It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Even without the cold and snow, I'm making it look like Christmas around here a little at a time. I started today with my fireplace mantle. I've never had one before to decorate and make pretty. So, it's been fun today.

I started by making my teenager drag all my Christmas boxes out of the garage. That was really the hardest part!

I have too much fabric lying around and never enough time to make something with it all so I found a fun printed one with trees and snowmen to hang on the mantle. Then, I rearranged our family photos on one side of the mantel and sat a big Christmas canvas on the other side, leaning in front of the mirror. I spaced out the stocking hangers and alternated a shiny silver one with a rustic bronzed one. I found a hanging etched glass ornament that we received last year as a Christmas gift and sat it in front of the painting. I also added some red netting, dotted ribbon and white sheer ribbon around my Woodwick candle. Then, I added the stockings. Magical.

I'm sure as the season progresses and I give Thanksgiving time to come and go, I'll add some whimsical art done by the kids, the tree will be up in the corner next to the fireplace, lights glowing...this place will be a winter wonderland fit for Santa.