The After-Easter French Country Mantel

Hi Friends, I hope you had a wonderful Easter. 

Were you able to be with family and friends?

We were on our own still, 

but we did have a lovely day.

I did a lot of fun Easter decorating in the Garden Room, but here in the Hearth Room I just did a general "Spring" mantel and coffee table. I use my lambs and sheep all through the year, but Christmas and Easter get an extra sprinkling. 

When we moved here I placed one of this set of topiaries on the concrete pedestal here in the Entry Hall. The other one landed in the Dining Room or would get shuffled around to fill up any spot that needed some greenery. Funny how something gets put somewhere and then out of default, it ends up staying there.

Don't you love a thermostat? We had to get creative finding covers 

that would cover up and camouflage the gaps in the wall board.

At least this one's not terribly in the way.

I have a large deep mantel and it needs to strike just the right balance of filling the space and not going overboard. I like having some kind of topiary, or greenery on each side that matches. I'm one of those "semi-symmetrical" decorating people.

The other greenery and topiaries I have tend to look "wintry" so I had a brilliant idea to just use these "all purpose" ones on the spring mantel and go search for something else to use on the concrete pedestal. duh.

So, I tried to keep things somewhat orderly and symmetrical

but still fill up all that wonderful real estate.

I found this great Canvas Sheep Print at Canvas Pop several years ago. It always comes out in Spring, since the colors are fresh and green. The large (and heavy) French-y mirror was above the dining room buffet at the last house. Once we got that monstrosity hung up on the brick wall we left it there since it's too unwieldy to mess with. I usually just layer prints or open vintage frames for added interest.

I keep old books on hand to give things a vertical boost.

The topiaries were a little small, so a few volumes helped out.

Two of my artichoke chalk pieces and my antique concrete

lambs are on either side of the wooden "mystery" music box.

I put the obvious Easter decor, bunnies and rabbits away 

but I'm leaving the rest out at least till the end of spring.

This is my little rabbit tureen I made years ago

and a mixed bunch of Spring-y blooms

in a galvanized wall/door bucket.

These heavy linen Toile pillows are usually kept here

along with my family homemade down bed pillows.

I had these topiaries made over 20 years ago

for our older daughter's wedding;

but nice that they're still in style. 

I've just added some grapevine garland on top

and added some extra ivy around the base.

The ivies aren't quite the same,

but from a distance they work.

I love this pair of antique concrete sheep,

that I found years ago.

This one's little muzzle has been broken off,

but somehow reattached.

They are inside sheep now...

and by the way, weigh a ton.

This little tool bench fits this small space perfectly.

My vintage book page glass tray sits on top.

It's a great spot for setting a beverage

or putting up your feet!

How do you decorate after Easter?

I'm not ready for "summer" decor in early April.

The leaves aren't even fully out on the trees yet,

so I'll still be in spring mode for awhile.

We hope you'll come by Monday evening for the Link Party.

joining in here:

 The House on Silverado  Love Your Creativity at Life and Linda, 

All About Home at Common Ground and Follow the Yellow Brick Home
Inspire Me Monday at My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
Met Monday at Between Naps on the Porch   

Celebrate Your Story at The Zucchini Sisters,  

 Inspire Me Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life  

 Party in Your PJ's at Apple Street Cottage   

 Keep in Touch at Let's Add Sprinkles 

 Wonderful Wednesday at LeCultivateur 

Turnabout Tuesday at My Wee Abode,  

Share Your Style at French Ethereal
Centerpiece Wednesday at Karin's Kottage  

Vintage Charm at Our Hopeful Home, 

 Thursday Favorite Things at Follow the Yellow Brick Home,  

Friday with Friends at My Hubbard Home

Create, Bake, and Grow at Shabby Art Boutique,

 Farmhouse Friday at The Painted Hinge and County Road 407