I spent most of Sunday afternoon in decorating mode.
Tis the season, after all, And futzing with decor is one of my favorite holiday activities.
I decided to focus on one thing at a time. I’m doing that a bit better these days.
I concentrated on the mantel in the living room where I have a large rectangular mirror framed in antique gold propped in the center. Casually leaning against the large mirror is a smaller round one, framed in a crudely carved wood and painted gold.
I left these two mirrors in place and removed the summertime accessories of blue and teal.
Next, I assembled everything I could find in the house that was gold and silver. It feels like that kind of year.
A quick weekend shopping jaunt to the local hardware store yielded a pair of perfectly-sized, resin trees flecked in gold glitter to anchor each end of the white-painted mantel. On the right side, I’ve arranged four gold votive candles around the base of the tree along with two doves.
On the opposite side is a wire chapel with a steeple, onto which I painstakingly hung a vintage mercury-glass bell that I found at the bottom of a box with some miscellaneous cast-off holiday decorations. The bell is the perfect size, shape, and patina. I love when that happens . . .
Just a week ago, a friend gifted me with some beautiful footed metallic candles. I polished a silver Santa bell till it gleamed.
Gold and silver . . . it feels like that kind of year.
Off-center – just in front of the round mirror, are two crowns (fit for a queen!): an elaborate one in antiqued silver, the other crown – set atop a carved wooden pedestal – is a simpler style in a burnished gold.
I stepped back, admiring my work. My professional-designer friend, Shelley, will be here on Tuesday, and I will ask for her advice in re-arranging my mantel. It’s pretty good, but surely it can be improved.
All I know is that I was in my element for a few hours, enjoying the zen-like journey of assembling the puzzle pieces, and the artful arrangement which came together with ease. The result is a thing of beauty.
Petey the cat, enjoying my beautiful mantel
Serene, simple, composed, balanced – with just the right amount of bling. Kind of like me these days.
And when Shelley arrived on Tuesday, I asked for her advice. “It’s absolutely perfect!” she said.
My masterpiece!
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7 Comments
Donna Elliott December 9, 2016 at 8:00pm
Your masterpiece is quite beautiful, just like you! May you enjoy your Christmas with family, friends and loved ones.
❌⭕️Brian & Donna
Ann December 9, 2016 at 9:41pm
Lovely, just like you are… have a spectacular Christmas, Marilyn!
Julie Franz December 9, 2016 at 9:25pm
Shelley is right! And even more beautiful than the finished mantel is the way this has made you feel! You are the real masterpiece! Thanks for sharing!
Nancy Goodell December 9, 2016 at 9:40pm
And it is beautiful, Marilyn. I am so happy that I got to see your masterpiece in person. You have inspired me to create my own holiday focal point–one that reflects my vision for this time ahead. By the way I had my own zen time this morning digging in my garden. For nearly an hour I had my hands in the dark rich soil that I had composted several years ago. I was aware that I was giving myself a gift. Thank you for making me mindful of such simple pleasures.
Nina mihranian December 9, 2016 at 11:50pm
May it be a very festive holiday season and a bright healthy and happy 2017
Hugs live😍🙏
Joann Yamashiro December 10, 2016 at 4:02pm
I’m learning along with you that when you are lost in the simple creating process, your soul blossoms.May 2017 find you creating more of these moments of simple elegance.
Debbie Doty December 10, 2016 at 11:53pm
Marilyn, your enthusiasm for the decorating and the Christmas season is contagious. My guys went to get our tree today and I can’t wait to finish my work and deck the halls tonight. Falalalalahhh lalalalahhh!