Today I'm joining Layla at The Lettered Cottage for her Christmas Mantel Party. This year's holiday mantel at Opulent Cottage is a tribute to mercury glass and glitter, with simple elements and soothing color.
Not a single item was purchased for this display! It's so much fun to "shop the house," and come up with creative ways to use items that we already own. I started by collecting all of the mercury glass candlesticks that were scattered throughout the house. I'm addicted to the sparkle of mercury glass this season! A theme soon emerged of silver, red and white.
The silvery glitter trees and beaded red trees were recycled from last year (you can see our 2009 mantel here). Both were discount store finds, and such great basics for starting any holiday decor. I simply perched the silver trees atop plates, set inside these sweet vintage tureens, and trimmed the base with a few snippets of cedar.
The large candleholders have been many colors throughout the years, but I am still loving this red! It's my favorite, Heritage Red spray paint from Rust Oleum.
I grabbed the pretty glass bottles at the end to fill the bare spots. I may fill them with red berries, or even try the faux mercury glass with spray paint that I have seen done on so many blogs. Have any of you had success with that technique?
For the garland, simple white lights and just a few ornaments tie in well with the mantel. These striking red mercury glass ornaments were a thrift store find many years ago. I only bought 5 - what exactly was I thinking? I think I recall there may have been a whole table full. And my sheet music wreath ornaments (tutorial here) were perfect to accent the corners of the mantel.
While I'm not usually known for having restraint, I'm really happy with the effortless look of this year's mantel. Even though there are quite a few items displayed, the simplicity of color gave the exact look I was going for.
Thank you for stopping by to see our mantel! I hope this inspires you to try creating your next holiday display from items you already own. I'll be joining in on so many holiday parties, and can't wait to show all that I have done. Next up will be Christmas vignettes with Rhoda at Southern Hospitality, on December 2nd. I have a fun one that you all haven't seen before! See you there!
Yes working with what you have definitely beats getting all new.
Love your silver trees.
Posted by: Marianne@Songbird | November 30, 2010 at 03:21 PM
I love the colour combo with the sparkle. Very pretty.
Posted by: Elizabeth@BlueClearSky | November 30, 2010 at 03:45 PM
Pretty!
Posted by: Paige@TheWanderingCottage | November 30, 2010 at 04:04 PM
wow I love it. The trees everywhere are super cute!
Posted by: amanda | November 30, 2010 at 05:19 PM
Oh, it's all so pretty! I love the colors and how shimmery & elegant. Very nice!
Posted by: Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality | November 30, 2010 at 05:30 PM
Great idea for grouping the bottle trees in the tureens. Will definitely be doing that! Really nice Christmas mantel!
Posted by: Libby | November 30, 2010 at 06:31 PM
Love the traditional colors. The trees are so cute!
Posted by: Kristen @ More Than Mulberries | November 30, 2010 at 06:37 PM
Very pretty! I love the red candleholders. They are a perfect touch.
Posted by: Carmen @ Life with Sprinkles on Top | November 30, 2010 at 07:31 PM
So very pretty and festive! Love the silver trees!
Posted by: Lisa Shatzer | November 30, 2010 at 08:02 PM
I have looked at several mantles (Okay 30+) tonight, and yours, to me, is the loveliest so far!
Really!
Exactly my taste!
Thank you for giving me some ideas! I
have those same silver trees- got them from Big Lots, last year, or the year before...I also have a few (ahem, many) soup tureens.
Where DID you get that awesome mirror?
It's delightful!!
HUGS!
~Leslie
Posted by: Leslie, the Home Maker | November 30, 2010 at 08:18 PM
Meant to say: "mantels". Good grief--too much eggnog for me!
Posted by: Leslie, the Home Maker | November 30, 2010 at 08:19 PM
Wow, your mantel is AMAZING! I love all of the mercury glass you added to it! :) And I agree~ your little sheet music wreath ornament looks SO sweet up there! I just love how you made yours! :)
Posted by: Jenni | November 30, 2010 at 11:48 PM
Wow! I really love this! Those trees are gorgeous!
Posted by: Jen | December 01, 2010 at 09:02 AM
Very classy! Love it. Thanks for sharing.
Blessings
Roxanne
Posted by: Roxanne | December 01, 2010 at 11:37 AM
I simply love how you use the tureen to create an elegant and unique mantle.
visit me sometimes at
http://passionatelyartistic.com
Posted by: maggie | December 01, 2010 at 01:44 PM
It is beautiful...all that sparkle with the mirror behind it, perfect!
Posted by: Sue | December 01, 2010 at 07:28 PM
I love the mercury glass with the traditional red & white. So pretty & fresh!
Posted by: Kim | December 01, 2010 at 09:44 PM
Love it.
Posted by: Becca's Dirt | December 02, 2010 at 11:31 AM
So beautiful! I am definitely a sparkle and shine kind of girl and this mantel is right up my alley! I'm also a red-aholic so your mantel is pretty perfect! (c: I'm also totally jealous of that fabulous mirror! love
http://loveallthingsbrightandbeautiful.blogspot.com
Posted by: Aubrey | December 02, 2010 at 04:01 PM
Your mantle is so pretty and you did a great job of photographing it. I just visited your blog for the first time and really like it!
Posted by: Cindy | December 02, 2010 at 09:26 PM
I love those silver trees in the urns and the touches of red. It's so modern yet traditional too. I think it looks just fabulous.
Posted by: Nita@ModVintageLife | December 05, 2010 at 04:15 AM
has a footed lower part having A few Closed circuit
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