3/21/2011

A Mantel for Spring



*Hello my friends...I hope you're having a fabulous day!

Spring has sprung here at my place! Slowly but surely the warmer, sunny temps are replacing the cold dreary days of winter! And...I couldn't be happier!!! I have had the worst case of spring fever this year.

My Home's Seasonal Decor

I have been working on "lightening and brightening" up my home's decor. Away with winter and in with spring! I usually begin my seasonal decor changes in my dining room. If you would like to see the changes that spring has ushered forth in that room...you can click HERE. Now that the dining room has donned its new spring frocks...it is time to move into the living room. I have just begun that little decorating journey...but I did finish our fireplace mantel. I thought I would share a few photos of the spring mantel with you today! I hope that you enjoy!!! *

A Mantel for Spring...


Here we are in my humble but cozy living room. As you can see...the walls are an olive green color. I love my olive green walls...love the moody shades of this pretty olive color! It changes so often throughout the day...with the different lighting. I have several really large windows in this room so we get lots of nice light. I must warn you though...the day that I was trying to get photos of the spring mantel...was cloudy! Arghhh! *

New spring frocks for my faux fireplace mantel.

White and Silver Color Scheme...

Of course my goal for the mantel's spring decor was to "lighten and brighten" it up! I decided to use white with a few pieces of silver. And...I wanted to use my newest treasure find...the silver champagne bucket! Soooo...silver and white it is!!!

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Front and Center...

My wire cloche sits front and center on the spring mantel! I have really enjoyed using this little gray wire cloche. Did you see the sweet bird finial on top? I am using a silver pedestal dish to elevate the wire cloche. Two sweet little silver birds sit at the base of the cloche...ahhh! Gotta have a few birds for spring!!! *


An old white ironstone pitcher is showcased under the cloche....along with an olive green and white transferware plate. I love the curvy lines of this little pitcher...sooo frenchy looking! *


Two little silver songbirds...sooo perfect for spring! *


On the right hand side of the mantel...
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you will see a tall statue of a pretty french girl. She is carrying baskets of grapes in her hands. She is a stately young woman...measuring in at 18 ins. in height. Three ornate silver candleholders with chunky white tapers have joined the french maiden to complete this side of the mantel's vignette! *

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On the left hand side of the mantel...
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you will find a couple more silver candleholders with white tapers. A decorative french finial in white is sitting atop a couple of old books.

and...

my newest treasure find...a large silver champagne bucket filled with vining ivy! *


I almost always...add greenery to my vignettes!
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 Not only does the greenery bring color to the vignette but it also softens and adds interest! I love how the ivy trails down and around the silver champagne bucket...and it also is climbing up the wall along side the picture frame. *


I added a little "bling" to this pair of silver candleholders.
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 There were tiny holes on the candleholders that I could hang crystals from. I love, love, LOVE dangling crystals and I love how sparkly crystals look with silver...sooo pretty! *

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I found the silver champagne bucket at the Antique Flea market that I always shop at in Ft. Collins, Colorado. It was on sale...I only paid $17 for this pretty piece!!! I think I got a great deal! *


A close up....ahhh, just look at those gorgeous lion head handles and rings!!! *


Thought I would share what the fireplace hearth looks like. I'm not finished decorating it yet but have a good start on it. *


"Reflections"

...a few pretty photos!

The photos, above and below, are a bit dark...the daylight was waning but I love how you can see a reflection of my front window in the glass of the art hanging above the mantel! You can see the arch of the window and if you look closely...you can even see the soft white sheer drapes! *

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And...Voila! A mantel for spring! I hope that you enjoyed!!! * *

I am joining these fabulous parties... *



Photobucket

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Thank you, sweet ladies...for hosting these sweet parties for all of us to enjoy!

Well dear friends...I am sooo glad that you stopped by today! I would love for you to leave a note so that I knew you were here...and I would love to visit with you! *

Warmest Spring Wishes!

36 comments:

Becca Bertotti said...

What a beautiful mantel, Chari! Your white and silver touches are so pretty ... love the wire cloche, too. And, your champagne bucket is gorgeous! And the vignette on the hearth is wonderful, too ... love the tray and your cute nest and birdie. Thanks for sharing! *Becca*

Honey at 2805 said...

Your mantel is a work of art the way it's arranged! Loving the silver and white. And the champagne bucket is so pretty with the greenery.

I've been looking for the perfect green and just found it on your walls! Would you mind sharing the manufacturer and color? Pretty please. Honey

ℳartina @ Northern Nesting said...

Very pretty Chari!! Love the wire cloche and the little birds and I LOVE all your silver pieces, if the candlesticks go missing don't look here LOL!! The vignette on the hearth "LOVE IT"!! Great job as always, Martina

Diane said...

Beautiful! The fireplace is breath-taking....love the painting above-it. Your spring decor looks so elegant and wonderfully pulled together. You have such talent! Diane

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Oh Chari, your mantel vignette is stunning. Love your beautiful lady, and of course the wire cloche is one of my most favorite things ever. You always do the most wonderful vignettes. Gorgeous. Your champagne bucket is stunning. Thanks for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty

Lynn said...

Your mantel is beautiful Chari! Lovin' your new champagne bucket and the great candlesticks! Happy Spring:@)

Karie said...

Oh, Chari, It is all so beautiful. Everything stands out. The cloche is beautiful, and I must say that painting is gorgeous. Love it. You always do a spectacular job decorating. You are awesome. Thanks for sharing. Have a wonderful day. Hugs, Karie

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Hi Chari,
Oh my girlfriend, this is just outstanding! I love the white, the silver, the champagne bucket, how wonderful!
Everyone of your pics are just glorious and definately a work of art! You really are talented my friend!
We had nice warm weather last week and now were back to winter. ARRRRGH, it's not making me a happy camper...8 inches of snow predicted for Wednesday.
I told Dan we should just keep driving south until we find warmer weather.
Hugs girlfriend,
Cindy

Vintage Gal said...

