It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas?!

Welcome to my mantle! It's all dressed up for Christmas!

(and SITStas -- Welcome to The Blessed Nest! :) I'm so happy that you came for a visit!)

I was super inspired by the Nester's garland tutorial, and here's my version!


I began with 2 el-cheapo 9ft. garlands from Walmart ($4 each). I laid them one on top of the other and intertwined some of the "branches" every couple of feet. This was the main part of my garland. Then I added in other greenery that I already had (I cut up fake stuff and stuck it in there!) to fill it out. Add white lights, more greenery, green berries, pinecones from the yard, and leftover ribbon, and you get a gorgeous-looks more expensive than $8-fabulous-Christmas garland!!

I took these pics on 2 different days, so you'll notice some subtle changes :).

I LOVE these pretty "mercury glass" trees from Michael's! On sale right now, girls!!

I added a few of my vintage ornaments to the mantle as well!

Ok, here's with the bow added :) It matches the ribbon on our family room tree! And it fills out the ends of the garland.

In case you were wondering, I used those 3m Command hooks on top of the mantle to hold it up! Wind a "branch" around it, and you're good to go! Easy-peasy (and it's held for days so far!).

I had originally had a silver Santa plate in the center. It looked good, but even though I collect Santa's, I didn't want anyone to think that it looked like we were honoring Santa as the focus of the season! So the Santa plate got moved to a side table, and I'm planning to get something else for the center. Maybe paperwhites?

Ignore the cord and fabric tacked above one window...you still love me anyway, right? ;)

I just love how this project turned out! Thanks again, Nester, for the inspiration! I'll show you all a bit more of my Christmas decorating tomm.!!

Also, I'm so excited to be one of the Saucy Blogs of the Week over at Secrets In The Sauce (SITS)!!! Thanks you gals :) Woot, woot!!

Have a wonderful, wonderful day!