A Winter Mantel

There is a point every year that snow ceases to be charming and begins to be annoying…no wonder the Midshipman refer to this time as the “Dark Ages”. So when I woke to a winter “wonderland” I was not amused. Never the less it was a great weekend to celebrate Chinese New Year. The Princess partied in style and was quite taken with the cocktail umbrella that garnished her milk glass.

Hoping that a little change might lighten my mood,  I turned some energy toward the fireplace and mantel in our front room. The fireplace is original to this 1920 four square home…although someone thought it wise to install a gas flame sometime in the late 1970’s …if only this home was truly mine (Oh the changes you would see)

Please excuse the presence of the television. Another “if only” moment for another time. Let’s concentrate on the good! Like my beautiful tobacco baskets. I love the texture and color. Gracing the mantel, my French baguette baking form holding ceramic pears from Thailand and three wooden spools found at a consignment shop.

A closer view of the fireplace. I love the original brick. On the hearth I placed an antique Swedish coal basket, a vintage fire bucket and extinguisher and antique milk bottles and carrier.

Flanking one side of the fireplace…my very favorite arts and crafts era chair…it was a bit of a splurge but the minute I saw it I had to have it. The old suitcases have been collected over time. The Victorian tea basket was an eBay find.

 

The other side of the mantel demonstrates what my creative hubby can do! We found this old radio case on the curb and with some time with his tools he converted it into a stylish way to hide that  definitely not vintage DVR box. Below is an antique Korean lunchbox and on top are treasures from our global travels. So glad we have been blessed with so many experiences.

Let’s Party…

Thrifty and Vintage Finds@Dagmar’s House

Tuesday at our House@Our Home Away from Home

Inspire Me Tuesday@A Stroll Thru Life

Talk of the Town@Knick of time

Inspire Me Wednesday@Adventures of Mel

Work it Wednesday@The Turquoise House

Wow us Wednesday@Savvy Southern Style

Share your Cup Thursday@ Have a Daily Cup of Mrs Olson

Share your Style@Essence of Home

Thoughts of Home@ Poofing the Pillows

Vintage Charm Party@Charm Bracelet Diva

Shabbilicious Friday @Shabby Art Boutique

Home Sweet Home@The Charm of Home

Feather Nest Friday@ French Country Cottage

Friday Favorites@Simply Sweet Home

Share it one More Time @Vintage Paint and More

Making your Heart Sing Monday@Mom is the Word I Love to Hear

Busy Monday@Pinch of Joy

Amaze Me Monday@Dwellings the Heart Your Home

Something to Talk About@ Karen Upon the Hill

Show and Share@Coastal Charm

No Place Like Home@Rose Chinz Cottage

Inspire Me Monday@Sand and Sisal

Inspire Me Tuesday@A Stroll Thru life

The Scoop@Cedar Hill Farmhouse

 

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