What a lovely spring mantel. It just makes me smile ;-)

Unknown said...

Beautiful mantel. Very elegant!

Anonymous said...

Hi Chari! OH, Dear One, you've done it again! Your silver pieces are so pretty with your whites! You've really got some beautiful photos today!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

How pretty your Spring mantel is! Lucky you with that beautiful champagne bucket!

Sheila said...

I love it, Cheri. You always do such a beautiful job. I love the champagne bucket with the greenery. So chic!

Unknown said...

Chari,

Simply Amazing!!!

Unknown said...

Hi Chari, what a sweet welcome to spring. Love your pretty french girl.

Hugs
Charo

podso said...

You are in the mood for spring! That top photo with the title superimposed about took my breath away. The silver urn with its flowing greenery is gorgeous! Very lovely, all of it!

Anonymous said...

Chari that mantel of yours is one of the prettiest I think I have seen. And then with your decor touch it just shines!! Would love to find a champagne bucket like yours!! Really do like that!

Did I tell you I will get to spend a little time with Vanna when we go to 'OR? I am so excited!!

Trying to find some fun clothes to wear for the trip- using my closet as the store so it is a challenge!!

bee blessed dear friend! (one of these days it's gonna be you I'm seeing!)

mary

Connie said...

Your fireplace is simply beautiful and certainly demands the finest of dressings. Love the silver, the greenery and the frenchy lady. She is perfection.

Rettabug said...

I am SERIOUSLY coveting that beautiful champagne bucket, Chari!!! What a great find! You know, Susan at BNOTP & I have been hunting for some for a loooong time.

Adding that mantle & faux fireplace has really given you lots of decorating possibilities, hasn't it? Its a GREAT focal point!

Now I'm off to go see what you did in your pretty dining room. I've been away & am just now catching up with everyone.

Hurry up Spring!!!

Hugs,
Rett

On Crooked Creek said...

Chari,
Your Spring mantle is a vision of loveliness, my dear friend! I adore every detail from the wire cloche to the silver urn! I agree that ivy softens the hard lines of the mantle edge and makes a springy pop of color. You had my attention with the feminine figurine, as well. Love, love, loved every photo!
Fondly,
Pat

Theresa said...

Beautiful mantel dear Chari! I love the bright whites mixed with the lovely silver:) Have a blessed day and thanks for showing me your gorgeous home!

HUGS!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful Spring mantel Chari!!

FABBY'S LIVING said...

Thank you so very much dear Chari, you're terrific!
Your mantel is gorgeous and everything in it, it's so elegant! I love the French lady, your cage cloche is a total beauty, with the bird on top and the rest of the birdies are great! Love this arrangement you did on the mantel...it's perfect.
LOVE
FABBY

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

Hi Chari,
Happy Spring, my friend! Your mantel looks wonderful! I love just about everything on it. I have a 'thing' for little birdies! The silver champagne bucket is gorgeous and so are the candle sticks! LOVE the wire cloche and the frenchy finial! Your lady is a favourite piece and I like your tray on the hearth too! See, told ya; I love just about everything!
Thanks for your visit and I hope you're enjoying this first week of Spring.

Blessings,
Sandi

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Good Mornin, Sis Girl I do love the new springNESS look you did on the mantle..But will tell you I l♥ve that Ice bucket with the lions heads..I use to collect all things Lions for many years ha ha!!
I hope all is well in your world my friend..we have been hit real hard with the snow again and another huge one coming in tonight..I just hating all this white stuff and losing my power every time it snows...I'm so far behind again girl ha ha!! need to get out for food today before the weather hits again..lots going on here roof leaking..Love ya, Gl♥ria

Gypsy Heart said...

LOVE the champagne bucket! It is just gorgeous. Everything on your mantel looks wonderful but that piece just knocks me out. :-)

Thanks so much for sharing!
xoxo
Pat

Gail said...

Your spring mantel is beautiful, Chari. Love how you used white and silver and I love your wire cloche. Thanks for sharing and for the inspiration.

Enjoy your evening,
Gail

Kitty Deschanel said...

I'm here to judge your photos (which are pretty darn awesome!) Thanks so much for your input on my camera-buying dilemma...even though you've made the decision even harder! How can there be so, soo many choices? :p

Pat said...

Perfection! The silver,white and green are just right! I covet your silver champagne bucket! What a deal!

Pat

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

How I love shiny silver! :) Your mantel is just gorgeous! Most especially that little wire cloche...just so sweet for Spring!

I have missed getting over here..and am always so delighted when I make it by to see you!

Anonymous said...

Lovely! It is so fun to change out seasonal decor.
I'm off to check out your dining room!

Carolyn said...

Hi Chari,
I love your champagne bucket-and what a great price!
The bling on your candlesticks looks terrific too.
I wish you would come and do my mantles for me!
Happy Spring,
Carolyn

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Chari, can't go wrong with silver, white, old books and birds. Great spring mantel. Thanks for sharing it at WUW.

Frieda said...

Bonjour,
I discover a wonderful world where everything is so beatuful.
I continue my visit
Have a nice time
Frieda

Heidi @ Decor & More said...

Hi Chari~ popped over from Beth's mantle party... love the silver champagne bucket! I think silver can be displayed year round in all it's glory. Lovely mantle. :)
Have a great day!

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