My I-Love-Winter Mantle

There was a time when I would have been sad about the empty feeling in the living areas of my home after all of the colorful Christmas decorations were put away.  I leave mine up through the New Year…but I’m ready for them to come down by Jan. 2.  In years past I built up a moderate snowman collection, and those cute little {and big} guys cheered me until it was time to decorate for Spring.

I’m not so much about decorating for individual holidays, but love the change of seasons and like to celebrate each one as it arrives {or is supposed to arrive according to the calendar}.  Well, this winter I left the snowmen cozy in their boxes {and will likely take them to Goodwill to be adopted by others who can enjoy them}.  I am a color- and contrast-lover by nature, but since neutralizing our walls and living room furniture this past fall I am embracing and enjoying the neutral tones of bare trees, earth and snow.  I still get to enjoy the contrast of the darker neutrals, like barren trees against snow or a silvery-gray winter sky!

I mostly shopped my house, but here are a few of the bargains I added that excite me 🙂

Kent China Silver Pine Oval Vegetable Bowl (Replacements, Ltd. $33.99 – mine is from Goodwill $1.99).  Flanked by frosty silver pinecone ornaments snagged at WalMart for 50 cents each after Christmas.

-> Here’s a close up of the pattern.  I like this more muted older version better than the newer versions.

Faux mercury glass tree topper finial – Hobby Lobby – 50 % off after Christmas

-> “Gift Wrap Garland” (it’s wired!) – 75% off – WalMart.  This stuff is cool!!

I hope that your post-holiday decorating and/or decluttering has been soothing and relaxing you as much as mine has done for me!

Have a Beautiful Day {especially if it’s Crazy}!