Thursday, January 13, 2011

To Brighten a Mantel



I am all about simple ideas when it comes to decorating, and this is one I have been using for quite awhile now...mismatched tea cups, sugar bowls and creamers as vases.  This time around, I decided to gather a few of my favorites and group them together to brighten up my mantel...


I also tucked a few mercury glass votives and rolls of vintage papers for interest...


I love being able to find a use for all of the mismatched and chipped china that I can no longer actually use for it's intended purpose...they are just too pretty to throw out!  And by taking a couple of grocery store bunches of flowers and breaking them up into all of the smaller "vases," it makes more of an impact while stretching the dollar a bit :)




Happy Thursday and Happy Weekend!

{the hardwood floor in the family room is in!!  but we still need to paint it and put the trim up...it'll be a busy weekend for me}



Tracey

93 comments:

Firefly Hill said...

it all looks so lovely Tracey...the flowers are such a pick me up in mid January!

i cannot wait to see your painted floor!

xo,

annie

Catherine said...

Wow this is right up my street! I love this look so much - soo cheery! And the vintage paper is fab! The pictures brightened up my day! xx

Between You and Me said...

perfection.

Yvonne - Frl.Klein said...

Dear Tracey,
I collect old teacups and love to decorate. Your decorating ideas are always breathtakingly beautiful!
Have a wonderful day,
Big hugs,
Yvonne

High Street Cottage said...

Tracey it's gorgeous and perfect for Spring. It's funny it's been a vintage creamer and votive week for me too. I just filled one of my mercury votives with mums last night and I filled a vintage creamer with flowers for a co worker's desk. She loved it, and can water it as long as it's not over grown. I love the choice of flowers on your mantle. Very soft, but cheery. Have a wonderful day, xoxo tami

manon 21 said...

Quel plaisir De voir ces couleurs !

Merci de partager Tracey,

Amitiés

Manon

Whimsey Creations said...

How pretty and it makes me hope for spring to come really quickly this year LOL Great idea!

Loui♥ said...

what a beautiful, bright and cheery post for a cold winter day!!
the splashes of color was just what I needed to see this morning!!
warmest hugs//
Loui♥

Jacqueline said...

How pretty Tracey and so Spring-like and cheerful. I have loads of old china and will have a go at this. Thanks for all of your beautiful inspiration. XXXX

flowers on my table said...

Linda from flowersonmytable said.. such simple perfection. Just the thing to cheer up a drizzly Irish day! Thankyou so much.

KarenSue said...

Good Morning Tracey! What a pretty and simple idea. I love using grocery store flowers in different ways. You have a Happy Thursday and Weekend too!
Hugs from Florida,
KarenSue

Auntie Bliss said...

So fresh and fun! The little scrolls are fun too.

Sarah at myyellowhouse said...

I love mismatched cups and pots put together...it has such a natural look to it. Looks like you're in the spring mood - very pretty!

mary beth said...

So simple and fresh! Thanks for giving us a way to bring a little spring in! Love the little paper rolls too...so many ways to use those are rumbling around in my head!

red.neck chic said...

Tracey - this is GORGEOUS!!! I love it!

;-D robelyn

Pattie said...

Lovey, I think simple is better, I love the fresh flowers, I make it a point to buy them ever Sunday, It makes me happy. And right now it makes me think that spring is just around the corner. Let's hope so because I'm just about done with the snow. Have a beautiful weekend.

sweetpea said...

tracey, what a pretty and fresh mantle vignette! i used the same green flowers for my tablescape when laura from 52 flea came for lunch! love that color.

hugs,

shelley

Crystal Rose Cottage said...

Simple and lovely!~Hugs, Patti

Lissa said...

you are ready for spring aren't you? I'm just trying to get through January. we're almost 1/2 way...

I need help with my mantle. It's so plain. This is a beautiful idea. Could make a pretty valentine's look at well if you did pinks with white or red. oh, and the scrolls could be love notes... thanks for the inspiration.

Lori Katies Rose Cottage said...

Ohhh Tracey ~
That is so very beautiful ! I need
to do that to bring some spring
into this cold week ~
Thank you for your sweet and
pretty idea ~

xoxo
Lori

Secret Garden Cottage said...

Love all of your pretty flowers, Tracey! Your pictures are just gorgeous... love the vintage book pages, too!
Glad to hear your family room project is moving right along. I've never painted wood floors before, and I have a garage turned family room/playroom that I'm thinking of doing that in. I can't wait to see how yours turns out!
Happy weekend to you, too!
xoxo,
Jo :)

Morning T said...

Absolutely stunning Tracey and your photography just gets better every single post. Love you and your blog. ;)
xo~
T

Junk Evolution said...

What a nice contrast to winter! You're so inspiring.
xoxox
Char

Deborah said...

Love the hint of French chic! Fresh and simple - but so clever.

AnthonyRosesShabHome said...

Lovely as always!

Deb said...

So pretty...so fresh...so springlike...love it Tracey! ~Deb~

Sandi said...

