Christmas Mantel

I'm finally sharing my Christmas Mantel.  I've been almost finished decorating since last Friday when we had a Sunday School class fellowship in our home, but something about the mantel was bugging me.  So, today I finally did a bit of tweaking and came up with something I'm really happy with!

I love looking at so many different Christmas decorating themes, but I'm a traditional red and green girl with lots of natural elements mixed in.  Once again I used my copper-y lanterns that you might recognize from my fall mantel.

These bark covered birdhouses are some of my favorite Christmas items.  I've had them on the mantel for several years.  They came from Hancock's fabrics-of all places.  
   

I use this traditional Christmas plaid ribbon everywhere.  If something doesn't look quite right, it must need a bow!  They quit carrying this pattern several years ago at Hobby Lobby and I haven't seen it anywhere else, so I'm hoarding every little scrap I have.  I can't remember ever NOT using this plaid with my Christmas decorations, so that means it's been around for most of the 17 Christmases that we've been married!

I made both of the stockings for the kids-although I don't think Emily got hers until her SECOND Christmas.  Man, those things took forever!

These darling little feather trees were new additions a few years ago.  They came from Gordman's.

The glitz and glimmer of a few ornaments helped brighten things up a bit-those are what I added last minute today and they made such a difference!

This year I dressed up the plaid stockings with a bit of leopard trim.  My hubby saw them and said "Couldn't you have done camo on mine?"  (Then I took the trim off of his.)  

All ready for a roaring fire, mugs of hot chocolate, and a handful of Christmas stories!

I'm linking up with these great mantel parties and can't wait to see yours!

Southern Hospitality

My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

Ten June
Mum of All Trades
Alamode