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
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia | So Much Better With Age
[email protected] Designs says
September 21, 2015 at 7:12 amBeautiful 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!
Shelley @ Calypso in the Country says
September 21, 2015 at 7:48 amBeautiful! 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
Lindsay Eidahl says
September 21, 2015 at 7:58 amYour fireplace and mantel are GORGEOUS!!!!!
Kim says
September 21, 2015 at 8:59 amWell, done, Robin. The crates are a great idea.
Sheila says
September 21, 2015 at 8:59 amLove your pretty fireplace and mantel. Visiting from Housepatility designs. Sheila
Angie @ Postcards from the Ridge says
September 21, 2015 at 9:16 amYour mantel is gorgeous Robin. I love the stone and the crates are the perfect addition.
Larissa ~ Prodigal Pieces says
September 21, 2015 at 9:22 amSuch a beautiful display of nature and eclectic finds. A truly welcoming scene, Robin!
[email protected] Interior Frugalista says
September 21, 2015 at 9:58 amRobin, 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!
Shannon says
September 21, 2015 at 10:23 amBring 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!!
judy in carefree says
September 21, 2015 at 10:25 amLove it, Robin!
Vicki and Jennifer Fenton says
September 21, 2015 at 11:43 amHey 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!
[email protected] says
September 21, 2015 at 12:10 pmBeautiful, 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.
Maryann @ Domestically Speaking says
September 21, 2015 at 1:02 pmLove how you added the crates to the mantel! So pretty with all the fall foliage too!
[email protected] says
September 21, 2015 at 1:21 pmWhat 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.
Jane @ Cottage at the Crossroads says
September 21, 2015 at 1:27 pmRobin, 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!
Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule says
September 21, 2015 at 2:33 pmBeautiful…and so cozy and inviting Robin. I love it (and your gorgeous stone fireplace!) 🙂
xo
Nancy
Eileen says
September 21, 2015 at 4:21 pmCozy, 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
Kim Jones says
September 21, 2015 at 5:01 pmLove the warm lights! Such a pretty mantel! Great job, lots of fun ideas to steal. thanks!
Jennifer @ Town and Country Living says
September 21, 2015 at 9:20 pmYou have a beautiful fireplace! I love the DIY vintage crates!!
[email protected] of a Serial Do-it-Yourselfer says
September 21, 2015 at 10:15 pmAbsolutely gorgeous, Robin! Love the crates! XO
Debbie Refresh Restyle says
September 22, 2015 at 9:19 amBeautiful way to bring in fall, I’m so ready! Love the crates and lights and signs!
XO
Debbie
Robin says
September 22, 2015 at 9:54 amthanks so much Debbie xo
Gina says
September 22, 2015 at 4:33 pmYour 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!! 😉
Robin says
September 23, 2015 at 6:51 amGina, you’re so kind and always encouraging my friend – thank you ox
Wendi @ H2OBungalow says
September 23, 2015 at 9:32 amI’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!
Kim - Today's Creative Life says
September 23, 2015 at 1:05 pmWhat a comfortable space to cozy up in!
Vanessa says
September 23, 2015 at 2:28 pmEverything looks beautiful Robin! Such warm and welcoming layers and colors. <3
Mary Beth|Cupcakes and Crinoline says
September 25, 2015 at 11:50 pmYour mantel is beautiful, Robin, and those crates are making me swoon. I love vintage (and vintage-looking) crates. xoxo
Christy @ Our Southern Home says
September 27, 2015 at 4:47 pmAbsolutely gorgeous, Robin. I adore your fireplace. So cozy and relaxing! Happy fall my friend!
Martina says
September 27, 2015 at 6:55 pmBEAUTIFUL Robin!!
Autumn says
September 28, 2015 at 11:42 pmI just love the crates! Great use of color!
CD Loken says
September 29, 2015 at 8:56 pmGorgeous fall mantel, Robin!! I LOVE the DIY signs-and the warm glow of tiny lights make the entire space so cozy!!!
Anita says
October 1, 2015 at 8:51 pmThis is such an amazing idea! Thanks for sharing it. I’m Anita visiting from I’m lovin’ Link Party.
Vickie @Vickie's Kitchen and Garden says
October 3, 2015 at 8:19 pmso festive looking -it doesn’t put you in such a good mood! Thanks for sharing your beautiful mantle at the #HomeMattersParty
Vickie @Vickie's Kitchen and Garden says
October 3, 2015 at 8:20 pmso sorry should read it does put you in a good mood!
Robin says
October 6, 2015 at 1:22 pmVickie, it does put me in a good mood! ox
Jenny @ Refresh Living says
October 5, 2015 at 11:28 pmI 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.
Robin says
October 6, 2015 at 1:14 pmthanks so much Jenny…so sweet xo