Fall Mantel 2012

The fall decorating has commenced! I'm trying to use items that we already own, because really, does anyone need more than 6 boxes of fall decorations? The mantel came together this morning without another single purchase.

My trusty helper even shared her ladder with me.

This paper mache pumpkin has been hanging around here for years. I think I bought it when Abby was a baby. It seemed too dark up here on the mantel, so I just dry brushed some lighter paint on with an old, crusty foam brush that I had forgotten to wash out. Old brushes are perfect for jobs like this. It only took about 5 minutes. 

It's sitting atop this barley twist compote, with some acorns and berries tucked in the rim. These are from my stash, too. I'm so glad I took the time to organize it all last fall, before it got packed away for the year. Although I am missing a few things, like my faux fall leaves. Seriously, where in the world would I have put those, if not in the fall boxes?

I had forgotten about this pretty vase. I'm so glad that I put away so many items that are only used for seasonal decor, because it's such a fun surprise to find them again every year. 

The red iron thingy is there, well, because it's red. I like that it's old, and crooked. It's actually a warmer, and we put votives in it during parties to keep the cheese dip and meatballs hot. But today, it's mantel decor. This gorgeous feather wreath was at Michael's a couple of years ago. I have seen them several places, for much more than I paid for this one. It's dark, but the shades of red and gold in it are really striking. I wonder of they will have them again this year. 

Here's my latest thrifted treasure that I boasted about last week. It's a vintage Duratale by Leonard pewter goblet. I found five of them! A set of four is going for $50 on ebay right now, so I'm happy to have gotten mine for $1 each. I can't wait to set a rustic Thanksgiving table with these beauties. I adore pewter, and this is my first ever purchase. The first of many, I hope. But for now, they're scattered throughout the house holding seasonal berries and shimmery pumpkins.

I'll be decorating the rest of the house this week, so I can get all of those boxes back up into the attic. Wish me luck on finding the fall leaves :)

I'm joining Brenda's Tweak It Tuesday at Cozy Little House, Marty's Tabletop Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life, Kim's Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style, Susan's Metmorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch

 

 

Comments

[maple lane]

Good Afternoon! Your mantel looks very pretty. Looks like your assistant is quite the supervisor! (I love cats!) Hope you have a great week.

[Stacey]

Perfect. I love that you admit to having old crusty brushes...me too! Stuck in ziplock bags. :)

[Nancy @ The Headmistress]

You're waaaay ahead of me! I love all the colors in your palette! Visiting from A Stroll Thru Life!
Nancy

[Honey]

Your mantel is charming! Your way of decorating for Fall is the same as mine, no new purchases this year! What a terrific buy for the vintage pewter goblet! Good for you!

[Judy Clark]

Pretty mantel. Love your pumpkin!!

Judy

[Martina]

LOVE IT!!

[Olive Cooper]

Your fall mantel is wonderful. Love the elevated pumpkins. Visiting from Brenda's. Olive

[FABBY]

Oh my, what a beautiful fall mantel! I love the elevated pumpkin! Enjoy your week. Happy TTT.
FABBY

[Mid-Atlantic Martha]

So pretty -- I love my pewter too -- I got some when we were married in the 70's and I'm so glad that I've hung on to it. Perfect for autumn tablescapes! (and great pumpkin holders on the mantle too I see.)

[Cindy]

Your mantel looks great all decked out for Fall...and your little kitty helper is adorable!! I hope to get my Fall things out this week.
Cindy

[chris mckinely]

Love you Fall decorating!! What a great idea to put the pumpkin on the compote!!
Just found your blog!! Love it!!

chris

[The Tablescaper]

Love, love, love your mantel. It's wonderful how you used what you have. I too have many a box of Fall decorating items, but always seem to purchase one or two more. I need to pull it all out. I think it's funny how you can't find the Fall leaves. I'm on the hunt for something in my house right now too. How do these things disappear?

I'd love to have you link your post this Sunday to Seasonal Sundays!

- The Tablescaper

[Marty@A Stroll Thru Life]

Your mantel looks gorgeous. Love the wreath, so pretty and your new pewter find is unreal. Great treasure for sure. Love the pumpkins and the berries too, so pretty. Thanks for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty

[Michele]

Love your autumn decorations so far, so am looking forward to seeing what else you do. It's really fun to switch to fall after a long hot summer, isn't it?

[Judy]

Wow you are ready for fall and your mantel looks perfect.

[SoonerLaura]

Beautiful mantle and beautiful kitty cat!

[Audrey Zumwalt]

Looking great ... love the pewter with the fall colors.
Blessings,
Audrey Z.

[The Style Sisters]

love all your mantel ideas...great ideas. come link up to Centerpiece Wednesday and share your ideas with us.
Karin

[Mary @ Ms Redo]

Love it all - yes, it's like Christmas when we pull out the boxes from a previous season and remember... Mary

[Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions]

Love it! I love decor as simple as setting a pumpkin on top of something like a pedestal. Love the look of your whole mantel!

[Katie Mansfield]

I am so glad other people have decorative items that they just save for the seasons. I love your mantel.
Katie

[Molly Stevens]

I really love what you did here- can not wait to try something like this out next fall! Despite the fact that my husband hates it, I LOVE to seasonally decorate. Fall is probably one of my favorites. We have a pretty old home, and although we have done a ton of renovations it still has that old-timey feel. For some reason the fall colors really work with it. Have you tried preserving real leaves to use for decorations? Before my husband starts on the leaf clean up every year, I usually save a few gems to decorate with.