Miles of Mantles!

In my six years of being a stager, I discovered there are some areas I like to work on more than others. My favorite part of staging is setting tables (I guess that's no surprise!) but decorating mantles and bookcases run a close second and third.

Did you know that you can spell them mantles or mantels? They are both correct. Most of my clients have a tendency to over-decorate their mantels. They feel like every square inch has to be covered, which is okay depending on what it is you are covering it with. Scale is everything. A few carefully chosen larger items are usually better than ten small ones.

Here are some before and afters:

Several years ago, a challenge presented itself. I was asked to re-decorate mantles in a fireplace store. Seven mantles in one afternoon. I had a budget of $200 (and I could use any items already there) and only had time to go to one store. My choice? Ross.


Here is the result:

It was so much fun! Thanks for letting me share them with you!

I will be joining Metamorphosis Monday and Debbiedoos Newbie Party!

Please visit my sister's blog at Robin Flies South...

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 isn't there, so please try back! I try to visit everyone and if I'm not already following you, I will!

All That Glitters

I have some wonderful treasures which, long ago, belonged to my grandmother. I thought I would share some of them with you. This "table of gold" is dedicated to my sweet grandmother who passed away thirty years ago.

These beautiful dishes were hers.

They are Abalone China and the pattern is called Golden Grain. They stopped making

them the year I was born. I really can't find anything else about them. Ebay does have a set for sale and also a few pieces. It wouldn't surprise me to find out they were part of a giveaway. That would explain the odd amount of pieces she had. To me, they are worth gold!



I think the sugar bowl and creamer are so sweet. Too bad I don't have any cups and saucers.

I decided to add some of my carnival glass. I started collecting it when I found a plate just

like my mom had when we were growing up. The color seems to work well with the dishes.



My grandmother also made the lace I tucked into the napkins.



These glasses came from Goodwill.

The runner is actually a dresser scarf my grandmother made as a girl.



Her initials look just beautiful!

Thank you so much for visiting today! I hope you enjoyed my little trip down memory lane!

I will be joining Susan at Between Naps On The Porch for Tablescape Thursday.

Be sure to visit my sister's blog at Robin Flies South...

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Sister Act!

Next Wednesday, November 16th, my sister and I will be posting very special tablescapes. Even though we haven’t lived within a thousand miles of each other since our country’s bicentennial, the sister bond runs deep. On one visit, on the same day, we wore identical outfits. Our niece just had a baby and we purchased the exact same gift. It has always been a source of amusement for us. We knew it was bound to happen when we both started tablescaping, but we bought the same specialty appetizer plates. We thought it would be fun to use them the same week, make some guidelines to the colors allowed, and see what happens! So, be sure to join us next week for Tablescape Thursday!!!