making a holiday mantel -- UPDATED {pics with sunlight}

Well....it has been raining day after day & with it being winter daylight hours, I just can not seem to win with getting good light. Am I whining? Maybe a tidbit. Oh well. I think you can see beyond the pictures and see what I have done with my mantel for the holidays. I went for something nostalgic and something whimsy...oh yes...and it needed to sparkle.

I changed up my traditional look {real greens, candles, and my glitter pinecones}. I think it comes from my son REALLY getting into the holiday spirit.

I took a cue from Thurgood's new fascination with the nutcrackers {go here for better pics}. Red seemed to just be the color that called to me. I was shocked since I am a neutral girl at heart...but I loved the red.

Here is the final look:

~UPDATED~

Ok...back to the night time pics. :(

Here is the rundown: I got the stockings from Walmart, the stocking holders are from Hobby Lobby last year at 80% off, the ornaments are a few sets from the Dollar Tree, and the little globes I got at a yard sale -- all for $1.

It amazes me how putting ornaments in a glass jar give just enough sparkle and shimmer for the mantel.

I had some leftover glittery letters from a scrapbook project and thought a word that speaks to the season would be a nice touch.

And some of you may ask...why a wedding picture? Well Mr. B & I were married December 18th. This season is always special for us...and who am I kidding...it is a gentle reminder for him that our special day is just around the corner. {Oh how I LOVE this pic of us!}

So..now that I have the mantel done...time to work on my garland for my entertainment center. Stay tuned...

Cheers~

e

PS And don't be shocked if I UPDATE this post...especially if the sun comes out.