Thursday, October 6, 2011

A Few Traces Of Fall

Hello dear friends, how is everyone this week? As for me, well the projects here in the home front are taking much longer than anticipated, so it's going to be awhile before I'm able to reveal anything major! With that being said, I couldn't keep myself away too long from blog land, so I thought I'd share with you some photos of my "simple fall mantle." Be forewarned though, it really is a very plain {but hopefully still festive} mantle! :)


With the current state of our home, I really had to work with what I had. And truth be told, I wasn't really planning on showing my mantle at all this year. Why might you ask? Well, the hubs and I had plans to reface the brick portion of our fireplace, redo the hearth, and also remove the over-sized {and oh so crooked} mantle & replace it with a size appropriate one. Preferably a chippy, shabby one made of reclaimed wood.


This was supposed to be done by this December, but since there seems to be a delay in many of our projects, I figured I would go right ahead & share "traces of fall" in our mantle - even though it's still perfectly imperfect. :)


I decorated my mantle this year with what I call, the "Three P's!" Which translates to Pumpkins, Pomegranates, and a Pear! :) Here in our household, we really try to "eat with the season," if you will. And these three were in the equation.


So I pulled out some mercury candlesticks, pillar & votive holders. And instead of just using the conventional candles, I propped some pomegranates & pears on top of the them to add a splash of color and fun!



I wanted some more "green" in here, so I added a clipped hydrangea head and placed it into one of the mercury votive holders.


Can you tell this hydrangea is "faux?" lol Most likely so, but at least I'll have these all season long. :)



Then I added a little silver platter & scattered some faux autumn leaves {a 0.99 cent store purchase}.


To break up all the "silver" on my mantle, I placed a vintage french jar in between the candlesticks. To soften up the look a bit, I had planned to insert a few stems of white spray roses in this jar, but the day I took these pics - autumn's first rain arrived hard here in SoCali. So my daily walk to the local organic market where I usually buy my blooms, was put to a halt.


So just picture in your head, "white spray roses" somewhere on this mantle. :) I know that does not really relate to the "fall season," but roses are one of my favorite blooms, so I try to have them in my home as much as I can. :)


On the other side of the mantle, some "browns" were incorporated by an old vintage book that was already sitting on my mantle along with the old Jaz clock atop it. So I just left it there.


I didn't really want to put too much brown on the mantle because enough brown was already incorporated by the fireplace cover above. We picked up this piece recently, and what I love most about it, is that it is made from salvaged wood.


In it's {almost} entirety, this is what our fireplace + mantle looks like. I told you it was VERY PLAIN. :) Because our mantle is slightly crooked {you can't tell from the pic, but it is}, I did not want to prop any of my mirrors, pics or frames - for fear that it might fall. I have a little one, so that was out of the question. AND, I say this is what our mantle looks like in it's "almost" entirety, because in the expanded view, the mantle is actually a whopping 7-8 feet wide!!!


Well, there you have it - my simple fall mantle. :) I hope you enjoyed these photos of "traces of fall" in my home. Until next time, happy fall!

XO's,
Jessie


Sharing with:
Debbiedoo's Newbie Party
Homemaker on a Dime Creative Party
Fall In Love Link Party @Modern Country Style
Trick or Treat @The Vintage Farmhouse
Vintage Inspiration Friday @Common Ground
Farmhouse Friday @LaurieAnna's Vintage Home
Feathered Nest Friday @French Country Cottage
Potpourri Party @2805
Show & Tell Friday @My Romantic Home
Seasonal Sundays @The Tablescaper
and
Show Off Your Cottage Monday @The House in the Roses

48 comments:

SLR said...

I think it looks great and I love your fireplace cover!
Really like how you combined pumpkins, poms, and pears too. Pretty pics also, my friend!!

jessica said...

Can't tell it's crooked! I do love how you mentioned decorating by mixing your P's!! I love that fireplace cover! Hope all is well with you!

~*Jessica

traci said...

it looks really pretty. i love the combination and the fireplace cover. i still need to decorate my mantle. thanks for the inspiration.

Anonymous said...

Well I think it looks beautiful! Simple and natural is always better to me...love the delicate mercury glass with the pumpkins.

I know how it feels to have a huge long fireplace that you want to decorate so bad but needs some work! :)

Melissa said...

