Sunday, December 4, 2011

B E L I E V E ...

Greetings, everyone!  Thank you so much for your kind comments about my crazy mesh wreaths ... I truly appreciate it!  I can't tell you how much I am enjoying this new adventure and am looking forward to seeing what it brings in the future!

Now, it's time to share our Christmas mantel!  And, I'm going to go ahead and tell you guys that you'll be a bit disappointed because after all of the absolutely sweetest (and sincerely appreciated) comments you all left about our glitzy Nutcracker mantel from last year, there is no way I could top it, BUT, it was time for a change.

I had no idea what I wanted to do, until my sweet 5 year old (or "5 and 8/4" (lol) as he will tell you) came up to me one day and had a bazillion and one questions about Santa ... "Mommy, how does he come down the chimney ... does he take the plate with carrots up to the reindeer or just the carrots themselves ... what do the reindeer get to drink ... does Santa sit down while he eats his cookies and drinks his milk?"  Needless to say, his sweet innocence quickly reminded me what the magic of Christmas is all about.  And, it was then that I realized what I wanted to do.  Sooooo, I present to you our mantel of 2011 ... dedicated to the big guy in red!


I've had this beautiful Santa print (from Kirkland's) for a few years, but could never find the perfect place for it during the holidays, so, unfortunately, it usually ended up back in the attic, not being used ... that was, until *this* year!  Shhhhhhh ... he's watching you!


The moment I spotted these "Believe" blocks (at a local, amazing Christmas shop called "Callahan's"), I *knew* they would be the perfect centerpiece to our "Santa" mantel:


I also knew when I spied this simple, white (aged) reindeer at TJMaxx, he would be the perfect companion to his neighboring rustic Santa:


And, in case it's dark when Santa arrives, I'll be sure and turn the lantern on for him so that he can see!


Of course, I had to add sprigs of pine and wintery florals for Santa to feel as though he's right at home!  Let's just hope that Mrs. Claus is a fan of faux florals herself!  LOL.


Would you just LOOK at this fabulous sleigh I found at HomeGoods?!  It's all ready for Santa to add a few presents to the ones I already placed in there!  Our vintage Santa is comfortably perched on top and ready to play soft music to relax and entertain "the big guy" while he leaves his goodies!


When Santa wants to sit and relax while he enjoys his milk and cookies, our chair is all ready for him.  And, want an inexpensive way to make a Christmas pillow?  Just add a burlap bow to a pillow you already have and tuck a piece of pine or a wintery mix into the bow and voila!


I have to say that, as much as I love glitz and bling and miss the sequined nutcrackers that usually grace our mantel, this is ... by far ... my most favorite Christmas mantelscape ... mainly because Jackson's eyes lit up when he saw it for the first time.  I thank you, my sweet Jax, for reminding Mommy not to forget about the *magic* of Christmas!


And, while we all know the true "reason for the season," I hope that you don't forget what the magic of the holiday season is all about, as well!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Come on over and party for the holidays with me:

Dittle Dattle/Amaze Me Monday
From My Front Porch to Yours/Mantel Party
Coastal Charm/Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
Savvy Southern Style/WUW
















57 comments:

  1. Becca, how fun your pillow idea is. Love it all.

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  2. Becca, I LOVE it. I bet his eyes did light up for sure. I adore the sleigh. They have one yard size and red just like that at my Home Goods. It is $299 and I don't know how you get it home it is huge. I love your small version. So cute.

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  3. Becca, you just do not disappoint! This mantel is beautiful! LOVE everything about it...the block letters, the picture, the sleigh...everything! And what a clever idea for a Christmas pillow! Love it!! You just have a magic touch!

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  4. Becca I love the inspiration of your mantle so much! I am so glad you decided to follow your heart and create this one! It is perfect! I love the block letters and how you placed them too. Your vintage Santa is fabulous and looks just wonderful in your new sleigh!

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  5. Beautiful, Becca! I love the blocks and the Santa print! Sometimes it's nice to change things up a bit and do things a little differently. Besides you were hit with special inspiration this year, so I'm glad you went with it!

