the christmas mantle

the full mantle

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

This is our holiday mantle.  We have a texture-theme arrangement of fresh white pine garland, shiny round ornaments, cranberries, and a mini tree with the Restoration Hardware lights.

close-up of one side

I really tried to play with texture in this year's display.  I wrapped the glass hurricanes in thick yarn, and when the candles are lit inside it looks quite nice and linear (the light shines through the spaces in between the yarn layers).  The black vases are actually clear and white glass underneath, but I covered them with cable sweater material that came from a stretched out pair of thick tights.  Let's just say that the last time I wore them they did not stay up very well, so after washing them I cut them into smaller sections and pulled them over the vases.

The mantle exudes light and warmth, both necessary elements for surviving winter.  I cannot wait to have a fire underneath.  I am just waiting for the weather to finally cool down.