Putting away my Christmas decorations has to be one of my most dreaded of chores. Not only is it a huge job, but it leaves behind the bleakness of January. Yes, there is a "clean" look about it. Simple and neat........but I find it so boring. I can't live without color and all of the little things that give my home warmth and personality. If my home is "happy", then I feel happy.
This is what my mantle usually looks like in January... nice but boring. (What's with the one blue plate on the right side ?!, did I do that?...NOT on purpose !)
This is the way I Love to see my mantle... with my Father Christmases, lit Christmas trees and the lush red berry garland lit up with mini white lights and lanterns.
This year, after taking down most of this display, I decided not to take down the berry garland. After all, Valentine's day is just around the corner and I had to leave some color up there. I worried that the "decor police" might be making the rounds and fine me for having a garland that traditionally is used for Christmas, but what the heck.........you know I'm a rebel!
So I put on my thinking cap and came up with a bird/valentine theme that would be appropriate for the berry garland...
I found this bird cage at the "Classy Flea"....
The topiary trees I bought at Goodwill.....
Okay, so I also kept my red/burgandy/mauve glass ornaments from Christmas out....
I think it makes the perfect Valentine's decoration....don't you?
I adore these hand made victorian ornaments and they look so pretty on the silver tray...
( I came so close to donating these last year because I don't really "do" pink on my Christmas tree... sooo glad I didn't!)
To me, winter craves warmth and besides a roaring fire (can't do those with these raging hot flashes of mine ...), a little red goes a long way.......... Okay..I'll shut up now! Enjoy the rest of the photos..........
Remember.........rules were made for breaking, so if you want to keep your garland and your ornaments up...go ahead... I did ! ! Do what makes you happy!
Please go to Barb's Grits and Glamor to see more table tops!
Please click over to Beth's Blog..she is the hosts a Mantel Party every Friday and it's loads of fun!
39 comments:
That was gorgeous!! You expired me to do some different things to my mantel,you gave me some great ideas!!~ Thanks!
Your photos, and home ... are spectacular!!
Oh yeah...a woman after my own heart...a rule breaker!!! I love this...I love that you have done what makes you happy in your own home!!! I get so tired of trying to keep up with the design trends dictated to us by so called experts. Do what makes you happy...and when what makes you happy looks so good...even better!!!
Love your mantel and all of your Valentine goodies...gorgeous!!!
Enjoy!!!
XOXO
Cathy
Beautiful, Beautiful, Beautiful!!
Stunning photos!
Lou Cinda
It is absolutely gorgeous. Everything looks just like it was MADE to go right where you have it!!
Hope things are going good for you, Rose..
xo bj
I think everything is simply stunning!
Judy
Absolutely gorgeous! I agree I hate taking down Christmas things...I left my tree up and changed it into a baby shower tree this month..now I think I'll do a valentine's tree! Your mantel is exquiste!!
Miss Bloomers
Your home is absolutely gorgeous! The colors are so warm and inviting...and your fireplace...WOW! The stone work is beautiful. The garland looks perfect for Valentine's Day and so do the victorian ornaments. I think it's perfect for the season! Thanks for sharing!
Sharlotte
Beautiful arrangement and lovely details!! See...January doesn't have to be boring!! :-)
xoxo
Jane
Well now, about the picture of the mantel that you called boring. I am unhappy with the way mine looks and when I saw yours I thought...love it! I do like the clean look...for about two weeks and then have feel the urge again :) Beautiful pictures!
Rose!! I've missed you! Your mantle is gorgeous. You can do no wrong in my book! Your home is so beautiful! Don't stay gone so long - we need you.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
Rose, this is gorgeous! I know just what you mean-my house looks so dull when the Christmas decor is put away. This room just looks so cozy and inviting, and I love what you've done on the mantle. You need to link this post to my V'tine party on the 12th. laurie
Really, really beautiful mantel! The bird cage is really cute with the candles. I am another that finds January very dull, blah, boring...just think it is almost over. One month closer to spring!
i totally understand your feelings of bleakness...
for me it is a true sense of loss when my Christmas items must be loving put away...
sigh...
well i shall take your cue and delight in the now :)
It is so true that it is hard to go from all the Christmas trimmings to nothing. I love what you have done to transition to Valentine's Day - makes more use of those pink/red ornaments too! The birdcage with the candles is gorgeous! Missed your blog posts lately!
DD
We must be feeling the same vibe b/c I kept out my red ornaments & angels from the C-mas tree, and did a Valentine's tree. Love that C.F. bird cage (looks kind of like a hot air balloon), and the little birds and houses. I'm about to re-do my laundry room w/ them...I think. Hadn't thought to use bird cages in there too, until I saw your post. Since I already have a few (imagine that!), that should work nicely. Like those topiaries too. Was just looking @ some in Home Goods that were very similar, but I like your GW ones better! Jan. is my LEAST favorite month. Probably has something to do w/ having to gather tax docs too.