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  6. I believe! Your mantle is amazing, I can see why Jackson's eye lit up! It's beautiful!
    Debbie

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  7. Yes, last year's mantel was to die for this this one is equally gorgeous. I've seen that Santa print at a few blogs but none used as well as you used him over your mantel...I love those "believe" blocks!

    I'm doing less this year but my all natural mantel is my favorite too! I hope to get it posted sometime this coming week...I got some fabulous treasures at some flea markets on our trip to Georgia this weekend...I'll be posting those too!

    xoxo,
    Judy

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  8. Becca- That is just beautiful. I am so glad you decided to "honor" that little one with a Santa mantle this year. It is something that will be remembered long past this 5 year old Christmas.

    I love the Believe blocks, too. How cute are they? The whole thing is pulled together beautifully.

    I gave that same painting to a very good friend of mine when she moved away about 3 years ago. She puts it on her mantle every year and says it reminds her that she is loved from afar. xo Diana

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  9. I love it, Becca! The reindeer is a perfect compliment & of course, the sleigh too.

    (I was thinking along the same lines for our mantel this year, but ended up going in a completely different direction.)

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  10. Your mantel is gorgeous. I love that Santa portrait, he is so cool! Every touch is just perfect. I like the chair too, that is great idea.

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  11. I am in love with your mantel! The fact that you centered it around Santa and reminding us all of the magic of Christmas is just wonderful. :) I also love your bow idea for the pillow- so much that I pinned it! Thanks for the inspiration.

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  12. Your mantel is gorgeous! The Santa picture, the letters and sleigh are all so terrific and a sweet dedication! The pillow idea is really fabulous!

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  13. Becca, It's perfect. I love the way it all lights up.

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  14. PERFECTION!!!! You do not disappoint at all, but inspire and motivate! Aw, Becca... I love it! I love that you took what Jax is fascinated about and incorporated it into your home. That is the perfect mantle scape for your family!!! Sweet!

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  15. You know what they say Becca, great minds think alike LOL!! I love the way your mantel looks and those BELIEVE blocks are the perfect addition! Love how you dressed up your pillows too. Martina

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  16. Becca, you NEVER disappoint, EVER! I love your mantle. I have the same Santa picture and I love the block letters, too cute. What I think I love most is that chair and pillow, it is so festive, what a great idea! Thanks for sharing! xo ~Liz

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  17. There is nothing like seeing that "Magic" in the kids' eyes! Your Santa mantel is perfect!

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  18. LOVE.IT!! The Believe blocks are awesome. It's a perfect setting for Santa. I'm so glad Jax had all the questions and this is the result. I adore your Santas and the sleigh ~ gorgeous!

    xo
    Pat
    P.S. You wanna see some decor? Stop by my place ~ ;-)

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  21. I love how you did your mantel in a theme. Everything coordinates so perfectly from the large Santa picture to the Santa boot stockings and the "Believe" sign. Just so cute. I bet your family just loves it too.

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  22. Becca, it is just perfect! So sweet too! I bet your little boy loves it!!! I would give anything if we didn't have an enormous tv above our mantel.... it is SO not fun to decorate :-) If I could, I would definitely copy yours. Love it!

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  23. I love your mantel! It's beautiful! The "Believe" blocks are my favs and I also love the Santa portrait! Love it all!

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  24. Becca, your Christmas mantel is so wonderful this year! You did a fabulous job!

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  25. Beautiful Becca! So much fun- love the sleigh and the darling pillow!! Looks wonderful!

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  26. Your mantel is absolutely beautiful Becca and you did not disappoint! Love your pillows and I have dressed mine up too for Christmas.

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  27. Beautiful Becca as usual! what a joy it is to visit your website! I passed up this beautiful Santa picture about five years ago and I am still sick of it, how lucky you are! Merry Christmas! Pamie G.

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  28. Hi darling, I love it. Your son is adorable! I can only imagine how his eyes glowed seeing the magic you created. The sleigh is just precious. I love the pillows!!!
    hugs ~lynne~

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  29. Of coarse I love your Christmas mantel, too! I have the same Santa picture, also. My favorite is the pillows with the burlap around them. This is just the cutest idea!

