Friday Favorites starts with Easy Tips to refresh your Christmas Mantel

I recently stopped at my friends home to give her mantle a refresh make it a festive Christmas Mantel. She had some Christmas decor saved that she brought up this year and couldn’t believe that she had actually packed it away, held onto it for a YEAR and she did not like any of it! I did a couple of quick changes that I thought I would share today. Also take this as your reminder to evaluate your Christmas Decor BEFORE you pack it away after Christmas. Only keep things you love and would be sad to part with! Let’s take a look at her Christmas Mantel BEOFRE I got my hands on it. I do want to add a disclaimer- she knew it didn’t look right and had not really put any effort into it because she knew I would come help her. 

I shopped for a few things before I went back to give her Christmas Mantel a refresh. These are some things  I did-

#1- Took everything down and stared fresh!

#2- First started with the focal point. For this space it is the Mantel. I hung THIS real looking wreath (with lights) with a piece of ribbon on the mirror. Then went with the simple idea of clustered candles. Using antique tappers she had and mixing in some small houses found HERE. Also added fresh garland- thats the real kicker!

#3- Next replaced the small frames that were all the same size and not making a statement on the cabinets with THIS large lantern and THIS glass jar. 

#4- I did ask them if there as anything they loved to keep before I took it down. I asked about the tree skirt and her husband quickly said he hated the red one. So I used THIS fur throw as a tree skirt and best thing is they can use it after Christmas as a Winter throw.

#5- Added THESE plaid pillows to the sofa to pull in the gray in her rug and brown accents.

#6- Pulled up her blinds to let the light in! I told her husband he needs to just take them off. They don’t need them for privacy and they block so much of the light and view. Makes the room feel taller too!

What do you think?! I absolutely love doing this. Especially when they appreciate it. This just shows my blogs message that everyone can have a home they love no matter the size with a little bit of effort. 

I realized I never shared what I am getting Kevin for Christmas! And since I am just now thinking of it. I thought you might want a couple simple ideas too- that can ship quickly!

 These are a few things that I am getting for HIM-

• Just ordered THIS beanie and has them in a couple of colors. Great fit!

• Charger that doesn’t fall off the table or you have to hunt for the end…looks great too HERE

• Ok- THIS shirt is kind-of my favorite. If you workout then you need this for your hubby- “your wife” “my wife” or THIS one he already has

• Fun socks are really big (so I have noticed) I like THESE and THESE for him

• If your guy is the pizza maker then THIS pizza stone is a great gift! (we have not very good pizza racks, looking forward to his pizza on this)

• Wireless Headphones that also are good for working out, I found THESE

• THIS sweater in one of my favorite patterns for him! Perfect combo. 

Image that was my favorite this week. This tiny little playhouse. I want this entire set-up for our front porch…remembering this for next years! (image from Monika Hibbs HERE)

BTW I did a live video on our Nesting with Grace Facebook Group. I plan on doing them once a week! Sharing ideas, answering design questions and just checking in! You can join if you are an Email Subscriber HERE. 

That was a quick Friday Favorites! I will actually be back tomorrow to share a lot of ways to display your Christmas Cards (mostly all from my readers over on Instagram!) I will share our card too! See you tomorrow. 

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