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22 November, 2009

Mosaic/Metamorphosis Monday...or...My Christmas Mantel

page I have been in a mantel muddle! I wanted to do something really different this year, but I didn’t want to spend a lot of money. I wanted it to involve topiaries and/or lanterns, but I needed help. Sooo…I went in search of inspiration and I found some…at Better Homes and Gardens website at BHG.com. There is even an entire section dedicated to indoor Christmas ideas! Now, I usually go for this look…very traditional, lots of garlands. (However, I am only wishing I had these fireplaces!)


page1 So for a change, I checked out some more simple looks. I love that gate on the mantel..but I don’t have one. The stockings are cute…but Santa won’t be stopping by this year. And neither purple ribbons nor green apples say Christmas for me.


page2 Then I saw these photos and my heart sang! Inspiration at last! And then I realized…what I was loving was what I really already have year round…blue and white and plates!! lol Can you see that there are plates inside the wreaths in the lower right photo? Hmmm…they don’t explain how they did that one. Notice the three wreaths in the top photo…


IMG_7776 …and look at my mantel! Are you getting ideas? I know I am! Sooo…I took a little bit from each one of the photos that I loved and created…


IMG_8851 …this! What do you think? I’ll bet you were expecting my blue plates, weren’t you? lol My Johnson Brothers Old Britain Castles in pink just looked more Christmasy to me! The three little wreaths are actually candle rings. I found the topiaries at Goodwill several months ago and added the ribbon.


good1 I thought I would miss having a big garland with a string of little white lights, but I don’t! I love having votives scattered on the mantel instead.


IMG_8927And I am finally getting to use the Kosta Boda votives that I found on the clearance aisle at TJ Maxx in the Spring for $3.00 each…whoo hoo! Doesn’t it look like an ice sculpture? I love how it glistens in the candlelight!


IMG_8925 Do you recognize these? They are my Pottery Barn copy cat lanterns from my Fall porch! I put cranberries in one of them…a look that I really like. Now if Isabella just won’t fish them out and roll them around!


page And here’s one last look…ahhh! A Christmas mantel that I really love…at last! And all I needed was…plates! Who knew?

Thanks so much for stopping by! Please head on over to Mary’s at Little Red House for Mosaic Monday to see one of her beautiful mosaics and to find a list of this week’s participants. You will be treated to some wonderful photos from some very talented people!

met mon And then be sure to visit Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday where you can get a peek at her gorgeous home and see what sorts of changes she is making, as well as find out who else is playing along! I’m betting there will be lots more Christmas decorations today! Thanks again! See you next time! A la prochaine!

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77 comments:

  1. KarenNovember 22, 2009 at 6:10 AM

    Your pictures are so inspiring. After our Thanksgiving dinner at church today, think I'll get my guys to haul down the Christmas decorations. I'm sooo ready!
    Karen
    Ladybug Creek

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  2. Knittings Nice!November 22, 2009 at 6:41 AM

    Oh Debbie, your mantel looks absolutely gorgeous, the plates are spot on. Thank you for posting the other photos, great inspiration.

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  3. Paula@SweetPeaNovember 22, 2009 at 7:15 AM

    Your mantel looks so pretty. I especially love the three smaller wreaths. Be prepared for the compliments you are going to receive!

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  4. SherriNovember 22, 2009 at 7:32 AM

    Wow! I LOVE it! Simple, elegant, unique. PERFECT!

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  5. Linda (Nina's Nest)November 22, 2009 at 7:36 AM

    OK, Debbie, I am so completely blown away by your mantel that I can't use my French words - they are not enough...well, maybe "incroyable, magnifique, sensationel, formidable"....still lacking. I love all the inspirational mantels you showed, but yours is just fabulous. And your new blog dress is a big WOW! Linda

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  6. susanNovember 22, 2009 at 7:58 AM

    Debbie--This is the extent of my Frendh OOH LA LA! :) I absoulutely love this! That's the best--taking several ideas and adapating them to suit you and this definitely suits you!!! It is perfect. I hope you will be back for "Deck the Halls" on Dec 1. Everyone will want to this again and all your other decorations. Thanks for the Better Homes tip!

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  7. susanNovember 22, 2009 at 7:59 AM

    ps--Monet is my favorite! Love your header!