I love it!!!!! Sometimes simple is best, and in your case it worked out beautifully! I love the pops of color and all the mercury glass!

Sarah @ Modern Country Style said...

How beautiful! I love all your pumpkins lined up like that. Don't they look fetching - and very autumnal!

Thank you for linking up to Modern Country Style's Fall In Love link party!

Sarahx

A Cozy Cottage in the City said...

Thank you everyone for your kind comments. I was unsure of posting any kind of home decor due to the "fixer-upper" mess @home, but I thought why not? The kids love to see things decorated for the season! :) I hope everyone is enjoying autumn (or spring in some places)! :)

~Jessie

Fresh Vanilla For C said...

Loving the poms! Never thought to use them!! Thanks for the tip:)

~Cheryl

ℳartina @ Northern Nesting said...

BEAUTIFUL!!

Karena said...

Hi Jessie,

I love it, and don't think it is simple at all!

I hope you will come visit & tell me what you think of my fall decor.....so far! I used mercury glass as well! Oh and I also have a new giveaway!

xoxo
Karena

Art by Karena

Revi said...

Lovely! I love your mercury glass!
-Revi

Shanon at Vintage Sparkle Chic said...

I love your mantle and fireplace cover! I can't believe you are switching it out. I love all of the fall items you placed, nice and simple with touches of color. I love that clock, too.

~Shanon

Town and Country Gals said...

So simple but so elegant and classic! It's beautiful! I love the mix of the natural elements and the sparkle of the mercury glass. Your fireplace cover is to die for!
Rebecca
P.S. I've put you under my favorites.

Debra@CommonGround said...

It's really beautiful. Love the simplicity and color! thanks so much for linking up with VIF, xo

Honey at 2805 said...

Great simplicity and color! I would be delighted for your to link to Potpourri Friday!

Anonymous said...

Wow, your mantle looks amazing Jessie!! And I love the fireplace grate, what an amazing piece!
I can't wait to see more photos of your home.
Have a lovely weekend.
Sincerely,
Melinda

A Cozy Cottage in the City said...

Thank you once again for all your kind comments about my mantle. :)

@Karena: I will be sure to visit your blog this weekend. :)

@Shanon: I took the pics at angles where you can't tell the mantle is off. :) It's actually 8 feet wide & extremely chunky amongst other things...but it has grown on me & I'm glad you like it. :)

@Rebecca: You are way too kind. :) Thank you - you are also on my favorites list. :)

@Melinda: You are one of the sweetest blog friends on here, thank you for your thoughtful words, I always appreciate them. :)

@Honey: I linked up for the first time to your party - thank you for hosting!

@Debra: It's always a pleasure to link up when I can.

Thanks again to everyone who takes the time to stop by to leave a comment. It really does mean a lot. :) Have a great weekend, my friends!

~Jessie

Simply Me said...

I know i order mine 2 weeks ago , and then canceled, because they said not coming when it was suppose too, then walmart came threw for me, of all places!!! How lucky were you to see her. I hope she will be coming to Florida again sometime. She is so sweet!! I cannot wait to visit Texas!! Take care have a great Weekend!

Dayle ~ A Collection of Days said...

I love the uniqueness of this. Fall is my most favorite season.

SImple and Serene Living said...

I think you did a great job. Thanks so much for sharing. Happy to be a new follower from vintage inspiration Friday.
Laura
http://www.imsovintage.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

Your mantel looks so clean and serene! You used your colours well. And I am jealous of your pomegranates. I love pomegranates but they're not in season here yet:( God bless x

Shabby chic Sandy said...

So pretty--simple elegance!

d e l i g h t said...

It looks very festive and colorful and I might add very well balanced! The three "P's" is cute. Simplicity is the way to go! Thanks for your sweet comments. You make my day!

Burlap Luxe said...

Thank you Jessie for your beautiful visit and leaving a comment for me on your way out :)

Love all the beauty you inspire with fall, is it just not so peaceful :)

Thank you again, it will be nice to get to know you so much better see you very soon.
Cheers
~Dore

Geneva said...

Loved the simplicity...everything is just right!

Ivy and Elephants said...

I love the simple and elegant look. I think everything looks great. Love mercury glass and you have a fabulous collection, and the fireplace cover is to die for!
Your new follower,
Patti

La Vie Quotidienne said...

