mantel possibilities

When we bought our home a few years ago I wasn't very happy with what I thought was a very wimpy mantel.  I wanted a deep one that I could layer with found treasures.  Being the planner that I am, I have sketched out the new and improved mantel on countless pieces of scrap paper.

But like most things, the longer I've lived with the old one, the more it has grown on me.  I can now see where it's demure character suits our little cottage perfectly.

And with a little creative placement it can be layered as wonderfully as a mantel twice it's size.

Most of what's on the mantel is up year round.  I simply tucked in the greenery and pinecones amongst my existing display.

Decorating our small house on a budget has taught me to be patient and live with the existing before rushing right into what you might think you want.

There is character and charm in most anything if you view it from the prospective of possibility instead of liability.

I've had so much fun seeing everyones Christmas mantels over at My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia. I already have ideas I want to incorporate into my own mantel next Christmas.  I can't wait to see what you've come up with.