Homespun would be the best way I know of describing our fireplace and mantel. Our stone fireplace was built by the original owner of our home some 50 plus years ago. He was a mason with 7 children to feed and not a lot of extra money. He collected the river rocks from our nearby river and hauled them back to his home.
So when planning my Christmas mantel I know it's best to stick to a more homespun or cottage feel.
Some elements include the child skates, the knitted ornaments made by my MIL. Lots of red, a wreath with pine cones and apples.
Oh and I love that little house! It lights up and changes colors inside the windows. My only new purchase.
Grapevine balls and little gold candles.
Mittens, Christmas card and a garland of red berries.
Today we are going on the hunt for a Christmas tree. Every year I look online and in stores with the thought of getting an artificial tree. But of course, the only ones I care for cost $300 or more. So I decide that a real tree will work best for me. That is until I am sweeping up needles in April!!! lol.
Enjoy your weekend friends.
Cindy
Linking to...
Met. Monday
Tabletop Tuesday
Homespun Christmas Vignettes and Mantels
I think we are doing a real tree this year... But they are messy
ReplyDeleteI always look forward to seeing your mantel at Christmas. Beautiful and the little house really is adorable. I'd love to see a photo of it at night all lit up, although I know night shots are hard to take.
ReplyDeleteLove your mantel ! Cute skates and love the little house !
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! Good luck with the tree hunt. Can't wait to see more pics!
ReplyDeleteYour homespun Christmas looks wonderful to me, Cindy. I finally broke down and bought a really expensive faux tree when they had a closeout at a Christmas store here. I have had it for about 10 years and it still looks great- xo Diana
ReplyDeleteOh I love your mantel Cindy. It is gorgeous. I love the smell of a real tree, but boy in our heat they don't last long at all, so it's been artificial for a long time. Good luck with the tree hunt. Hugs, Marty
ReplyDeleteCindy your mantle is lovely. I am thinking of the man who built the fireplace and both he love and necessity for it!
ReplyDeletexoxo
Karena
2012 Artists Series and Giveaway from The House of Edward!
I had forgotten how much river rock surrounds your fireplace.
ReplyDeleteWhatever word you use to describe you mantle, I think it shouts Christmas Cheer and I like it.
Don't be fooled - - - artificial trees ALSO drip needles, they are just fake needles. When I got our first artificial tree, I was rather surprised to learn that.
I choose to call those red berries cranberries 'cause you know - - - we're all about cranberries round these here parts!
I love the stone on the fireplace wall. I think it is perfect, and I love how iyou decorate it. Very cute!
ReplyDeleteHope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Looks like you're on your way to a fun Christmas!
XO,
Sheila
Your fireplace is just gorgeous and looks wonderful all dressed up for Christmas! It's not too fussy or overdone, just perfect! I envy you for your head start on decorating! We are getting our tree next weekend and Al will get the lights on. Then I'll take my time decorating a little bit each day.
ReplyDeleteHappy Weekend!
XO,
Jane
Pretty and festive! The last year I had a live tree, I turned the lights on Christmas morning just long enough for the children to open their packages, as it dried out so fast. Is your Granddaughter excited about Santa? Mine wanted nothing to do with him last year, so will be interesting to see what she does this year. :D
ReplyDeleteHope you are enjoying your weekend.
I love it all, love red and white...loved the skates and the knitted ornament...all so festive! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Cindy, Your fireplace is absolutely gorgeous! I like how you've decorated the mantel for Christmas too. The colorful balls, the berries, the grapevine ball, the little house, the skates...charming!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful fireplace with all those river rocks. I think going with homespun decoration was perfect to fit with the look of the fireplace. I love the red berries and skates and knit ornaments.
ReplyDeleteHi Cindy! Oh, I love your fireplace wall and always have! You've really outdone yourself on your mantel decorating this year! That a beautiful screen too. I'm sure your little grands will love it!
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your sweet comments on my mantel!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
It looks very pretty. Your decorations compliment all the lovely colours in the rocks.
ReplyDeleteI love your stone fireplace, Cindy. It is so pretty all done up for Christmas!
ReplyDeleteOh I love the warm and cozy feeling! Has it started to snow yet? I was wearing shorts yesterday. SHORTS! I hate it. :) Going to see Ceekay with her surprise this week.
ReplyDeleteIt is beautiful !
ReplyDeleteYour homespun look is perfect with your gorgeous stone fireplace, Cindy! All the sweet little elements go so well together to create a truly lovely effect. I adore the little house. I found a little house and church last year, & I think they are called "Putz." I should go back and check last year's post where I shared them, but I'll just guess -- works for me!
ReplyDeleteHave you checked your email lately? I sent you a note -- You Won!
Carol
I love seeing what you do with your mantle each Christmas. The natural elements are perfect to go along with that amazing stone. And the knitted Scandinavian balls are so perfect with the skates. LOVE!
ReplyDeleteI am back to say I'm so excited I'm about to POP! LOL
ReplyDeleteI feel like this is my own grandchild, but in a sense, it is the grandchild of everyone who loved the baby's grandmother. I wish his mom could be here to experience this joy with that cute couple!
XOXOXOX,
Sheila
P.S. Thanks for dropping by. I got so excited, I forgot to say that. LOL
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Cindy, for your sweet comments on my glitter houses.
ReplyDeletebe a sweetie,
Shelia :0
Love the river rock mantel...so rustic...and talking about the cost of Christmas trees....my crazy daughter in NYC just bought a tree in the city and paid $200.00....that is for a real tree...the kind that dies in about 3 weeks then has to go out on the curb....$200!!!! not counting the stand..that was an extra $40
ReplyDeleteWhen I saw your mantel on FB, I knew I loved it. But I'm glad I came over to see some close up shots. So inviting. Each item is perfect with your river rock fireplace. We have always had real Christmas trees, but we also have the same debate each year and decide we'll buy a pretty faux tree when they go on sale after Christmas. Of course, there are none available then. This year, with our new grandbaby in the hospital, I'm not sure we're even going to get a tree put up! laurie
ReplyDelete