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I'll be hosting Thanksgiving for the first time at this house and need some help. I really want to put together a Thanksgiving mantle and need some ideas. I plan to use mainly natural materials (raffia, pumpkins, branches, dried flowers etc) and maybe some candles.

You all are so good at finding inspiration pictures I was hoping you could post some here. Of course, that includes any of your own too. Lots of creative folks that are as talented as the pros

Thanks so much!

For starters...

http://theletteredcottage.net/fall-mantel/

http://www.bhg.com/thanksgivin...el-decorating-ideas/

http://www.centsationalgirl.co.../fall-mantel-parade/

http://pinterest.com/denisecosgrove/fall-mantles/

http://tatertotsandjello.com/2...lloween-mantels.html

http://www.aprettylifeinthesub...tels-home-decor.html

http://designdininganddiapers....-mantel-inspiration/

Froo's famous list of elements:

Turkey (figurine/carving/tureen,etc.)
straw/hay bales
raffia
pumpkins/gourds/ornament cabbages
Indian corn
wheat sheeves
acorns
squirrels
leaves (dried, silk, waxed, guilded)
nuts
branches/birch bark
straw flowers
bittersweet
fruit
cornucopia
feathers
pheasant
candles/lanterns
urns
yarrow
German status
dried hydrengias
sunflowers
crows
dried pods
scarecrows
burlap
seasonal signs/quotes/standing words (WELCOME) (GIVE THANKS) (FAMILY & FRIENDS)(FALL) (BLESSINGS)/poems/passages
pilgrims
wicker
fruit baskets
weathered wood
Fall topiaries
Fall wreaths
Fall sprays
Fall garlands
plaid ribbon (wired)
burlap ribbon (wired)
grapevine/grapevine ribbon
felt
corduroy
plaid fabric mantel scarf
Fall art
framed leaves
Fall ornaments
ornamental grasses
wooden bowls
seasonal tray (standing)
Fall dish on a stand
Fall theme book(s) stacked or one handsome cover (standing)
cattails

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Froo Froo,

Aw Froo, you're the best! I was hoping you would pop in and give me one of your great lists. That list of elements will be so helpful because I'm still trying to figure out what else to add.

Time to look at all those links

Skyler, is the mantelpiece you are talking about the one in the first picture? If so, is the mirror a constant?

What will the weather be like on Thanksgiving? any idea of the average temp?

Off the top of my head I would think your mantel would be quite different than one we would do in Maine.

Skyler, if your mantel is the white one in the first pic, the room will lend itself nicely to a soft shabby chic feel w/ white pumpkins or mini white pumpkin topiaries, golden pears and bronze or silver leaves. Brush the white pumpkins lightly w/ some silver rub n buff or silver leaf to highlight the grooves. Make it lush w/ lots of textures, sheen and shapes with as much of depth as possible for strong visual impact. Thanksgiving is about celebrating bounty after all. Do post a pic of the mantel when it's bedecked for Thanksgiving.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Froo Froo,

Here's some inspiration from other members, previously posted on this forum.

I find the tendency often is to use too many items. I find myself doing that but these 2 pics show that less can be more.

Cattknap's mantles are quite refined and lovely:
http://inspiration4u.shutterfly.com/355
http://inspiration4u.shutterfly.com/211

The rest of the pics here:
http://inspiration4u.shutterfly.com/204

I agree "less can be more", but often, I see what amounts to too skimpy a display. As in most things in life, creating a pleasing balance is key.

I LOVE this simple display which pops against a chocolate wall:

LOS, yes it is the mantle in the first picture. Looking at the picture makes me glad it no longer looks like that. It's very boring with everything lined up like little soldiers. Yes, the mirror is a constant. Funny you mentioned the mirror, I took it down and put a Thanksgiving wreath in it's place to see what it would look like. I didn't like it because I really like how the mirror reflects the chandelier. It sorta makes the entire room "sparkle" (especially at night). I even tried hanging the wreath on the mirror but the same thing happened.

Our average temp. in November is 73-75 degrees. We're fortunate because that means we're able to use the backyard. You're right, I imagine a mantle in CA would be different than one in Maine.

Froo, I like your idea of a shabby Chic type mantle. I think that's part of my struggle. I want to keep it light but also really want to use some traditional items. Your idea of lots of texture may be the way to go. LOVE the idea of white pumpkins. I was looking through your list and also love the idea of plaid ribbon. I'll try and remember to snap a picture (sometimes I get so busy cooking, I forget).

