Christmas Mantel 2013

Happy Wednesday, y’all.  I’m trying really hard not to hit the panic button about all the packages left to wrap and ship… doesn’t it figure that the week I need to get everything out is the week that all my peeps come home, soccer physicals must happen, dentist appointments all around, teacher dinner preparations, etc are all converging on the few days that comprise this week?

Yowza.  There is still not a single ornament on my tree.

And — I’m going to shock you here — I still have pumpkins on my front porch.

Disgraceful, I know.

But it is what is, y’all.  Very little time plus terrible weather = not much done.

In fact, I’d popped a handful of things up on my mantel a few days ago.  And you know what?  I think I’m going to leave it as is.  It’s simple.  And it looks okay in my book.

And my peeps think it rocks.  Done.

Please forgive the following photos… the aforementioned crappy weather has made photographing ANYTHING a beast.  If I can get better pics along the way, I’ll come back and update the post.  But for now…

Viola!

The Ballards Santa is making a return appearance from last year’s mantel.  The brass pheasants I shared about here.  And you can go here for a modpodge tree canvas tutorial.

Are you keeping it simple, too, or going all out?  My dear friend Rhoda of Southern Hospitality blog posted some honest observations about the beautifully decorated homes all over blog land and how we can sometimes feel pressured to keep up.  She hit the nail on the head for me.  So this year, I’m going to stop when I need to or when I want to.

And just plop on my couch and enjoy. 🙂

Onward… my list awaits!