The trick to creating a winter mantel is to pare down, and remove anything screams Christmas - like any dressy ribbons, Christmas bulbs, trees, and reindeer. Once those things are packed away, you can take a step back and decide what else can stay and what can go.
In my case, I also removed all of the silver and white glittery twigs and sticks that created the volume on my Christmas mantel. Even though these are pretty holiday-neutral, en masse they seemed a little too fussy and over-the-top than the look I was going for. So in the box they went. Ultimately, I ended up stripping the whole thing down to just the string of glittery-adorned white lights, and my winter wreath.
Next, I started the process of building it back up again. First, I knew I wanted to add the three chubby mason jars that I purchased at Dollarama for just $3 each. (Steal!) I filled them with faux snow (nothing else - just loved the simplicity of it) and placed them in the middle of the mantel. The string of lights behind them provides a beautiful glow, especially when the room is dark!
Next, I added in a bit of whimsy with the "All you need..." print, as a little prelude to the season's highlight, Valentine's Day. I had seen one similar to this somewhere on the web and LOVED it, and it was simple to recreate. I already had the glass frame on hand.
Finally, for visual interest, I added in a bit more colour with the turquoise trees that were part of my Christmas stash, and texure with the white pine cones. In addition, I pulled in the DIY snowflake garland that I had made for my master bedroom during the Christmas season.
My DIY wintery jar lanterns which I made for Christmas also stayed, and they are now on the console table next to the mantel. I added in a little mossy grapevine wreath (also from Christmas), and voila, my mission was complete!
So there you have it.
Before I sign off, here's a little before and after of how I transitioned my mantel from Christmas to Winter.
Until next time, happy decorating!
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Linking to these lovely blogs:
The Winter Mantel Linky Party at
Looks lovely...I love how the lights shine through the glass jars. Happy winter :) Laurel@chippingwithcharm
ReplyDeleteThanks so very much guys!
ReplyDeleteVery beautiful! I love the colors you chose!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful display. I love the jars with snow in them. Adds that extra sparkle. Thanks for sharing this lovely winter display. ~~Sherry~~
ReplyDeleteBeautiful mantle. Love it. Like the sparkling look. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteIt looks great! I *love* your glass frame!
ReplyDeleteHi there~ I love how you have decorated your mantle for winter- it is beautiful!! Love how pretty and serene it looks! Thanks for sharing at Feathered Nest Friday! :)
ReplyDeleteLovely! I'm currently having a winter mantel linky and would be honored if you linked up. http://www.thestoriesofa2z.com/2011/01/winter-mantel-linky-party.html
ReplyDeleteLove the whimsy in your design. Those glass frames are fab and the love sign rocks. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteYour mantel looks lovely! Blessings
ReplyDeleteWhat a great transition from Christmas to Winter! The simple jars filled with faux snow and lights behind just "make" it! The touch of teal is unexpected and pleasing!
ReplyDeleteDD
Beautiful! My mantel is sadly bare. This is the first house we've ever lived in that had one, and I've recently found craft love. Now it's my goal to have that mantel seasonally decked out with awesomeness!
ReplyDeleteVery lovely. I love the colors - very calm and peaceful! It's beautiful.
ReplyDeleteReally like your mantel. Has given me some inspiration. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI think your winter mantel looks beautiful. Great transition.
ReplyDeleteVisiting with you from Beth's.
I love it!!! Love the snow in the jars. Love the turquoise trees. Love the sign (I need to make me one). Heck, I love everything!
ReplyDeleteI love it!!! Your mantel is perfectly winter.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comments, moucho appreciated!
ReplyDeletehttp://staceyembracingchange.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteYour mantel is beautiful...I am inspired to redo mine tonight - out with the pine twigs and in with a new look! Thank you for the ideas... Stacey :o)
Looks great! I love it!
ReplyDeleteYou did a beautiful job, Kerri~Lynn! I love the snow in the jar and the pretty trees. I left out a lot from my Christmas mantel, too. I like the lanterns on your end table, too!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful day! :-)
XO,
Jane
Hi, I just found you through All Things Heart and Home! What a great Winter scape you've got going on! I think since there is so much snow going on outside, I going to keep the inside snow free. But this is a great idea for the dreary month of January! Looking forward to seeing what other crafty, decorating things you do!
ReplyDeleteI'm a decorating addict also!
Megan
http://1funkywoman.blogspot.com
Love love love your mantel! Everything is so beautiful and even though I'm tired of the snow outside, I love how it looks inside! ;-)
ReplyDelete