Hunt-Themed Christmas Mantel

Welcome to the 97th Metamorphosis Monday!

Christmastime is such an easy time to find a Before and After to post with all the holiday decorating we have going on in our homes. This week I’m sharing some changes I made to my mantel in the family room today.

Here’s a Before pic I took earlier today:

Nature Hunt Themed Christmas Mantel

I usually wait and decorate the mantel a bit closer to Christmas using scraps from a local tree lot since I now have artificial trees. Below you’ll see a pic of how my mantel looked last Christmas. I just decorated around the books and mantel clock that are on the mantel year around.  Last year I used Christmas tree scraps, nandina berries from my yard, pine cones and a few gold ornaments. The wreath is one I bought about 15 years ago and continue to use each year. I love how the two “hunt” horns tucked down inside of it have aged over the years.  They have a nice patina now.

Christmas 2009:

Nature Hunt Themed Christmas Mantel

I decided this year to do something a little different. I took my inspiration from last week’s “wildlife/hunt themed” Thanksgiving tablescape .

Nature Hunt Themed Christmas Mantel

Instead of using Christmas tree scraps for my greenery, I cut a branch off the magnolia in my front yard. I’ve been needing to cut this branch for some time because it sticks way out into the driveway making it hard to get by.

Nature Hunt Themed Christmas Mantel

When I finished, this was all I had left…

Nature Hunt Themed Christmas Mantel

And here’s the After: A Hunt-Themed Holiday Mantel

Nature Hunt Themed Christmas Mantel

I left the clock on the mantel since I would miss it if it were gone.

Woodland Nature Themed Mantel_wm

We’re going to pretend like the horns in the wreath are hunting horns. 😉 There are two…one at the top and one at the bottom.

Nature Hunt Themed Christmas Mantel

Nature Hunt Themed Christmas Mantel

Nature Hunt Themed Christmas Mantel

Nature Hunt Themed Christmas Mantel

Deer from last week’s Thanksgiving Tablescape… nandina berries are from my yard…

Nature Hunt Themed Christmas Mantel

Added a few of the glitter pine cones from last week’s tablescape

Nature Hunt Themed Christmas Mantel

Nature Hunt Themed Christmas Mantel

 

A few weeks ago, a friend and I toured the Southern Living Idea House in Senoia, Georgia. On the way back home, we made a u-turn to head back to an antique shoppe we zipped right by. I found these little fox hunt guys there and couldn’t resist bringing them home. Had no idea what I’d do with them when I bought them…

Nature Hunt Themed Christmas Mantel

I know these guys look like bears, but they are actually foxes. That Mr. Fox’s furry little tail across the top of the clock.
Nature Hunt Themed Christmas Mantel

Nature Hunt Themed Christmas Mantel

 

 

Hunt Themed Mantel with Magnolia

So, that’s my mantel for this year

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Comments

  1. I love the deer in your decor! Everything is just so gorgeous – you are very talented!

  2. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    Love your mantle pics, Susan! Such a great mantle to decorate, too! Thanks for hosting!

  3. Judy @ In His Grip says

    I love the magnolia leaves for your greenier. They not only add the green but the shinny as well. How lucky to have a tree right in your own yard.

  4. Your mantel is stunning! I love how you incorporated the magnolia leaves into the design. The hunting theme looks like a wonderful fit with all the rich, beautiful wood in your room.
    Jane

  5. Stephanie Lynn @Under the Table and Dreaming says

    Simply Gorgeous! I love the fresh leaves. I have been bring some of the outdoors indoors this season and love it! Looks fabulous. Thanks for hosting and have a wonderful week! ~ Stephanie Lynn

  6. One Cheap B*tch says

    First, did I tell you how much I loved your new logo?! =) And your home photos are just great! Two words: I wish! Or two more: two boys!

    Jeanine

  7. DanielleisNesting says

    Your mantle is drop dead gorgeous!

  8. Your mantel is great! How lucky you are to have a Magnolia tree. Love it!

    Mary
    From Virginia

  9. On Crooked Creek says

    Susan,
    How delightful to see all the natural elements used in your Mantle Makeover! The deer are stunning! The clock reminds us that time is of the essence. . .quickening as we prepare for the Season of Christmas! Thank you for an inspiring post!
    Fondly,
    Pat

  10. Your Christmas decor is just beautiful. I love the hunt theme! Thanks for hosting!

  11. This is gorgeous, Susan. I would love to have a magnolia in our yard!

  12. Beautiful, simply beautiful! Our fireplace is in the Family Room and it's housing our two new puppies in training so no Christmas dressing on the mantle just yet…

  13. Confessions of a Plate Addict says

    Hi Susan! Your mantel is lovely! I see that you finally found your foxes! They're so cute! Happy week!…hugs…Debbie

  14. Jess @ Frugal with a Flourish says

    Beautiful!! I love the deer and the greenery! Just lovely! Thanks for hosting!!

