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    Home » Holidays

    A Peaceful Mantel

    By: Jane · Updated: 1 Dec, '15 · This post may contain affiliate links · 60 Comments

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    Hi there, everyone! I'm hoping that all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. Did you get some decorating done over the weekend? I did so I'm sharing our peaceful Christmas mantel that I got finished this weekend.

    A peaceful christmas mantel | cottage at the crossroads

    PEACE

    A peaceful christmas mantel | cottage at the crossroads

    I'm calling it A Peaceful Christmas Mantel since I included this Peace sign and white dove as part of the display. It is an expression of how much we need more peace in our world. You know, 2015 has been filled with some horrible events that occurred in our state and in our nation. And there seems to be so much division and conflict in our nation and in our world that I just wish that we could find a peaceful resolution to our differences.  

    A peaceful christmas mantel | cottage at the crossroads

    The whole mantel is composed of various shades of my favorite color green, the color of life, nature, renewal, and rebirth and the most common color in the natural world. 

    Green buffalo checked fabric | cottage at the crossroads

    The whole color scheme was driven by this green buffalo checked piece of wool fabric that I happened upon this summer at an incredible price. At first I thought I would use it to recover the seats of the dining room chairs, but instead I decided to use it for Christmas. To me, Christmas decorating is so much easier if I decide on a color scheme early!

    Natural colored and green gift wrap | cottage at the crossroads

    And the whole idea of bringing peace into the scheme was born when I ordered the clay tag doves made by my friend Ann from On Sutton Place. You can see one of them on a package in the photo above. 

    Christmas pillows | cottage at the crossroads

    Well, as you can see, I had a table skirt and some pillows made out of the green checked fabric. And I just had to have a pillow that said, "Peace!" 

    Green buffalo checked christmas stockings | cottage at the crossroads

    And, of course, stockings for the mantel! 

    Christmas stocking | cottage at the crossroads

    Each stocking contains a green frog ornament almost camouflaged by the pine garland.

    A peaceful christmas mantel | cottage at the crossroads

    The pine garland is new this year. I always like to use fresh greens on the mantel, but quite frankly, by the time Christmas Eve rolls around, the greenery always looks a little dried out and that's when I like for it to look its best! So I decided to purchase some artificial garland this year, and when I saw this longleaf pine garland at Taylor's Garden Center, I had to splurge! It is so realistic looking that it actually fools people until they touch it!  The bows were made from two shades of green ribbon and the large pine cone sprays were found at Hobby Lobby. 

    A peaceful christmas mantel | cottage at the crossroads

    The pine garland isn't lighted but I tucked some fairy lights that I purchased from Amazon among the needles, and I just love them. For a very small amount of money, it's a great way to add lights to unlighted garland or a display. I love them so much that I'm going to order a few more, and the mantel just wouldn't be the same without them! 

    A peaceful mantel | cottage at the crossroads

    Leo and I made the wooden trees last year and used them to decorate for Christmas on the Front Porch. Leo trimmed them down a bit to make them fit in front of the fireplace. 

    A peaceful christmas mantel | cottage at the crossroads

    These rustic deer seemed to fit right into the verdant, natural theme. They've been used in a few different places since we got them a few years ago at Forest Lake Greenhouses. One way to keep Christmas decorating costs down is to move around the items that you have to get a whole new look. 

    A peaceful christmas mantel | cottage at the crossroads

    Love their spikey antlers!!!

    A peaceful christmas mantel | cottage at the crossroads

    The deer have planters on their backs, and this painted pine cone from a few years back fits right in. 

    Green eggs in nests | cottage at the crossroads

    Underneath the TV is a speaker that I'm always decorating around, and these bird nests from a few years ago do a good job of hiding it. And the eggs are green! Reminds me just a bit of Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss! 

    A peaceful christmas mantel | cottage at the crossroads

    Underneath the wooden dove is a little snowy, peaceful village scene that I created which I will show you more of in another post. Have you ever wondered how the dove with the olive branch became a symbol of peace?  Well, in ancient civilizations, olive trees were a valuable source of food and since it takes so long for them to bear fruit, they could only be cultivated successfully during long periods of peace.  Therefore, they became a symbol of peace. And also in ancient cultures, doves, who mate for life, have been a symbol of devotion, fidelity, and family life for thousands of years. The symbolism continued in the Bible when Noah sent out a dove and it returned to the ark with an olive branch in its mouth representing hope for a new home and a new life for Noah and his family. 

