Yep. I have two Fireplace Mantels in my house.
Some of you do too and I wonder if you run into the same problem I do.
It may sound nice and all, but the reality is that means there is not one but TWO blank expanses of wood staring me in the face and just daring me to come up with something creative for them.
I wasn’t really thinking about that when we first toured the house.
Actually, the first thing I thought of when I saw that there were two gas fireplaces is that they could never be on at the same time or our gas bill would be enormous! I’m a dreamer like that!
Nonetheless, they are there and I must accept their challenge.
First up is our Family Room Mantel.
My goal this year was to decorate in keeping with the Harvest theme and strive for simplicity.
And I was absolutely determined to work this painting into my mantel decor.
I photocopied an oil painting which used to hang in my Great-Grandmothers home.
My Dad says he has vivid memories of seeing it on the walls of Mamaw’s house when he would visit there as a young boy. You can barely see her face, but the woman in this painting just draws me in and I love that she now has a place of honor in my home.
The only items I purchased new this year were the frame from Wal-Mart for the lovely blue lady and these bunches of wheat for my urns.
The urns were a….wait for it…TJ Maxx find from this summer.
I absolutely love their detailing and they were only $9.99 each!
The plate I have had forever and while it may be more “Spring-ish” than “Fall-ish”, the colors worked perfectly and it kept me from having to buy something new.
This little box was passed down to me from my Grandmother and my mom told me that it is actually a cheese box. The shape of the box would help to mold the cheese into a block and you can read some of the wording on it.
I love the rustic beauty of it.
Simple, sentimental and inexpensive.
Mantel number one is good to go!
Stay tuned for Part Two of A Tale of Two Mantels!
Thanks for joining me today at the Fence,
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26 Comments on "A Tale of Two Mantels…Part One"
Yes, that certainly is good to go. Two, I can hardly get one the way I like it let alone two! I love the little painting too. Very pretty Vanessa!
Love your mantle display of items you’ve collected over time, and some with a very interesting story!
The “things” that have meaning that we surround ourselves with bring such comfort to our homes!
Love it Vanessa.
I love it! The cheese box is awesome!
Love it Vanessa! I’m jealous that you have two because I have none in this house and really miss it. Love the box especially and the Bobsy Twins book! I have one of those that belonged to my mom. Love old books!
Your mantel looks wonderful all dressed for fall. I love the green urns. I also have two fireplaces and mantels, but since one is downstairs in the basement I let that one slide, except for Christmas. Can’t wait to see part two!
Vanessa- Your mantle looks lovely! You did a nice job and I think the plate is perfect for Fall! Can’t wait to see #2- xo Diana
I really like the way you did that mantel. I like the dried grasses that you used on each end and the wooden crate full of Fall goodies.
I have two mantels in my current home, too, Vanessa! Your display is just lovely! Ours are wood burning fireplaces and while I love the fireplaces, I always had a hard time coming up with different displays for the mantels. Our new place has one gas fireplace and it’s not very big. Plus the tv will be going over it, so I’m sure that will make it easier on me as far as decorating them.
I have a vintage print of that also, and I really love the baskets of flowers she’s carrying. Great little box with the fall goodies. I’m working on “simple” fall decor! xoxo Debra
It looks fab!
Looks great, Vanessa. Love that box.
I’m feeling you! My house is 115 years old and has 5 fireplaces and mantels. I am seriously challenged in this area, so thanks for the inspiration!
I really like the framed photocopy of the painting. It’s so pretty and such a nice sentiment to display something your grandma had in her home! And I’m completely envious of the cheese box. I love when vintage/industrial meets food! 🙂
And thanks for the kind note! I’m having a great time in Maine! And yes…the furniture seems to follow me (aka haunt me) everywhere!
I love finding posts on mantel decorating…. It’s something I’ve been working on in my own home. And I love to then tweak it to adjust for the seasons. Your mantel looks beautiful!!!
Such a sweet picture and an even sweeter story behind it with your family history. I love using pieces like that in decorating. Your mantel is very nice, and I really like the 2 urns of wheat. Gotta love TJ Maxx.
Beautiful, Vanessa !! I love the blue lady (and the memories behind it) … I have that very same frame, too !! And, the cheese box is an awesome and a fabulous “pedastal” for your beautiful Fall arrangement! And, the plate is perfect! Love the vase and arrangements, too … this is truly a gorgeous Fall mantel, friend !!
Love the history behind the framed print. The mantle looks beautiful. Looking forward to part 2.
Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving such a kind comment.
I love all the warmth in your displays..the stories and memories behind many of your things give so much meaning! It is beautiful sweet friend..as always! Christie
TWO! I would so love to have two mantels. Around here, it’s the only place that is usually free space to decorate since it’s a little too high and narrow for the kids to think of setting stuff down there!
Your arrangement is beautiful–I love the pear plate and your “blue lady” especially. That’s such a sweet painting.
Can’t wait for part two! 🙂
Simplistic beauty at its best! Love the little box and the story. I’m really “sappy” about that kind of thing!
🙂 CAS
This is so pretty Vanessa! And the box…you know I love a good story!
Thanks for linking to Potpourri Friday and helping to make it a success! I appreciate you, sweet friend!
Very beautiful! I love your vignette, and love the pictures in the wall, it’s my fav look! The little box is awesome! Have a fun weekend. FABBY
Vanessa mantel number 1 looks fabulous! Can’t wait to see what you do with mantel number 2! How lucky you are to have two fireplaces. Martina
Love the picture! How nice to have something that reminds you of family! I understand how sometimes a piece just speaks to you. I have a framed print in our bedroom that moves me. The mantel looks great!
Vanessa, Your mantel is beautiful and I love the cheese box. Looking forward to seeing mantel #2. Thank you for linking to the Open House party.
xo,
Sherry