Christmas Mantel

We haven’t started on our fireplace makeover yet, but that didn’t stop me from having fun with our Christmas mantel this year!

As usual, I tried to mostly use things we already had around the house, and then I embellished with inexpensive elements I found while out and about, around town.

(Wrapping paper- Target, Snowflake & Ribbon- Michaels)

I always like to include handmade things, too, so I made another sailboat using some  flannel shirt material (JoAnn Fabrics) and a piece of wood and a twig Kevin and I found while we were out walking the other day…

(Ribbon- Michaels, Ski Ornament- JoAnn Fabrics)

I just drilled a hole in the middle of the chunky piece of wood I used as a base, and then stuck the twig down into it. Next, I simply hot-glued the flannel fabric to the twig and base in a few different spots. Last but not least, I hot-glued a piece of faux evergreen to the top to serve as a “flag”. Easy peasy and cheap, cheap! #Yay

I liked the idea of the sailboats because we live on a lake, and their shape reminds me of Christmas trees.

The wreath on the mirror came from Target. I fell in love with it at first sight!

I have a weird thing with wreaths. I love ‘em, but I’m not good at making them and it seems like there are so many out there that just aren’t quite what I’m looking for. I was happy to finally find one that ticked all the boxes this year!

I brought out our stockings and hung them on stocking hangers I got from my mom…

(Left & Right stockings- Whiteflower Farmhouse, Middle Stocking- Pottery Barn)

…and up on top of the mantel shelf, I nestled some of our white pitchers into a mixture of faux and real evergreen sprigs…

I hope you’ll join us for our annual Holiday Home mantel link party tomorrow. I had a blast getting creative with ours, and I look forward to seeing lots more merry-merry at the e-party, too!

In the meantime, Kevin and I are going to light those logs and finish filling out our adoption application, and hopefully, we’ll be fastening another little letter to that stocking on the left next year.

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60 Responses to Christmas Mantel

1. Linda says:

   Dec 3, 2012 at 5:22 pm

   How original!! Love it!!
   Looking forward to linking up tomorrow.

   

   Reply
2. Kelly - Talk of the House says:

   Dec 3, 2012 at 5:31 pm

   I love all the green – so fresh feeling for this time of year! Beautiful.

   

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3. Tina Schiefer says:

   Dec 3, 2012 at 5:37 pm

   I was all good until the end. The last sentence choked. me. up!
   

   

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4. Bev says:

   Dec 3, 2012 at 5:38 pm

   I love the colors you used…… so cute !!!

   

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5. Debbie-refreshrestyle says:

   Dec 3, 2012 at 5:40 pm

   Love your mantel, but all I can think about is a letter on that stocking Best wishes for you all!
   Debbie

   

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6. Petie says:

   Dec 3, 2012 at 5:59 pm

   Your mantel is so refreshing….love it! And, thanks for the tip on how to make those sail boats – so cute. Best wishes to you guys on the application process

   

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7. caroline says:

   Dec 3, 2012 at 5:59 pm

   ummm so excited for you! cant wait for more progress and details you guys will make such wonderful parents!

   the stockings are gorgeous. like hubba hubba pretty

   

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8. Heather@ThriftyStories says:

   Dec 3, 2012 at 6:00 pm

   Looks great, Layla. I’m hoping to join the party tomorrow. Awww…I will pray to that end (regarding adding that letter to the stocking). <3

   Thanks for sharing.

   

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9. Mindy says:

   Dec 3, 2012 at 6:18 pm

   I love how you incorporated the boats with living near the lake – such a cute idea. I noticed the 3rd stocking right away and am praying right along with you for a little one in need to find their way to you.

   

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10. Kelly says:

    Dec 3, 2012 at 6:27 pm

    I love this, so beautifully put together. The little sailboat is my favorite! We live on a lake too, so I might need to try this one out Can’t wait for the party tomorrow night, so excited to see everyone’s decorations!
    PS Excited for you to have another little stocking up there next year!

    

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11. Lulu says:

    Dec 3, 2012 at 6:29 pm

    I join you in hoping your adoption process is successful. The wait is well worth it.

    

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12. Shelley @ Calypso in the Country says:

    Dec 3, 2012 at 6:41 pm

    Your mantel looks beautiful. I love that wreath and is so perfect on the mirror. Love the flannel too! Best wishes for the adoption!
    Cheers – Shelley

    

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13. Mary @ Finding Healthy Hope says:

    Dec 3, 2012 at 6:47 pm

    the mantle is fantastic, but the adoption makes my heart sing even more!!!
    i would love to adopt SO badly.
    xoxo

    

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14. Kristi says:

    Dec 3, 2012 at 6:52 pm

    OMG if I were in charge of approving adoption applications I’d let you have fifty kids! You two are meant to be parents no matter how that might come about.

