The older I get, the less I want to decorate for the seasons. It’s not that I don’t want to celebrate the changing seasons, it’s just that I no longer feel the need to have seasonal decor in every corner of my home. To this end, I’ve been trying to purge the seasonal bins in the attic and get down to only what I love.
This year instead of using lots of fall color on the mantel, I just wanted to go “simple” with green and white.
I started with a few pumpkins that I picked up at a flea market. Then I added a few other items, most of which were from other parts of the house.
I have a nice collection of vintage books in various colors that always makes a good starting point for any vignette.
I added a faux fern from the kitchen and a white pumpkin in a pot to draw out the left side.
To add height and balance to the right side of the mantel, I used two different candle holders of varying heights. One with a candle and one with another white pumpkin.
A moss ball and a sheaf of wheat finish off the right side and add interest with texture.
For convenience, I would love to eventually have a collection of faux pumpkins. But in my opinion, they are way too pricey and the majority of them don’t even begin to compare with the variety and look of a real pumpkin.
When I first laid out this display, I used an antique oval mirror with a dark wood frame as a backdrop. A few weeks ago, I switched over to this vintage, chippy off white window frame.
I bought this window frame some years ago with the intention of selling it at a show. But instead, all this time, it has only sat in the attic. I found it in the midst of my purging mode, and decided to try and sell it on Facebook. Along the way somewhere, I thought I’d try it on the mantel instead of the mirror. To my surprise, it brightens the room so much more than the mirror, and I realized I love it there. Needless to say, it is no longer for sale on Facebook, and I’m looking forward to using it at Christmas.
I’m always amazed what I find when purging. I try to look at things and ask myself, “Do I love it”? I try to see it with new eyes, and can I use it in another way or place? If the answer is no, then it goes on Facebook to sell, in a yard sale box for next summer, or out the door to Goodwill.
It’s so easy to keep accumulating things. If you’ve set foot in the stores lately, they are already tempting us with all new Christmas decor. I find that asking myself these questions always leaves me feeling better about my decisions of what I keep, what goes, and what I bring into the house. I don’t know about you, but I find that I usually feel better when things are going out of the house than when they are coming in.
in my spare time 
Hi Cindy. Your mantlepiece looks very pretty in an elegant kind of way! So funny you should talk about fall decor… yesterday I found some of my autumn bits and bobs in the cellar by chance and almost brought them up, but then decided on the spot it’s too late as I want to start my Christmas decorating early instead this year! 😜🎄🍁 Those white pumpkins are really cool!
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I don’t start decorating for Christmas until after Thanksgiving. It is so rushed over here these days, that by the time we get to it, I am sick of seeing it everywhere. Sometimes I wish we could go back to when Christmas was more simple. I learning to keep my decor more simple so I don’t get tired of it and it’s not as much work to change. I fear these are all signs I am getting old. It may have taken me my whole life to learn, but simple is better.
I hope you enjoy your decorating Cathy and enjoy seeing it on your blog! I love seeing how other countries decorate.
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Dear Cindy, I feel absolutely the same way and maybe it’s just natural that we realise with age that less is more and that it’s soothing to be surrounded by few and simple things. Things we’ve a connection with, things we love. Your mantlepiece is just my cup of tea: the colours, textures, forms…you’ve just inspired me actually to do something similar. 🙂 Hope all is well with you and that you continue to cope well with the bizarre times we’re living in. Wishing you peaceful and creative winter days, Annette
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Thank you Annette. I find it increasingly peaceful to live more simply.
and with new lockdowns coming, I’m craving anything peaceful and kind. I feel so weary from the elections and unkindness that pervaded our country., and I think we are all weary from the virus. Our large family Thanksgiving was cancelled, and hopefully we will be able to gather for Christmas.
What does give me immense joy in these difficult times is some volunteer work at the hospital I work for, escorting the cancer patients to their appointments. The majority of them are not allowed to have family with them and many cannot walk. I love hearing their stories, that never fails to put life in perspective. They are always so kind and grateful, and I find such joy in serving them. I know it is a Covid risk to be there, but I really don’t care. It is certainly more rewarding to serve than to sit home in fear.
Working from home this year has made me actually not mind that winter is coming since I won’t have to travel every day in it. Snow is beautiful when you can sit inside and watch it fall so gently to the ground. And I am tired from gardening and summer outdoor projects, and ready to hunker down with a blanket and a good book.
Hope you and your family are staying safe and well.
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I’ve never been so tired in my life and I fear we’re not alone in this. But it’s good to do something with a purpose and especially working with sick people helps to put things into perspective, we’re all mortal after all and I think most people have forgotten about this. I’m also looking forward to the quiet time of year, let’s make the most of it. Stay sane 🙂
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