Christmas decorations are all put away!
The house is clean although I'm sure I'll be vacuuming Fraser Fir needles for months to come. They seem to appear out of nowhere.
I love that fresh, clean look that comes after several months of nonstop holiday decorating. It's nice to have a breather and refresh your nest…moving things around and organizing.
I am so excited to be participating with 24 other bloggers in The Scoops Creating A Cozy Home Tour. The entire schedule is below with a BLINDS.com GIVEAWAY!
I've never really decorated for winter, but was up for the challenge! I didn't spend a dime to create my winter mantel.
Mantels are such an easy part of the home to decorate for seasonal changes or just to decorate on a whim! I encourage you to challenge yourself and create a new look. Start by shopping your own home. That's what I did here.
I knew that I wanted to use a newly painted thrift store chalkboard. The green in the frame blends well with the landscape painting.
I took an old glass cylinder from a craft store and filled it with 2 boxes of Epson Salt from the potting shed. We use it on ferns in the summer. The salts mimic snow. I then cut twigs from the woods and arranged them in the cylinder. I cut and trimmed them along the way to lean more towards the center of the mantel.
Don't laugh all of you seasoned Silhouette Cameo users, but I created my first cutting project with these snowflakes cut with white card-stock. I am so excited to learn to do more with it! I just hung the snowflakes on the branches. Now, I have a simple snowflake tree.
The white “snow balls” were created with extra Styrofoam balls from other projects. I wrapped them with leftover white fluffy yarn from a baby blanket knitting project. The pine cones are simply from the woods.
The writing on the chalkboard is freehand. I sat in front of the computer and used a picture on Pinterest for inspiration.
I finished the left side off with a couple of faux books wrapped in burlap, mercury glass candle holders and a small white pitcher of dried hydrangeas from the summer garden.
We are very much home bodies. Our favorite thing to do on the weekends together as a family is to curl up in here by the wood burning fire and watch shows on the DVR or movies. The kids love to make S'mores for us all. Home is where family memories are created, and I'd rather be here than anywhere else.
Thanks so much for stopping by! I'd love to hear how you cozy up your home for winter!
Be sure to visit the other 24 blogs below for fabulous inspiration!
Thanks for joining us on the home tour. Enter the giveaway below for a chance to win one of two $100 BLINDS.COM Gift Certificates. We will have two winners!!
Monday, January 13th
Tuesday, January 14th
Wednesday, January 15th
Thursday, January 16th
Friday, January 17th
Link Parties that OSH parties at on occasion!
Monday: Between Naps on the Porch
Tuesday: The Scoop at Cedar Hill Farmhouse and Inspire Me Party at A Stroll Thru Life, Setting for Four ā Project Inspire{d}
Wednesday: Savvy Southern Style
Thursday: From My Front Porch to Yours, 52 Mantels, Home and Garden Thursday at A Delightsome Life ,No Minimalist Here
Friday: French Country Cottage, My Repurposed Life, Miss Mustard Seed Furniture Friday, Common Ground, The Charm of Home, Rooted in Thyme,Imparting Grace, Keep Calm and Link Up, at the picket fence ā Inspiration Fridays, My Romantic Home ā Show and Tell Friday, Craftberry Bush ā Inspiration Gallery Friday, SnapCreativity ā Show and Tell
Buffer
I don’t know why, but I don’t see any pictures anymore on your blog. Just blank spaces where a pic is supposed ot be. Why?
Lorraine Nolte recently posted…Dollar Store Challenge {S’mores Station}
That is strange, Lorraine! So sorry for your problems. I appreciate you letting me know. What browser are you using? I sometimes have that issue when visiting sites and it means my cache is full. Have you tried clearing/deleting cache/history? let me know!!! That usually works for me. I’m not seeing any blog problems. ~Christy
Wow, it’s all so beautiful Christy. I think my favorite are the scones above your fireplace. It’s a real show place!!
Anita from Cedar Hill Farmhouse recently posted…Making Caned Chairs Elegant and Sturdy
Thanks so much, Anita! It really is a cozy room! I have really enjoyed touring with The Scoop Group! I really appreciate the opportunity. ~Christy
Your home is so warm!! I love how you used things you already had to make it so cozy! So glad I was able to be a part of the tour with you!!
