Friday, November 18, 2022

Christmas Mantel Piece-Together


Many of you have asked me where you can get the same items I use in my decor, especially with the mantel. I decided that the best way to share this info is by posting blogs focusing on certain areas with links. Now, some items are from years ago, some items I made, but for those items, I did look around and found some very good replacements that will overall give you the same look and feel as my own.

Each item will be listed with a link. Obviously, if you were to replicate the mantel exactly, you will need to spend some money. Hopefully you can look around at what you already own, and make some adjustments to save some cash. I spent years collecting these items, and shopping around on clearance sales after season...it takes time and energy...but with this blog, hopefully I can save you some work and you can find what you want fast, easy, and not so hard on your wallet.


Vintage Print (18x24)
https://www.amazon.com/Connoisseur-Approach-Christmas-Poster-Pollard/dp/B07GX7V245/ref=asc_df_B07GX7V245/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=475740339559&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=5323598164212933549&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9026832&hvtargid=pla-1013370689262&psc=1


Originally I bought this print on closeout a few years ago. It came framed, but the original piece is no longer available, so I linked an 18x24 print. You will have to buy a frame, and I linked one toward the end of this list. This print is a foundation piece to the mantel.


Hymn Print (18x24)
https://www.etsy.com/listing/997226521/oh-holy-night-vintage-hymn-wall-art?ref=yr_purchases


This print is the exact link to the one I ordered. I have an 18x24 print. I also bought a poster frame, again, listed below.


Window Frame
https://smile.amazon.com/Ka-Home-Farmhouse-Window-Decor/dp/B096J7QK53/ref=sr_1_3_sspa?crid=3O974PEOK8W2J&keywords=window+wall+frame&qid=1668801916&sprefix=window+wall+fram%2Caps%2C234&sr=8-3-spons&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.18ed3cb5-28d5-4975-8bc7-93deae8f9840&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1


This is a link of a look-alike. My window frame, I made. But this one looks very similar. I would double cxheck the dimensions and compare it to the space above your own mantel. For reference, my frame is 28x38. This link is a 24x36, so it's fairly close.

Antique Bells
https://smile.amazon.com/Deco-79-26718-3-Piece-Animal/dp/B007YS6UAA/ref=sr_1_5?crid=SSSLP5H73UK3&keywords=antique+brass+bells&qid=1668802391&sprefix=antique+brass+bells%2Caps%2C99&sr=8-5


Not the exact item, but pretty dang close. I used all three on the mantel, and this helps bring in different texture and shine.

Rocking Horse
https://smile.amazon.com/Amandaus-Mediterranean-Sculpture-Decoration-Ornaments/dp/B07W5ZDPPT/ref=pd_bxgy_img_sccl_1/134-2469842-9827752?pd_rd_w=hsHoj&content-id=amzn1.sym.7f0cf323-50c6-49e3-b3f9-63546bb79c92&pf_rd_p=7f0cf323-50c6-49e3-b3f9-63546bb79c92&pf_rd_r=FCPKBHQPK227BWD06S5C&pd_rd_wg=V0QCv&pd_rd_r=9dfb6680-465e-4172-b564-7ca2153aa1bd&pd_rd_i=B07W5ZDPPT&psc=1


This is a close dupe to my rocking horse. I also added a small green wreath around its neck. That's optional...no one probably noticed until I pointed it out.

Mini Christmas Tree
https://www.target.com/p/24-34-unlit-indexed-artificial-christmas-tree-wondershop-8482/-/A-85378471


My exact trees were from Hobby Lobby several years ago. This is a good dupe though, at a really great price. You may want to place it in a can, pot, box, etc...but honestly, the bare base is not bad. You may was to stagger their height with some books or coasters for more variety and interest.

Serving Tray
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B086C8LS1B/ref=sspa_dk_detail_2?pf_rd_p=88097cb9-5064-44ef-891b-abfacbc1c44b&pf_rd_r=FFZ5HF26XD669402S8HB&pd_rd_wg=at28Q&pd_rd_w=j0ISo&content-id=amzn1.sym.88097cb9-5064-44ef-891b-abfacbc1c44b&pd_rd_r=13d716a2-4b35-48c9-949c-3ab4092b64dd&s=kitchen&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWw&th=1




Not my exact tray. My tray came from Target many years ago. This is very similar. This can be swapped out with a wicker tray, a wood tray, or even metal. It came be omitted altogether too. I added it for a another layer of texture, but it also hides my outlet on the wall. 

Brass candlesticks
https://smile.amazon.com/Anndason-Candlestick-Holders-Decorative-Anniversary/dp/B08RJDPKBB/ref=sr_1_19?crid=3F91W4CG6PGTW&keywords=antique+brass+candlesticks&qid=1668803215&sprefix=antique+brass+candlesticks%2Caps%2C97&sr=8-19


My candlesticks were actually black. I used Rub'n Buff (antique gold) and turned them into a really nice vintage-looking candlesticks. These are brass, so they may be a bit shinier than my own. You could easily find black candlesticks and use the Rub'n Buff to get a more similar look to my own. The Rub'n Buff is linked at the bottom of this list.