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  30. Beautiful mantle Becca and the pillow...WOW! LOVE IT!!!

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  31. What a lovely way to decorate your mantle! I'm a fan of all of it, but I especially love giving Santa his own spot of prominence. :)

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  32. Oh Becca, I LOVE IT ALL! I must get one of those "Believe" block letters - sooo awesome!

    The wreaths are absolutely GORG, as well!

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  33. I've almost bought that same picture numerous times. I love how your mantel turned out. Does Jax have an Elf on the Shelf? All my friends kids are around his age & they LOVE their elves!

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  34. Thanx for coming to the party Becca!!

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  35. We almost did a Santa inspired mantel as well. However, we ended up with a glitzy green and red mirrored bulb mantel. I'll have to post pictures soon.

    I LOVE yours though, so great! Don't you just love decorating this time of year?

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  36. I'm not disappointed at all, Love! It's just as gorgeous as I would have expected. You truly have such an amazing gift when it comes to decorating! I love what you've done to the mantel this year...thanks for sharing! xoxo

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  37. Love your mantle, the red and white them is wonderful.

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  38. Becca, I believe...that's the cutest mantel! Love the pillow, too.
    Babs

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  39. It is just so magical my friend!! I "believe" it is so beautiful and even more special because of how much it means to your sweet Jax. :-)I love the pillows you wrapped up and that sleigh is incredible. You did such a great job and you never cease to amaze me!
    Blessings to you,
    Vanessa
    P.S. SOOOO excited about your mesh wreath venture! :-)

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  40. Your mantel looks amazing! I love the santa picture and that pillow! Great job!
    -Shelley

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  41. Favorite things: the twine around the pitcher and the pillows with the bow. Brilliant. I love the Santa too...you are one talented chick! Have a good week...

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  42. I do not even know where to begin...Love LOVE!!! This is by far one of the prettiest holiday mantels I have seen...I would love for you to share it at my "18 Days of Christmas" linky party on Thursday...


    www.mydailyphotojourney.blogspot.com/
    www.facebook.com/MyCrazyBeautifulLife.13
    www.pinterest.com/denyse13/

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  43. Beautiful Becca. I just love the sled...and everything else that you've used to create this masterpiece. I hope you son is enjoying and I know that Santa will be in awe when he comes down the chimney!
    Marianne :)

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  44. Becca, your mantel is beautiful, and I can just imagine how the children must love seeing Santa every day when they wake up!

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  45. Becca, Gorgeous!! Your inspiration for the mantle is so sweet and comes through in the design. Perfect!
    xo,
    Sherry

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  46. I love your style!. (I have the same Santa that stands on your mantel.) You have made it all work together, and it looks so lovely. I am just getting started with my decorating. Thanks for the good ideas!

    Merry Christmas!

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  47. Becca, you never disappoint.
    I imagine that seeing Jackson's eyes light up when he saw it warmed your big mommy heart. Seeing the magic of Christmas through the eyes of a child is priceless.
    I love it! Love that pillow all dressed up for Chrismtas, too. So pretty.

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  48. Becca, I love the Santa picture along with your creativity with your pillows. Beautiful job!

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  49. It is totally wonderful that you listened to what that sweet little boy was saying, and then put your magic touch on it. I think it is perfect.

    When our son was about 5, he came and told me an older neighbor friend told him there was no Santa. My heart sank as I asked him what he thought about that. Michael said he told his friend that Santa might not visit his house, but he for sure came to our house. That little boy could have asked for the moon that year and I would have tried to get it for him!
    xo, CAS

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  50. You know I drool every time I see your mantle! I love the Santa portrait, your sleigh, and the Believe blocks. Everything looks lovely and festive.

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  51. HI Becca! Oh, how beautiful! Oh, you created such a magical spot! I love your design with the two pillows! You are just wonderful.
    be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  52. Your mantel is beautiful Becca. I am a tad behind in visits and trying to catch up this morning.

    I love everything about your mantel and I am definitely going to do the twine pitcher embellishment!

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I appreciate your comments!