Tuesday, January 11, 2011

SNOWY TUESDAY & A MANTEL PARTY

Well, the snow has hit the Midwest. I awoke to this and grabbed my camera. A view across the street. We are joining in with the East, I suppose. I don't need to watch the news, just blog to see what the weather is like all over. I am definitely going to take a walk today it's just so pretty out there.
It's been a long time since I joined a party so I am linking to Beth's Mantel Party, as I finally got around to cleaning mine up this past weekend and fiddled around with ideas. I wanted something clean and white, but I must admit I am missing something floral up there. The candles and the glass look beautiful at night. but I have a hard time taking night shots so I don't have any pictures of that.
I am loving this pitcher from Farmhouse Wares but I don't know if the enamel is making it with the rest of the decor. I will play with that. I do love the white branches though, and keep them out year round. How about a glass vase instead of the pitcher?
This side has some different textures...I like the stone birds mixed up with the glass and mercury glass.
Hello, birds.
I am leaving up this simple wreath for awhile longer, it looks more wintery to me than holidayish. It also has cute little sparkles on it.
The mercury glass is from Target and Hobby Lobby.
More mercury glass and a candelabra I won at an auction.
So...does it look too stark? I don't know if I am liking it. The wood of the fireplace is a warm pine, I have always dressed it up in warm colors. But it is fun to come up with new vignettes.

I hope everyone had a great weekend. We did not end up going out to eat Friday night as I had planned. When The Husband came home I realized I had a fire blazing away that I didn't want to leave unattended, so we just ordered Chinese food. Saturday night we tried a new Italian restaurant called Francesca...it was out of this world. I would have taken pictures but it was SO crowded, I felt a little foolish. We are definitely going back. Sunday I cleaned and did 1000 loads of laundry. It never ends. I have been so inspired by all you ladies that are cleaning and purging...I managed to clean out a few drawers and I am feeling pretty proud already. Next, my closets and clothes.

Well, the snow is still falling, I don't have to worry about being stocked up...that is the beauty of living in the city, I can walk to all my stores. By the way, the chandelier is not up yet, we had someone to do it and now we don't. I have to hire someone. I have all sorts of odd jobs around here so I thought I'd just get a handyman. Thanks for all the confidence you have in me to do it myself. You clearly don't know me!

I am joining Beth at The Stories Of A To Z and Marty at a Stroll Through Life for her Tabletop Tuesday Party. And now I am off to look at mantels and pretty displays! Have a good one! :-)

82 comments:

Charlene said...

Enjoy that walk! But, bundle up. LOVE the snowy photos! Thanks for sharing. We had snow on Sunday but, it didn't stick. THE COLD HAS STUCK THOUGH. We went to Farmers Market last week & the weather was in the 70'. This week we don't get out of the 30's all week. Oh Well it could be worse I guess. I LOVE the pitcher. It gives good texture & shape contrast. I also have a few things still out that I think are wintery not Christmas only. HUGS!
Charlene

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Janie, those snow scenes are beautiful! And it's the perfect day for a fireplace. It's warmish here, but we are supposed to get some colder temps later from what I've been told.

I love what you did to your mantle. I don't think it's too stark. It looks perfect to me. Love those birds. They are just wonderful, and I like your mercury glass, the pitcher, and the candelabra, too. The combination looks great!

Italian food sounds so good. I'm housebound again. It seems I can't shake this respiratory infection, and I'm coughing to beat the band. I got up and went out to shop yesterday (just groceries and the cleaners where my clothes had been languishing for days), and now I'm sorry I did. Hopefully, the new vitamins I bought will help.

Sending you warm thoughts across the miles...

XO,

Sheila :-)

Sue said...

Beautiful photos Jane, and I love what you did with the mantle, and the pitcher looks great beside the white candles. When I first say the photo, my eyes were immediately drawn to the wood of the mantle, absolutely beautiful. . Enjoy your walk, we can't get out because of a coating of ice on top of our snow, so much for my plans to start a walking program this year.lol I also enjoyed reading your previous post on your new projects, and like you I have been encouraged by all of the tips our blogging friends are giving,it is like reading a magazine when I read other blogs. I always enjoy your thoughts and ideas. Stay warm!

Hugs, Sue

Tootsie said...

it all looks great! I hate winter except how pretty the snow can be. We got over a foot here last weekend and now it is COLD. It is no fun digging out of a blizzard like that one was. If it would stay reasonable in temp. I wouldn't care so much!
I think your mantle looks great...love the whole look!

