festive. :)

Maryjane-The Beehive Cottage said...

Your home is so welcoming and beautiful! Merry Christmas!

Hugs,
Maryjane

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

Linda, Your mantel and tree are so beautiful! I love the lanterns on the mantel. Thank you for sharing this at my party. I hope you have the best Christmas ever!
Sherry

Courtney ~ French Country Cottage said...

Hi there Linda~ your mantle is beautiful! I love the acorns dangling in the front-and I love the lanterns!

Glacier Dreaming said...

Simply beautiful