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The Nester is having a Show and Tell for garland! Please visit her for a peek at lots of wonderful garlands in blogland!
When I first saw the beautiful garland that Nester and Kimba created, I thought I would try to copy them and do my antique oak mantel. It looked okay...but I just don't think I have the touch like they do! And when we turned on the gas logs, the garland in front got so hot-I was worried about it being dangerous.
Here is what my first effort looked like.......
And here it is after I tweaked it. I removed the garland and used a swag of greenery and ribbon. I used some battery operated candles behind it.
I kept the garland around the outside-this is some prelit garland that is VERY long. It came from a 90% off sale at a store we have here called "Dirt Cheap" which is a salvage store. I think it originally was from Target.
What do you think? Which way do you like it? Be honest...it won't hurt my feelings. LOL Here's a couple of closeups.....
I think one thing I'll change for the future is the size lights in the first picture. The large bulbs were all I had, but the garland would have looked better with smaller lights. And I need more 'stuff' to put in the garland!
If you are new to my blog, scroll down to yesterday's post and look at my garland on the banister.
Thanks for coming by and I'm looking forward to visiting all the pretty garland on Mr. Linky!
4 hours ago
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27 comments:
I think I like it better the first way. Maybe if you swagged it a bit more though. Can I tell you how much I covet your mantle? It's so pretty!
I like them both very much. I keep scrolling between the two pictures. I suppose if you are concerned about the heat the second is best.
Your fireplace is beautiful! What a lovely home you have.
take care,
Dawn
First time to your blog so I hate to jump right in here with suggestions...but as a floral designer...I fear I cannot resist! LOL
I like the second one without the shorter garland. Just for the fact that with the other decoration on the mantel ledge there is not enough height difference and the pretty mosaic glass with fruit gets lost as well as your candles.
If you decide to keep the second garland, you might try to add something with more height to the actual mantle ledge.
Just one flower lady's opinion.
Your mantel is gorgeous...I enjoyed your blog very much!
Hi Diane, First of all, that oak mantle is gorgeous!!! What a beautiful piece! :) I like the first picture the best. But if it is a fire hazard, the toned version works very well! LOL! Either way is beautiful and you have done an outstanding job. Love the ribbon intertwined in the garland...nice touch! ~hugs, Rhonda
You did a wonderful job! I love the colors. Christmas blessings to you and your family!
I went back and forth, working hard to "help" you answer the question, "Which is best?" before I realized, "Why would She ask Me?" So, my answer is, "I dunno. They're both fabulous and much better than I can do."
Hi Diane! What a wonderful mantel you have to decorate. You did an amazing job and it looks so beautiful!!
i like the bottom one...ann
Your mantel is to die for! How pretty! I like both ways you've decorated it, but I think the second one is my favorite.
Morning Diane! such a gorgeous mantel to decorate; love the ledge top and your "tweak" is just right!!! Your stairway is pretty as well. I think you have just enough and wouldn't add a thing to the fireplace!!! Thank you for your nice comment also!! Have fun - Sincerely, Jeannette
Diane, I think I like it better draped, but I like the other way, too. You can't miss with either!
XO,
Sheila
And Diane, I borrowed my garland for today. Teehee! ;-)
XO,
Sheila
That mantle is beautiful girl...WOW love all the oak and detail..now me I like the first one the best..but for safely I would do number 2..both look wonderful on that beautiful fireplace...hugs and smiles Gloria
Love it!
You did great! We used to have coal burning fireplaces in a 100 year old house that we lived in that had 5 or 6 mantles just like that one! So wonderful!
Dang your mantel is gorgeous...so anything you put on it is gonna be beautiful as well. But I think I like it the second way the best. It looks really pretty. You should be very pleased!
Oh my, Diane! The fireplace is stunning! I would love to look at that all the time... I think I love the first picture, but whatever you do will be beautiful, I'm sure! ;)
I like it better the second way not to mention it being safer which is really important. I think you can see how pretty the flowers are with the second way.
Nice decorating.
Roberta Anne
Hi Diane!
I just love your mantle! All that wonderful wood. I wish I had a fireplace....sigh.
I like the second way you decorated the mantle very much.
Still waiting! This baby is giving me more grey hair! LOL
Hugs, Pat
Hi Diane...Reading all of the other comments, all I can say is...we're NO help...LOL...Now for me, I like them both but I choose #1 because I'm a more is more kind of person... ;-) Bo
I like both ways equally Diane. I know what you mean about the heat.At first I had mine hanging over the edge and it was getting too hot I thought, so I pushed mine back .
Your mantel looks so pretty Diane.
Both ways are very pretty, Diane, but being a student of the "less is more" school of decorating, I like the second one best.
I love the green and red against the oak wood ... it looks very Christmasy and warm.
very very pretty...love the glass vases..so nice!
-sandy toes
You did a great job, I think I do like the second best.
I really like the second one! Not over done and just perfect :)
Diane, I love your mantel! Either way, the garland looks gorgeous!
Diane,
Both ways look so beautiful and I love your fireplace!
I tend to like the the one which is draped and has more lights. they both look so pretty!
Enjoy your fun day with Connor in the snow! We are in for a big storm this weekend:-)
Thanks for all your wonderful comments!
Beth~♥
I think it looks so beautiful and cozy! I like the second photo better. You don't have to worry about the heat and you get to see your wonderful fireplace and mantel more! Merry Christmas!
-Kim
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