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  8. Marty@A Stroll Thru LifeNovember 22, 2009 at 8:04 AM

    Oh Debbie, I love your mantel. Using the plates is just perfect, they look beautiful and your topiaries are gorgeous with the ribbons. Your small wreaths are perfect with the ribbon draping between them. Such a beautiful Christmas mantel. It really is pretty. Hugs, Marty

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  9. AnonymousNovember 22, 2009 at 8:12 AM

    I love it - love it - love it! The pink plates are just perfect. I have "mantleitis" now too. I am sitting here looking at mine and it still isn't right. I am going to go the BHG and maybe get some inspiration. Thanks for sharing.

    Charla

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  10. KeelieNovember 22, 2009 at 8:30 AM

    I have Pink Castles, too!! THanks for the inspiration!!!!

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  11. Mid-Atlantic MarthaNovember 22, 2009 at 8:32 AM

    Well being a fellow "dishaholic" I would say that a Christmas mantle filled with dishes is....just....perfect! Love your Christmas look -- so pretty.

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  12. Joy TiltonNovember 22, 2009 at 8:36 AM

    What a great idea, and I'm ready to break away from my traditional decorations this year. You have the BEST ideas!
    joycee at grannymountain

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  13. Carol at SerendipityNovember 22, 2009 at 8:48 AM

    Just lovely - yours was the best one! I miss my mantle but I do have a sofa table.....

    Have a great Thanksgiving.

    Carol

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  14. SalmagundiNovember 22, 2009 at 8:51 AM

    That's a great post - so much inspiration there! I recently found an old magazine picture that used the pink/red transferware with bottle-brush trees and books. My mind has been churning, too, thinking about my Johnson Bros. dishes. Take care, Sally

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  15. RettabugNovember 22, 2009 at 9:39 AM

    BRAVO Debbie!! This is an outstanding looking mantle & you really combined the best of all your favorites. You've inspired me to go looking for some new items this year.
    Thanks so much for sharing your talents & that link, too!! :D

    fondly,
    Rettabug

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  16. KatNovember 22, 2009 at 9:44 AM

    Debbie, this really is gorgeous. Thanks for all of the closeups. I love the pink plates, they really are perfect. And those votive holders are beautiful! Love it, love it, love it! Hugs, Kat

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  17. ShariNovember 22, 2009 at 9:57 AM

    Ah ha! Thank you so much for your inspirational ideas! Now I know what to do for my mantel! I Googled into your blog in the Spring looking for info about Giverny. I was looking for France and found myself. The way you beautify your home is now my way. I now take the time to set a lovely table and my home is looking more French Country every day. Thank you for making my life and the life of my family so much more delightful!

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  18. Kristens CreationsNovember 22, 2009 at 11:08 AM

    Hi Debbie, this is beautiful and very unique! The plates are perfect! I love the little wreaths underneath the mantle. You did an outstanding job!! Kristen

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  19. CarolNovember 22, 2009 at 11:13 AM

    It looks gorgeous! Especially all lit like that, stunning mantle you made!

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  20. The Quintessential MagpieNovember 22, 2009 at 2:03 PM

    Debbie, this is just adorable!!! Love what you did. Yes, I was expecting blue, but the pink looks fab! It does look more Christmasy. You did an outstanding job. Major kudos, my friend!

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

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  21. KathysueNovember 22, 2009 at 4:19 PM

    Deb, It is snowing I love the snow and the picture, it just sets the mood for this wonderful presentation. I love seeing how your mind went through the process with your inspiration. You did just the perfect combination and it is so DEB, I am verrrrry impressed, it is gorgeous, I wish I knew some French words but from the sounds of it even Linda had a hard time so I will just say. I am so impressed and inspired. Hugs Kathysue

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  22. JoyceNovember 22, 2009 at 5:02 PM

    Wow you certainly are getting a jump start on the holiday decorating. It looks beautiful even if it is not blue:)
    Joyce

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  23. AnonymousNovember 22, 2009 at 8:10 PM

    Madame, you have outdone yourself!

    I think that you have shown us just the right degree of festivity and sophistication -- that simpler is sometimes the most beautiful. I look back at some of my old Christmas books, at the astounding excess, and I think that look would be so inappropriate now, given the current conditions for many.

    Your lovely china coupled with greenery, candles and ribbons is just right.

    Scribbler

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  24. CarolNovember 22, 2009 at 8:24 PM

    Beautiful! Thanks for sharing all of those great ideas!

