A Fall Mantel for when you don't know what else to do...

Things don't look much different this year than last year, here on the Living Room mantel. No matter what I've tried, I just like this look the best, so "that's my story, and I'm sticking with it". I did do a little tweaking though, and changed out one small thing. These are the "after photos", you'll see the "before photos" a little further down. Originally, I had tried a small white ironstone tureen, but things looked a little boring, so I replaced it with the old oval tray. It added a little more "Fall" to the mix, and was a little larger focal point.

I need to keep things symmetrical in here, otherwise things look off kilter. I've tried experimenting early on and it just didn't work. So these big Wolff Pottery vases are pretty much a fixture here, no matter what the season. I love their height, especially stacked on book bundles.

The Hydrangeas are a mix of dried and faux, 

with some real bittersweet and faux berry branches.

I always love to layer the mirrors...

Right now this is a faux pumpkin in the Pottery Barn urn. I'm behind on more real pumpkins due to the fact that my roof is being replaced this week, and it looks and sounds like a war zone outside.

 Prepare yourself, these next pics are scary...

this is just a small fraction of the chaos.

Yikes...it's just day one.

and the fur girls are traumatized already.

 Now back to something less crazy.

On the end tables I have these little bifold frames from the 40's and 50's.

This one has some Fall graphics from old postcards.

and on the other one...

Potpourri and a small glass accent dish from my bud, Julie.

And if you remember we found this big heavy iron relief in St. Louis earlier in the year. I think it must have come from an old parlor stove. I guess it will have to stay here, I can barely drag the sucker around.

OK, so here is the first attempt, I took these photos a couple of days ago. There are basically some of the same shots and angles of the room and coffee table, I just thought I'd include them anyway. Call me predictable, I can take it...

So much for the "Early Fall Mantel".

I'll bring back my snow owls in October.

They're antsy to make their appearance!

I'll be joining in on these great Fall Parties:

Blissful Whites at Timewashed

Nifty Thrifty Tuesday at Coastal Charm

Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style

It's Fall Y'all Mantels at Thrifty Decor Chick

Inspiration Exchange at Yellow Bliss Road

HomeWork at Everydayhome

DIY by Design

Open House at No Minimalist Here

Treasure Hunt at From My Front Porch to Yours

Daily Cup at Mrs. Olson's

TTT at Stone Gable

French Country Cottage

Shabby Art Boutique

The Charm of Home

Jennifer Rizzo

xoxo,

If you see a crazy woman running down the street

it will be me trying to escape the construction noise.

The Marketplace: Etsy and Online Boutique Showcase

Hi Everyone

and welcome to The Marketplace

We're here to do a little browsing and shopping for some great vintage and seasonal goodies. It's time to come join in by linking up to three of your Etsy Shop or Online Boutique items. Please feel free to join the party, I love seeing new shops each week! Here are some great links from last week, that will get you in the mood for Fall.

Halloween Trick-or-Treat Cone

from the Gift Garden Shoppe

Mademoiselle Tresors

Monogrammed French Linen Set

Vintage Yellow Ware Bowl

from Gizmo and Hooha

Original Pumpkin Painting

from the Old Post Road

Handmade Sampler Quilt

from Custom Comforts

Vintage Pewter Owl Thimble

from the Lazy Peacock

This Week's Sponsor for The Marketplace ...

I wanted to share a few things today from Michele's Shop, Glass Bead Treasures. When I was a little girl, one of my favorite things to do was to look through my grandmother's jewelry boxes and drawers of mementos. Each time I visit Michele's Shop that's how I feel, just like I've opened up a box of wonderful "treasures". If you haven't been by recently, she has some precious handmade pieces you'll just love to discover!

thanks so much, Michele!

Hope you'll join in today, just link up to three of your individual Etsy or Online Boutique items. Please remember this linky is for items that are FOR SALE, only. If you have a blog post about your shop or items that's great too, just please have a way for people to purchase your items. This link-up will be open all week, so hope you drop back by to see what new items have been added! thanks a bunch!

Happy Shopping,