  15. Sailing Simply says

    Love your mantle! The fox hunt bears are so cute! I love how you used your magnolia leaves too. I have a magnolia also but have yet to use it indoors. Your mantle is very inspirational and so pretty! You really did a spectacular display!

  16. Thanks for hosting and showing the beauty of Christmas at your house. I also love your new header! Have a great week!

  17. Momma Button says

    Your mantle is beautiful! I love the outdoors theme! My boys would be all over this one. I may have to copy this to the best of my ability. Have a wonderful Christmas season!

  18. Fantastic idea with the magnolia greenery. We have a ton around here as well. I am using live greenery myself, I never would have thought of that though. Thanks for sharing your inspiration. I really enjoyed the Home Alone segment as well.

  19. Pam @ diy Design Fanatic says

    Very festive Susan! I love your decorations!

  20. bcp.....My Life says

    Awh…..I love the live greenery. So pretty! Thanks for hosting!

  21. Oh my! That was so much gorgeousness to take in I had to scroll up and down a few times! 🙂
    You are truly talented and I got so much great inspiration from your lovely decor…I think I may just have to raid my Laurel bushes to get some fresh greenery to do around my chandelier. Thanks so much for hosting another fun party!
    Vanessa

  22. Splendid Sass says

    Susan,
    This is just beautiful. I love using greenery on the table and mantle too. Magnolia tops it off.
    Thank you for sharing.
    Teresa

  23. Susan, First of all your mantle is drop dead gorgeous even before you decorated it for Christmas~ I love the way you decorated with the natural elements , the magnolia leaves and the berries. Your two little fox hunters are so cute~~ and the wreath and the deer just improved upon perfection!!

  24. Susan, I love the hunt theme look. I used magnolia leaves on our mantel last year and may do the same this season. I've not started on any Christmas decorating as yet. So thanks for the inspiration. It all looks gorgeous. I'm rather fond of your hunt room decor anyway. 😉
    Sarah

  25. Susan (My Place to Yours) says

    Isn't it amazing how a little greenery makes everything look so festive? Love it!

  26. Designs By Pinky says

    Your mantel is stunning! I love your new HUNT bears! I have to upload some pictures and will post tomorrow or LATER tonight! I wish I had a magnolia tree….or a neighbor who wanted theirs trimmed:):) XO, Pinky

  27. Kelly @ JAX does design says

    Your mantel is beautiful! Love the deer, and how you incorporated the magnolia branch into the design.

    I need to get busy with my decorating!

    Kelly

  28. Heaven's Walk - says

    What a stunning mantel, Susan! Wow! Love the textures, the colors, just everything about it is so beautiful!! Your home looks like something out of a magazine…. 🙂

    xoxo laurie

  29. So pretty, Susan. Love it!..Christine

  30. Hi Susan,
    Your mantle looks beautiful again this year!

    Thank you for hosting,

    Carolyn

  31. Hi, Susan. I love your mantel! I have been following your blog for about a year, and your style is amazing. It's so refreshing to see how you fearelessly embrace color, pattern, and traditional design. It's so nice to see that not everyone in blogland is converting to an all-white cottage-style home. You are truly an inspiration! Thank you.

  32. Your hunting mantal is stunning!!

  33. Joselyn@ The DIY Spot says

    Love your mantel and the bears are so cute! I am such a fan of "use what you have" decorating. Beautiful!

  34. Lady Katherine says

    I love your clock, I have one similar, I bought in Tennessee antique shop for $10.00, my boss wife and I were shopping for the same clock the same week on internet and they were running around $400.00 I found mine the next day and ran with it. lol The mantel is so pretty, love the deer there, and all the magnolia leaves. The bears are so darling. I found a jacket, and skirt in my closet today that is the same fabric. I forgot I had bought it. Never worn it. lol Love the mantel!

  35. The Polka Dot Closet says

    Your house is gorgeous, with or without decorations. Thank you for hosting this party. I linked up as number 80, and linked back to you, hope all is OK.

    Carol

  36. Sonya@Beyond the Screen Door says

    Absolutely gorgeous! Love the idea and how you used all your items! It suits your room perfectly!

  37. What a beautiful mantel. I love that you used some things that you already had. It was all pulled together so nicely. Bummed that my mantel has a tv hanging above it!

