That looks lovely! Very autumnal...
Love the covered box in the middle..Tell me you got it at CTS!
I am sure it looks very cozy with the lights at night.
Good job! Did you make your grape vine wreath??

Hi Kathleen...I hate to tell you...YES at the CTS..and you would not believe it...I had my eye on these boxes for so long, in one of my Country Home Catalogs..for $55. When I saw this last yr at the CTS..it was the last one and slightly damaged..originally $6.99..and still a great bargain..Well, b/c it was damaged, I got it for $3.50...Now I would have died if I had bought the one from my catalog!! Yes, that vine wreath was one I made last yr..I love all the 'whisps' on it. Thanks

Great! I love the wisps on it too.
I have a hydrangea wreath above the fireplace mantle, but when I change to fall, I need something diff till Cmas.
I have never done my mantle for fall, just some pumpkins...I would have to take down all the pics of my gkids! Then I would have to find a hiding place for them as well as the dishes! :)

I love the mantle decor. I love the wreath.

I'm getting more inspired to drag my stuff out. I think the hard part is having to put all my normal crap, errr I mean good stuff, away during the holidays. LOL.

hugs, Karen

Slinky, wonderful job, I love the painted box in the middle and I also love the pewter/? plates with it. Now, we know you can do some stacking plates after this (smile)

I so wish I had a fireplace mantel to decorate, you are so lucky! I am going to have to look into purchasing one of those fireplaces that have "gell" can inserts, that way I will have another "surface" to decorate like the rest of you have LOL

oh judith..I wish you lived near me...I was in a local
consignment shop the other day, and they had the most beautiful Fireplace Mantel and surround - unit. It was such a great size for a small area...It originally came from an old home. The best part was they were only asking $30 !! I couldn't believe the price..and asked the woman if that was the right price and she said yes...The people who owned it really didn't want much for it, so that's why the price. I was driving myself crazy as to where I could put it..or who could use it. I've seen ones in terrible condition, for over $200. So this really was a great buy.

I would have had to buy and find a place for it later! The basement even! You showed restraint, S!

kathleen...I know..when I got home I was looking in every room, and felt I really could have found SOMEWHERE to put it...DH was the one who convinced me otherwise...he's my
'Jimminy Cricket' when we go shopping.. I hate that. LOL !!

I'm with Kathleen. I'd have brought that thing home asap and worried about the where and the DH after the fact. LOL
It sounds PERFECT for Judith too, darn.

hugs, Karen

Slinkey, I love all the lushness of your items on the mantel, and the box is a perfect accent piece. Great find. Luvs

Oh, Slinkey, I never find good stuff like that, I so would love to have a fireplace (and mantel) to decorate and enjoy. I have thought long and hard about getting a "gel" burning FP, but I would definately have to rearrange my LR for sure.

Slinkey, it is much easier to beg forgiveness than it is to ask permission ;^)
I LOVE your mantle...I'm trying to think if I have anything to copy it with LOL....
Thanks for posting!

Very pretty and full!~* Your arrangement doesn't have gaps like my mantel. I need more garland or floral picks to insert in mine and Dollar Tree is sold out of the ones I liked. Your box doesn't show any damage in the picture. That is quite a good deal you got. Right place, right time..

karen...thanks for the compliment. I too have #$#@ that has to be put away for the holidays..I've got an old trunk, that I use just for this purpose...Comes in very handy. Even a large plastic bin w/lid would be good to use too..just stick it in the attic.

thanks luvs for the nice compliments..I just love the box. I've always wanted one, and I guess 'that one' was waiting for me!

judith..even if you had a small space..I've seen really small faux mantels..that look beautiful..just for decor..Even just the top portion..with two wood side panels..and painted black in the middle..w/andirons..you can place a candle rack w/small candles..looks lovely.

Ha! Jaybird...I hear ya..and you're right...I could have 'finessed' my way out of trouble..(I usually do)! As far as your mantel... I'm sure you'll find something that will work beautifully.

sno...thank you...try Michael's,if there's one near you. They're having their 50% off on floral picks. Whenever I can take advantage of their sales..it's so much cheaper than full price. As far as the damage on the box..it was on the lid in the back..the edge was a little pushed in. They are usually very good at discounting ANYTHING that has a slight damage.