If you’ve spent any time over here you know that I love words. I’ve tried to do one of those blog posts where it’s just pictures but it ends up being about the same as when I’m having a conversation with someone and there are big, long pauses. I can’t do it. I simply MUST fill in the gaps! It’s a sickness, I tell ya.
But although I have a very obvious love affair with words, there is one particular word that I struggle with, especially when it comes to decorating.
And as I was putting a little Easter twist on my living room mantel the other day, I was thinking about this word and about how it might perhaps be the reason I’ve always decorated more for Spring than specifically for Easter.
You see, I have a problem with the word ‘cute’. In and of itself, it’s a lovely word. I, myself, actually use it quite a bit in my day to day conversations. But most of the time those particular conversations are with my young daughter.
I have found that using the word ‘cute’ to describe something can go either one of two ways. If used to tell a little girl that her hair is looking especially darling that day, the word ‘cute’ is the perfect choice.
If, however, it’s used to describe my home decor, I guess I just bristle a bit.
Because, I think sometimes people can take this sweet little word and twist it into something that can sound almost patronizing. Like how you feel when someone pats you on the head. Or when a sales clerk who is 20 years younger than you calls you ‘sweetie’.
I will never forget showing my home to an extended family member for the first time. We were so excited about moving into a house we never dreamed we’d be able to live in and as I shared all of my plans with her she was just absolutely silent. We walked from room to room with me babbling on like an idiot while she barely made a sound. And after one of those long, dreaded pauses that I so desperately wanted to fill with words, she uttered only one single word of her own. Her gaze swept around the kitchen and breakfast room and into the family room and she said, “Cute.” Just.Like.That. Her nose may have even been turned up when she said it but I could also just have created that in my imagination as I’ve relived that moment over and over again. 😉
I think that maybe these slightly traumatizing encounters I’ve had with the word ‘cute’ have made me nervous about decor in my home that would even remotely smack of it.
So, I’ve just avoided it all together.
I’m happy to put out Spring branches and a few little nests but I haven’t dared to try and create anything specifically Easter-y for fear of going over the edge of cuteness and never returning.
But this year was different somehow. Maybe it’s because I just turned 40. Maybe it’s my newfound sense of security in who I am. Maybe I know my style better now and feel confident in it.
Or maybe it’s just I really wanted to declare my feelings about what Easter means to me on a chalkboard.
As I placed the topiary in the bucket on top of the mantel I stood back and thought to myself, “That’s so cute!”
And, surprisingly, I was ok with it.
Maybe I’ve made my peace with cute.
In moderation, of course! 😉
Thanks so much for meeting me at the fence today,
Actually, I was thinking it looks lovely.
Thank you so much Pat! 🙂
Your home/mantle is lovely. Happy Easter!
Thank you so much Lisa! I always appreciate you stopping by. Happy Easter to you too!
So very peaceful and full of grace…
Thank you Cindy!
I love it!!
Thank you Jeanie!
Cute was not the word that came into my mind as I looked at your post. It was Peaceful and Meaningful. Looks lovely.
Thank you so much Suzanne!!
I tried and tried to ignore your misspelled “mantel” but as a former teacher I can’t. It’s mantle not mantel. I do love your site thoughl
Hi Dorothy! Thanks for your kind words about our site! I just did a quick search to confirm the spelling and my understanding is that a ‘mantel’ is in fact a shelf above the fireplace while ‘mantle’ is a sleeveless cloak. 🙂 I’m a stickler for spelling too (even though I’ve been known to need some editing here and there and definitely welcome the help!) so I just wanted to make sure that I didn’t need to go back through and change all of my references. Thanks again!
Actually, both are fine. Mantle is not as common. (former teacher/reading specialist)
Love your mantel and dislike the word cute. I once showed my oldest daughter a primitive painting that I had done for a poster, and she said, “That’s cute.” I was crushed and vowed to myself that I would never use the word again.
I love your Easter “mantel” … it is perfection…. simply “graceful” ….. and mantel is the correct spelling….I always remember by “Mantle” is “Mickey … not a surface above a fireplace….
Thank you so much sweet friend! 🙂
Again, mantle is correct, also. I checked before commenting.
I so understand your dilemma…and I love the mantel…not cute… It’s wonderful. 🙂
Some people have a limited vocabulary use, and apply the word “cute” when they actually mean lovely or beautiful…but sometimes, people are deliberately condescending. Insecure people. Still, it can smart, I know. When I met my new sister-in-law for the first time, she informed me that she knows right where I live, because she’s driven past. She went on to explain that she still owns a house nearby, which she uses as rental property. “I used to live there myself,” she said, “back when it was still a NICE neighborhood.” OUCH! I try not to worry about what others think of my home, because it is our HOME, and it’s paid for. I’m aware though, that it’s never going to measure up to some people’s standards. I decorate to please myself, and my husband, who has a similar sense of style. If anything, his choices are more formal, and that’s saying something, because I lean in that direction. I fight it a bit in order to make our home feel warm and welcoming, and not stuffy. For each holiday I decorate with a few “Kitschy” items (cute things) that I put out for our grandchildren to enjoy. Truth be told though, I probably enjoy them more. They make me smile, and there’s nothing wrong with that!
I meant to add, “He is risen, indeed!”
I really like your spring decorating! Love the fireplace mantel!
I find it charming. Hope mine turns out half as nice. Jo @ Let’s Face the Music
“Busy” is my “cute”…you sure are “busy” aka I don’t now what the hey you do all day! lol. Your mantel is wonderful, especially the chalkboard 😉
I follow you on twitter and facebook – love your blog and content- always a fresh straightforward approach. this display is classy and fun. I love the Chalkboard frame.