Farmhouse Style Christmas Mantel

Well, Thanksgiving is over.  It is finally safe for me to go crazy with my Christmas decor!  I have so much to show you over the next month!  I am going to start with my farmhouse style Christmas mantel.  

I am so, so very excited to be taking part in the Mantels Across America hosted by Suzy from Worthing Court.  This is such a fun post.  I’ve joined up with bloggers all across Amercia, and Canada to feature Christmas mantels and the varying decorating styles that comes from each region.  

If you are new to my blog, HI and welcome.  I am so happy that you are here!!  If this is your first trip here, I think it is safe to say that I am obsessed with farmhouse style.  Whether it be modern, rustic, or shabby chic, I am in a big fan!  

Thus, my farmhouse style Christmas mantel.  

I live in the west, in an area that is mostly rural.  Farming is a huge part of the lifestyle here.  My home is surrounded by hay fields, that are often dotted with horses and cows through the seasons.  I find the farmhouse style very fitting to our lifestyle and the kind of home I want to live in with my family.

This Christmas, I decided to go quite simple.  Last year, I went with a woodland theme, and I really am not breaking far from that, but I have edited some of the decor to resemble a more calming and serene space.  

I’m dreaming of a white Christmas.

When I started to plan what I wanted my mantel to look like this year, I had this vision of a very large tobacco leaf basket as the focal point above the mantel.  However, coming across one, especially in my region is practically impossible.  So, I used my very own tutorial on how to make a tobacco leaf basket to create the exact size that I wanted. 

I whipped up this basket while I was supposed to be packing for our Thanksgiving break.  That’s another thing about me.  I am most productive when I should not be.

I knew I wanted to add my favorite Christmas wreath to the center of the basket. Obviously the basket is not perfect, but that’s kind of part of the charm, don’t you think?

I love the natural look of the wood from the basket against the white shiplap and soft tomes of my wooden bead garland.  

I told you I was keeping things simple.  I also love to include as much nature as I can.  For me, it is a very inexpensive way to decorate and the impact is huge.  The pines boughs and pine cones were taken right of the Ponderosa tree in my front yard.

I kept the theme of soft washed out wood with this cute little drift wood deer from TJ Maxx.

I also added some of my white pitchers from IKEA to add a bit of height to the sides.

You may have noticed my simple stockings already.  These were a spontaneous project I did a few hours before we left for Thanksgiving.  I am lucky enough to have 2 fireplaces with mantels in my home, so I am never lacking for new and fun ways to accessorize.

These stockings were made simply with dropcloth, and I used a simple transfer method to apply the names.  That tutorial will be coming in a post tomorrow:)

The transfers were perfect.  I wanted it to have a soft, aged look.

I love to add greenery wherever I can, and I thought adding a clothespin with some pine branches was a great wat to accessorize the stockings while bringing in some farmhouse flair.

What I love about decorating with the farmhouse style, is how inexpensive it can be.  Simple decor accents can take on a life of their own without spending much money.

And if you think you are a fan of this farmhouse style Christmas mantel, check it out with some simple dew drop lights.

These simple wire lights give a nice little glow to the space with out being overpowering.

The dew sized lights are connected together with a thin piece of wire and are battery operated.  Perfect for a mantel, where you don’t want cords hanging down the sides.

The soft glow of the lights, the simple touches of the greenery and the pine cones, and soft natural wood accents create the perfect farmhouse style Christmas mantel in my opinion.

Christmas is my favorite time of year.  I love to sit by a roaring fire, sipping some tea, watching a good Christmas movie, and enjoying the glow of the tree.  Its a magical time.  A time I relish snuggling with my little ones, watching the wonder of the season sparkle in their eyes.  That is Christmas to me.

*Now, make sure to check out the other incredible bloggers in this bloghop!!*

 
Decorating styles can vary all over North America. Enjoy visiting these other fabulous blogs to see how they’ve decorated their Christmas mantels in the region where they live!

CANADA:

This Mama’s Dance

EAST:

Atta Girl Says  ||  Golden Boys & Me  ||  In My Own Style  ||  StoneGable  ||The Everyday Home  ||  The Rustic Life  ||  Worthing Court

CENTRAL:

Cedar Hill Farmhouse  ||  Edith & Evelyn  ||  House By Hoff  ||  It All Started With Paint  ||  Maison de Pax  ||  Town & Country Living

WEST:

At The Picket Fence  ||  Classic Casual Home  ||  Tidbits  ||  Twelve On Main

 

If you like this post, check these out!

Farmhouse Christmas Tablescape

 

Farmhouse Christmas Porch

 

Woodland Farmhouse Christmas Home Tour