Opulent Cottage: Home for the Holidays

I’ve been saving a few holiday photos, waiting for Rhoda’s Home for the Holidays blog party! We’re no where near being totally decorated here at the Haywood’s, but I do have a few areas finished. I’ll show the mantel today, which is so different from anything I have ever done before that I can’t stop looking at it.

Remember the reindeer collection that I started last year? Well, the collection has grown, and not. A few of the reindeer suffered an early demise due to a curious feline. We’re left with a few, though, and I did add two new ones to the collection. They have moved to the mantel this year. All done up in silver and cream, it’s a soothing departure from my usual blast of color.

My garland is simple this year, as the Contemporary Teen in our home declared that she was not sure she could look at sunflowers on a Christmas garland ever again. I added white lights and these unfussy burlap bows – another new and fun look for me.

The green urns that always sit on the mantel got dressed up with a bit of cedar from the yard, and a few branches that I glittered after my neighbor’s tree was trimmed. I couldn’t resist adding a tiny bit of red with some faux apples and berries that I found in one of our Christmas boxes.

These mirror mosaic trees came from the 99 Cents store! And the large ones were found at Dollar Tree. Contemporary Teen loves them. I think they’re lovely, also, but I especially loved the price.

The vintage reindeer are still truly my favorite Christmas item.

This pretty reindeer is a Robert Stanley design from Hobby Lobby. They have beautiful new designs every year. I always head there straight away on the 26th, with Christmas money in hand, to snap up the bargains. It’s worth going again later in January, too – last year I bought gorgeous, large glass ornaments and light strands for 90% off.

This pretty silver bowl was a thrift store find. It looks like something from Pottery Barn, don’t you think?

Did anyone else see these trees at Big Lots last year? They were only $10 for the set of three, which are all attached on a wood base. BUT, I got mine 75% off!! I think they were still hanging around when it was almost Valentine’s Day. I was not sure at the time how I would use them, but they sure helped this mantel display come together.

I’ll post more of our holiday decorations here in the next few days! I certainly scored some wonderful bargains this year that I can’t wait to show you all. And this weekend I’ll be at Bishop Lynch High School for the B.L. Brigade Holiday Sale. I’ve cooked up some fun merchandise and clever displays, so I’ll photo those to share also!

I hope you all enjoy Home for the Holidays at Southern Hospitality! It will be a wonderful resource for holiday decorating inspiration.

Happy happy,

Andrea

Comments

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Oh my goodness, your mantle is so pretty! I love it! The natural touches mixed with the silver and mirrors is just gorgeous.

Posted by: Stacey | December 10, 2009 at 10:07 AM

Oh, be still my heart! That mantel is to die for! Love it.

Posted by: Janie Gore | December 10, 2009 at 11:57 AM

Oh I really love the mirror above your mantel. so pretty! the mantel is beautiful with all the silver and white!
Merry Christmas!

Posted by: ellen b | December 10, 2009 at 12:16 PM

Oh my goodness, it is simply stunning. I love that Stanley reindeer! You really created a beautiful display.

Sue

Posted by: Sue | December 10, 2009 at 01:31 PM

What a beautiful mantel! I love how you have all the silver. I've started collecting silver Christmas trees & reindeer for my mantel collection. Just fabulous!

Posted by: Deb | December 10, 2009 at 03:12 PM