~Angela
Angela recently posted…DIY LOVE Chart
Thanks so much, Angela! I love shopping our own home when changing things up! So fun touring with you as well!!! ~Christy
Your home is so beautiful. Love your mantel! You’ve definitely made it warm and cozy š
Hugs,
Jamie @ somuchbetterwithage.com
Thanks so much, Jamie! It was really fun touring with you and the others. I love winter clothing and decor!!! XXOO Christy
Christy I just love your winter-y mantel! The entire room is so, so beautiful and I can see why that would be the spot where everyone would want to hang out. š I’m so glad we were part of this tour together!
Vanessa
Vanessa recently posted…Unexpected Elegance ~ At the Picket Fence Parade of Homes
Thanks you so very much, Vanessa! Winter is such a time for cozy spaces and time cuddling with family! It really was such fun touring with you! XXOO Christy
So pretty! Love the candle arrangement on your table – especially those elegant tapers!
Jennifer recently posted…Seasons of Home ~ Winter Edition Coming Soon!
Thanks bunches, Jennifer! Love candles in the winter. Just makes things so cozy. I love the way the wax drips on those tapers! Fun touring with you as always! ~Christy
Christy, love the whole cozy look! The chalkboard gives it a really southern comfy feelā¦I can’t wait to try a chalkboard projectā¦.You have inspired meā¦Kellie
Thanks so much, Kellie! So enjoying getting to know you. Hope your home is getting repaired without too many hassles. XXOO Christy
I love your winter mantel! That chalkboard is the perfect touch! Have a great weekend!…hugs…Debbie
Confessions of a Plate Addict recently posted…Favorite New Frenchy Find…My $3.63 Vintage Demijohn!
Thanks so much, Debbie! The Scoop tours have really been such fun with useful topics!! Have a lovely day!!! ~Christy
Love your beautifully decorated mantle! Your room looks so warm and cozy I don’t think I would want to leave it on a cold winters day!
Anne recently posted…Making Changes And A Pink Chair
Thanks so much, Anne! It is a cozy spot, especially with the fire cranked up! Have a lovely day!! XXOO Christy
Wonderful cozy decor! Your chandelier caught my eye- gorgeous! Happy to be the Cozy Home Tour with you š
Thanks so much, Samantha! It was such fun touring with you as well!!! XXOO Christy
Christy I absolutely LOVE your fireplace mantle and surround!! So beautiful! I totally agree that memories are made in the home and it can be the happiest place on earth (usually)āŗ I just love your home, thank you for the inspiration!! Thanks—ā„Angie
Angie, thank you so much for the sweet compliments!!!!! There is just no place like home, especially when filled with family! XXOO Christy
Christy,
I love your Winter Mantle, dear one!!!
Amazing what one can design and create when faced with a challenge!
Memories of family around the fireplace and S’Mores…gotta’ be a piece of Heaven on Earth!!!
Fondly,
Pat
Thanks so much, Pat! What sweet, heartfelt comments. We are really enjoying the fireplace with our downstairs heat out…waiting on the part to come in. Lots of cuddling with these 20 degree nights! Thanks for stopping by!! XXOO Christy
I LOVE the snowflakes and that its one of your newest projects on your newest crafting toy. I am jealous, btw. š What a beautiful mantel. For someone who accepted the challenge of decorating for Winter you sure did nail it. It looks absolutely cozy and welcoming and I’d love to be sitting there with you right now chatting the day away. š Luv you! xxoo, Barb
Barb recently posted…Creating a Cozy Sitting Area
Thanks so much, Barb!!! Yes, I am loving my new toy…just finding the time to sit and play with it is a challenge! Such fun touring with you sweet friend! Hugs, Christy
Such a pretty room, Christy. Cute idea for a winter mantel.
Thanks so much, Kim!! I love you stopping by. Have a lovely day! XXOO Christy
I love being at home in the winter with my family too! All cozy and hunkered down~ What a gorgeous room to gather and stay warm. Your mantel combination is stunning Christy. Pinecones, snowflakes and those gorgeous dried hydrangeas play so nicely together. You have put together a really beautiful place to make family memories!
