Christmas means stockings and stockings love a mantel.
This is the first house where we've actually had a mantel to hang stockings from! In fact, I might go so far as to say we bought this house because of the beautiful fireplace. So what a perfect place to start with Christmas decorating!
Some of the decor is new and some are
hand-me-down family heirlooms. The "HoHoHo" sign I bought at Hancock Fabrics about four years ago for half price. It was so cute I couldn't resist it. Little Bit thinks it would be hilarious to turn it around backwards so it would read "oHoHoH"!
The beautiful wreath I bought at Hobby Lobby three years ago. I got it for half price but it was still a splurge at $50. I love it, though and it was worth every penny. It needed to be big to fill this space (from mantel to ceiling is a good 4 1/2 ft) and the white flocking really pops on the black background.
The metal initial I bought at Dillard's three years ago. I don't remember what I paid for it but I probably got it on sale (knowing me). Unfortunately it's been knocked over a couple
dozen times and has a dent but I love it anyway.
The candlesticks I got from my grandmother many years ago. I not a big fan of brass and she's not a big fan of "defacing" brass with spray paint so they stayed they way they are. I have to admit, I kinda like them being brass. It makes them feel old to me. And the candle rings I made myself (see the
tutorial here).
Down on the hearth is an old sewing basket that my grandma gave me. I filled it with cheap garland doubled over (to make it a little fuller) and lots of picks of holly. Both of which I've had for so long I can't even remember where I got them.
Any way, that's my fireplace and mantel. Just two stockings for my two little men. One of these days I'm going to get around to making new ones for all four of us!
