Y’all, I’m loving Christmas decorating this year.
Don’t get me wrong.
All these simple decorations are beautiful, and make me happy, but have no fear. I’ll be pulling out the dancing Santa’s and colorful ornaments to sprinkle throughout the house for my little ones’ enjoyment.
In the meantime, here’s our simple Christmas mantel.
Just a few elements were pulled together to create a simple, fuss free Christmas mantel.
I knew a while back I’d be incorporating the wooden serving tray. It was an orange-y/red, and I love red at Christmas–but it’s gotta be Christmas red.
I painted it with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in French Linen and added a little gold leafing to the edge for a little sparkle. I then painted it with approximately 8 coats of magnetic paint, then chalkboard paint. It’s STILL not working. I’ve never seen such a sight.
And yes, I totally followed all directions. It wasn’t meant to be. I think I’ll cut a piece of new plywood to fit to size, and we’ll be in true chalkboard business.
I bought one more piece of cedar garland (20 feet) from The Home Depot for $12.95! I have so loved having fresh greenery in our home this year. I don’t think I’ll ever look at Christmas decorating the same!
I plucked ornaments in here and there…as with most of the house, we’re sticking to a white, silver, and gold color scheme + greenery.
The small trees also came from Home Depot. I took them out of the cellophane packaging and added some white burlap and twine to customize my mini-trees. I love them!
I’ve been going a little crazy with the glitter this year. German glass glitter, that is. I used mod podge and glass glitter to amp up these chipboard letters. “Give Joy” seemed like just the right message to keep front and center.
I’m definitely known to replace candles with ornaments around Christmas, and this year is no exception. I’m still in love with the set of mercury glass candlesticks my sweet mom-in-law got me last year.
That beautiful poinsettia came from our friend, Julie–we bought two to support her mission trip to Malawi. They are HUGE.
And unmistakably Christmas.
Want to see more of our simple Christmas decorating? Head here:
dining room holiday table decor
christmas advent tree w/ 25 family activities
I’m linking this mantel up to The Holiday Home Mantel Party at Rhoda’s & to Beth’s Mantel Party!
It’s getting merrier by the minute~
Beautiful! I love the fresh greenery!
Looks great Shaunna! I never used fresh greens until 2 years ago b/c of my allergies ….now I do and LOVE them 🙂
I love it all very nice.
Beautiful, simple, clean and fresh. I love everything!!!
Jaime
Love the mantle – especially the reminder to give joy.
As far as your chalkboard troubles, I’ve read that magnetic primer and chalkboard paint don’t work very well together – they cancel each other out or something.
I recently posted a tutorial for making a magnetic chalkboard using sheet metal. You might want to check it out.
http://www.lovelyetc.com/2011/11/simple-gift-tutorial-magnetic.html
Thanks Carrie!! hmmm, I’ve used them together before?? SO weird! Thanks for the info!!
🙂
shaunna
Oh cute! I absolutely LOVE your decorating style! You have a beautiful house 🙂
What a beautiful and simply unique display! Very elegant!
Shaunna ~ Your mantel looks beautiful !! I want some of those little trees!!
I am thinking Home Depot is on my list today ~
Ive tried the magnetic paint/chalkboard combo as well and it didn’t work so I just went with the chalkboard paint. I researched it online and found that the spray paints I used don’t work together. Yours looks so pretty though!
It looks pretty Shaunna. Interesting that so many of us are going simple and fuss free this year. Hmm. 🙂
xo,
Shannon
Your mantle looks beautiful, but I am in LOVE with how you put the poinsettias in the basket. May have to borrow that idea!
Your mantel is lovely Shaunna! I love the “give joy” and the simplicity. xoxo
I really love those hanging magnifying glasses!!! Where did you ever find something like that?
Hey Michelle! The came from PB. here’s the link: http://www.potterybarn.com/search/results.html?words=magnifying+wall-mount+votive+sconce&cm_sp=OnsiteSearch-_-GlobalNav-_-Button&type-ahead-viewset=ecom
🙂
shaunna
LOVE the tray above the mantel! And the hanging magnifying glasses…do you actually light the candles? That must be a fantastic effect!
I do! At night….I’m kinda freaked out to light them in the day time because the sun hits over there. I’m sure it’s a total myth but I can see my mantel going up in flames–and there’s actually a warning on the sconces’ packaging that says “do not hang in direct sunlight.” I thought the candle might just add fuel to the possible fire, lol. Think I’ll take a bunch of night photos this year to do a Christmas at nighttime post…Thanks for your sweet compliment!
🙂
shaunna
I love everything you have done this year! Simply gorgeous. Just wondering where you got those precious little chipboard letters. They are soooo adorable! 🙂
You mantel looks good. I really like the tray because it functions as a sign and a shelf… so creative!
I love how it turned out and all of your simple Christmas designs this season…well done.
Happy holiday hugs,
Marie
you know Shaunna..up front and center is where
it should be. JOY and GIVE
thank you for reminding me of JOY today
I need reminders all of the time:)
GIVE JOY…beautifully simple
xo
I also had trouble with the magnetic paint. 5 coats on my cabinet and it still wasn’t working! some spots worked and some didn’t. What a waste of time! I also followed the directions and have no idea what happened. oh well, the chalkboard paint worked over top so at least we have something:)
This is so beautiful, and imaginative! Nice work 🙂
Amanda