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  25. Michelle, All Home and LoveNovember 22, 2009 at 8:25 PM

    Very inspiring! Your mantel looks very festive and pretty. I love how you took a little bit of each photo you liked. I can't wait to start decorating. As soon as this kitchen is back together and I do a good cleaning up, the boxes will come up from the basement!
    ~Michelle

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  26. MaryNovember 22, 2009 at 8:41 PM

    Well, DUH! Of course everything is better with plates!!! lol Love all the inspiration photos, and your mantel is definitely magazine-worthy, Debbie! Thanks for sharing at MM. :)

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  27. KathleenNovember 22, 2009 at 8:51 PM

    That was great! I WAS expecting your blue plates, but I agree, Irish Castles look wonderful..(I took poetic license with the name..:)
    It looks wonderful, the votive DO look like ice.
    Teach, you did a fine job..go to the head of the class..(remember that game?) :)
    Happy Thanksgiving, Deb!

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  28. SavoringTime in the KitchenNovember 22, 2009 at 8:52 PM

    Beautiful mantel, Debbie! It's beautiful, the plates, the candles, the tiny wreaths are all wonderful. Thank you for the inspirational post.

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  29. Destination SeabornNovember 22, 2009 at 9:08 PM

    Thank you, thank you for the inspiration! Your mantel looks great! ~ Lisa

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  30. Kathy @ Creative Home ExpressionsNovember 22, 2009 at 9:30 PM

    That is so pretty! Nice to see something a little different from garlands.

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  31. Thoughtfully Blended HeartsNovember 22, 2009 at 9:31 PM

    Your mantel looks positively wonderful. I enjoyed all of the photos but your actual mantle was the very best one!!!

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  32. AnonymousNovember 22, 2009 at 9:32 PM

    Oh, Debbie! How beautiful! I love what you've done to your mantle! How nice to have something you really love! I love it too.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  33. AnonymousNovember 22, 2009 at 9:47 PM

    Just beautiful. I have to agree, purple ribbons don't do Christmas for me, either. I really love the candle holders. Rosie

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  34. VanessaNovember 22, 2009 at 9:53 PM

    I could just stare at that all day! Simply gorgeous, now, you've worked hard...you should sit back, relax, and enjoy the view!

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  35. dee deeNovember 22, 2009 at 9:53 PM

    How beautiful! Love the final product! The red and white is so much fun!... Dee Dee

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  36. Miss Mustard SeedNovember 22, 2009 at 9:55 PM

    So beautiful! I love decorating with plates, symmetry, and topiaries as well and this combines all three. I've been in a funk with decorating my fire place as well, so I need to get with it.

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  37. Ceekay-THINKIN of HOMENovember 22, 2009 at 10:08 PM

    First of all the topiaries are fabulous! I love the candle light on the mantle. Great job!

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  38. Cindy (Applestone Cottage)November 22, 2009 at 10:23 PM

    Debbie,
    This is a super wow for sure! I love it and I love that it's different yet still looks Christmasy. I also love that you got some of your decor at GW and it still looks like a million bucks! Cindy

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  39. Phyllis @Around the HouseNovember 22, 2009 at 10:40 PM

    wow your mantle turned out so wonderful, I am having a mantle worry as well, it is driving me nutty, your pictures helped out alot, I think yours turned out so beautiful, can you give me all those plates and I could have that look lol....

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  40. DonnaNovember 22, 2009 at 11:03 PM

    Great, Great job. Thanks for the inspiration photos. I haven't started my decorating yet, but am wondering how to do my mantel also.

    Thanks,
    D

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  41. Cathy~Mille FleurNovember 22, 2009 at 11:04 PM

    I love all of the inspiration pics but I love your mantel the most!!! You have creatd a gorgeous vignette!!! The ribbon is stunning...the wreaths are gorgeous...the plates beautiful!!!

    Perfect!!!

    Happy Sunday!!!
    XOXO
    Cathy

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  42. MarigeneNovember 22, 2009 at 11:04 PM

    Stunning! I ♥♥♥ your mantel! The red/white plates look so wonderful with the greenery. I really like the way the Kosta Boda votives look like ice. Great job, Debbie!

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  43. ValereeNovember 22, 2009 at 11:12 PM

    Just gorgeous!! Absolutely love those plates! Great job! Thanks for sharing

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  44. Yvonne @ StoneGableNovember 22, 2009 at 11:24 PM

    Oh Debbie you did a spectacular job. I love the red plates against your yellow walls. And those lille wreaths are lovely on the fron of your mantle. Such an upscale and fresh look.
    The mantle in candlelight is beautiful.
    Yvonne

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  45. Its So Very CheriNovember 23, 2009 at 12:46 AM

    I love it all. those wreaths on the fireplace are to die for. PLease post this on my Mon party

    Cheri

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  46. Wanda LeeNovember 23, 2009 at 2:43 AM

