(Faux) Christmas Mantel

I finally dug out the Christmas boxes. I'm still playing around with the Christmas decor this year and how I want things. However, the tree is up! Photos will come at a later date as I have a DIY up my sleeve. Once the DIY is complete it will be the finishing touch for the tree, that is if all goes well; so for now I leave you in suspense :)

Today I do want to play along with the Holiday Cheer link party that is going on and share my Christmas mantel with you! Mantel? Right. I don't have a mantel. However, I have learned: No mantel? No problem! We'll improvise. Since we don't have a mantel I usually do some clustered vignettes around the house. While I know this is nothing like having a mantel, the concept is the same: operation decorate for Christmas! 

Again, the decorating isn't complete but for now here's a peek at my faux mantel:

The cabinet that sits in our dining area is what I chose for our "mantel". You'll see a full on photo of it here. It's a small surface so I kept the details and items simple so as not to overwhelm the piece. 

I'm going for a more rustic look this year, so pine cones were essential. I used the driftwood star that I had used in place of a wreath last year. The small starfish and candles were all things I already had. So apart from the large bag of pine cones I purchased this year {under $5}, this was all created using things I already had on hand.

So, no mantel? No problem! Pick a surface and decorate with a few hints of Christmas and you are set!

Can't wait to see all of the Christmas mantels over at the Holiday Cheer link party that's happening at Ten June & Our Fifth House!

This post is also linked to: City Farmhouse