    

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15. Ashley@AttemptsAtDomestication says:

    Dec 3, 2012 at 7:05 pm

    Gorgeous! I love how it’s so natural and not in your face Christmas colorful.

    

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16. Stacey says:

    Dec 3, 2012 at 7:23 pm

    Looks grea right nowt! Won’t it be fun to see how it looks next year after you make it your own?

    

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17. Dawn says:

    Dec 3, 2012 at 7:26 pm

    Love it all! The green and white is so nice. I love non-traditional color schemes. My favorites are green and white or red and white. Good luck with the adoption paperwork!

    

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18. Dorie says:

    Dec 3, 2012 at 7:28 pm

    I LOVE that wreath! And I get what you mean! I can’t make them either:( I swear my hands betray me! I just might be heading to Tarjay tomorrow!

    

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19. Doreen@househoneys says:

    Dec 3, 2012 at 7:34 pm

    That’s absolutely adorable! Love the green, and as always, your pictures make me jealous. Definitely hope to take your class next year!
    All the best with your application process. You’re going to be awesome parents!

    

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20. Jennifer says:

    Dec 3, 2012 at 7:40 pm

    I love it! It’s so creative and the wreath is great. I can’t believe you found it at Target.

    

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21. Donna Lohr says:

    Dec 3, 2012 at 7:49 pm

    Going to Target tomorrow to get some of that snowflake paper! LOVE it! Love snowflakes in most any way, shape or form….
    Praying for your adoption process.

    

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22. brenda says:

    Dec 3, 2012 at 7:53 pm

    saw the three stockings right away and wondered if there was some news that would explain why it has been so long since hearing from you last.
    quite lovely mantel. have to use a buffet since we have no mantel

    

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23. Shari @ Turnstyle Vogue says:

    Dec 3, 2012 at 7:57 pm

    So unique and beautiful. I love how the region in which we live influences how we all decorate, even if it is subconsciously. I hope the year ahead bring you that little blessing that you are waiting for

    

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24. Barb @ Grits and Glamour says:

    Dec 3, 2012 at 8:06 pm

    Ok, first of all, that super long stocking really makes me smile. I just love that. Your whole mantel is just filled with one charming aspect after another. That wreath is awesome, I may need to make a trip to Tarjay.

    Thanks for sharing, and I hope you are having loads of fun in your new home. xxoo

    

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25. shaunna says:

    Dec 3, 2012 at 8:26 pm

    Love it. And I’m funny about wreaths, too. Love that one.
    
    shaunna

    

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26. Susan says:

    Dec 3, 2012 at 8:39 pm

    The sailboats are so clever, I love them. The mantel looks great.

    

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27. jessica@fourgenerationsoneroof says:

    Dec 3, 2012 at 8:50 pm

    So pretty Layla! I hope to link one up tomorrow if I can get my act together in time! Good luck with your application!

    

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28. Lisa W. says:

    Dec 3, 2012 at 8:53 pm

    So beautiful, so clever, AND love the homemade things…very very nice! Tickled pink OR blue on the application process.

    Ok and lastly…I so hope no one thinks I’m a silly girl…but when you say “link” up, what do I need to do to see the mantel party, it does not come in my inbox like you send?? Sorry somewhere I missed this:(

    

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29. Tonya @ Love of Family & Home says:

    Dec 3, 2012 at 9:30 pm

    Your mantel looks beautiful Layla!! Love the color scheme!

    

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30. Mandy Rose says:

    Dec 3, 2012 at 9:33 pm

    Your mantel looks amazing! I just noticed your adoption news (I probably live under a rock)! We JUST TODAY got our approval from the Philippines that we have been approved!! And now we wait. Haha! I’ll be praying for you guys!

    

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31. Karen says:

    Dec 3, 2012 at 9:36 pm

    It looks great Layla, love the sailboats and that wreath is really great too.

    

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32. Mary says:

    Dec 3, 2012 at 10:25 pm

    I love it! I just don’t want to let my hubby see this or I will never see my Santa’s at Christmas again. LOL! Your new wreath is wonderful too. I love the look of it as well. Very pretty holiday mantle!

    

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33. Angela says:

    Dec 3, 2012 at 10:31 pm

    Love it! It’s so clean and fresh looking!

    

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34. Susie says:

    Dec 4, 2012 at 12:05 am

    Love the outdoorsy feeling of it with all the green. Understated and homey all at the same time. Fantastic!

    

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35. Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouse says:

    Dec 4, 2012 at 12:18 am

    Th first thing I noticed is that there are three stockings! I’m wondering if Kevin isn’t jealous that your stocking is so much longer than his?

    

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36. Alison says:

    Dec 4, 2012 at 12:57 am

    This is gorgeous! So festive, but not overdone.

