Ya know that place in your home that is the focal point? Is it the kitchen? The den? Ours is the big stone fireplace in the center of the living space. It’s visible from almost everywhere in our downstairs, that’s why I love to do a fall mantel…for that matter, I love to decorate the mantel and the hearth to welcome every season…
There’s something special about one season fading into the next and when it’s a scorching southern summer fading into a crisp southern autumn…well there’s nothing I love more.
Adding seasonal touches inside our home is one way I express love. Maybe that sounds strange, but I have vivid memories of coming home from school in early autumn just after my mom did a little seasonal nesting. Fall leaf garlands, real pumpkins and a brick red table runner on the kitchen table were enough to make me giddy with excitement.
I’m sure that’s why all these years later, I take the time and make the effort to ready our home for each season. And most years I change things up a little, depending on my mood!
This year, I’ve been enamored with crates and all the potential of those simple wooden boxes and they were my inspiration for this year’s mantel.
Remember my DIY Vintage Inspired Crates HERE?
This is what I had in mind when I made them… It’s my version of a pumpkin-stand theme for the mantel this year…
I added a tiny string of battery operated lights on each side because starting in September we light candles and use tiny lights every single night until March…I really love a fall and winter room that glows.
And Friday, I showed you how I made my super easy fall signs HERE…
A little color, some tiny lights and a few pumpkins …just a few of my favorite things for fall…
And now we’ve got a whole weeks worth of fall ideas to inspire you!

Here's a list of all the hosts! I know I can't wait to visit everyone!
Monday
Postcards from the Ridge | All Things Heart and Home
Confessions of a Serial Do-it-Yourselfer | Domestically Speaking
Prodigal Pieces | Housepitality Designs
Mad In Crafts | My Creative Days
Tuesday
Refresh Restyle | 2 Bees in a Pod
Fox Hollow Cottage | Artsy Chicks Rule
Our Southern Home | Restoration Redoux
Savvy Southern Style | Atta Girl Says
Wednesday
H2OBungalow | Cottage at the Crossroads
Today’s Creative Life | Dukes and Duchesses
Hunt & Host | The Interior Frugalista
Sweet Pea | Petticoat Junktion
Thursday
At the Picket Fence |Town and Country Living
Beautiful mantel!…I so love the wonderful layering that you have created and those signs on the hearth are the best!
Great to party with you today!
Beautiful! I love the way everything looks against your beautiful stone. We redid our fireplace in stone this year and I can’t wait to start decorating it. Thanks for the inspiration!
Shelley
Your fireplace and mantel are GORGEOUS!!!!!
Well, done, Robin. The crates are a great idea.
Love your pretty fireplace and mantel. Visiting from Housepatility designs. Sheila
Your mantel is gorgeous Robin. I love the stone and the crates are the perfect addition.
Such a beautiful display of nature and eclectic finds. A truly welcoming scene, Robin!
Robin, I love your use of small crates with your pumpkin display and I like the idea of filling a galvanized bucket with lit grapevine balls. I am swooning over the Fall signs flanking your mantle – those are fabulous!
Bring on everything fall! I’m ready to curl up right in front of that fireplace. I don’t see how you’ll get another thing done… it’s sure to suck you in. Perfectly cozy and wonderful!!
Love it, Robin!
Hey Robin – your mantel and fireplace are so prettyl We love the vintage crates and beautiful colors of fall. We are ready to curl up in front of the fireplace!
Beautiful, Robin! Your stone fireplace is so pretty and you have it beautifully decorated for the season. I love how your crates add height and adding the mini lights inside of each is a super idea. This tour is off to a wonderful start.
Love how you added the crates to the mantel! So pretty with all the fall foliage too!
What a gorgeous fireplace and mantel! My mantel isn’t nearly that deep. I love yours. The decor is perfect. I’m a sucker for crates! Thanks for the inspiration.
Robin, I just adore the glow from the lighted grapevine balls! And stacking the crates on top of the mantel is GENIUS! I’m gathering so many great ideas today during the tour because my mantel is still BARE!
Beautiful…and so cozy and inviting Robin. I love it (and your gorgeous stone fireplace!) 🙂
xo
Nancy
Cozy, inviting and warm! I love how your mantel looks each time you decorate it for a season or holiday, Robin. I love lighting white lights and candles as the days grow shorter. And, I understand what you mean about expressing love for your family in your decorating. I feel the same. xxoo
Love the warm lights! Such a pretty mantel! Great job, lots of fun ideas to steal. thanks!
You have a beautiful fireplace! I love the DIY vintage crates!!
Absolutely gorgeous, Robin! Love the crates! XO
Beautiful way to bring in fall, I’m so ready! Love the crates and lights and signs!
XO
Debbie
thanks so much Debbie xo
Your fireplace is always so pretty and I imagine it is hard to accessorize due to the sheer size, but you’ve done an excellent job!! Love the use of the crates. Love the colorful leaves and lights too! 🙂 Your home is always cozy and inviting…matching your personality!! 😉
Gina, you’re so kind and always encouraging my friend – thank you ox
I’m in love with your fireplace! I can imagine how much fun you have creating seasonal vignettes for this big beautiful mantel. Love how you used the stacked boxes and garland for a rustic look. It’s all lovely!
What a comfortable space to cozy up in!
Everything looks beautiful Robin! Such warm and welcoming layers and colors. <3
Your mantel is beautiful, Robin, and those crates are making me swoon. I love vintage (and vintage-looking) crates. xoxo
Absolutely gorgeous, Robin. I adore your fireplace. So cozy and relaxing! Happy fall my friend!
BEAUTIFUL Robin!!
I just love the crates! Great use of color!
Gorgeous fall mantel, Robin!! I LOVE the DIY signs-and the warm glow of tiny lights make the entire space so cozy!!!
This is such an amazing idea! Thanks for sharing it. I’m Anita visiting from I’m lovin’ Link Party.
so festive looking -it doesn’t put you in such a good mood! Thanks for sharing your beautiful mantle at the #HomeMattersParty
so sorry should read it does put you in a good mood!
Vickie, it does put me in a good mood! ox
I just love your mantel, and hearing the story about your mother’s decorating after you returned home from school. You all did such a phenomenal job on this fall ideas home tour. Thanks for stopping by to share with us at Dream. Create. Inspire. Link.
thanks so much Jenny…so sweet xo