    A peaceful christmas mantel | cottage at the crossroads

    It is my Christmas wish that we find more ways to live in harmony on Earth. 

    And if you're a regular reader, we are always appreciative of your visits! 

    If you're looking for more Christmas ideas, then you are in luck!

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    1. Donna Harvey

      December 06, 2015 at 8:13 pm

      That is so Pretty, I just love all the green. It does make you feel Peaceful. Hope you have a Very Merry Christmas, in you pretty house. Donna

      Reply
    2. Mary Beth|Cupcakes and Crinoline

      December 03, 2015 at 12:25 pm

      Your mantel certainly is peaceful, Jane. I would love to sit with a cup of hot cocoa and just enjoy looking at it. Gorgeous!

      Reply
    3. Iris Nacole

      December 02, 2015 at 11:56 pm

      I love green, and how you incorporated it here into your mantel. Simply beautiful!

      Reply
    4. [email protected]

      December 02, 2015 at 6:38 pm

      Green is one of my favorite colors too Jane. I love the natural elements and how you incorporate green in your tablecloth and pillows.

      Reply
    5. Stacey

      December 02, 2015 at 5:57 pm

      Jane, this is so pretty. I love the green. You did a fabulous job incorporating the TV which isn't always so easy. I love the big pine cones and the trees you painted.

      Reply
    6. Suzy @ Worthing Court

      December 02, 2015 at 6:10 am

      Everything looks just beautiful, Jane!

      Reply
    7. Shannon

      December 01, 2015 at 3:52 pm

      Everything is so peaceful and calm... with a beautiful natural feel... very cozy-chic.
      With a side of elegant.
      You sure know what you're doing 😉
      Happy Holidays!!

      Reply
    8. Terri

      December 01, 2015 at 12:33 pm

      Beautiful!!! The green is perfect.... loving the bows on the mantle & that gorgeous garland has given me some inspiration!!!

      Reply
    9. Anne Pik

      December 01, 2015 at 12:04 pm

      It is beautiful! I love the way you used (my favorite) color green which enhances the pretty decorations. Merry Christmas to you & Leo.

      Reply
    10. Amy @ Highstyle Restyle

      December 01, 2015 at 10:38 am

      Your green and woodsy mantel is so pretty! You incorporated so many pretty details together seamlessly!

      Reply
    11. [email protected]

      December 01, 2015 at 10:21 am

      Beautiful! I love the shade of green that was your inspiration for this year's mantel. Your garland definitely looks real and the twinkling lights you added are the perfect touch. I can only imagine how great this looks in person.

      Reply
    12. [email protected] Hunt & Hoat

      December 01, 2015 at 10:11 am

      I love all the green...it really is so peaceful! I wish my décor was this cohesive! I just want to move over to your place 😉 Lovely!

      Reply
    13. Susan

      December 01, 2015 at 9:15 am

      It really is a peaceful mantel. I love how you incorporated all the different shades of green into your mantel and home decor. It's a very tranquil room.

      Reply
    14. Sherry

      November 30, 2015 at 10:40 pm

      This just might be my favorite yet! Fantastic job.

      Reply
    15. Kimm at Reinvented & Roadkill Rescue

      November 30, 2015 at 9:01 pm

      This is stunningly beautiful! I love the shades of green, and you have truly created a peaceful look. Perfection!

      Reply
    16. Dawn

      November 30, 2015 at 6:19 pm

      Jane what a beautiful display. I love the wool fabric and agree it's easier to decorate around a color theme. Merry Christmas!

      Reply
    17. Libby Wilkie

      November 30, 2015 at 6:03 pm

      I so agree about the greens not being fresh by Christmas eve. I saw the cutest boxwood wreaths at Trader Joe's yesterday, but just knew they wouldn't last another month. Hopefully they will still have them in a few weeks. Love this entire collection and your use of the various greens!