This is so pretty Tracey! I think I need to make a run and purchase some flowers. :)
Blessings~

Leah C said...

Oh so pretty! And what a lovely way to repurpose & recycle:) Happy Weekend to you, too!

loribethswan said...

I love that idea!! I don't have a mantel, but I want to put a shelf at the bottom of the soffit above my kitchen cabinets. I bet I could use that idea there!

All Seasons said...

This is PERFECT!!!

Hugs,
Patricia

Lynda @ Happenstance Home said...

So pretty and happy! Love that last photo!

Laura @ 52 FLEA said...

Pretty...clean and fresh!
Your mantle is a reminder that spring will be here before you know it!
Fabulous photos as always! :)

Jillayne said...

SO very pretty Tracey! I love the look of your mantle, so springlike. We are in the throes of winter here still and looking at your blog is a sign of what's to come - lovely!

MariCrea said...

Love ths sweet decoration for your mantel!
Mari

Shannon said...

Beautiful Tracey! Can't wait to see those hardwood floors :) Don't work too hard on 'em this weekend!

Fish Tail Cottage said...

Spring arrived at your house!!! Love the happy colors you have in those flowers! xoox

Lara said...

Tracey, this is so fresh and absolutely beautiful! I love the tones with the little pops of light purple and green color from the flowers. What a great idea to display inexpensive market flowers! :) I am looking forward to seeing your family room & new wood floor! xx

liz said...

Love this . . . so simple - yet so very beautiful!!! :) - liz

Robin said...

Your mantel is so pretty and spring like. I love that you reused items like the tea cups in an unconvential way. Plus I love that it seem so easy to pull off.

Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia said...

It's soo pretty! Makes me anxious for spring :)
XO
Kristin

Ashley said...

This is such a great idea, I do the same and I tuck these "mini" vases throughout the home fro a little touch of Spring :) Xoxoxo 1942charm.blogspot.com

Jeanette said...

Beautiful colours, i love it!!! so my thing...springtime!

Hugs Jeanette

FRENCH LAUNDRY said...

Love it! Very nice touch. And just a tad springy which is a very fun thing right now since we still have lots of cold ahead of us.

Judy

Allison said...

Beautiful! I love those colors together. Sweet and feminine and a nice reminder that spring is just around the corner.

Blondie's Journal said...

Very pretty, Tracey! I love the texture of the green flowers. Your photos are always fabulous!

XO,
Jane

KarenB said...

Very pretty! I really need to redo my mantle soon. It's not Christmasy, but it is still sparkly. I noticed you have a lot of photos in the current issue of Somerset Life! Great job!

Chrissy...The Apothecary Shop said...

Looks so fresh and so spring like....why can't it be spring!!!! You must be excited about your family room..I can't wait to see some photos! Like everyone told me about the work and the mess.."it will be worth it in the end" x0 P.S.Shannon got her pillows a couple of days ago...loves them!

Sue@MyArtsDesire said...

!Simply.Beautiful.!

Tucking this idea away for future use. I was lucky enough to grab some of your little wire handled mercury glass jars from your boutique in December. They will work so well when I borrow your beautiful idea!

Zita - Mlle Magpie said...

Fresh and pretty, Tracey. Love your mantel!

Dyche Designs said...

I love that, thanks so much for inspiration. My mantle was looking so bare after christmas. You've definitely inspired me to do something with it.

found and sewn said...

I love this idea, so pretty

Vintage Gal said...

I love this post! Such a great idea. Thanks for the inspiration!
Marianne

Susan said...

So pretty! Grocery store flowers never looked so good. I've been using vintage book pages lately, too. They're so interesting for decor!
- Susan

kerrie of sea cottage said...

So pretty. I will have to do that. My mantel is very simple right now. It has a similar oval mirror above it as yours, but I have white starfish and glass fleur tea light votives with a few glass bottles right now. Very simple.

I look forward to seeing your floors!!!!!

almay`s home said...

Love your flower! Welcome Springtime!

Love
Alma

It's me said...

Yes !! flowers brighten your life !! lovely post ...happy weekend love Ria....

lisaroyhandbags said...

So pretty! love the votives mixed in :)

Susan said...

I do love the whole mismatched imperfect perfection of it all! Beautiful!
Blessings!

Urban Farmgirl said...

Gorgeous, Tracey! Such a breath of fresh air on a winter day!

Perfecly lovely!

Mary

Burlap Luxe said...

Hi Tracey,
Love your beauty over here, and the use of the rolled book pages speak to me.

I so enjoyed my visit :)
~Dore

Chris said...

It looks so great. Awesome pictures.


Tacoma Homes

The Flying Bee said...

Beautiful!

Tammi said...

absolutely gorgeous..I love it!!

La said...

This is so pretty and spring-like.

DustyLu said...

love, love, love! I am enjoying some color these days. Keep it coming! lulu

pinkstilettos said...

Very pretty..love it!
Daisy~

**CREATIVE CARMELINA** said...

Spring!
I see spring on your mantel! And it is beautiful!

I do the same thing with stray and orphaned tea cups!

