Christmas Mantel – Advent Calendar
Last year I struggled with time and a lack of ideas for an Advent Calendar – it was something I really wanted to do.
So when I didn’t accomplish it, I decided I wanted to make it part of my mantel for this year.
And so, I began 2012 looking for a window with 24 panes.
And finally, in August – I found it –at one of my favorite local vintage haunts.
And so the window became the center point of my mantel – counting the days with a snowflake to the final day…
Once I had the window in place, I knew I want so stick with natural elements, greens and whites.
So I found some burlap candle holders (actually they were for fall, just pulled off the acorns and such) and filled mason jars with Epsom salt and candles (easiest idea ever and so pretty!).
And I always like to pull in vintage items with a story – so I brought in my scout basket that is usually in our guest bedroom.
The writing and name on it makes it perfection in my book.
So I tied a burlap ribbon around it and filled it with two small evergreen potted trees and then filled in with some fake greenery.
I placed the doorknobs on skewers and set them in the dirt of the evergreens to add a little bit of sparkle.
And then I placed some additional greenery and doorknobs around it.
On the other side I added an old wooden maple bucket cover, more candles, pinecones and greenery.
I added little details like tying twine around each glass jar.
The drawing on the maple bucket lid was already there when I found it at a garage sale – just very faint. So I went over it with a white chalk pen so the beautiful drawing could be seen. You may remember it from last year’s mantel – it is one of my favorite things.
Later this week I will share more about how I made the window and what this little basket of envelopes is all about.
In front, I added a lemon cypress tree in a crock, some kindling in a burlap basket, a favorite little stool and some greenery and pinecones.
When the fire is still in use, I have my stove board in front – and it actually helps block some of the drafts.
The colors and the feel set the direction for the rest of the family room. I will share more on the family room soon as well.
I am lucky enough to say that all of these pictures were taken by the lovely Eve'sWish Photography | Erin Witkowski
I am sharing at:
Thanks so much for reading.