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous post, Jane! Love your mantel.

We have snow too, but not as much as you. Ours is around 6 to 8 inches and still snowing. Hard to tell how much with all the blowing. Pretty!
Molly loves it!

Heartfelt living said...

Hi Jane,
I think that snow is heading our way! They are calling for about 5 inches by the morning. My friend Jodi and I were just talking about how peaceful it is to take a walk in the snow, especially at night with the street lights glowing.
Oh, I love your mantle! Everything looks so pretty and fresh. I love the green wreath on the mirror with all your glass. The mercury glass really adds a nice touch of color too!
xx
Karen

Cape Cod Rambling Rose said...

Your mantel is gorgeous! And the scene outside your door is beautiful, too -- can you even believe all this snow? We're supposed to have another Nor'easter here tonight and tomorrow. Keep warm!

Theresa said...

I am snowed in and cleaning, rearranging things and decorating! Yesterday I didn't do A THANG:) Today is a new day and instead of whining because I can't get out, I am getting my butt in gear! Enjoy your day with your gorgeous mantel! I love it! HUGS!

Kori said...

Wow look at that gorgeous snow! I can't imagine, with living in Southern California. I would welcome a little of the pretty white stuff for once. Have a fantastic day sweetie! Kori xoxo

blondeepisodes.com

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

YOUR MANTEL IS GORGEOUS JANE, I SAY LEAVE IT!
Love the pitcher,the mirror, the branches and mercury glass!
I am leaving in like 15 minutes for the airport, but I just had to come by and say hi!
Big Hugs,
Cindy

savvycityfarmer said...

how ARE you dear?
you've been on my mind a lot, us being neighbors and all!


I'm hunkered down today playing blogger and etsy!!

Melanie said...

I have to say that it is pretty but pretty from afar. BUT we have it right now too.

Your mantel is lovely. It just looks simple and serene. Something that I think you need:) Have a good Tuesday.

Terri Steffes said...

I love your snow photo!

I hope you are still warm and cozy. I love the white/silver/sparkle of your mantel. It is so refreshing after all our Christmas decorating!

Olive said...

The mantle is charming and I love the lantern with the bling. I have no energy left to have a go at the mantles. I am washing 500 loads of clothes in a laundry room with no heat at the old house, everything is harder here. Stay warm.

KTW said...

I think the mantel looks wonderful! Very clean and fresh.

Enjoy your snow. We have more coming down right now and they're calling for about 4 or 5" more. Kids were dismissed from school early today and I doubt there will be any tomorrow. :)

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

I think your mantel looks perfect for the winter. I love that you left the wreath up. I have a plain natural pine wreath on my front door. I took the Christmas ribbon off it and it looks great to me for the rest of the winter.

My mantel was undecorated after Christmas and is sitting empty, because of my shoulder surgery. I am itching to do something to it soon.

Thanks for the inspiration!
Hugs,
Penny

Maryrose said...

Love your mantel, what a fun party. I may have to try that, if nothing else it will make me do something different with my mantel.
Your house looks so warm and welcoming, especially since I know you have that cold beautiful snow outside. Your picture was great.
Enjoy that organization....that's on my list this week too.
Maryrose

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

I'm a big fan of mercury glass - your votives have beautiful soft pastel hues -

Brenda Pruitt said...

Jane, what about a little pot of English Ivy up there to soften the look?
Brenda

Robin@DecoratingTennisGirl said...

Jane,
Your mantel looks great! I love the chippy birds. I am loving my snow down here, downstate!
xoxo

My Grama's Soul said...

Hello Jane....you know......one nice thing about "snow days or weeks" (O:(O: is that you find the time to freshen up the nest and do little chores....you have certainly done a lovely job with yours!

Hugs,

Jo

Linda (Nina's Nest) said...

Hi Jane, what a pretty mantel! I have re-done mine since Christmas and still don't like it. Why is it so difficult?! We got out and walked in the snow today a little. Then we shoveled our driveway and deck. It just feels good to be outside, doesn't it! Have a great day! Linda

Sarah said...

Looks great! Not too stark for me.
Enjoy your walk in the snow. We just returned from our walk. No snow, but definitely COLD.
Stay warm and enjoy those roaring fires. ~ Sarah

Debbiedoos said...

