10/03/2011

"Autumn's Harvest"...an Autumn Mantel

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Hello my friends...I hope you're having a fabulous day!
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Wow...can you believe it?  October is already here and we are well into autumn in my little corner of Colorful Colorado. 
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We live out in the country...with open fields surrounding three sides of our home.  This past weekend, honey and I spent time outdoors just enjoying the beautiful autumn scenery.  Autumn "sings" to all five of my senses, like no other season.  With the cooler temperatures, I feel revitalized.  The rich, earthy hues of autumn have truly painted a magnificent picture for my old eyes to behold.  Ohhh...and the sounds and scents of autumn...simply glorious!
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  As honey and I sat out on our little porch swing, I watched the soft autumn breeze move over the golden grains of grass in the open field behind our home.  Every now and then a pheasant would fly up out of the field...calling...calling that autumn was here!  I feel so very blessed to be able to enjoy autumn's bountiful harvest in the countryside!
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Well my friends, today I wanted to share with you my 2011 autumn fireplace mantel.  I am calling it..."Autumn's Harvest".  It is a simple mantelscape but it is filled with autumn's rich harvest.  I hope that you enjoy!
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"Autumn's Harvest"...an Autumn Mantel
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My living room fireplace...autumn 2011.
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As you can see...deep, moody olive greens, rich shades of red, and flaxen golds...make up the color palette
 of my living room.  These colors make decorating for autumn sooo much fun!
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My faux fireplace...
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I found this beautiful mantel at JC Penneys two years ago.  Honey made the tile insert and the hearth for the mantel to sit on.  I just love how it turned out...I have always wanted a fireplace mantel to decorate.  If you would like to read about how we created this faux fireplace...you can click HERE.
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"Autumn's Harvest"...an Autumn Mantel
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The rich, colors of autumn's harvest fill this autumn mantelscape. 
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The framed art above the mantel is a giclee print called "Southern Beauties" painted by artist Fran Di Giacomo.  It is one of my favorite pieces of art!  I love that the autumn colors of the mantelscape...mirror the same colors in this beautiful painting.
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The Autumn Mantelscape...
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Two large, terracotta french urns flank either side of the mantel.  A simple, tall sprig of colorful autumn leaves and a few birch branches fill the urns.  (Note: I just added the birch branches to the urns a couple of days ago.  A few of my photos will show the urns without the branches...in case, you may wonder.)  A few well-worn books, an old wooden box, and a few pumpkins join in to make for a simple autumn harvest mantelscape.  One of my newer treasure finds...a pair of vintage spaniel dog figurines have also found their way into this autumn vignette.
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A view from the opposite direction.
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"Autumn's harvest....
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where "earthy" beauty abounds...
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...my soul...my heart...my spirit...is full...
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...of the season's blessings"!
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I love how the reflection of the arched window in my living room
 can be seen on the glass of the framed art in this photo!
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The sweet little spaniel figurines! 
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"Autumn's Harvest"...spilling over to the hearth.
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A metal apothecary shaped container, filled with acorns, sits atop a large hatbox that is decorated with the fruits of a bountiful harvest.  Two tall, cast iron candleholders with twine covered pillars join in to complete the hearth's autumn vignette.
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Autumn's harvest...
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...an autumn mantel!
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I am joining these lovely parties...
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Thank you, ladies...for hosting these sweet parties for us!
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Well dear friends, I hope that you enjoyed a few of the "fruits" of autumn's harvest displayed on my mantel this year. Thank you sooo much for coming by! I would love for you to leave me a note to let me know that you were here...so that I can visit back with you.
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Warmest Autumn Wishes!

34 comments:

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Chari, you know that I love your fireplace, it is wonderful and your fall mantel is sooooo pretty. I love that painting, the flowers in the urns tie in so beautifully with it. Love that you used some old books and the pumpkins plus the dog figurines are stunning. Your hearth display is beautiful too. your home is gorgeousa nd this is truly lovely. Thanks so much for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty

Miss Char said...

Chari, your decorated mantel is beautiful. The rich colors of your fall decorations against your soft colored wall are stunning. Thanks for sharing.

Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR said...

Chari, my friend, you have created a gorgeous mantel! You have chosen some wonderful elements...the flowers, the urns, the old books, and those dog figurines are just adorable! You always do such a beautiful job! Blessings to you!

mzzbev said...

Oh mercy, that is so beautiful, festive and so inspiring!! I wish mine looked like that! Thanks for sharing:)

Sonny G said...

Chari,
my goodness, it outta be a magazine shoot. thats so elegant- wow..
I am always happy to see what you've done next cause I know its gonna be so pretty.

Melissa Miller said...

Wow! Chari this looks so beautiful! I love Autumn too. It's just the perfect season.

Shannon@Cozy Home Scenes said...

Chari, your living room is the perfect backdrop for all your pretty fall decorations. I just love how those cute little dogs fit into whatever scene that you show. Your hubby did a nice job installing the gorgeous fireplace. Have a wonderful week.-----Shannon

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

Your fireplace mantle is gorgeous! I love the mix of old books and the box...with pumpkins! Very beautiful, my friend! Happy Fall! ♥

Unknown said...

Just beautiful Chari, It should be in a magazine, I love it so rich in Autumn colors! Hugs Marilou

Toni said...

I just love that firplace. The rich wood is so beautiful. And you have the mantel decorated so pretty - from the dogs, to the little pumpkins, the picture over it all. I just love all the rich, warm colors - your room is so welcoming.

Susan Freeman said...

What a pretty fireplace and your mantel decorations compliment it so well!

