Does January Always Have to Look So Bleak?

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!