Early Fall Mantel

I usually look forward to doing a fall mantel, but this year I just wasn't ready to take down my summer one.

I really love it!

But we are having a "gathering" here this weekend, so I thought I would go ahead and put up at least some fall decorations. I think I need to move that turquoise frame!

I kept the old window but changed the blue tin piece for a green one.

Kept the old fleur-de-lis finials but added a little church and acorn garlands.

Love this old tattered suitcase!

Instead of flowers, I added wheat to my white pitcher.

Little details.

The whole enchilada (minus the giant frame!).

The other side of the room, which is the entrance.

Just some tarnished silver and sprig of fall berries added to the pear candlesticks.

In the dining room, I just added a burlap runner and white cyclamen

plus a "thankful" banner.

 I thought it looked a little bare,

so I added some paper leaves.
Now it will do until Thanksgiving!

Christmas! Final Phase

Finally! I am in the home stretch with Christmas decorating!

The dining room is between the living and family rooms, so it serves as a more neutral zone

between a dominantly red living room and blue family room.

I try to remember that when decorating for a particular season, as well.

I really wanted to use this red and white quilt on the table,

 but I covered it with a square, white table cover to tone down the red. 

This goose came from Lancaster County many years ago and all he needs is a red and green ribbon.

On the Welsh dresser behind the table, I wanted to do something a little different.

I started with a giant pear and this wreath I just love, sitting on a cake stand.

I put a few more pears on the shelves, and it gave me an idea.

I added 2 "turtle doves" to one shelf,

 then opened a 12 Days of Christmas pop-up book to the 5 Golden Rings page.

I am going to try to add more 12 Days of Christmas items whenever I can find any.

I added garland and paper angels to the light.

Around the house, I added some greenery and miscellaneous decorations:

That's it, I'm done!

Seasonal Decorating: Moving on to the Dining Room

This year I am using a lot of burlap, linen and wool. I like the combination.

For the dining table, I layered a burlap runner with linen ruffles and a cream linen table runner on top.

Then I began to play with different pumpkins, gourds and squash.

 A garland with acorns, fall leaves and pheasant feathers weaves in and around the squashes.

 I added my tall, pear candlesticks that I got on a trip to Gettysburg.

I also added some little elements like a church birdhouse 

and small white rooster doorstop.

In the center I started with a white, square cake stand, added a wreath of dried fall leaves and a  pumpkin-spice candle. I am thinking about replacing this with a pumpkin filled with mums.

On the Welsh dresser in the background, I changed the candles and added squash and gourds to a white bowl, plus some faux pears and acorns. I may add a banner.

On the shelf above stand 2 small pewter Pilgrims and seeds from Plymouth Plantation.

I still have some more areas to decorate, entry and small tables.
Autumn is definitely  my favorite season.http://livingacottagelife.blogspot.com/2012/10/decorating-is-in-details-fall-mantle.html