I love the siple elegance of what you have done. And the fireplace screen...what a great idea. It is all just lovely.(-:

A Cozy Cottage in the City said...

Thank you friends (old & new) for stopping by to comment, it is truly greatly appreciated! :)

@Tausha, I will be doing a post about meeting her this coming week. :) Have a great weekend too!

@Dayle, Laura, Geneva & Patti: Thank you new friends for stopping by & deciding to follow along on this little journey of mine. :)

Thank you Karen, Delight & Dore for your ongoing friendships. :) It's friendships like yours that keep me continuously inspired. :)

@Sandi & La Vie: Thank you ladies for taking the time to stop by - it does mean a lot. :)

Once again, thank you all for your kind words! I will be out of town for the rest of the weekend, but I will be sure & stop by your lovely blogs when I get back!

Until then, Happy Weekend to all!


XO's,
Jessie

Red Rose Alley said...

Your Fall mantel looks so lovely. It's nice that you're decorating for Fall. It's my favorite season, and I also love to decorate. Your pumpkins are so cute, and add a special touch.
~Sheri at Red Rose Alley

The Tablescaper said...

Love it. I did a bit of placing gourds and pumpkins on candlestick holders too, but I love your mercury glass. It would be great to have you join me at Seasonal Sundays.

- The Tablescaper

Honey at 2805 said...

Thanks for sharing this lovely post at Potpourri Friday. I appreciate your participation!

Bir Dut Masalı - nUnU said...

everything is wonderful
:)

The Tablescaper said...

I'm glad you chose to be a part of Seasonal Sundays this past week and hope you'll join me again this week.

- The Tablescaper

Debbiedoos said...

What a beautiful blog you have. Welcome to my newbie party. Glad you found it. Everything here looks so pretty. Enjoy the party, and see you again soon.

Janel from NellieBellie said...

Oh so pretty...love the candlesticks!

Sherry said...

You did a beautiful job on your fall mantle, you did a wonderful job on the combination...I found you on Debbiedoos Blogging and I'm your newest follower. http://decoratingwcents.blogspot.com

Doreen Grace said...

I love the vintage charm of the silver pieces. Makes quite a pretty mantle. :)

Kathy said...

Your mantle is beautiful. I love all the natural elements and the mercury glass.

refresh reStyle said...

I love your Traces of Fall! I saw you over at Debbie's Newbie party. Your photos and decor are beautiful!
Debbie

A Cozy Cottage in the City said...

Hello ladies!

Thank you kindly for stopping by my blog from Debbiedoo's Newbie Party, and leaving me such lovely comments - it is greatly appreciated!!! :)

Hugs from here,
Jessie

Connie said...

I love your pictures and especially the very last one.
Your decorations are just lovely ! I didn't do a Halloween page, just another topic that I hoped people would like.
I also, will sign in and follow. I can't get my profile picture to show, but still working on it.

Allyson Pecilunas said...

Your fall touches are so pretty! I just found your blog and am now your newest follower. Come by and check me out if you get a chance.

Noplacelikehomeally.blogspot.com

Allyson

Grace @ Sense and Simplicity said...

I love the red and orange together on your mantel. I think the simple arrangement is perfect - seems very calm. We went with squash this year on the sideboard which periodically get changed out when we eat one - I love the practical, but pretty effect of using food to decorate.

A Cozy Cottage in the City said...

Hi Connie, Allyson & Grace! Thank you ladies for visiting my page and leaving such lovely comments - it is greatly appreciated! :)

Take care and have a wonderful day!


Best,
Jessie

Roser og Patina said...

lovely pictures!

deborah@confessions of a craigslist junkie said...

Found you through Debbiedoos, and I'm your newest follower. Your mantle is lovely. Stop by and visit sometime!

A Cozy Cottage in the City said...

Thank you again for stopping by page from Debbie's Blog! Really appreciate "all of the love!" :) I look forward to visiting your blogs too!!! :)

XO's,
Jessie

Jamie @ DIY Home Sweet Home said...

Love the pomegranates and pears. Just discovered your blog and I love it. I'm a new follower. Hope you stop by and check out my blog.
Jamie
http://diyhshp.blogspot.com/

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