  38. Love your mantle. I absolutely adore the cardinal fire screen. We don't have cardinals here… I really, really miss them. I, too, am happy to see the continuation of a traditional home. Classic design never goes out of style.

  39. Katie@LeBeauPaonVictorien says

    Very pretty! It looks perfect with the rest of the room. The fox hunt dressed bears are too cute!

  40. Hello! I am back! I have had some health issues but am back to visiting my favorite sites. I plan to participate on Monday. I love the mantel. The magnolia leaves are wonderful.

  41. Warm and inviting…everything Christmas should be!

  42. Fifi Flowers says

    Looks good… my turns to get busy!

  43. absolutely gorgeous. you do beautiful work!

  44. Garden Girl says

    Oh I love it! The magnolia leaves are so beautiful and a pleasant surprise.

  45. Cindy Adkins says

    Your blog is breathtaking!!!
    XO

  46. Beautiful mantel! I love a hunt scene. Your wreath is so very pretty. Thanks for hosting the party and a special thanks for your ornament garland tutorial. My post is about that!

  47. Your mantle is gorgeous, Susan! I couldn't help but notice the jabot window treatment on the window on the right side of the mantle. I sewed the exact same ones from the exact same Waverly fabric for my four family room windows from we first built our house!!! I changed my color scheme a while back and took them down. Poor windows are still bare other than wood blinds…

  48. Amanda@RelovedRubbish says

    Your mantle is so pretty! I love the real magnolia leaves and berries mixed with the sparkly pinecones. I love the deer too! You have a talent for pulling it all together. It is absolutely gorgeous!

    Thank you for hosting the party 🙂

  49. Michelle @ Sweet Something Design says

    Thank you for hosting Susan! Beautiful mantle, love the magnolia leaves!

  50. Dear Susan,
    your mantle decoration is fabulous. Love the deers with the necklace and the hunting foxes are so nice. And this abundance of greenery, red berries and golden decor is wonderful.
    Greetings, Johanna

  51. Hi Susan
    I love your mantle with the deer. And, I love your blog banner. It is soooo cute. Thanks for having so many wonderful post. I enjoy them very much.
    xo
    Betty

  52. Beautiful mantle and your dinning room wreath is icy loveliness …
    But the new headed brought a giant grin to my face…home run girl!
    love it
    Robin
    All Things Heart and Home

  53. I love your mantel, magnolia leaves are great looking! I need to get over to my son's place and grab some off his tree!
    I love free decorations!
    Here's my M/Monday…
    http://www.cabinfever228.blogspot.com
    about my laundry room.

    Mel's Cabin

  54. Simone @ Doberman's by the Sea says

    Hello, thanks for hosting. Lovely ideas here. The Bavarian Christmas linky party is now open-won’t you come and join us at http://dobermans-by-the-sea.blogspot.com/2010/11/1st-christmas-linky-party-at-dobermans.html

  55. gnee @ Singing With Birds says

    Hi Susan,

    I'm loving your fabulous mantel and new header too! It's such a fun visit here. Thanks for having us!

  56. Modern Country Lady says

    What a lovely surprise to have a Christmas theme at the top of your blog!! Your fireplace looks very cosy – lovely!!

  57. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and I love it. Your mantel looks fabulous.!

  58. Beautifully arranged, Susan & it is in keeping with the hunt club theme of the rest of your lovely home, too.

    No fresh greens allowed in this house…too many allergies. :*(

    ♥ ♥ ♥ your fireplace screen with the cardinals…Ohio's state bird, ya' know!

  59. Wonderful mantel. Oh how I wish I had a magnolia tree.

  60. Love the mantel Susan, I'm such a sucker for all things magnolia. I guess we always want what we don't have and since magnolias can't survive in my neck of the woods I swoon when I see them in someones decor. Thanks for sharing your mantel with us, hopefully it will inspire me to get mind done.

  61. Your mantle is gorgeous! As soon as it warms up, I'll be trekking out to the backyard to get some magnolia for myself. Hope you don't mind if I copy~cat!!

  62. Pictures, post and links are wonderful…thank you!!!Ciao Flavia

  63. Sandy@Life Began In A Garden says

    I love the bungalow in your header, so cute!

  64. I always look forward to seeing the gorgeous things you do. That mantle is drop dead gorgeous….I love the deer. Thanks for hosting every week. It's always my Sunday night or Monday morning special time.

  65. black eyed susans kitchen says

    As usual Susan, these pictures are awe inspiring and should be in a magazine!! So beautiful and so many good ideas. Thank you.
    ♥, Susan

  66. Chari at Happy To Design says

    Hi Susan…

    My friend, I really love what you did with your Christmas mantel decor this year! The magnolia greeney is fabulous! Love the pretty deer and those sweet little foxes as well…they're adorable, Susan! Girlfriend, I just adore this beautiful room and your fireplace is fabulous!!!