Joyluck, thank you for the pics (I'll go back and peak at them). I know what you mean about too much so I'll try to balance it.

Froo, that is a very pretty display!

This picture that Froo linked reminds me a lot of your mantel.

Skyler your home is very beautiful but it reflects the climate you live in. Most Thanksgiving and Christmas decorations feature themes that are more appropriate for colder climates.

This is plainly silly as many parts of the country are warm and they also celebrate Thanksgiving.

My suggestion would be for your entire l.r. not just the mantelpiece. For that I would have on either end a sort of coral shade of orange candle in (if you have them) hurricane globes or some other kind of shiny glass (like a vase) I would temporarily place similar colored ribbon around the mirror. If possible cornucopia baskets spilling seasonal and regional fruits and nuts spilling out could fill the interior space of your mantel. Also it would be nice to have something draped over the edge of the mantel, maybe some pretty leaves, esp if you have them in "fall" colors (you could hot glue real leaves on)

I would remove the lovely floral print pillows and get a couple of coral/orange for the furniture. also have more of the candles around and bowls of candy corn/nuts etc.

Couple of my pics from a couple of years ago.

The branch in the vase on top of the mantel is from my back yard. I sprayed it orange and added some felt leaves and orange lights.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: victoriangirl,

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Skyler, the best way is to decorate for the season. Stack a collection of autumn-hued antique books with a bronze bookend on one end of your fireplace mantel. Hang a mirror with an ornate frame in the middle. To add a soft glow to the room, put wall sconces with a place for a candle on either side of the mirror.

Another unique way is to use a valance as mantel decor. Check these awesome Valances that you could use on your mantel - http://essentialethnics.com/door-window-valances.html

Now sit back, relax & enjoy the crackling sound of the logs & the warmth with your family!

Simple and elegant from BHG. Caption reads...
Pretty Leaf Pressings
To preserve the beauty of colorful fall foliage, press leaves between books. When fully dry, display leaves between two pieces of same-sized glass. Secure the pieces of glass together by wrapping the edges with colored, linen book cloth tape. Add a berry-covered branch for a simple, yet elegant mantel display.

Natural garland for the mantel from BHG. Caption reads...
Lovely Leaves
Bring the beautiful autumn colors indoors by stringing freshly fallen oak leaves together. This garland instantly decks out a room for fall. Cut a piece of string to desired length and use a needle to thread the leaves onto the string. Use tape or sticky tack to hang the garland.

I used some pheasants I found on clearance at Hob. Lob., a fall garland, some actual pheasant feathers and burgundy candles for my fall mantel.
My mantel is not very deep, so I have to find decor that is not too large or it won't fit
I also added some fall floral picks in to fill out the garland.

TTFN,

Candy

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Christmas Candy,

Gracie, you're right that mantle does look a lot like mine. I really like the colors of the pumpkins. Thank you for sharing it.

LOS, thank you for all your wonderful suggestions. Orange candles are a must and I like your idea of nuts and candy corn. DH will strangle me if I bring one more pillow home, lol. I went into the attic looking for things to use and no joke, I must have at least 9 bags of various pillows up there!! It's time to make a donation to Goodwill. I will try to use your suggestion about spreading the Fall theme throughout the room and not just the mantle.

VG, you do such lovely work, I wish I could borrow you! Thank you for sharing. I love all the colors you used.

Sailajakreddy, thank you for your ideas. I can't wait until I really can just sit down and relax with the family!

Froo, more great ideas and I love the use of the natural materials. I'm looking to do this mantle on the cheap!

CC, what a beautiful mantle. Love,love, love the pheasants. I t would be great if I could find some like yours. Thank you for posting this.

I really appreciate all of your ideas. Progress is slow but I did buy some white pumpkins yesterday. Unfortunately, I had to put the mantle on hold for a few days. Someone stole DH's personal info and has tried to open a number of accounts in his name. I've been doing damage control. Identity theft is a real bummer!

quote:

Originally posted by Skyler:
Unfortunately, I had to put the mantle on hold for a few days. Someone stole DH's personal info and has tried to open a number of accounts in his name. I've been doing damage control. Identity theft is a real bummer!

Sorry to hear that. ID theft is horrible at any time, but it's especially bothersome during the holidays for so many reasons. I hope you are able to get everything worked out.

Thanks Gracie, you're the sweetest.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Skyler,