A Perfect Setting for Mantel Decorating

The big rush is now in full swing.  Shopping, decorating, cooking, and um, did I say shopping?  The problem I have is that I go with every good intention of buying wonderful Christmas gifts and end up buying stuff for myself.  It's not that I don't want to buy the gifts, it's just that it's so darn hard trying to figure out what everyone wants.  Don't you think men are harder?  With the women, you can find cute little gifts for the home, or jewelry, sweaters, gloves, I could go on and on.  Men?????  It should be personable, but what my guys want doesn't fit in a box.  Well, I guess I'll think of something....

I want to share my mantel with you today.  I have two trees up and decorated, and my mantel.  That's it for now.  But those are the biggies, I'll try to get to the outside later this week, if it doesn't rain.  Our fireplace and main tree is in our family room.

Family Room before mantel decoration.  Notice the vases, they will be used again!

My wreath, arrangements in vases, and mantel decorations all use gilded fruit.

I used a garland with lights as the base, but after I layered all the other materials on, you can barely see the lights, just a twinkle here and there.

A pheasant is the perched in the center with two of his friends on either side.

Everything is artificial.  I have used fresh greens before, but I found that I would have to re-do everything after a week or two.  It would be great to use fresh if you were having a big party.

Thanks for stopping by, and happy decorating!