      Reply
    18. Christy @Confessions of a Serial Do-it-Yourselfer

      November 30, 2015 at 4:33 pm

      Wow, absolutely stunning! I have never seen a Christmas mantel with a TV as the focal point look more beautiful than yours...you almost don't even notice the TV! I love the lush green and your theme for peace. Beautifully done!

      Reply
    19. Faye

      November 30, 2015 at 3:11 pm

      You did a BEAUTIFUL job!!! I admire people who are so talented. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

      Reply
    20. Karin Chudy (ART IS BEAUTY)

      November 30, 2015 at 2:05 pm

      Jane, that green is just so gorgeous! I love the combination of it all!
      great job!
      Hugs,
      Karin

      Reply
    21. Maryann @ Domestically Speaking

      November 30, 2015 at 1:49 pm

      So beautiful... love all the green!

      Reply
    22. Jenn & Vicki @ 2 Bees in a Pod

      November 30, 2015 at 1:29 pm

      Jane, we love those pinecones and those sweet wooden deer...adorable! We're also loving the greens you used...everything looks great!

      Reply
    23. Sandy

      November 30, 2015 at 12:33 pm

      Jane, your Christmas decor is divine! I absolutely love it! It's very peaceful and the shade of green that you chose is gorgeous. Everything is so cohesive and goes together beautifully. I love the buffalo check too.

      Reply
    24. [email protected] Designs

      November 30, 2015 at 12:03 pm

      So very, very beautiful Jane....from the pretty pine garland to those great stockings that coordinate with the table skirt and that beautiful pillow....not to mention those wonderful packages!...The PEACE sign is not only beautiful but such a great message for us all during this particular holiday season....May you find great peace and joy this season Jane and Leo.

      Reply
      • Sandy

        November 30, 2015 at 12:33 pm

        Ditto!

        Reply
    25. Dolly

      November 30, 2015 at 11:45 am

      I love it all! You know green is my favorite color too! I love the pine garland and thought it was real myself! The Taylor's do have wonderful things and is a traditional fun place to shop especially for Christmas! Great job Jane and Leo!

      Reply
    26. Marie at The Interior Frugalista

      November 30, 2015 at 11:29 am

      Jane, the theme of your Christmas Mantel couldn't be more fitting this holiday season. Such a cozy mantlescape - love the shade of green you used. I am swooning over your wooden reindeer! Love the lighted trees in the galvanized pots and the wooden trees Leo made are adorable.

      Reply
    27. Lindsay Eidahl

      November 30, 2015 at 10:57 am

      Green is my favorite color and I love how you have used different shades of it on and around your mantel. Your stockings are so great too!!! Love it all!

      Reply
    28. [email protected] Porch Musings

      November 30, 2015 at 10:47 am

      Love the greens, Jane! Beautiful mantel!

      Reply
    29. Andrea at Opulent Cottage

      November 30, 2015 at 10:27 am

      You two are both so talented, this is absolutely beautiful!! Your peaceful theme is so inspiring. I just adore this, and you two also! xoxoxo, Andrea

      Reply
    30. Kris @ Junk Chic Cottage

      November 30, 2015 at 10:20 am

      Jane,
      Love the light green plaid and whites. So gorgeous. Simple and soooo pretty. Swooning.
      Kris

      Reply
    31. SheilaG @ Plum Doodles

      November 30, 2015 at 9:04 am

      Your mantel is beautiful. I really thought the greenery was real, looks amazing. I love the buffalo check material. Though I love my purple, green is in my top three favorite colors. 🙂

      Reply
    32. Kim

      November 30, 2015 at 8:53 am

      Jane, everything is definitely pretty in green checks! I love your mantel and the surrounding decor. Yes, we certainly need peace this year. I have the long needled pine wreaths that I bought last year at a local design shop because it looks so real just like your garland.

      Reply
    33. Laurie @ Vin'yet Etc.

      November 30, 2015 at 8:35 am

      It's beautiful! And oh so very peaceful, you and Leo did an amazing job! I see someone's stocking missing though, Lucy's must be too big to hang? 😉 xoxo

      Reply
    34. Jenna

      November 30, 2015 at 8:34 am

      I love the one color tone on tone Jane, so attractive and different!

      Reply
    35. Jean

      November 30, 2015 at 7:09 am

      Jane you did it again! Beautiful! Do you make house calls? HELP

      Reply

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