Mantel-scapes

When we built our house in 1999, I decided to have the carpenters build a niche behind the fireplace mantel.  The following photos are some mantel-scapes (I just invented that word) I've created through the years.

This mantel-scape is a tribute to my hometown - Ceylon, Minnesota (population 367).  The print was done by a local artist and features my old high school (now demolished) in an autumn setting.  I matched the pillar candles to the matting around the print.  The plaque in the middle of the arrangement commemorates the closing of the school.  Flanking the plaque are tins of Ceylon tea.  According to local folklore, when town fathers were deciding on a name for the little burg, they were sitting among supplies in the general store and saw boxes of tea from Ceylon (now called Sri Lanka).  Completing the arrangement are a Ceylon Co-op coffee cup and a replica of the Ceylon elevator which doubles as a toothpick holder. I added a garland of fall leaves to tie the elements together.

This is a nautical scene featuring seashells my mom brought back from the Gulf of Mexico where she and my dad wintered each year.

This one features my favorite bird, the Cardinal.  The print was given to me by my daughter Laura. It fits perfectly into the niche!

This is a simple winter mantel-scape.  The basket contains "snow"-covered pinecones.  A Willow Tree angel watches over the livingroom.

 This isn't a good photo (must have had a finger in front of the camera), but it's the only one I have of this March/St. Patrick's Day vignette.  I pulled out all my green dishes and accented them with craft foam shamrocks and green candles.

Here's a closer look at the Ceylon memorabilia.

Cardinal Christmas!

I love to use Cardinals to decorate for Christmas.  This bright red bird has deep meaning for Christians.

Symbol of the Cardinal
"Christened the Christmas bird for its spectacular red color, the cardinal has become a symbol of the beauty and warmth of the holiday season. A glimpse of this brilliant bird brings cheer, hope and inspiration on a gray, wintry day. As nature's reminder for us to focus on our faith, the cardinal's scarlet plumage represents the blood of Christ shed for the redemption of mankind." FromBronners Christmas Wonderland, 25 Christmas Lane, Frankenmuth, Michigan.

I utilized a Cardinal theme for this pre-holiday buffet not only on the table but all over the house.

 These Fiesta dinnerware luncheon plates feature a Cardinal decal.

Cute little Cardinal cocktail plates are camouflaged by the Cardinal tablecloth.

New Cardinal print in the family room

Cardinal print in family room

Cardinal mini-plates in family room

Plate holder over sliding door in dining area

Close up of Cardinal napkin rings on buffet table

Vertical plate rack in dining area

Cardinal mini-pitcher on kitchen window sill

Cardinal nut/candy dish

Cinnebar and juniper Fiesta dinnerware with Cardinals

Winter bird Welcome banner in foyer

Cardinal vase with silk flowers in the foyer

Cardinal Christmas tree!

 

Close up of tree with 2002 Fiesta ornament

I look for new Cardinal ornaments for my tree every year.

Coffee table in family room with Cardinal coasters in foreground

Coffee table with tree in the background

 Cardinal tablecloth

N-O-E-L tealight holders with more from my Cardinal collection.  I have received many Cardinal gifts through the years from family and friends.

Console table behind the sofa in the family room with view of dining area/kitchen

Cute little Cardinal

 Another view of the red and white Cardinal tree

Buffet table

Cardinal print in kitchen

This tablescape is from Christmas Eve 2011.  I used the same red glass goblets and bowls, chargers, Shannon china, and red poinsettia textured tablecloth I've used in years past but added items from my cardinal collection and cardinal-themed napkins (on the plates) to create a cheerful and warm table setting.