Decorating@Nibs- More Fireplace Mantels

Christmas has come and gone…so why am I posting a holiday mantel display? As I was going through things in our basement (initial packing for our move) I came across these ornaments. And I just had to do a quick arrangement for my series before putting them in a box.

Fireplace Mantel #25- Christmas Village

Process-

1. Use Ikea fabrics- wood plank (for the walls) and logs (for the firebox). The mantel remains Benjamin Moore’s China White.

2. On the mantel- Collection of handmade small scale homes and barns, HO scale figures/deer, diorama trees, folk art wooden hearts/stars garland, and natural wreath with craft store burlap ribbon.

(Photos & Styling- Martha Browne)

Related Nibs post-

Fireplace Mantel #23- A Swedish Holiday

Fireplace Mantel #14- Retro Christmas

Fireplace Mantel #10- Christmas Portrait

Merry Christmas….

…and a Happy New Year!

Warm regards,

Note- Last Christmas I took photographs of some of the gifts I received as a visual record. I’ve decided to do this every year. I just wish I had started the project earlier…especially taking pictures of what my son Curtis got growing up.

(Photo- Christmas 2013- Back issues of The ‘World Of Interiors,’ Book ‘The Face of Appalachia‘ by Photographer Tim Barnwell, Book ‘A Prayer Journal‘ by Author Flannery  O’Connor and garden pruning shears. © Martha Browne)

Vintage Christmas Photo #19

D.I.Y. Real Easy Christmas Displays

#4. For this impromptu arrangement, tuck the ends of pine and berry branches  behind a painting while allowing the plant greens to cascade over the frame.

(Photo & Styling- © 2014 Martha Browne)

Related Nibs post-

Mister Moore

D.I.Y.- Real Easy Christmas Displays

#3. Another old idea that’s worth revisiting. All you need is a small bucket (mine is an antique lard container), tapered candles and play sand (check Home Depot).

Fill the bucket with sand and insert the candles. Perfect as a table centerpiece.

Note- Remember…don’t leave this display unattended.

(Photos & Styling- © 2014 Martha Browne)

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(Photo-© 2014 Martha Browne)

D.I.Y.- Real Easy Christmas Displays

#2. Here are two fun and simple things to add to your front door for Christmas. A classic pine wreath is fine but if you can…look for something a bit different. In this case, I used boxwood (similar). Try to purchase the wreath smaller than average size, too. For the door handle, hang a large jingle bell. Red ribbon with white dots is from my own stash of leftovers.

(Photo & Styling- © 2014 Martha Browne)