And this party, as you can see, is being hosted by The Hostess with the Mostest...(because her garland is the mostest)... The Nester!
As I set out to do my mantle garland this year, I wanted to inject some Southern flare, of course! So I started with my base of pine branches and tucked in pine cones, fern fronds, and magnolia leaves. I also put in some tee-tiny white lights.
(For the record, I have fixed those wires that you can see in some of these pictures! I know that is probably bothering the stew out of some of y'all, like it does me! Rest easy, it's fixed...haha!)
I still have a couple other things I need to finish, like getting some ribbon to tie around the honeycomb candles that are on the mantle. And, yes, our tree topper (the angel) is MIA...I must be missing a box in the attic somewhere...
I should have had a fire going for this picture! :o) I have been on the lookout for a black iron firescreen that I could put in front of the firebox (even though our's is a gas one). The surround used to be brass, and last year, Mike painted it black for me with heat-resistant spray paint. (I wish this was a real wood-burning fireplace, because I LOVE the smell of them! Have any of y'all ever had one converted?)
Katie,
Your taste is impeccable. It's beautiful! I love the dishes!
Posted by: melissa | December 10, 2008 at 07:37 AM
I love it! I love the plates and middle piece. I love the baskets on the side of the hearth and the tall skinny candlesticks. I love everything! Are you going to do a little tour to show us more? Please?! :)
Posted by: Shannon | December 10, 2008 at 07:49 AM
LOVE the garland! Beautiful dishes on the mantle, too. The room looks so cozy... show us more!!!
Posted by: Melissa | December 10, 2008 at 07:57 AM
Katie, it looks beautiful! I really love the white mixed in there.
Posted by: Rhoda | December 10, 2008 at 08:27 AM
So pretty and classy! There's nothing like a real wood fire, but I love, love, love the convenience of our gas fireplace. No mess, flip the switch anytime I want to. If it was woodburning, we wouldn't have a fire nearly as often.
Posted by: Holly | December 10, 2008 at 08:59 AM
Wow, so beautiful! I love it!
Lamp Tramp
Posted by: Lamp Tramp | December 10, 2008 at 09:44 AM
Katie,
Everything is so pretty...it is so elegant but not fussy, love it! Your pictures are some of the best!
Posted by: coco | December 10, 2008 at 10:39 AM
I love the magnolia leaves! I have magnolias in my garland - I might have to add some leaves next year. Beautiful!
Posted by: Amy | December 10, 2008 at 10:39 AM
How gorgeous! Your blog is beautiful. xoxo
Posted by: Betty Jo | December 10, 2008 at 11:07 AM
That looks great! Love the magnolia leaves, love the red transferware, love it all.
Posted by: Amber | December 10, 2008 at 11:15 AM
I found your blog through the Nester and it is just beautiful! Your garland is GORGEOUS! I also noticed that you've been to Mackinac Island. I have been there several times myself. Your pictures make me want to go back very soon! Love your blog! Jill
Posted by: Jill | December 10, 2008 at 11:28 AM
Katie,
Your mantel is amazing! Wondering now if I have ever commented before. I have your blog on my blogroll and visit you every time I see that you have posted. You have impeccable taste!
Funny, we have a wood burning stove and want to convert to a gas! LOL.
~Stacy
Posted by: Stacy | December 10, 2008 at 12:37 PM
Girl! When I post my Christmas pics you just aren't going to believe how similar our mantles are!
Posted by: Jen @ The Cottage Nest | December 10, 2008 at 12:38 PM
Love it! Your home is so beautiful and cozy looking.
Posted by: Amber | December 10, 2008 at 12:39 PM
Your garland is so lush and lovely. I collect red/pink transferware too. Absolutely adorable!
Posted by: Laura Ingalls Gunn | December 10, 2008 at 01:49 PM
I LOVE it. I love how it's subtle and mixed in to show off the pieces on your mantle. Just perfect!
Posted by: Chris | December 10, 2008 at 02:51 PM
so very pretty and cozy!
our fireplace cover has a gold strip at the top of it and i HATE it.... so it sounds easy, all i need to do is go pick up some of that spray paint that you mentioned it .... thanks so much for the tip!
Posted by: brandi | December 10, 2008 at 02:51 PM
Oh so pretty! I love the magnolia leaves in your mantle. We have 2 trees in our front yard whose leaves I think I will put to some good use.
Your house looks beautiful!
Posted by: Sarah | December 10, 2008 at 05:28 PM
I just love the leaves...it's so pretty and "southern" looking..the red plates are just wonderful!
-sandy toes
Posted by: Sandy toes | December 10, 2008 at 06:15 PM
Just beautiful!!
Posted by: Queen B | December 10, 2008 at 07:35 PM
NOW that is how you decorate a mantle! I love it....subtle and classy. I think you win handsdown. cherry
Posted by: cherry | December 10, 2008 at 09:56 PM
I loved how you used the red transferware. Clarice
Posted by: StorybookWoods | December 11, 2008 at 08:04 AM
Absolutely gorgeous.
Posted by: Marysol | December 11, 2008 at 06:43 PM
beautiful!
Posted by: chickadee | December 11, 2008 at 09:14 PM
Katie, I'm late to the party but saw your beautiful mantel on Nester's garland highlight post. When I saw your magnolia leaves and transferware, I knew you were a southern gal! (I'm originally a Carolina Girl ... South Carolina.)
Loved browsing your site!
Blessings,
Kathryn
"Pure Wells"
Posted by: Kathryn Wells | December 13, 2008 at 06:27 PM