Reindeer Games on the Christmas Mantel

In middle November while browsing ideas for my Christmas mantel I came across a pair of woodsy reindeer that checked all the boxes for decorating my large hearth room fireplace. I had told myself that I didn't need any new decor items, but well... they ended up on my Thanksgiving mantel, then stuck around for Christmas.

It takes some mid to large size items to show up on the mantel, so I have to look for bigger pieces to make an impact. I like a somewhat symmetrical mantel, and feel unsure of myself trying to do something a-symmetrical. Does that say something about my creativity or personality? probably. 

Another new item was this gold leaf wreath with white berries. I bought it from Amazon and checked multiple stores and sellers. Sometimes Amazon is more expensive but this time it paid off with big bucks. no pun intended. 

The Gold Gilt pears that I painted a few years ago, are making an appearance here with the greenery and multiple mercury glass votives. The wreath looks so pretty at night with the votives lit and glow-y. 

I thought I might have to white-wash the reindeer, but they arrived the perfect color. If they were more white they wouldn't show up well against the white brick. Now there's a little contrast.

One of my "requirements" for this last move was a gas fireplace that didn't smell like the gas pumps. Over the years we've had a fireplace or two that just weren't useable because of the ventless gas setup. I was thrilled that we had two here that were functioning and pretty. Last Christmas I turned on the logs for a toasty comfy vibe on Christmas Eve. Oh it was so cozy, but only lasted about 15 seconds. bummer. So that was on the "fix-it" list this year before the Holidays. 

You all know how much I love my wild bird buddies. I found this sweet little vintage look pillow cover last year to celebrate my chickadees. 

I had brought out my Pendleton Camp Blanket in late fall and it also stuck around with some red/cream/brown Toile pillows. Another bird pillow with a grain sack stripe and robins for Christmas, work with the Toile and wool blanket with red and green stripes. 

My antique sideboard features ceramic houses along the top shelf with silver glitter bottle brush trees.

A white washed dough bowl with a vintage ironstone tureen and vintage Shiny Brites is one of my favorite ways to show off the ornaments. 

I'm not sure where these two little churches are from, but I fell for their raw wood neutral tones. I found them years ago at a flea market. I think I say that every week, but most of my decor is from vintage or flea markets.

Here are a few more posts of Christmas on the old family buffet.

Snowy White Churches on the Sideboard

Little Houses on the Sideboard 

Decorating the Sideboard for Christmas

Thanks for coming by. Hope you're having a wonderful Christmas Week!

 Joining in here:

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

Inspire Me Monday at My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
Met Monday at Between Naps on the Porch   

 Inspire Me Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life  

 Wonderful Wednesday at Eclectic Red Barn 

Turnabout Tuesday at My Wee Abode,  

Share Your Style at French Ethereal

Centerpiece Wednesday at Karin's Kottage  

Vintage Charm at Our Hopeful Home and My Thrift Store Addiction

 Thursday Favorite Things at Follow the Yellow Brick Home,  

Create, Bake, and Grow at Shabby Art Boutique,

 Farmhouse Friday at County Road 407