I love decorating my mantel for the holidays. Last year, my colors were red and turquoise and I went for a whimsical party theme.
This year I thought it would be fun to go with a simpler Scandinavian-ish Red and White theme. I love the Scandinavian aesthetic – clean, simple and pretty. My husband spent two years in Finland and his love of the culture really inspired me.
The first thing I did, was I spray painted a vintage door that I have used over and over for different mantel ideas. I used Apple Red from Valspar. Then I made a little mantel skirt out of some sheer drapery fabric. I traced some plates with a pencil to make scallops and cut them out.
Then I added some white candlesticks from Ikea, along with some various white lanterns and some simple paper trees.
I also made some simple red and white paper chains and draped them across the mantel with some pom pom fringe.
The centerpiece of the mantel is a Winter Ice Skate Wreath. I found some vintage skates and I added some polka dots I cut out with my Silhouette machine. I attached them to the skates. Then I found some classic red and white plaid material and wrapped it around the wreath form and attached the skates to the top by tying the skate laces to the top. And then I tied the wreath to the door with some pom pom ribbon along with some jingle bells.
Another thing I made for this mantel was a smaller version of the advent/card holder ladder that I made last year.
I can’t wait for some holiday cards to arrive so I can hang them up!! (a tutorial on how to make the mini ladder card holder is coming up soon)
Be sure to check out the Amazing Wreaths Pinboard that Beckie and I have created along with Styrofoam Crafts. There are so many amazing wreaths linked up there. TONS of inspiration!!
For great wreath and crafty ideas — follow along with Styrocrafts
Have you made a wreath for the Holidays??
Leave the link to YOUR wreath in the comments, I would LOVE to add it to the Amazing Wreaths pinboard!!
xoxo
Have a HAPPY Day!!
Becky says
My husband is part Finnish, 🙂 I love all the adorable and beautiful decorations that my MIL has at Christmas, you did a wonderful job.
Wendy says
I just found your blog and I love it! Your mantle is stunning. I love Scandinavian style too!
My favorite part is your paper chain with all the different papers, where on earth did you find such darling prints?
Jaimee @ Craft, Interrupted says
I am *swoooning* for this! Beautiful, beautiful job! That sideways antique door kills me!
Erin P. says
Love the red and white! What about the Kraft paper trees? Did you make them?
The 36th AVENUE says
I did my house in Red and White as well… I love the ice skates!
Jen says
I love your red and white decor Desiree!! You are amazing 🙂
xoxo
Kara says
Love your mantel Jen! So clever to add vinyl polka dots to the skates. Oh and I love that snowflake pillow in the foreground too. Very pretty!
Jen says
Hi Kara!!
Thanks so much!! Those skates make me happy 🙂
I hope things are going well for you. Merry Christmas my friend!!
xoxo
Rachel @ Architecture of a Mom says
Hi I have a Christmas wreath here: http://architectureofamom.blogspot.com/2012/11/rustic-glam-christmas-wreath.html
And a Fall wreath here:
http://architectureofamom.blogspot.com/2012/09/a-wreath-for-fall.html
definitely following that pinboard!!
Debbie @PinkTexasChick says
I absolutely love your mantel! So cheery and festive and I love those skates! Everything is perfect. 🙂
Jen says
Thanks Debbie!! You are so sweet. I appreciate your comment so much!!
Merry Christmas!!
xoxo
Lisa says
Brilliant! Your ideas and the colors. I think I would just stare at your decorations all day. So lovely.
kami says
I love it all, Jen! I love the polka dots on the ice skates, so fun! It’s funny, because I remember at CHA last year you saying polkadots being a big trend this year, and you were right! You are always right. 🙂 Loved last night. So fun to be with you. <3
Jen says
haha!! I don’t know what I’m talking about. But I do love polka dots. And I LOVE your skate wreath Kami!! So cute and so funny that we were both thinking of vintage skates. I love that!!
Love you my friend!!
xxox
kp says
love the card holder – and as a swede, your inspiration is spot on!
Jen says
Oh my goodness KP — that means so much to me. Thank you!!! I just love the simple and beautiful Scandinavian decor. Thanks for the comment my friend!
xoxo
Chessa says
Adorable! I must go out and find a vintage ladder like that! Too cute! I’m Swedish and we celebrate that at Christmas-time, I think you nailed the decor on your mantle!
