Decking the halls - part 1 - MANTLE

Decking the Halls - Part 1 - MANTLE.
Unfortunately for my husband, my holiday style tends to change and evolve every year. He'll never understand it, but he has made peace (for the most part). The rules of the game are that I can change our style and decor all I want, as long as I don't spend any money. HA! I've tweaked this rule to read "as long as I don't spend a lot of money" and I am definitely in compliance. In fact, for this mantle, no new $$ was spent. Yay me! After rummaging through our Christmas boxes, & finding bits and pieces around the house, this is what I came up with for our holiday mantle. You likey!? I likey :)

I'm really into nature and neutrals this year so that's what I used as my inspiration. Kind of eclectic, kind of elegant, but also very earthy and natural. It's very "Ali 2010" if I do say so myself. Again, I borrowed the idea for the glitter letter banners from Miss Mustard Seed, and I wonder if she would be happy with the outcome. I think so.

These snowy branches that I got 2 years ago from Michael's are very pretty and very versatile. I used them in a centerpiece last year, this year they're on the mantle, and next year - who knows!?

Joy, Wish, Jingle, Magic, & Noel. All words that make me feel happy that it's Christmas time. Hopefully we'll get our tree soon so I can get started on that. SO fun, I love decking our halls! Stay tuned for more decorating fun people!

Linkin' up at The Answer is Chocolate :)