    Dear Debbie;

    What a lovely blog post!~ Wow!.., I love what you've done with your mantle decoraton this Christmas season, for Met Monday!..,

    I have decorated with plates on my mantle for years with greenery and candle sticks, etc.,; yet never with wreathes and plates, how utterly creative and lovely!..,

    (We never take my husband's painting down above the mantle either, otherwise that would be so lovely and enjoyable to try)!..,

    YOU ARE WARMLY INVITED TO JOIN ME FOR "TUESDAY TEA FOR TWO", on this coming Tuesday at my, The Plumed Pen blog!~*Details are one post below my last post, (and a couple of posts below; after tomorrow).~*They are all
    posted on my, The Plumed Pen, blog.

    Cheers from Silken Purse..,

    P.S.~You may also enjoy viewing my little parfum bottle collection on that blog as well.

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  47. JeanetteNovember 23, 2009 at 4:17 AM

    So much inspiration. Such lovely images. Your mantel is so unique and elegant.
    Happy Thanksgiving.

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  48. eileeninmdNovember 23, 2009 at 5:16 AM

    Your mantel looks wonderful. I love the plates and the votives are nice added extra. Well done. Great mosaics.

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  49. Miss Laura Lu/RMS4291960November 23, 2009 at 8:50 AM

    Hi Debbie! I think your mantle looks even better than the ones in the magazine! It's beautiful! Perfect! Tres bonne! Magnifique! Tres Vous! Okay that's as far as I can go with the french! But really you did a fantastic job! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! God Bless! lauralu :)

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  50. Shari @ My Cottage of BlissNovember 23, 2009 at 9:31 AM

    AWESOME! Your mantel came out better than the inspiration photos! I really, really love the lanterns too. :)

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  51. Tammy518November 23, 2009 at 9:39 AM

    I love what you did with your mantel. Thanks for all of the inspiration pictures too. I still don't know what I want to do with my mantel this Christmas. Love your PB look-alike lanterns all gussied up for Christmas too.

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  52. debNovember 23, 2009 at 9:48 AM

    Just gorgeous!! Not sure which part I love more..I love it all!
    Happy Thanksgiving!
    *hugs*deb

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  53. ClaudiaNovember 23, 2009 at 10:13 AM

    I have finally given in... :) its that time of year.

    What a lovely transition.

    Here is wishing you and your family a very blessed thanksgiving day-- stop by and share a TG story you might have!!

    TTFN~~ Claudia ♥ ♥

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  54. BonnieNovember 23, 2009 at 11:50 AM

    Hi Debbie, I love the final result of your mantel! I especially love the evening pics with the candles glowing, so lovely!

    Thanks for visiting with me, if you do go to Precious you will need to bring your own tissues with you. It is heavy duty but wonderful.

    I love that picture of...is it Isabella...in the snow!

    So happy you got that roofed fixed! Have a really great week, Bonnie

    PS - love the music and your new header. of course I love Monet

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  55. Pat@Back Porch MusingsNovember 23, 2009 at 1:20 PM

    Debbie this is gorgeous!! You have inspired me! It's time to put away Thanksgiving, at our house, and bring out the Christmas!

    Beautiful post!

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  56. SamNovember 23, 2009 at 2:46 PM

    Your home is beautiful!!! I love the fireplace!!!

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  57. JulieNovember 23, 2009 at 3:19 PM

    It's absolutely beautiful! Don't change a thing. Love it! Thanks for sharing. Yeah...you got me with the blue plate comment. I was surprised with the pink. :-) So pretty.

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  58. ImagineCozyNovember 23, 2009 at 3:55 PM

    I love how you looked at so many different ideas and then took the parts you liked to create your very own look.

    It turned out fantastic, your red plate look so holidayish!
    -Angela

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  59. UnknownNovember 23, 2009 at 5:01 PM

    Love your mantel! Great mosaics and you just cannot go wrong with red transferware :)

    Blessings!
    Gail

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  60. DawnNovember 23, 2009 at 6:03 PM

    Just fabulous Debbie! I was expecting the blue plates. I just adore my red transferware against my yellow walls. I'm glad you went with red too! I bought several new stockings and some other decor at clearance sales last year after Christmas but I can't remember what they all look like! I can't wait to get started.
    Holiday Hugs,
    Dawn

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  61. SarahNovember 23, 2009 at 7:54 PM

    Debbie, you have been busy both at home and on your blog. It all looks terrific! You have inspired me to do something creative with my mantel this Christmas. What that might be I've yet to think of, but I know I love the idea of the plates displayed on the mantel and love, love, love the three wreaths. Not sure if that will work for me, but I'm going to give it a try. Your new kitty photos are pulling at my heart strings. I'm always amazed with the photographs you capture with that camera of yours. You could be a professional!
    Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. Hugs ~ Sarah

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  62. Kathryn @ Bonafide SouthernNovember 23, 2009 at 9:24 PM

    Debbie, Wow, I really love what you've done. You've used some of my favorite dishes too! I would love to recreate a version of this on my dining room mantel. I wonder how I could get the little candle wreaths to hang without putting a nail in the mantel. Hubby would have a fit if I did that! Thanks for such GREAT inspiration!