    Thank you so much for hosting MM for us! I always have so much fun joining in with this party!

    Warmest wishes, sweet lady!
    Chari @Happy To Design

  67. Life in Rehab says

    Your mantle is amazing! And I really like the thumbnail feature at the top of the page so I can catch up on what I've missed.

  68. Carmie of the Single Nester says

    Your banner looks awesome! It makes me happy!

  69. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    Your mantle is beautiful Susan!! Thank you for hosting! 🙂

  70. I love looking at your blog since we have very similar taste .. I ohh and ahhh at the Waterford and obviously anything hunt or (english)horse related!!!

  71. Oh, your mantel is just beautiful. It's so warm and welcoming & lux. Great job.
    CAS

  72. I cannot believe I won!!! How cool is that!!! Thanks so much. By the way, I love your mantel, both mantels. Isn't magnolia the best with which to decorate for Christmas? Thanks again for hosting the giveaway. I'm so thankful to have won, especially since losing my purse this past weekend. A bad weekend turned good.

  73. Pretty as usual Susan. Very different this year with the Hunt theme. Linda

  74. Mid-Atlantic Martha says

    Your mantle of your beautiful family room looks like the perfect spot for the hunt theme and two perky foxes!

  75. amariaf2000 says

    LOVE your hunt themed mantle!! Feel free to come to NC and decorate mine! 🙂 I love decorating for Christmas – especially my mantle – each year I try to do something different. So far, no time to get the decor out, but hopefully by the weekend, I'll have some decor out!

    ~angela @ thetasselhouse

  76. Hilary @ Sweet as June says

    It looks so pretty! what a great idea with the magnolia!!

  77. Love your mantle Susan! I know what you mean about moving your clock and missing it. We have a clock on our mantle too but I had to move it to a small sideboard this year to decorate the mantle…I keep looking at the mantle for that clock! BUT I do like it on the sideboard, not sure if I'll keep it there after Christmas or not.

    Hugs!
    Judy

  78. Handy Man, Crafty Woman says

    OH, how I wish I had a mantle…sigh…!

    Thanks for hosting. So many cute thumbnails to look through; I wish I had time to visit them all!

  79. Andrea at Opulent Cottage says

    I love the simple elegance of your mantel! Hobby Lobby has some reindeer similar to yours, and I resisted them last week, but not now! It's really lovely, thanks for the inspiration.
    Cheers, Andrea

  80. we three dogs and me says

    Oh I wish I had a fireplace. Yours is just wonderful. The bears I recall when I went to nephews wedding in Montreal Canada. In fact I was tempted to buy them but were quite expensive.

  81. Dana and Daisy says

    I love the fresh magnolia! I forgot to take before pics of mine! lol!

  82. Beautiful mantel! So elegant. I posted about our holiday mantel today, but didn't include "before" pix, so won't be linking up today. 🙁

    xo,
    cristin @ simplified bee

  83. FABBY'S LIVING says

    What a wow incredible mantel Susan!!! I just adore all you do, it's totaly my style, I will copy something like it next year, but meanwhile I'll send you my house all decked up.
    Love you very much.
    your fan.
    FABBY

  84. InMyOwnStyle says

    Hi Susan-
    What a great mantel to decorate!! Love the way you mixed all the elements – they work so well together. Looking forward to linking up with you on the 6th.
    My best- Diane

  85. Simple Southern Happiness says

    AH! now I know what I can do with the trimmings from my magnolia tree. The lawn crew trimmed the trees and they are sitting waiting for the county to pick them up. Guess I better go get them.

  86. Oh my goodness. You were in my neck of the woods! I live in Senoia and went to the Idea House a few months back. I have at least 6 posts about it – you just can't cover it in one. ALso, I saw a note about Naps on the Porch on the register at the store where I have my booth – Rockin' B Antiques. Were you there!?!?! If I had been in the store, I would have fainted dead away to meet a blogging friend in person. For some reason, I am the only one in my group of friends and family who blogs. I keep telling everyone how wonderful it is, but they look at me as if I'm some out of touch geek. I think I'm close to winning one or two over. If you ever get back this way, let me know! By the way, the yard sales in Senoia and Peachtree City can be amazing.

  87. Too lovely for words! Love your mantel and your home! And I live in Sharpsburg! Haven't been to the S. Living Idea House yet. And what antique store did you stop at? Just curious…. Thanks for sharing!

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