This weekend I began decorating my cottage this years theme would be 'natural', possibly I went a wee bit overboard with my mantelpiece, hopefully it will survive until Boxing day.
With my mantelpiece I basically foraged for foliage while out walking. I bought a couple of pieces of Pohutakawa (NZ Christmas tree), for a central feature, The secret is lining your mantel with clear cellophane and then using pre-soaked bricks of florists oasis. I placed one in the centre and then one at each end. I started with the centre one poking in pieces of foliage. I then added some longer pieces at each end and filled in between. Once I was happy with the balance, I added a few silver balls and a garland of tiny silver stars which I weaved in and out. I need a few more Pohutakawa and pinecones in the centre but fairly happy with my first attempt at doing something like this although possibly it is a little overdone and I may prune it a little before Christmas day.
Above: I created some little candles for my guests on Christmas day...I have a post about the diy candle holders here.
And a glimpse from my bedroom which is almost finished and will be shared on my blog next week...
I have more decorating ideas to share this week, including how to make a cute little candle holders for your place settings and much more.
Sharing this post with some of the following blogs:
Not Just A Housewife|No Minimalist Here|Ivy and Elephants|The Real Housewives of Riverton|My Romantic Home|Natasha in Oz|The 36th Avenue|Miss Mustard Seed|Simple Nature Decor Blog
Lovely. My hanks for,the how-to on the mantle.
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking time to comment, I am glad you enjoyed the mantel.
DeleteHey Lee, love the wreath over the shutters and great job on the mantel. I've gone for extreme minimalism this year, no tree b/c of the new puppy who loves to chew things! However i've done a silver and gold coffee table setting which i think looks nice and the collection of santas (all from craft places) on the top of our kent fireplace and that's about it. So unusual for me who has about 9 big boxes of decorations!
ReplyDeleteJane
Thanks Jane for your comments, I should really be going for minimalism having such a small cottage but went a little overboard with the mantel. Hmm yes a new puppy is probably far from tree/present friendly. Your silver and gold coffee table sounds really lovely, I do love that combination and used it last year.The collection of santas sounds great too. Gosh, 9 boxes of decorations! I still have my 8 foot tree packed away under the deck, I am hanging onto it in case we extend on our house or move.
DeleteLee, it all looks beautiful! Love how you've brought in the greenery from outdoors and made it a focal point on the mantel. Lovely pics!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Rhoda for the nice compliments, I may have overdone the mantel and might change it a little but I think the idea is good.
DeleteVery soft and pretty Christmas decor.
ReplyDeleteThank you Anita :)
DeleteYour home is so pretty. I love all the little details.
ReplyDeleteThank you Heather for calling by and taking time to comment :)
DeleteLove if you share your pretty Christmas post on Fabulous Friday Party! It will be a hit!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.simplenaturedecorblog.com/fabulous-friday-party-christmas-ideas/
Thanks Maria
Thank you Maria for featuring my post on your blog.
DeleteSo pretty. I'm loving that lush greenery.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kim, I made a few changes to the mantel, a little less over the top and more structured :)
DeleteCongrats, thanks for sharing your holiday ideas at my last party! you will be one of my features for your holiday ideas! Its tomorrow the party
ReplyDeletethanks
Maria
Your home is gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteHave a happy New Year :)
xx
Mila
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