It’s that time of year again, when families are coming together and the spirit of Christmas begin flowing through homes.  This year I started decorating a little bit early, in order to take my time and really enjoy all the Christmas.  After I finished a small DIY craft, I was ready to dress up the mantle.

My theme for the downstairs living area is rustic glam.  I love the way the lights shine off of silvers and golds, plus I wanted to go simple with a lot of neutrals. Last year, I started to bring in some snow like elements and this year I wanted to play that up even more.

TAKE A LOOK AT LAST YEARS MANTLE

I started with my vision of a mini tree forest.  I have collected so many over the past couple years this wasn’t going to be hard.

I truly have  a Target Store tree forest.  I am almost embarrassed to say so! The silver trees were from the dollar section, years ago.  They were the kids trees before they got their own big tree upstairs.  The burlap versions were last years dollar spot find.  The white and gold were clearance after Christmas Target trip and the yarn were also from Target, but I have updated them.

HERE IS THE BEFORE AND A DIY.

To up the sparkle, I added wire twinkle lights around some trees.  I also added them to my DIY fur wreath.  This wreath is actually a foam wreath from Walmart, covered with microfiber dust cloths from the Dollar Tree.  Last year I stuck them into my tree to create a snowy look, I simply pinned them to the foam wreath to make it look like fur this year.  Love the way it turned out.  

After I pinned the fur, I added these rustic glam bells from Home Goods.  I love the gold and the rustic look, with the rope tie. It fits perfectly with my theme.  The last element was the navy bow.  I didn’t plan on navy, but then really liked the way it popped with the white.  I will now be adding a little navy all over the downstairs.

Which isn’t hard, since I have had a navy crush all year.  Here is one last look.  I plan on adding our nativity set after Thanksgiving, and of course our stockings.  Hope you’ll stop by again for the full tour.

Since it is now December, and we are fully ready to devote our attention to why we celebrate Christmas, I have added my delicate Nativity scene.  I have wanted some thing larger for a couple of years, but I haven’t found the right fit yet.  I do enjoy this ceramic piece of Jesus, Mary and Joseph.

Also here is a peek at the tree.  I still have some additions, but check back soon for more! Until then, see what I have cooking in the kitchen.

Four Ways to Add Christmas to the Kitchen