Woodland Christmas Mantel

When I am “Decking the Halls”..

~ ~ one of the first rooms I decorate is our Great Room where we always gather.

I usually start with the mantel.

With the large wood and iron shutters, it has become somewhat of a challenge to decorate it.

This year is more of a more simpler woodland theme..

~ ~ well, as simple as this person gets.

Today, I am participating in Day Two of the “Deck the Halls” Holiday Home Tour.

See below for all of the links for today’s party ~

~ ~ and if you missed yesterday’s, the links are below too!..they were all fabulous!

Flying deer on the mantel ~ He is M.I.A. from Santa’s reindeer team.

~ ~ I think it’s Dasher..

Faux evergreen and berry arrangements in Pottery Barn urns.

I intended originally to have a “plain” garland ~

~ but could not resist adding some stems of white and silver leaves to add a bit of bling.

Sammy the Squirrel (that was a tacky gift exchange rescue) ~ returns again this year..

Now moving over just a bit to the tree ~ ~

~ I wanted to change out the tree this year to a smaller one.

Definitely next year ~ after I hit the sales this year.

The tree is placed at one end of the stairwell with branches actually going through the balusters..

~ a line of poinsettias at the base of the stair rails…

A vintage French basket sits at the base of the tree holding packages and woodland decor.

~ a basket that I purchased from Kristen before it hit the antique booth floor!

The beautiful burlap tree skirt is from Sonya at Beyond the Screen Door..

Ta-da!!

~ ~ the really big tree that this person is getting too old to be climbing up and down the 12 foot ladder!

And here it is in the *”moonlight”*

And now some tidbits around the room ~

Changed out the container of this topiary and added some berries.

One of my favorite holiday stories and quotes ~

~ ~ *”Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus”*

You will find that quote in our media room, all year round _

~ ~ However, Virginia is replaced by our granddaughter’s name.

This caroler is also one of my favorites.

~ ~ announcing the Dickens’ play among the bottle brush trees.

A Norman Rockwell figurine atop a antique Charles Dickens book, a collection of 5 of his novels.

~ ~ a great find as it is in excellent shape for being over 70 years old.

A beautiful print by William Mangum sits proudly.

~ ~ given to me by my friend Sherri last year.

My “poinsettia angel”

Even the Demi johns get a holiday facelift.

The foyer table..

~ ~ By this date I thought I would have my Antique French buffet in this area..

~ ~ ~ however, it is on its way and can’t wait to get it.

The stained glass will be relocated to another area ~ the great Domino effect.

Another view…

A table transitioning to the kitchen..

~ ~ all dressed in winter white.

And I shall leave you with this guy who was following me around all day ~ ~

~ ~ Giguere a.k.a. “the photo bomber” ~ ~ my son’s dog.

Next time I will put a Santa hat on him and let’s see if he follows me around!

Thank you for enduring this very long tour..

And speaking of “tours” ~ ~ please visit my fellow bloggers today for Day Two ~

~ ~ of the Deck the Halls “tour of Christmas inspiration” ~

Kim ~ The Beautiful Home

Kelly ~ ~ Eclectically Vintage

Courtney ~ French Country Cottage

Ann ~ On Sutton Place

Yvonne ~ StoneGable

Here is yesterday’s great line up of fabulous inspiration.

ADVENTURES IN DECORATING

CREATIVE CAIN CABIN

HOME IS WHERE THE BOAT IS

SAVVY SOUTHERN STYLE

SOPHIA’S DECOR

TOP THIS TOP THAT

HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY AND WEEKEND FILLED WITH BEAUTIFUL INSPIRATION!

I am joining:

HomeGoods Holiday Party

Common Ground for Be Inspired

From My Front Porch to Yours for Treasure Hunt Thursday

Jen Rizzo at Holiday House Walk Linky Party

Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesday

Sophia’s Decor for The Scoop