Once Christmas is over, there can be a sense of let-down and a bit of melancholy and I have to admit, I felt it this year. It’s the slowing down after the hustle and bustle of the Holidays.  You look forward to a new year, look back on the old one, and the weather is cold and dreary (we’ve had some reaaaaaly dreary days so far this winter).
Can you relate?
This time of year can be refreshing, yet a bit of a downer too after all the excitement of the holidays is fading away. Taking down the Christmas decorations is a little bittersweet too, as we got used to those twinkling lights in the house for a good month or so and now, things are not quite so shiny and bright anymore.  If you missed my glitzy and natural Christmas mantel, take a look at it in this post.
So, what to do with the mantel now that Christmas is over, but it’s too early to decorate for Spring?
I did a little simplifying on my mantel after taking down the glitz of the Christmas mantel and brought out a favorite oil painting I found at an antique store, a beautiful landscape of blues and greens. It’s in a gold gilt frame and is the perfect piece to add some cheer on my newly planked white mantel. It actually shows up now!
So, today as I’m joining some other blogger friends for 10 minute decorating ideas, a once a month series that we are going to do together and this month, the mantel was a good starting point.
I have always loved picking up branches and interesting natural materials from outdoors when I’m out walking and notice things. I picked up a branch somewhere that had tiny pinecones still attached and I thought it so graphic and perfect for displaying on the mantel during the Winter months. Another branch that I picked from the outdoors has lichen moss growing on it and just reminds me of the beauty that is outside all the time if we just look for it.
The blues and greens of this pretty oil painting just draws me right into the picture. I have always loved landscapes.
This lichen covered branch is a nice display for this time of year, with my simple white painted pinecone and a set of deer antlers. That beautiful white and gold set of candlesticks that I found at an estate sale are a nice addition up here too. Simple and easy.
You can see I left the potted lemon cypress trees from Christmas too. They may not make it through alive, but they are still green and remind me that Spring is right around the corner.
I love the simplicity of nature and you can’t get more natural than pinecones and branches.
Are you looking outdoors for inspiration? There are plenty of really neat things out there if you take a look. I collect these things and store them away for later when I’m ready to use them, usually in my garage. I have a whole box of various types of pinecones that I keep in my garage.
Winter is here, but I won’t be blue with my pretty mantel to keep me company. These ideas we are sharing are to help you get inspiration for making a quick change around your house, in just 10 minutes! I hope you’ll enjoy this series as we do it once a month. It will help ME be more creative around here too!
Don’t miss my other blog friends who are part of this series too. I’ll be joining them once a month for 10 minute decorating ideas.  We hope this is something that inspires you all!
Hi there Rhoda,
I’m so excited to have read this post today. I love the holidays because it’s the ONLY time I decorate…and it’s fun, beautiful and so inviting.
So to have a reminder to decorate throughout the months is a fabulous idea!
I also want to say yay for decorating against a white background, too – Our mantel is high with the white background so I can really use your tips and inspiration. So excited!
Love the simplicity of the branches and touches of nature. It’s so peaceful looking at your mantel just waiting until Spring!
Proof once again that we are soul sisters. I love this look , also think
twinkly lights within taste, are so appropriate for January’s winter embrace.
Love the look friend.
I have something very similar presently on my mantel . . . the tree at the end of my driveway is always giving me wonderful lichen covered branches. I love your sense of style. Thanks.
Rhoda,
Oh can I relate! I always get a case of the “January Blues” and the cold, dreary weather this week in Virginia certainly hasn’t helped. I loved seeing your Winter mantel with all the white and green and look forward to seeing all the other bloggers creative ideas!
BEAUTIFUL Rhoda!!
Rhoda, your mantel is simply beautiful…you gathered the perfect items of texture and color to create a wonderful winter mantelscape!
Love your simple and rustic mantel styling, Rhoda. Thrilled to be in this series with you.
I LOVE this mantle. I’m a huge fan of bringing the outdoors in and this is such a simple way to use what’s available right outside (even in winter!) to add a little interest after the holiday decor comes down. Perfect!
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Love what you did with the mantel. I need to do something different with mine. Currently, I have a large antique mirror with two antique brass lamps, one on each side. We live in central Virginia where there are all kinds of trees & bushes outside. Adding a branch or two would set it off I think. I also love landscape paintings.
Love, Love, Love bare branches, especially if they have Lichen. Perfect Mantle Vignette.
You have really captured the feeling of winter! I love your painting and all the natural elements! ~julie
Love your mantle Rhoda. It looks so relaxed and welcoming.
I especially love the graceful lines of the branch on the left with the little pine cones.