I need color too. So the new all white thing is not gonna work for me.lol Love your mantel . mishelle
Oh Rose, this all looks sooooooooo beautiful!!!! Oh my goodness, the mantel is stunning!
Justine :o )
Rose, I've just discovered your blog, after years of reading blogs (and discontinuing mine, ha). Just love it - we have a lot of the same tastes so you will be an inspiration. Went back thru your early blog and was very touched by the story of your childhood; I can't imagine how hard that must be. I am also the proud "mom" of a very spoiled (and loved) Yorkie, since my own children grew up and went away!
Everything you touch is always so beautiful. You have a gift, my dear.
Absolutely stunning! I love it! Thanks so much for linking to the party. Would you mind if I feature your mantel in my review? Also, I would be so grateful if you would add the Mantel Party link to your post so others will know about the party. Thanks :).
Very pretty! I love your fireplace and mantel ~ stone is one of my favorite things for a fireplace. Love the birdcage!
Love the birdies and berries. Very cute! :)
Everything looks so beautiful! I have to say I was a "berry garland and trim" rebel too! haha After this past Christmas my hubby (must be part of the under cover decor police, cuz he has asked me for the past 4 years why I keep my 3 berry "frames" up on our armoire), asked again about my 3 berry frames...so I did put them up with our Christmas decor. (...but I still have a few of my berry garland up in our kitchen :o)
Blessings & Aloha!
(sure do miss seeing ya! Stop by if you have some time :o)
I love what you left out to bring in the Valentine "season." It looks beautiful. I've got to admit I'm jealous you found the great topiaries at Goodwill. :)
I am in love with everything you do. Your mantel is so lovely and your combination of color and design is absolutely breathtaking.
I, too, am a rulebreaker and still have decorations that remind me of winter and all the beauty it brings.
Thank you for your lovely inspirations.
Marie
Lovely mantle. Thanks for sharing. I must stay and look at your Santa's. I love Santa. And I love collecting them. I have a couple really nice ones like yours. I have tried to make some mostly folk art ones. I am not nearly as talented as you are.
Thanks for sharing. I am glad I got to come by.
Have a Blessed Day,
Sherry
Your mantel is so beautiful! The birdcage was a fabulous find & I'm so in love with your lamps! Thanks for the wonderful ideas! ☺♥☺
This looks so good. I had water damage on Dec.2 so I didn't have Christmas this year. They are just about finished fixing the house, It did 40 thousand dollars damage. I love Christmas, so this next year I will be starting to decorate early. Kathy
It was so good to see and talk with you again today.
The luncheon was nice - good food - great host - and great guests - right?
There are a lot of Sony - Cybershot Cameras - can you email which one specifically?
Thanks.
sandie
skcz@comcast.net
LOVE this Valentine decor!! I was having a hard time finding Vday decor I liked. It was mostly all pink and glittery and what not. Now I have a direction to go in for next year!
http://myladydujour.com/
Your blog always leaves me breathless...and always inspires me to take a fresh look at my little cottage...!
Oh Rose....this is gorgeous...Your fireplace is stunning and how you decorated it is another one of your works of art!! I love the two story windows in your room...
I did a post about our tea last week....you need to stop over and see all the pictures....You look great in them....
And it's a good thing we didn't plan on going to Scott's this weekend....I'm sitting here watching it snowing like crazy....Hopefully next month the weather will be a bit better....See you then. Sue.
Hi,
I'm spending my time here for the kids of Haiti.
I'm doing my part for a non-profit haiti organization that is dedicated to
creating an oppurunity for the children in haiti. If anyone here wants to help then this is the site:
[url=http://universallearningcentre.org]Donate to Haiti[/url] or Help Haiti
They give kids in Haiti books and teach them.
And yes, they're real.
It would be awesome if you could help us
Just stopping by to say thank you for the card you all signed at Joyce's tea party! Was so sweet of you all to think of me and include me in a little way!
Love your decorating!!! What a great way to incorporate the twinkling lights with your garland. I was just thinking the other day how I miss my lights and garland. I think I'll try your idea!!
Enjoy your day!
Thinking about you and hope you a wonderful Valentines Day :)
Just stopping back to see how you are doing :o)
Blessings & Aloha!
(yay! a few days off from work, so am catching up a little on my favorite blog reads... I have housework organizing and drawing orders to get to too :o)
I've been away from my blog reading, but am recovering from work and a week long marathon posting blog hop! Craziness, but fun...all about how my hubby and I met, first date, got engaged, married and an unexpected joke (almost back-fired!) from me to him.
I can't wait to see what you do for Easter!
Hello,nice post thanks for sharing?. I just joined and I am going to catch up by reading for a while. I hope I can join in soon.
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