Wow, I feel like this is my first decorating post in a long time, but what can I say, I’m a sucker for Christmas.  I love the twinkling lights, sitting by the fire sipping cider, watching the snow fall, and especially listening to Christmas music!  So, when I saw Layla at The Lettered Cottage was having a mantle party, I couldn’t resist:)

This is the first Christmas I've had a true mantle to decorate, and while I thought I would love to have garland and lights, it was a bit trickier than I thought. My garland was so plump that I couldn't really stand things on the mantle with it, and I wanted a pennant hanging, so I didn't hang my greenery. So with that being said, no Christmas lights on the mantle this year...the tree and railings will have to suffice.

I went traditional Christmas this year. I've about tried it all, but I always go back to good old red and green:)

The mercury helps to give it a bit of sparkle.

I fell in love with these little trees from Ballard Designs and just saw today that they were on sale, I think the little one is only 7.99 now...wish I would have known that earlier:)

I also reused my fall twigs, just added a bit of sparkle to them:)

The sun was shining in so bright this morning, which was great to see...but it didn't help with the holiday decor:)

So this is where you can find me most mornings....sipping my morning coffee:)

I'll show you how to make one of those cute snowflake pillows later:)