Christmas Mantel 2012

Well my dear friends, if you are expecting to see a beautiful nature-inspired mantel with lots of pinecones & greenery, the kind that is soooo popular in blogland right now, I am sorry to disappoint you.  There's none of that at Random Thoughts this Christmas.

I've got a little story to tell you (Don't I always?)...

Weeks before Thanksgiving, I had this adorable gingerbread-inspired mantel crafted to a "T" in my head.  I planned it all out.  Sugar plums & gum drops, gingerbread people.  I knew exactly how it would look, in my head anyway.

When it came time for decorating, I was giddy with delight because, for once, for once, I had a plan for my monstrous mantel.

Yeah, well, what's that saying?  The best laid plans of mice and men?   Yeah.  That's it.

Disaster.  Capital "D".

Instead, I had to regroup & begin again.

I would like to share with you my Whimsical Christmas Mantel....

 

I'm sure you've heard me mention that "I borrowed this" or "I borrowed that" from my Mom or sisters.  Well, this mantel was no exception.

 

I went out shopping.  I hit so many stores, it wasn't funny.  I did not find a single thing that appealed to me.  Then my oldest sister suggested shopping her unused Christmas decor.

 

Glittered green star?   Yes please!

 

 

I bought the whimsical Santa & reindeer at TJ Maxx.  I thought they would be a nice compliment to the star.

 

 

After that, I started to add a little of this & that from what I already owned.  My mom offered me her red & white peppermint Christmas trees.

 

They were the perfect!

 

 

It may not have been my original plan, but I think it came together fairly well regardless.

 

Of course, none of it would have been possible without my mom & sister's generosity.

You know?  I think I may be on to something with this borrowing stuff.  Perhaps I should do this every Christmas! :)

Linking to:

Home for the Holidays Mantel Party at Finding Silver Pennies