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  63. Lori ENovember 23, 2009 at 11:23 PM

    There are some great ideas here. A little inspiration goes a long way.

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  64. Ldy ~~ DyNovember 24, 2009 at 1:17 AM

    Great mosaics! I love how your red/pink transferware looks on the mantel! Very Christmas! Hugs!

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  65. Sandi@ Rose Chintz CottageNovember 24, 2009 at 10:17 AM

    Hi Debbie,
    Oh, what a pretty mantle! I love it! But then I do so love red transferware! Thanksgiving Blessings to you from Canada!

    ~Sandi

    ReplyDelete
  66. Happy To Be/ Gl♥riaNovember 24, 2009 at 11:03 AM

    Many Thanksgiving Blessings to you and your family….Hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

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  67. claudieNovember 25, 2009 at 1:00 AM

    Always beautiful Debbie, just like you and your home.
    I'm coming by to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving.
    Love Claudie
    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  68. Miss JaniceNovember 25, 2009 at 1:21 AM

    I love your mantel and I keep saying I'm gonna get some of those Johnson Bros. dishes...I love them. You did a great job, it's beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  69. Melissa MillerNovember 25, 2009 at 12:12 PM

    ~Ah! Debbie this is so precious and just perfection. ~Fabulous job!

    Happy Thanksgiving to you and your staff from Me and Chestnut!
    ~Meow....~Melissa :)

    ReplyDelete
  70. The Quintessential MagpieNovember 25, 2009 at 12:28 PM

    Debbie, I've already been by to ogle the mantle, but I wanted to drop back by and tell you that in my list of blessings, I count you twice! You are an absolute delight, and I hope that in the not too distant future, I will have the opportunity to meet you in person (which could be dangerous if we are in an antique shop or thrift store). Much, much love to you, the kitties, and your family on Thanksgiving and every day.

    XOXOXO,

    Sheila :-)

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  71. TaraNovember 25, 2009 at 4:16 PM

    There's nothing that says home like a mantel!

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  72. Sara's Sweet SurpriseNovember 25, 2009 at 4:49 PM

    Sweet Debbie~ I'm strolling in to catch up and especially to wish you and your(furry) loved ones a Happy Thanksgiving!
    It's such a wonderful time to stop and reflect on all those we cherish and are truly grateful for.
    Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to visit and leave feeling inspired!

    Even though our Thanksgiving is very small in number, with hubby and son (we don't count the cat cause she doesn't like turkey). We don't scrimp on the menu...from appetizers to desserts with several carb loaded dishes in between! We will be enjoying tryptophan playoffs too!

    Sweet Holiday wishes,
    Sara

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  73. sarah { abeachcottage }November 26, 2009 at 2:37 PM

    love your mantel!

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  74. Manuela@A Cultivated NestNovember 26, 2009 at 9:09 PM

    Oh my gosh....that's soooo pretty! I'd love to do something like that only I'm afraid of my husband knocking into it (or the dog)LOL!

    LOvE IT!!!

    Hope you've had a lovely Thanksgiving!

    Manuela

    ReplyDelete
  75. SueNovember 27, 2009 at 7:50 PM

    Hi Debbie....your mantel looks fabulous...I love the plates...they are perfect and your's is certainly magazine worthy!! Are you coming to the party on the 11th? I hope so!!

    ReplyDelete
  76. Four Paws and CoNovember 27, 2009 at 10:01 PM

    This is beautiful Debbie! I just that I had a mantle... :o{

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  77. Becca BertottiNovember 7, 2010 at 8:23 AM

    Gorgeous! I love how you took pieces from mantels that you were inspred by and turned them into something all your own! So, will you be doing this again this year or switching it up? I'm debating over my mantel when it comes to this, too! Take care, *Becca*

    ReplyDelete

Thanks so much for stopping by and taking the time to comment! I appreciate my wonderful readers!... Debbie

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