CHRISTMAS MANTLE

After redoing the mantle a couple of times, I am happy with the results...I wanted it to coordinate this den with all the candy cane things in the kitchen and dining area...... since they are all connected....

This is the before picture of the mantle after the Thanksgiving autumn items have been taken down....





It sure looks a little plain before, wouldn't you agree...

The wonderful Mr. S. drilled a hole in the bookcase side that goes behind the t.v. and ran an extention cord behind those books so I could light up the garland on the mantle....If you are getting a new fire place or mantle or having one built, never never forget to put outlets somewhere near, for for lamps, Christmas lights even those electrical picture frames. The fact that the garland has tiny little lights makes a huge difference...

When the mantle is lighted and the candles on each side are also lighted, wow it sure is Christmas time.....almost time for hot chocolate this year by the fire, I think that will be next...

You will notice some of the pictures have red dishes in the cabinet and some pictures do not, it just depends on what point I have tweaked it or not, oh well....

The Plate is a Hallmark Plate and I love the wonderful red color....

Bows are fun to make and make such an impact, I must confess, they are hard on your hands so I was happy to make only a few this year...

For some reason it was important for me to have the garland touch the floor, I actually wanted it to puddle on the floor, maybe next year....The corners of the garland is held to the mantle top on each end with those command sticky things that won't hurt the paint, they work great and I will use them again...

My fireplace is very deep because it is double sided, so I can have the garland swag this way, and yes we use the fireplace daily.... so be careful if your fireplace is shallow....

Those cute little doggies.....and their peppermint collars...

I know your probably wondering why I rarely do candle, dim light photos. Well I just don't do that well. I do have dimmers on all the lights, however it always looks like someone shut off the electricity.....I will however work on it.....

Thanks for stopping by, I hope you had an enjoyable visit....if you would like to leave a comment just click on the word comment and let me know what you think, I read them all and love to hear from you... Phyllis Thanks Susan @betweennapsontheporch for hosting met mon. Also thanks diy show off holiday highlights...