Flameless candles
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07YHPRWSF?ref=nb_sb_ss_w_as-reorder-t1_ypp_rep_k0_1_6&amp=&crid=1P611BNUYUZ5U&sprefix=flamel&th=1
or
https://www.lights4fun.com/products/8-truglow-ivory-taper-flameless-candles-with-remote-control


I have used a number of different flameless tapers. Both links are good. One link has 6, the other has 8. I have and use both. I have not noticed a major difference, and I don't have a preference. I recommend both. They take AAA batteries, and do have a timer function.

Draping garland
https://www.target.com/p/northlight-9-x-10-unlit-green-canadian-pine-artificial-christmas-wreath/-/A-76410989#lnk=sametab


Any basic evergreen garland will work. I prefer unlit garlands for greater use opportunities, but prelit garlands would save you a step. I did wire in a few pinecone to the garland, but the look would work just as well without.

Wood Bead garland
https://smile.amazon.com/DECORKEY-Farmhouse-Garland-Tassels-Country/dp/B098JHNW9R/ref=sr_1_8?crid=18YNX6CMRAUMF&keywords=wood%2Bbead%2Bgarland&qid=1668803636&sprefix=wood%2Bbead%2Bgarland%2Caps%2C187&sr=8-8&th=1



Now wood bead garlands are everywhere. Years ago, I made and stained my own. I went with a weathered gray stain, with a bit of early American for warmth. You could stain or paint any wood beads on a garland if they come natural and you want another layer of interest and commitment to the antique vibe.

Ivory ribbon
https://smile.amazon.com/Offray-Berwick-Single-Ribbon-Antique/dp/B00097E94C/ref=sr_1_5?crid=34T4TQNO73TGG&keywords=ivory+ribbon&qid=1668803713&sprefix=ivory+ribbon%2Caps%2C99&sr=8-5


Any ribbon would work...or no ribbon at all if that is your preference. You could also use yarn or rope. I mainly used this to help break up the darkness and the simplicity of the frame garland. It does add a delicate touch to a lot of heavy items too.

Pine/pinecone picks
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07FPT5VC9/ref=sspa_dk_detail_4?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B07FPT5VC9&pd_rd_w=oXPXU&content-id=amzn1.sym.88097cb9-5064-44ef-891b-abfacbc1c44b&pf_rd_p=88097cb9-5064-44ef-891b-abfacbc1c44b&pf_rd_r=ZYDCCW21T690J81842MX&pd_rd_wg=CNzMj&pd_rd_r=6ef707fd-7316-43b5-9672-79b5bdbec1bb&s=home-garden&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWw


My stems were clearance from Magnolia. They are large, with these smaller guys, you may want to use more than one stem in a bunch to achieve the same fullness. This link provides these stems in a multi pack, so that helps. I use them on the opposite side of the garland bells, to help balance the weight and color of the other side of the mantel. You could omit if you want a lighter feel.

Poster frame (18x24)
https://smile.amazon.com/Lorell-Stylish-Poster-Frame-49213/dp/B07K6TYK93/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2SJG2ARURVK6Z&keywords=poster+frames+18+x+24&qid=1668804614&s=home-garden&sprefix=poster+frame%2Cgarden%2C98&sr=1-4


Here are the frames. Both linked art work are 18x24 so you could easily order 2 frames for the price of 1 regular picture frame. Poster frames also come with plexiglass instead of real glass. Making shipping easier and also storage easier for later. No fear of broken glass. These frames are black. If you want to make gold like my picture, use Rub'n Buff. Link below.

Fairy Lights w/ timer
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0778DYH9T?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details


Fairy lights. The true key to Christmas magic. I used these tucked into the garland on the frame. These operate with 3 AA batteries. Most importantly, they have a timer function. Along with the flameless tapers, all lights should be set to turn on and off by themselves. No fuss.

Rub'n Buff
https://smile.amazon.com/AMACO-Metallic-Finish-Antique-0-5-Fluid/dp/B00081HYDM/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1T33BSV85L11M&keywords=rub+and+buff+antique+gold&qid=1668804713&s=home-garden&sprefix=rub+and+buff%2Cgarden%2C101&sr=1-1


This little guy is awesome. I have used it on so many things. I highly recommend you pick up some. They also stock this in store at Hobby Lobby. I can use this and make sure my metals blend together effortlessly. You simply squeeze out a bit and rub it in with a paper towel. You could use a paint brush, but this is wax-based, so it will not wash out with soap water...that being said, you may want to avoid getting on hands and clothes for the same reason.

I hope this post helps make it easier to put together a very similar mantel of your own. I will say this is all based on my mantel from last Christmas. I do plan on setting up the same way this year, I just haven't done it yet. Those of you starting to decorate can hopefully order items and get them setup before December 1st!