Christmas Mantel

Mr. Bill said I could paint the mantel.

I didn’t waste anytime pulling out the paint in case he changed his mind.

The project turned into a mantel surround.

You can read about it here. 
I couldn't wait to decorate it for Christmas.

I wanted white and green with a little silver sparkle.

I found this darling white stocking at the thrift store for just a dollar.

I knew that I had a couple of white stockings for my white mantel when we lived in Lubbock.

I searched this house for them, but I guess at some point I gave them away. 

This year I wanted to use greenery from the grocery store or cut from the yard.

My Christmas picks were all pretty old and I didn't want to replace them.

 I am trying to dial it back this year. The last two years I have gone overboard with the decor buying. 

I didn't want to buy anymore new stuff and

my only caveat to that, has been my junky finds. 

I kept my main elements the same.

I added a mirrored cone and a celluloid reindeer. 

Celluloid was the precursor to plastic.  It was used back in the late 1800's.

I think this darling reindeer is from the 1930's.

Vintage Celluloid Reindeer

Love it!

 His eye glints in the light.

 I got 4 of them from my Mother-in-law. They came attached to Santa pulling his sleigh but the reindeer were gigantic next to Santa.

 I thought for sure that at some point the two sets were "married" to create a vignette, but I have since seen them on e-bay as one. I guess the reindeer would have had to be huge to pull all those gifts in Santa's sleigh. 

:)

 For my purposes Santa is hanging out in the tree this year.

 It looks cozy and festive with the fireplace lit.

We are having a really warm fall. I hope that there will be more opportunities to have a cozy fire this Christmas. 

Today it was 80!

Sprinkled with a warm and white,

Katie

Linking with,

Homespun Christmas/ Vignettes and Mantels Party @ Savvy Southern Style  
From my Front Porch to Yours 
Common Ground  
French Country Cottage