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Is anyone surprised that my house has exploded in a sea of glitter and red? Is anyone shocked? ANYONE?
When it came to the mantel, I knew I wanted something big and RED.
And I think we got it. Bam!
I created the red quilt square artwork at our last craft night – I just painted over the same board I used for fall (stripes) and Halloween (candy corn). The piece of plywood inside is designed to be the exact size of the vintage window (upcycled from our first home).
The quilt square design was adapted from my friend Nici’s artwork in her home. (She picked up the art at Hobby Lobby in grey.) I loved the design but wanted my own color scheme. Because if it’s not red, it doesn’t belong in our home.
While I was at it, I needed to something below the seat. I went out to the woodshed and pulled out the prettiest logs.
That’s what you are supposed to do, right? Choose logs for looks? I put them in the center opening and patted myself on the back for being a genius.
Then Ryan told me that the logs I chose weren’t dry enough so he couldn’t use them for the fireplace this year at all. Which made me more of a genius because they won’t get used and this area will stay pretty forever. Form over function, obviously.
I also added my little DIY Santa crate and Santa art. They were on the porch last year, but I wanted to enjoy both pieces inside this year. We fill the crate with our Christmas books to read all month. I think we have like 30 books and I’m not a mathematician but it’s just not enough.
Our favorites? (It’s Christmas, David, A Chick ‘n Pug Christmas, and Charlie and the Christmas Kitty)
It really is beautiful. And you can even see our hallway tree from here. Which is great because there are never enough trees in my holiday dream land. 
I think my favorite part is the garland – a mix of faux greenery and burlap and lights. Always lights.
But in the interest of full-disclosure, I was forced to take the garland and stockings down a few days after I got it all set up perfectly to my liking. I was told they were a “fire hazard” and that I could “burn the house down.”
I use quotations because it all seems like a conspiracy against my holiday spirit.
Have no fear. I’m staging a coup.
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I love the mantle, especially the garland. Where did you get it? It looks real.
Where did the red stars come from? Are they the Ikea ones? They look so much nicer and fancier in your house… But then, everything does.
i love those giant red star lanterns! they look so fun and festive! and some mighty fine looking logs you have there.
Thank you – everybody loves a good looking log. 😉
How did you make the burlap garland? I NEED one of these in my home!
Me too. *thumbs up*
Could you put the greenery on the stair rail? I saw a really cute iron stocking hanger for people who do not have a fire place. Could your husband weld something to hang them on? Love the big red stars.