Our Christmas Mantel

I was on a roll once I made the twine letters to spell the word JOY and just had to decorate the mantel for Christmas.  

I went for a simple paired-back look to match the simplicity of the twine letters.  Here's how it looks,

and how it used to look just last week and for all the past weeks of the year.

We took down the etching and put up the pinecone wreath.  In past years we've had a red plaid ribbon on the wreath, but it never went very well with the browns and golds of the sofa that is nearby so this year I switched out the bow for a new one.

I made these twine letters recently which you can read about here.

I put the spindle Santas on the mantel.  I know some of you have asked about how and why I bought them and I've just written the post.  Come back tomorrow for details.

The only thing I haven't added yet are the stockings.  It seemed a bit early to get them out (not to mention I'm not sure what box they are in).  Here's a photo of them from last year, so you'll just have to imagine them hung by the fire with care.

We still have a lot more Christmas decorating to do, which is a little bit daunting and a whole lot of fun.

Linked to Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch
A Bavarian Christmas at Doberman's by the Sea
Holiday Home Linky Party at The Lettered Cottage 
Countdown to Christmas Party at Domestically Speaking