You sure get blasted there in Chicago, but looks who's talking, I live in SC and have been house bound for two days. YOur mantel sure looks pretty Jane, very wintery. Great photos too.

Kim said...

The mantle looks great Jane. I love the silver and white combination and the reflection of the mirrors. So beautiful. Enjoy the snow. We are bracing for a major storm that just started.
xoxo,
Kim

Barb said...

Janie, your mantel is lovely. I love the 'quietness' of it.

We are staying in also even though we will have temps in the low 30's tonight. Yikes....is this Florida?

We are having Italian and watching old Miami Vice DVD's. How I love the 80's Ha.

Happy Winter to you. I keep asking Ron if he misses the snow. He keeps giving me a funny look. Ha.

Love you,
Barb ♥

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Your mantel is just gorgeous. I love the use of the silver and the little birds are so perfect. Thanks so much for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty

Tammy@Beatrice Banks said...

Your mantle looks so pretty! I especially love that leaning mirror. To die for!
Wish I had some snow. All we got is ice. Such a terrible waste for a bad weather day. lol

Amy Chalmers said...

I like the plain wreath and the mercury glass. Everytime it snows I want to delay removing my wreaths and lights....it goes with snowfall!

kara@elements-interiors.net said...

Hey sweet girlfriend! GORGEOUS! The SNOW the Mantel...ALL of it! I LOOOOVE the birds! Just PERFECT!

xoxokara

xinex said...

Your mantel is very pretty, Janie. I would leave it as is with that vase and then just change it when you want another look again. I can imagine how pretty the glow is at night. You know how it is, we always like changes every now and then. We were supposed to have snow here 2 days ago but it never came. It is cold though, low 20's tonight....Christine

Jenny said...

It snowed here last night too! I think the mantle looks nice!

Julie Marie said...

Hi Jane, your mantel looks so pretty!... I love your white enamel pitcher... it fits in great with what they are calling the "Prairie" look now... (we just called it the farmhouse look way back when we built our little farmhouse, I still use all my stuff from there)... your birds are so cute, and it looks cozy and inviting... looks like you got quite a bit of snow... it is freeezzzinnng here today! So I went to a year~round garden center... I LOVE your vase of what (I think it is wheat isn't it)... it looks beautiful there!... enjoy your winter wonderland walk in the snow... xoxo Julie Marie

Heaven's Walk said...

Janie ~ your mantelscape is so pretty! I love the simple, white, uncluttered look. :) That pitcher looks great up there, too, with the white branches in it! How about laying a white grainsack (or linen scarf) across the mantel to bring in more white? Just a thought.... Enjoy all the snow! It did that here all day,too! :)

xoxo laurie

The Decorative Dreamer said...

Hi Jane! How did I miss this post? I really like your mantle as is? I think it has such a wonderful vintage wintery look to it. Welcome to the snow party! Glad you are enjoying it. I have, but now I am done. I guess thats part of being southern, very short attention span. LOL! I understand about tending to the fire. We have a wood fireplace and you just can't go off and leave those things. But they are so cozy aren't they! Stay warm!

Lori said...

Do we live in the same neighborhood as the view out my front door is very similar to yours! I love that pitcher and if you ever tire of it I will send you my address! Have a wonderful week Janie. xo

Donna said...

You mantel looks so well put together...it all goes so well!
The weather outside our window...looks like yours!!

Lynn said...

Great pics, love it all Jane, especially the fun wreath! More snow in Philly tonight, about 8 inches-Woo Hoo-not:@)

La said...

I think it looks great, Jane. Of course you know I always mention that wonderful pitcher. I just love it.

The snow has stopped here already. WE probably have about 3-4 inches.

Stay warm, sweetie. La

Emma Burgess said...

So lovely to find you here. Wow that snow looks amazing! We are inundated with rain here in the middle of summer...quite different I think. Catch you soon, Emma.

Beth said...

I'm so glad you linked up to the party Jane and I don't think your mantel looks to stark. Love the wreath over the mirror!

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Hi Jane,
I think that your mantle looks very pretty. Sometimes simple is better but it's always hard for me. I usually keep adding to it until it feels right.