Yvonne recently posted…CREATING A COZY HOME
Thanks, Yvonne! Winter is a favorite season for me. I love the clothes and the decor. It’s a time to nest and cuddle indoors and enjoy your efforts. Such a pleasure touring with you!! XXOO Christy
Christy your mantle is so pretty, the brick on your fireplace is so pretty. I always love seeing y our home and the details. LOVE the olive bucket. Purchased one from DĆ©cor Steals and can’t wait t o use it in the new house.
Cynthia
Cynthia recently posted…Excitement and Decisions
Thanks so much, Cynthia!!! I bought my olive bucket from Decor Steals as well. Great price! It’s perfect for holding the wood for the fireplace. Thanks for stopping by! XXOO Christy
Your mantel is perfectionā¦I always love seeing that gorgeous fireplace with the herringbone brick patternā¦so incredibly cozy and beautiful…
Shirley recently posted…Taking Time to Enjoy the View
Thanks so much, Shirley! Mantels are such fun to change with the seasons and holidays. I really had a great time touring with you! Hugs, Christy
So charming ~ love the cozy touches you have added to your home!
Thanks so much, Courtney!! XXOO Christy
I love how cozy your mantel looks. We too love to be at home. Where else can you make the best memories? And I love Mercury glass. Been wanting to get some for my home.
Thanks so much, Heidi!!! I adore mercury glass as well. It can go casual or elegant! It doesn’t have to cost a fortune either. Most of mine has come from Target and Pier One. I just saw some in Walmart and Tuesday Morning at great prices! Happy decorating! XXOO Christy
I love it! Mercury glass is one of my favorite things to use and I love that you hand-lettered your chalkboard sign…makes it feel nice and homey!
Cecilia recently posted…Winter Decorating
Thanks so much, Heidi!! I love mercury glass. I just some some beautiful candle holders at Walmart less than $10!!! Thanks so much for stopping by!!! XXOO Christy
Love that mantel!The snowflakes hanging from the branch are adorable.
Great to be co-hosting with you.
– Alma, The Tablescaper
Thanks so much, Alma! It sure was a fun tour! Love winter decor! Hugs, Christy
Love your mantle and those snowflakes are stunning. We love smores at our house too! Thanks for sharing your warm and lovely space.
Janis recently posted…Cozy {Winter Home} Tour
I am so sorry I missed your comment! Thanks so very much!!! I am sure you are now ready for spring like me! XXOO Christy
Your home is absolutely lovely, Christy!! You can tell there’s a lot of love and good family times in that room. Perfect winter mantel with all things winter. Love it!
Mary Alice
Mary Alice Patterson recently posted…Cozy Comforts of Winter
Thanks so much, Mary Alice! There seems to be a lot of wonderful together time in the winter. Have a wonderful week! ~Christy
Love your fireplace and it is the perfect place to gather with your family. Great post. Hugs, Marty
Marty recently posted…Creating a Warm, Cozy Home
Thanks so much Marty! It sure is a favorite room. Hugs~Christy
I’m a homebody too, Christy. There’s no place that I’d rather be! You did such a great job on your winter mantel – very, very pretty. You’d never know that you’re Silhouette novice. The snowflakes are adorable. I can just imagine you and your family all snuggled in on a cold winter’s eve. I sure did enjoy partying with you this week at the Cozy Tour!
Suzy recently posted…Creating A Cozy Spot
Thanks so much, Suzy! It was such a fun tour….I just love winter decor and clothes!! I am really having fun learning the Silhouette. ave a great day, friend!! ~Christy
we do just about the same thing on a chilly winter day except my kids are to busy eating the smores to share them with mom and dad! š
laura recently posted…Calling in the Big Guns…aka Professional Painters
Too funny, Laura!!! There is just something about bringing out the S’mores fixings that transforms them! LOL!! Fun touring with you! XXOO Christy
I’m with you on home being the best place. I’d also rather be home than anywhere else. I love your winter mantel and cozy area you’ve created for relaxing with your family.
Paula recently posted…Throwback Thursday #17
Thanks so much, sweet friend! Hugs~ Christy