Fourth of July Mantle

Thought I’d share pics of my holiday mantle before I pack it away.

My mother-in-law gave me the basket hanging above my fireplace, and she filled it with fern leaves and flowers. I like how it looks with the patriotic decor.

The candle is from the dollar store, and I bring it out at Valentine’s Day, Christmas, and 4th of July. The stand was part of a hurricane, but Emma broke the hurricane. Now, it’s a perfect candle holder. The charms are from a cake plate that my MIL got Emma on QVC. The frame is from my MIL, too. The pic is 2 years old.

The pails behind the ‘welcome’ sign are from Target’s dollar spot (thanks, sis!). The red, white, and blue ‘things’ behind the ‘welcome’ sign are balloon weights from the Dollar Tree. The ‘welcome’ sign is from Kohl’s (thanks, MIL).

The white bird is from Michaels. The little dessert bowl is from Dollar Tree. The stars filling the bowl are from Hobby Lobby. And, the candle sticks are my latest Goodwill treasures.

This is my entry table. Yes, it’s pretty bare, but this was all I had left to decorate patriotically. The pail is another one from Target filled with the Hobby Lobby stars and flags from Dollar Tree. The frame holds a picture of my sweet niece, Allie. The blue vase is from Goodwill.

I love to decorate the table and mantle seasonally. When I pack the patriotic items away, I plan to decorate in a ‘beachy/seashell’ theme. Can’t wait to get started on it this week. I’ve got some craft projects in mind. I’ll post pics as I switch out the stuff.

Things to Try – Wall Art

I ♥ this wall art!!  It would look fabulous in my new game room.  The walls are currently painted green, and this is a fabulous way to bring in a pop of color (or two).  Visit 170 DAYS for a tutorial for this wall art. 

I love these birthday invites!

Maybe I can talk Emma into a ballerina birthday party this year so I can make these invitations.  They are too cute!!  Check out A Little Loveliness to see how she made them. 

Over at Frills Fluff and Trucks, I found this beautiful table display that I can tweak to fit a ballerina thems.  Love the pink tulle on the chairs and the boa on the chandelier.  Check her out to see what she used as cupcake stands and party favors (found at the Dollar Tree).  Too cute!!

My Valentine’s Day Display

I’ve never really decorated for any holidays aside from Christmas. However, I now have the perfect place for decorating – the top of the buffet in my sitting room. I have been inspired by a number of blogs I follow, and here is the display I have created for Valentine’s Day. You can click on the photos for a closer look.

This is a full view of the display.

I found these heart-shaped baskets at a vintage shop in my area. I got the hearts at Walmart on clearance for .25/4!

I picked up this frame at a local boutique, and I added some “bling” to the largest polka dots. That’s a pic of my little Emma when she was just a few months old.

On either side of the center frame are some wine glasses I bought at Dollar Tree and filled with M&Ms. The little cherubs in front of that same frame were purchased at Dollar Tree, as well.

Another view – I do plan to add ribbon to both candles, but forgot to do so before snapping these pictures. In these pictures, you can see Emma in a pair of Valentine overalls I made her years ago, and Logan in his favorite Cardinals jersey (the red and white fit the theme!).

The pitcher shown here is from Ross. My little man Isaac is in the picture on the left, and my niece Olivia is on the right.

These are some vintage Valentine cards I picked up at a local vintage shop. They are dated 1949!! I LOVE THEM! I plan to go back and get some more, because I like them so much. They are so much nicer to look at than the cheesy Sponge Bob or Hannah Montana ones sold today!