Hey there! Are you decorating for fall yet? I’m happy to report that our Fall 2012 mantel is done.
Or maybe I should say it’s a work in progress, ’cause I’ll probably be adding (or removing) things over the next month. Oh well, for now it’s good.
Along with using garden flowers and produce to decorate our porch and dining table for the autumn, I also have been slowly working on our seasonal mantel change this week. I usually throw the things up I want to use and then take a few days to look at it, editing and adding what will give me whatever look I’m going for.
This year I was inspired by the fall Pottery Barn catalog which showed not only natural elements, but highlighted pewter-y and tarnished silver (along with mercury glass – I may add that in later…), wood, and white.
For wood, I pulled some old mahogany boards left over from our gazebo table out of the garage to lean against the antique window and a thrift store wooden bowl.
A pewter oval platter and a tarnished silver footed bowl bring in that element, and white candles, candle holders, newsprint and pumpkins provide the white.
I brought in the vintage book page banner at the last minute, actually – the window just seemed to need some lightening up since so many of the items are darker. It took about 8 minutes to make – I love decorations like that!
And so the banner wouldn’t look like I stuck it there at the last minute – ha! – I added the book-page-wrapped candle from last year’s Christmas mantel on the left.
From the garden I’m using the little green and white mini-pumpkins and immature white pumpkins I grew, plus some corn stalks and dried coral bells. Since they were tall, I thought this tall basket looked good with them – and the brown connects to the wood planks.
I added a few ceramic pumpkins from my decorating stash and I do have faux leaves, which is not my first choice, but guess what? We don’t have any leaves that are changing yet! Do you?
I think the mantel as a whole has a pretty earthy-atumnal vibe, though it’s definitely out of my normal comfort zone (which is shiny and lighter). I may add some of the purpley hydrangeas, though, as they turn a bit more burgundy to coordinate the mantel with the entry porch and table.
Or not.
This is linked to Centsational Girl’s Fall Mantel Party and the Flaunt Your Fall party.
Subscribe to Organize, Plan, Cook & Beautify Your Home with Free Printables
Subscribe to AOC's popular weekly Newsletter full of useful information, behind-the-scenes updates, and occasional offers AND get access to this printable in the VIP Subscriber Library that also includes eBooks, checklists, organizing helps, and recipes - with more added regularly. We'll never send spam - read our Privacy Policy here.
Carolynn says
You have created such a beautiful and artistic mantel scape! I just love this time of year with all the pumpkins, gourds and signs of harvest.
Thanks for sharing your wondrful talent!
Autumn Blessings,
Carolynn
KellY says
I love your fall mantel, but has something changed about your website? I used to get the whole post in my email and could read it there. Now I only get the first paragraph. (I finished my fall mantel! it said) and then it directs me to click on your blog. Not that I had a problem with that, but I liked being able to see all the pictures and contents while going thru my email! (picky picky picky)
Jami says
Kelly, I just saw that Feedburner is doing that today and I’m so sorry. I didn’t change anything and I’m not sure how to fix it. I’ll see if it’s still the same tomorrow (I think it started on Friday), then I’ll have to look more into it. Sigh. Thanks for reading, though! I totally understand, as I like reading whole posts in my reader and email, too!
debra says
It looks absolutely wonderful! : )
Keeping it Cozy says
I think your fall mantel is just gorgeous! I love the natural elements, which is always my favorite way to decorate. And I know exactly what Pottery Barn picture you are referring to… I oohed and ahhed over it when it came in the mail. 🙂 I’m so impressed those are pumpkins you grew yourself… I would love to try growing our own someday (although I’m not sure how they would survive the squash bugs long enough to mature)! Have a great week.
Jami says
Thanks, Andrea! I’m still thinking about that catalog for more ideas, too. 🙂 And if you grow mini pumpkins next year you should grow “Baby Boo” mini white pumpkins – they are so cute and truly a mini – your girls would love them. Plus they are pretty prolific and for a few years they reseeded for me. But not last year and then I couldn’t find the seeds in the store (I’m ordering online this next winter to be sure I have some!) so I went with the green striped one, which is actually a gourd and doesn’t have that true pumpkin shape. And it only produced 4 – when I’d get 20 to 50 from Baby Boo. Live and learn. 🙂 Thanks for taking the time to comment!
[email protected] says
It looks adorable! I love it, especially the book page bunting!
Kathy says
This is the most charming blog! I “found” you on youtube while searching for “paper bag floors”. I watched all of your videos and laughed, laughed, laughed. I am adding myself as a subscriber! You take very good photos too.
Jami says
You sweetie – thank you (and very happy to have you as a regular reader!) 🙂
Jennifer says
Beautiful! I love it! And very inspirational. Can’t wait to get started on mine. One question. Where do you store your decorating stash like baskets etc?
Jami says
I have a couple of shelves that I use and a candle cupboard and then I usually use things that I gather from around house – kitchen, china cabinet, etc. Storage is always an issue, but we are blessed with a number of cupboards – I just have to remember which holds what! 🙂
kat says
i there it looks beautiful and so warm and cozy! NO i havent done anything yet………:) LOL at 100 degrees predicted today and tomorrow, the first day of Fall, today, is still SO warm! i even lit a pumpkin candle and turned on my kitchen counter fountain! ….didnt help! im off to get the bathing suit and jump in the pool! 🙂 hugs kat =^.^=
Mindy says
Wow, you went all out! Looks great. I better step it up! I haven’t done a dang thing in the fall decorating department. lol