A Mantel, a Living Room, and Whatever's Left for Thanksgiving...

Hey Everyone,

today I'm going to share the rest of the Thanksgiving decor. Yes, there are bits and pieces left that have not yet made it here on the blog. I hate it, but November 1st to the day after Thanksgiving is hard to navigate in the blogging sphere. I think most of us are coming to the conclusion that there just isn't enough time to relax, celebrate and enjoy Christmas unless we get a jump on decorating. We rush around and make ourselves (and our families) crazy the moment we clean off the table and put the Turkey leftovers in the fridge.

Easy Festive Votives with Plaid and Boxwood

Hi Everyone, I hope you're having a wonderful weekend.

 Getting the Christmas decorating in hand, shopping,

making plans for this busy time of year...

 and enjoying your loved one's companionship.

The "Wait Till Thanksgiving is Over With" Mantel

I still have tons of boxes to unpack, and I can't get my hands on a few of the things that I'm looking for, but I thought I'd show you my quick fix for my "Late Fall/Wait Till Thanksgiving is Over With" upstairs mantel. I've had a running joke with a few of you over the fact that my Fall Mantels go through 4 or 5 transitions before Christmas. What can I say...Fall is my favorite time of the year!

I'm lazy when it comes to decorating the mantel. If I find the "basic" elements that look good, and that I can "add to" for the seasons, then chances are they will stay there. The big mirror is bolted on so there won't be any mishaps, so that will be staying. I love my Wolff Pottery urns, and I can change the seasonal flowers and greenery easily, so they're a staple also. Ditto for my mantel lamps. They are easy to work around and I love the warm glow they give in the evening.

I love the versatility of a Preserved Boxwood Wreath, especially in the cooler months. And so my wooden monogram from a couple of years ago was the natural addition. I'd like to use a seasonal ribbon to hang them with, but Hubbs would have to get a ladder and make that happen. With all that's going on to still get unpacked here, get the lease house cleaned and ready to turn back over to the management company, and then get ready for Thanksgiving and company, I haven't made that request. Maybe next weekend I can  persuade him get that accomplished.

Just pretend that this cute little leopard print ribbon is holding up that wreath and monogram...doesn't it look pretty?

And speaking of Leopard Print ribbon, I made a quick change on the front door basket with a few pieces of faux greenery and leaves, just taking out the sunflowers from the "Earlier Fall Version".  Next weekend, it will be reworked for Christmas.

You can see my reflection in the glass...BTW I'm still in my leopard print fuzzy pajamas taking pictures with the door open while cats are escaping to the front porch. Sure hope no neighbors were out there. They've already been warned about my crazy blog photo habits.

My two large boxwood orb topiaries fit perfectly here on the hearth. I imagine they will stay there, at least for a while. I wanted to add a little Fall color without going overboard, so a few preserved leaves and Bittersweet were added. I'm not sure what direction I'll go for Christmas decorating, but I'm sure it's going to be "simple" whatever it is. I always love a "natural" approach with greenery, some ribbon and a few small touches. I have my Christmas boxes and tubs in the garage, but it's been so cold, I haven't even looked through them.

OK, I'm headed toward the garage to rummage around a little. I want some new ribbon for Christmas...don't know what that will be. Guess I better see what I have first...  Have you started Christmas shopping yet? Amazingly, I have a jump on things from ordering over the Internet. The credit card has been smoking!

Thanks so much for all the sweet comments from the last post about my old door and blogging, I read and appreciate each one. I've started Cardiac Rehab and it seems to be wanting to take over my life. Going to the gym has never been something I've ever wanted to do, but now I have no choice. Also, I'm having to endure old men wanting to flirt. Please Lord, make the next 12 weeks go quickly.

Have a great weekend!

xoxo,

It All Starts in the Dining Room

I'm not sure why, but I always start my seasonal decor on the Dining Room Table. My choice for the centerpiece and tablerunner seem to sort of set the stage for the rest of the house. This year I fell in love with a burlap fabric my sweet friend Judy was working with in her Etsy Shop, 20 North Ora. She was creating tablerunners and I just had to have one.

I had Judy looking all over town trying to find more fabric to fit my table. I've threatened to paint this table more times than I can count, but my interim fix is to just cover up as much of the big brown wood top as possible. Anyway, Judy came through and I love how it turned out. I just put it on top of another raw burlap fabric piece and then gave it a stripe of red Tartan. (gotta have some plaid)

The ribbon isn't attached,

 and I would like to find a wider one, 

but for now I think it adds a little fun!

Last year I wanted Preserved Boxwood wreaths and topiaries, but never found them. So for something different this year I ordered 3 of the Preserved Boxwood Cones in cement vases to go inside the newer smaller windowbox. You can find them HERE.

Judy also sent along a sweet pillow, just right for my end arm chair.

Thank you so much, Judy!

For the chandy, I left the twiggy garland and removed the Fall leaves,

 replacing them with faux red Winterberries,

and then tied on a little Tartan ribbon.

Decorating this year is proving to be a work in progress.

I started with the basics the week before Thanksgiving, 

and I'm adding a little more each day.

Who knows, I might even have it done before Christmas!

(more coming in the Dining Room)

Joining in with these great parties:

Savvy Southern Style

DIY by Design

City Farmhouse

The Style Sisters

From My Front Porch to Yours

Daily Cup at Mrs. Olson's

No Minimalist Here

French Country Cottage

Craftberry Bush

Shabby Art Boutique

Dwellings

Coastal Charm

Cozy Little House

A Stroll Thru Life

Mod Vintage Life

xoxo,

p.s. Santa brought my white lanterns and they're 

HUGE

Now I just have to find a place to put them!

Today's Sponsor 

is Judy from 20 North Ora