You have all the elements that I love on your mantle and I love it.

hugs
sissie

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

Me'thinks you are sending that storm, over to us. Eeeeek! ,-)

The mantle is lovely. Why not do things differently? :-)

As to night photos, have a bit of lamp light on, and the candles burning and snap away. You can lighten your photos up, a little in your computer photo program. And thus, take away the really dark, dark, dark.

And I love, love, love pictures taken of candles, at night. Magical!

www.MaisonStGermain.com said...

Hi Jane,
Your mantel looks great. Love those little birds:) It hasn't started snowing here yet but now they upped the inches to 3-4 an hour! I still have one wreath up too:) I just may keep it up all winter as it is not decorated:) Have fun on your walk:)
~Debra xxx
Capers of the vintage vixens

Pondside said...

What a great day to stay home and play with the mantel - and what a pretty mantel too!

Denise said...

Hi Jane.
I'm rather envious of all the snow everyone is getting! WE have cold but that's all , highs of only 45 this week, really rare for Central TX!
Love the mantel.
Stay warm and cozy.
Hugs Denise

Unknown said...

Hi Jane,
Your mantle looks so lovely. I love how decorations look after the Holidays are over. So crisp and lovely.

Your snow scene is the perfect setting for a fire. We are expecting snow late tonight, and they are calling it a Blizzard. We have been very lucky so far, and this is New England.

Now you made me hungry thinking about that out of this world Italian food. I used to go to a place like that in Little Italy when I was living in the city.

Happy snowflakes.

Karen

GLENDA CHILDERS said...

Enjoy the snow.

Fondly,
Glenda

Jane said...

My view of the outside looks a lot like yours, we finally got some snow!
I really like your mantel. I'm going for a simpler look too after my overdecorated mantel at Christmas!
Stay warm!
Jane

Joanne Kennedy said...

I think the mantel looks lovely! Sure wish I could come play in the snow for a few days :)

Paula ~ castleandcottagesigns said...

Your mantle looks pretty! Love the pine wreath, all very wintery looking:)
We lucked out and only got .4 inches of snow, thank goodness!
Stay warm:)

Paula@SweetPea said...

Your street looks so pleasant snow covered. I love your winter mantel. You did a great job of accessorizing it. Having a fire on these cold days and nights must be pure pleasure.

Kim said...

Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving such a nice comment. I LOVE your mantel! I am a big fan of enamelware so I'd be the last one to tell you to take that down, love it! Love the birds too, everything looks great!

Susan EvelynAndRose said...

Your mantel is beautiful, I love the wood details. I think you decorated it well, too. The mercury glass and candle holders are so elegant, and the birds are too cute (I have similar ones that make me smile).
We've got a wonderland outside like yours. Isn't it just gorgeous? Stay warm Jane!

René said...

Your mantle looks pretty Jane. The silver and white is so serene against the green walls, one of my favorite colors. I hope you are warm and cozy!

-Rene

Maggie said...

Hi Jane,
Love the look of your "Winter" mantle, it looks pristine and chic, not too stark at all.
Stay warm.

Sunny Simple Life said...

What a lovely scene outside you have. I sometimes wish we would get snow here. Your mantle is lovely. Looks clean and winter white. I feel inspired to do something with mine.

Jody Blue said...

Sometimes stark is good lets your mid rest after the busyness of the Christmas season. Lovin' your pitcher!!

Anonymous said...

Your mantle looks beautiful, Jane! Lovin' all the mercury glass, and your French pitcher is gorgeous! I don't blame you for not wanting to go out in that cold when you have a nice, toasty fire to snuggle up next to. :)
Enjoy the rest of your week, my friend!
XO,
Jo :)

Sami said...

How funny I have the same mercury glass piece from Hobby Lobby! I also love the little birds on your mantle.

I am slightly jealous of the snow but I know that this South Texas girl wouldn't quite know what to do.

Sue said...

I like the way mantel looks. I think the enamel pitcher balances out with the white on the other end. Just my opinion! I went out yesterday to take a few pictures and was frozen...walking in this just doesn't appeal to me. Like you, I'm very close to stores so I don't have to worry about the "bread and milk" run to the store. It just started snowing here again!

Susie Q said...

Ohhow I ove snow! I truly do!!
Your mantel is so pretty! I always enjoy seeing what others do after the holidays are over...there sits that empty mantel...staring back at us...what to do, what to do. And you created such a lovely scene INside! It equals the lovely scene OUTside your home! Now stay warm and cozy!
Love,
Sue

Elaine said...

