Rustic Christmas Mantel

I’m trying to simplify this year but for some reason my mantel was harder than ever. I’ve tweaked until I can’t tweak anymore. I’m so thankful Beth @Home Stories A to Z is hosting her annual Christmas Mantel Link Party this week. It gave me the motivation I needed to finish this one up.

I found this guy a few months back and knew I wanted to feature him here. I love how he looks like he was carved from wood. He was a splurge. I didn’t have a nice Santa figurine and I wanted to get one before BBC outgrows his obsession with the jolly ol’ fat man. I think this one is classic enough to last through the years.

I originally bought this to put on top of the tree but the boys didn’t want to stray from tradition. That was a win for me because I love my star and this allowed me to feature it here. One day on a whim I threw a piece of styrofoam into this pot, stuck in the star and filled with reindeer moss. Perfect!

I needed something to tie the two sides together and I didn’t want to pull out my faux garland. So I crafted one of my own (from the tree scraps – good thing I over snipped). I originally wanted this burlap ribbon with rusty jingle bells on my door, but you couldn’t see the detail from the street. I like it here even better!

Finally, I needed something in the middle where the garland switches directions and the burlap comes to a point. This sweet little bird’s nest does the trick!

And of course we had to go with our traditional stockings. BBC wouldn’t have it any other way! I like the pop of color they bring to this area. I’m pleased with how it finally came together. 
I’m also joining the fun at Rhoda’s Mantel Party. If you are visiting from a party, thanks for stopping by. I can’t wait to see what everyone else has done this year!
~Southern Fried Gal

p.s. I’m hosting a Christmas Door Linky Party here this Friday, December 9th. I hope you’ll join me!
 

5 Comments
  • Shug
    December 8, 2011

    I am loving your mantel! Good job putting it all together….How neat, you could actually leave some of it out all year long…
    enjoyed!
    shug

  • Kelly
    December 8, 2011

    I love the rustic elements that you added to your mantel. It all works together so well. I used to be a Southern Living at Home consultant too! I left though before they switched over to Willow House. Thanks for stopping by and visiting me too.

  • Mrs Aussie
    December 9, 2011

    I just wanted to let you know i love your Christmas mantel that i have added your tutorial to my blog

    http://ourlittlenestonthelake.blogspot.com/

    happy holidays

  • My Crafty Home-Life
    December 15, 2011

    I LOVE a rustic…anything! You did a great job. The iron work with the mirror behind it is stunning.

  • marilyn scott
    December 2, 2013

    How I love those ornaments and decorations you used for your mantel. I’ve always wanted rustic Christmas decorating ideas for the holiday and I think I can finally work on it now that I have inspiration. Cheers to holiday!

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