Jen says
Thanks so much Chessa!! That really means so much to me. I just love the scandinavian aesthetic!!
Happy Holidays!!
xoxo
Sharon says
How pretty & festive — I love every detail, and I love red & white for the holidays, too. You’ve inspired me, Jen. Thank you!
Jen says
Thanks Sharon!! Love you my friend!!
xoxo
Michelle says
So pretty! I absolutely love the ladder for Christmas cards!!
Jen says
Thanks Michelle!! I really love the ladder and it is easy to make 🙂
xoxo
Kristin says
Love it! I did a Scandinavian mantle too and will link it up tonight at the party!
thriftykristy says
How fun! I love the red door! xo Kristin
Jen says
Thanks Kristy!! I was a little nervous with the bright red, but I really love it so much now!!
xoxoxo
My Girlish Whims says
Adorable!!! I love the little mantel skirt 🙂 I don’t have my Christmas wreath posted but here is my fall one! http://www.mygirlishwhims.com/2012/09/yarn-wrapped-fall-wreath.html
Jen says
Your wreath is so pretty!! I pinned it 🙂
xoxo
Julie says
Your mantel is beautiful….I love the the simplicity with a bold impact! Here is a link to my first ever wreath (Pinterest inspired of course!)
http://www.jules-beautifulday.blogspot.com/2012/11/hey-thats-pin-tastic-cork-wreath.html#links
Destri {The Mother Huddle} says
Jen, I always love seeing what you come up with. I think a day wandering through your home would be a blast :). It just looks like such a happy place! Love love the new mantel. Pinned for our audience and I am including it in our newsletter today – they’ll love it!
Jen says
Thanks so much Destri!!! I really appreciate it so much. You are amazing 🙂
xoxoxoxo
June g. says
I lovvvve the painted door, so simple but makes a statement!
K C @ The Real Thing with the Coake Family says
Love your mantel! I really love the ice skates and the mini card ladder. Very pretty!
Megan says
Absolutely beautiful! I love the bright red. 🙂
denyse@crazy beautiful life says
Hi Jen! Your mantles are so cute. I can’t wait until I have a mantle again. Cross fingers I will next year.
I’m having a, “It’s a Social Hop like Crazy” party. I’d love for you to hop on over, grab a button and link up your blog.
http://mydailyphotojourney.blogspot.com/2012/11/social-hop-like-crazy-party.html
Have a crazy beautiful weekend!
Anna says
Very cute. I love all the red and white!
Anna
tatertotsandjello says
Thanks Anna!!
I hope your holidays are off to a great start!!
xoxoxoxoxo
McKenzie @ Girl Loves Glam says
What a pretty space! It just looks so warm and cozy!
The Chirping Moms says
Oh my gosh I love ALL of this! One thing I really miss about my old house is our mantle – for decorating. I went a little crazy with live greenery to make up for it 🙂
http://www.thechirpingmoms.com
Mindi says
I love it! I really really love the red door!
Jen says
Thanks Mindi!! I was a little nervous spray painting it, but I really love it. And I figure I can use it for Valentine’s Day too ha 🙂
xoxoxoxo
Melissa @ No. 2 Pencil says
So fresh and pretty! Love it!
nest of posies says
wait…did you get a new slip cover? it looks like a gray in the first picture? either way, i bet it looks so festive in your family room!
tatertotsandjello says
Thanks Kellie!! Yes, I got another slipcover. This one is grey. I thought it would be fun to have another one so I could switch them out. I haven’t blogged about it yet though haha! I need to do that 🙂
xoxoxoxo
nest of posies says
oh i love it! how fun! i bet all that red & white looks great with your turquoise sofa!
adorable!
xo
kellie
Maria @ Inspiration Affirmation says
I love the red and white — so simple and gorgeous! And honestly, could that wreath be any cuter? Those skates! I made a thumbtack and book page wreath last week and it was really fun!
http://inspirationaffirmation.com/2012/11/20/thumbtack-book-page-wreath/
Jen says
Your wreath is so pretty Maria!! I pinned it. I love the contrast between the thumbtacks and book pages. Awesome!!
xxxo
cassie says
oooh i love it!!! gorgeous! the ladder is adorable!