Hugs,
Susan and Bentley

Marilyn said...

Fall is in the air in the mornings, but these afternoons sure have been HOT. I haven't seen any pheasants around here because of all the trucks and silage delivered next door at the dairy. They are enough to scare everything away except the coyotes!

Your mantel looks delightful! Thanks for showing it to us. Your new header looks great, too.♥♫

Unknown said...

Chari,

Your fall decor is lovely. I always enjoy seeing what you've created. You do such a fabulous job!

Happy Fall,
Kathy

Shug said...

Hi Chari..I'm shug and I am stopping by from over at Martys home..You have a beutiful mantel. I love the richness of the wood and the bright colors in the flowers...
Talk to you soon...
shug

A Hint of Home said...

Hi Chari,
You have a unique talent to create wonderful vignettes around your house.
Everything is stunning!

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Always love to see what you do, Chari, and I am particularly in love with the spaniels! How cute. One of my good friends had a dog just like that.

A very festive mantle, indeed!

XO,

Sheila

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Oh simply stunning my dear Chari!
I love the simplicity yet every item is so thoughtfully displayed and the colors are so rich and autumny!
You did it again my dear, you have so much talent!
I just wish I could sit in there again and visit with you and Russ!
Hugs friend,
Cindy
P.S. we have warmed into the upper 70's/80 this week and the colors are peaking, I am loving it!

Pat said...

Chari, what a beautiful mantel. The books and dogs just make it for me! The finish and mantel trim are wonderful.

Gail said...

Your Autumn mantel is just gorgeous Chari! I just love your style!

Have a wonderful day,
Gail

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson said...

Hi Chari,
Your fireplace is beautiful! I love the simplicity of your mantel. I have a tendancy to gob things up a bit. The Spaniels are ever so cute. I can just imagine them running through the Autumn fields chasing a pheasant. Love the reflection picture. Have a great day!

Karen said...

Your fall mantle looks amazing. I love the way you incorporated the books and figurines. The faux fireplace is just beautiful and perfect in the room. Thanks so much for visiting.

Creations By Cindy said...

Oh I love your mantle. It is BEAUTIFUL! I especially like how you used the hat box on the floor. What a neat idea! Love the colors and the feel of it. Thanks for sharing.

Linda (Nina's Nest) said...

Chari, your mantel is gorgeous. Love the pumpkins and doggies especially! Really pretty! Linda

Debbiedoos said...

Hi Chari! Nice to see you. Your Fall mantel is looking so very pretty. Love your little dogs too. Yes, my leaves are real and they too were mod podged! Have a Happy Fall!~

Pinky at Designs by Pinky said...

Chari, your mantle is beautiful, full of Autumn's beauty! Love how you have designed it. The hearth looks so pretty too! Happy Fall, my friend! XO, Pinky

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Poppy @ With a Dash of Color said...

Wow! Each room in your home is so beautifully decorated, I just love it! The rich vibrant colors and the elegant accessories just stand out in all of your posts, Chari. I really love the giclee print...the colors in it go so beautifully with your mantle-scape. Love the wire apothecary and the gorgeous urns on either side filled with autumn leaves make a stunning display! The detailing of the fireplace and the ornate frame is so beautiful! I'm so glad to know Gloria has been released from the hospital and is gradually on her path to recovery and getting stronger. My prayers for her speedy recovery. Thanks for stopping by and leaving me such a sweet comment on my autumn tablescape...love hearing from you. Have a lovely evening!Hugs~Poppy


http://withadashofcolor.blogspot.com/

Yvonne @ StoneGable said...

Chari, Your room really does do Autumn well! What gorgeous saturated colors... just like in nature outside! I love the urns with the birch branches and the colorful leaves, and those little dogs... so cute!
You must love going into our room and seeing all the beauty you have created! Magnificent and rich!
xo Yvonne

Ldy ~~ Dy said...

Have always loved your faux fireplace. It's looks lovely with all the fall decor. Are those Staffordshire dogs? Hugs!

A Perfect Setting said...

You have such a great eye! The mantel is beautifully designed, perfect in every way. The colors of autumn are so warm and look gorgeous in your lovely room. Books are so great to decorate with, to add heighth here and there! I love visiting with you, I am always inspired by your beautiful home decor!!

Becca Bertotti said...

Chari, you never disappoint ... your mantel is gorgeous! The French urns are beautiful and are the perfect companion to your Fall leaves. The books serving as bases for your pretty pumpkins are wonderful, and the doggies are a fun touch, too. Love that you carried it down below, too! Well, well done! *Becca*

NanaDiana said...

Chari- OMGoodness! I just quickly scrolled down through that linky party this morning and two new blogs popped out at me- YOURS was the first one...and here I am-signing up as your newest follower. I LOVE what you did here and I LOVE your faux fireplace and I LOVE--well, I LOVE your blog!

Pop by if you get a chance-I am not so much into decorating but I do give out free smiles in the morning (ususally). I see lots of my blog friends here as followers so I know I am in the right place! I will be dogging your steps now!>)
xo Diana

The Tuscan Home said...

Chari, my goodness, this is a fabulous mantle display - WOW!!! I love it all! You are the master of balance, everything is balanced to perfection.

Thanks so much for linking up! Happy Fall! XO ~Liz

lvroftiques said...

Chari your fireplace is just gorgeous! I don't think I've seen a prettier "faux" fireplace than yours. Your hubby did a great job! And those french urns are calling my name too *winks* The perfect mix of Fall elements! I really wish you could come over and style my house....My mantel looks like poop! Lol! Vanna