Oh it is pretty. But you can't stay out too long when the weather is so brutally cold with the wind chill. Not good for the camera either.

The mantel looks great. Love the mercury glass and the little birdies.

koralee said...

Oh I adore your mantel...love those birds..Yes..I do love snow days as well..and today is one of them. oxxoxo Hugs

Roberta said...

Love the mantel Jane. Not too stark at all! xo

Pam - @diy Design Fanatic said...

We had about 5 inches of snow with a 1/4" layer of ice on top a couple of days ago. Today, our lawn is a big sheet of ice! It is very cold here in NC still & I wish it would warm up to our usual temp for January which is 50 or so! Your mantel is beautiful and I love the birds! Your paint color is pretty!

Amy Chalmers said...

Hi Jane, Thank you so much for telling me about where to find a good bath caddy. I am going to check it out and see if it will fit my modern tub...most of them fit the claw foot type but if its wide enough it may work. Enjoy the snow! xxoo

Lou Cinda @ Tattered Hydrangeas said...

The mantle is beautiful Jane! I love the wreath on the mirror and all of the candles....perfect! The snow is beautiful, We got 8" of snow and ice Sunday night and into Monday and our city is still pretty much shut down....waiting for the thaw which will not come until the weekend...

Stay warm!

Lou Cinda

His girl said...

Beautiful! I love the simplicity of your mantel. Enjoy the snow, we covered in bucket loads here in the Northwest. Blessings!

Shellbelle said...

I love looking at all the snow around Blogland, but I'm glad to be here in Florida, which has the distinction of being the ONLT state without the white stuff. Our mornings are a chilly 30 degrees, so a fireplace would be nice right now. I miss having a mantel and I think yours is gorgeous.

Stay warm and enjoy the scenery from inside!

Hugs

Linda@Coastal Charm said...

Jane,
It looks beautiful...love the mirror and those cute "birdies"!!!

Blessings,
Linda

Bobbie said...

I love the birds. Everyone is talking about snow. I'm thinking we're just missing it. Just a dusting here and there. Stay warm by the fire and enjoy!

Diane said...

Gorgeous pics. We don't get much snow here in Louisiana.

susan said...

Jane-Thanks for stopping by especially since I have been MIA for a while! :) I really like the way you have done your mantel. I am always ready for a sparser look after the holidays. Love the mercury glass and those white branches. It is cold and snowy here too. Our maltese won't step foot outside :) Fortunately, it won't last long here. It paralyzes us! DO try the soup--it's good (my husband's favorite) and so easy. Take care and stay warm!

Michelle, All Home and Love said...

The mantel looks lovely! I wish we had a working fireplace, I'd be curled up next to it every day!

Stay warm!
~Michelle

Tracie~MyPetiteMaison said...

Oh Janie,
You're like me, I didn't realize you could walk to everything. We are so blessed to be able to buy fresh & have it that evening or walk to a boutique. I can't tell you how happy I am for you, plus it's such a healthy way of living... walk, walk, walk!

Love your mantel, not too stark.

The Italian restaurant, Francesca sounds lovely. Our fav Italian restaurant here closed but it's time to try a new (to us) one in town. I do love Chinese food though so a cozy night in w/wor won ton soup or something like that sounds heavenly to me.

Take care, have fun on your walks!
xo~Tracie

Amy said...

I love your mantle and I really like the wreath hanging on top over the oval mirror. It adds a pretty contrast.

Unknown said...

Your new dishes are so pretty, I can't wait til Christmas to see your tablescape.

Your pretty flowers caught my eye immediately, so fresh and spring like. Love the little burlap runner too.

bj said...

I LOVE your pretty mantel. I don't think it is stark at all..just beautiful.

Still no snow out here in West Texas. A beautiful day today with 59 degrees. Guess this is one reason I love West Texas (except in the spring).

Lindy said...

Not too stark at all! I love the look. I'm still trying to decide what to do next on my mantle - I want a new look as well!

Becca Bertotti said...

I love your winter pics. And, your winter mantle is beautiful, too! Nothing says winter wonderland more than a beautiful fire and snow falling! I'm envious you got to enjoy that. I hope that you're enjoying your day, Becca

Andrea at Opulent Cottage said...

So pretty! Your home looks gorgeous. Thank you for your nice comment -- I'm glad to have found your blog!
Cheers,
Andrea