    

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37. Lynne says:

    Dec 4, 2012 at 4:33 am

    Saved the best news for last . . . loved your decorating touches . . .

    

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38. Ter'e Crow Lindsay says:

    Dec 4, 2012 at 5:02 am

    I love the Target wreath and the darling snowflake paper. Your combination of navy, green and a neutral is so refreshing to the eye. I am a red kinda gal….but I sure didn’t miss it here. Your mantel is just so FRESH and NOW…..I love it.

    Best of all, I love what you are representing with the three stockings. Precious and Heartfelt. I know I will go back, time and time again, look at your Christmas mantle and smile and get that teary eyed feeling I always get for you two (nearly three).
    xoxoxoxo

    

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39. Ann says:

    Dec 4, 2012 at 7:23 am

    Sailboats, skis and snowflakes. You have them all covered. I love that it is not red and green.

    

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42. Krystle @ Color Transformed Family says:

    Dec 4, 2012 at 8:59 am

    Such a pretty mantle! I love how you incorporated nautical elements into it.. Can’t wait to see everyone else’s at the link up today!
    I am beyond excited that y’all are moving forward with the adoption process! We are just wrapping up the homestudy for Peru with Lifeline!

    

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43. Jude says:

    Dec 4, 2012 at 9:01 am

    This post gave me so much JOY!!!! Thanks!

    

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44. hello haha narf says:

    Dec 4, 2012 at 9:50 am

    thrilled to join you on the adoption journey. thank you so much for sharing!

    

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45. Evan G. Cooper says:

    Dec 4, 2012 at 11:10 am

    OMG. It’s FANTASTIC! All those little packages are perfectly wrapped. Love LOVE, LOVE the colors– Blue and Green FTW!

    

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46. amy Byman says:

    Dec 4, 2012 at 11:57 am

    I can relate so much to your last sentence. My husband and I are also adopting…from overseas. We are “paper ready” and waiting for our precious referral. Maybe we will have another stocking on our mantel next year as well!

    

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47. chrissi says:

    Dec 4, 2012 at 1:48 pm

    i love your mantle and stockings. your sail boats are wondeful.
    prayers on your paperwork and adoption.

    

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48. Katie Morene says:

    Dec 4, 2012 at 2:51 pm

    Have you visited Posie Gets Cozy? They just adopted the love of their lives – all the things she has written in the past two month, I wish for you and Kevin as well. Good luck!

    

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49. Culpepper says:

    Dec 4, 2012 at 4:03 pm

    Beautiful and fun! You’re so creative

    Praying for the letter and your journey over the coming months. I’m excited to see what God has in store for you and Kevin in 2013…no doubt it will be more than you ever planned for.

    

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50. Christina @ Floridays Mom says:

    Dec 4, 2012 at 6:42 pm

    I am LOVING this mantel…those sailboats are beyond adorable!! I love the neutral color scheme.

    

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51. Julie says:

    Dec 5, 2012 at 10:45 am

    What a fabulous mantel! I want to thank you for the Christmas sail boat inspiration, too! We’re hosting a little crab feast with another couple this month, and I’ve been trying to come up with an inexpensive, yet wonderful centerpiece idea. You’ve got my wheels turning. Bless you for that!

    

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52. Kole McRae says:

    Dec 5, 2012 at 1:23 pm

    The extra long white stocking is wonderful.

    

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53. Justine T says:

    Dec 6, 2012 at 7:37 am

    Loving your mantel- especially the wreath! What a great Target find. What technique did you use to hang the wreath over the mirror?

    

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    • Layla says:

      Dec 6, 2012 at 7:40 am

      Thanks, Justine! We used the “piece of ribbon draped over the back and secured with shipping tape” technique.

      

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54. Lisa Brown, ink and inspirations says:

    Dec 6, 2012 at 12:01 pm

    Beautiful mantel, Layla!
    Praying for you and Kevin!
    hugs, Lisa

    

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55. Susan @ Afford Your Passions says:

    Dec 6, 2012 at 8:48 pm

    Your mantel is lovely, Layla! I love the different elements you have introduced!

    I hope that you will have another little stocking to hang from your mantel next year!

    

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56. Rebecca says:

    Dec 10, 2012 at 2:21 pm

    Hoping for a new one to join your family soon! Thanks for the beautiful inspiration.

    

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57. CathyD says:

    Dec 12, 2012 at 10:54 am

    A little late on my holiday decorating, but better late than never, right? Thanks so much for these tips…very clean and fresh looking compared to the gaudy decorations you usually encounter during the holidays!

    

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58. Tanya says:

    Dec 12, 2012 at 11:09 am

    I LOVE THIS!!! So very pretty!

    

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59. Jackie says:

    Dec 18, 2012 at 10:53 am

    I believe many mantels across the country will be simple like mine this year…..26 simple candles…Honoring those we lost in CT.

    

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