Love this post!
Would you mind if I copied the last photo in today's post to use as my iPad screen saver? It might end up being photographed on my Pad ... For my own blog.

Ciao Bella!
Creative Carmelina

Country Dreaming said...

Have fun!!!!!

Melinda

The enchanted home said...

Loooove this! What a beautiful, simple and serene idea...just looking at the pictures made me feel like I took a little break. Thanks for the inspiration!
Please take a look at my blog, its new and a work in progress but your opinions would mean soo much to me. I love beautiful things and we are building a home and its all about both...thanks! I LOVE your blog you have superb taste!
www.theenchantedhome.blogspot.com

A Cottage Muse said...

Simply Stunning! I'd much rather look at this beauty than the 18" of snow outside my window!!

Tricia - A Rosy Note said...

So pretty and fresh ♥

chickie said...

Pics speak for themselves.It puts a smile on your face.Very lifting.Love the little details for that special touch too !! I hope you are keeping warm.I heard how its been.Enjoy your evening...Chickie

julie said...

so pretty!

Cielo Azul Jewelry said...

These are so pretty! The colors are just right and they really seem to pop off that mantel=0)

xoxo,
Carol

Tracy is ... Loving Pretty Things said...

Trace! Its perfect. I was just needing an idea for my mantle - now that it is so 'naked' post Christmas!

THANK YOU!

xxoxoxo

Martha said...

your mantel is just beautiful...your ideas are always a breath of fresh air
so pretty
xo

{Bellamere Cottage} said...

Oh my goooooodness! FABULOUS! I love that look. I always cut my stems really short, but had never thought of a nice long line of beauties! Perfect.

Warm blessings,
Spencer

Privet and Holly said...

Just added flowers
to my grocery list
for today ~ thank you
for the soft, sweet
inspiration, Tracey!
xx Suzanne
PS: I can tell that
you are a LITTLE excited
about your new floors ~
hooray!

Morwenna Hill said...

Absolutely beautiful colours and flowers to keep us all going until spring arrives!
Morwenna

Laura Ingalls Gunn said...

Oh your mantel... J'adore!

I wanted to invite you over to Fabulous French Fridays at the Metis Linens blog as I know you too love the French lifestyle.

Your presence always adds a bit of oh la la. :)

http://metislinens.blogspot.com

Au Revoir!

Sandy said...

Smashing posts. You rock!

C'est ravissant!

Bisous,

Sandy @ My Shabby Streamside Studio
http://myshabbystreamsidestudio.blogspot.com/

Marias Livingdreams said...

What absolut lovely pictures.

Maria

Blessedmom's Simple Home said...

What a wonderful idea, and a beautiful touch of Spring. I'm sure you're going to help create a pretty trend all over blogland.

Now, I'm off to look for some pretty flowers and cups :-)
Blessings,
Marcia

ANETTESHUS.COM said...

Soooo BEAUTIFUL, Tracey!! Love the colors!!

Happy weekend!

xo
ANETTE:)

Elise Lowerison said...

I just came across your blog, and your insights into home improvement, DIY projects, and overall design are very interesting. Your article about how to decorate your mantle was especially interesting. I really liked your comments on using tea cups and accessories as vases for that punch of color to brighten your mantle piece. I am adding you to my favorites. Since you and your readers have a flair for interior decorating and interest in design, we thought you would especially be interested in our custom window coverings. Heritage Window Coverings is located in Huntington Beach, CA and we have a wide selection of treatments to complement any home’s interior design! Any feedback would be appreciated as well. As a special thanks to you and your readers, I would like to offer a 20% off coupon using this code upon checkout: BLG20.

Elyse said...

simple + lovely as always!

this time, i'm hosting a cabbages & roses giveaway ... come on over!

xo
elyse

Vintage Style Downunder said...

Oh that mantel decoration is beautiful! What a beautiful blog altogether~! Glad I found you thru Lynne at Dreams on 34th street...i'll be following you now :)
ciao bella
Jessie, nelson, nz

koralee said...

Just bought flowers today...what a differnce they make to a home...why have I not been buying them all winter long?

Have a wonderful weekend. xo

Alice said...

Tracey, what a pretty mantle! It makes me long for spring!

Lili said...

Oh you have me looking at our grocery store flowers in a whole new light! I could use a bit of Spring right now and the lovely tea cups I agree are way too pretty to get rid of. Truly a breath of fresh air! xo ~Lili

Francy said...

Hello Tracey, I'm Francesca form Italy, I often come to visit your blog and I can see always more lovely things.
I saw also your housein my favourite magazine in Italy.
I like all of your house and your good taste.
Bye bye by Francy
http://sobeautifulthings.blogspot.com/

classic • casual • home said...

Lovely and cheerful. Thank you. Following you now.
Mary Ann

Michelle said...

Tracey,

This is so Beautiful!!!!!! Perfect popsof color to lift the wintery spirits right up!!!!!! Very Beautiful, thanks for sharing!!!!!




Michelle Torres
decorater4life@aol.com