Inspired, Romantic Shelf...Mantel Party Friday

It's time for another great party over at Stories of A to Z! And it's not just about fireplace mantels (I don't even have one!) Showcase your buffet, shelves, bookcase... The important thing is, join the fun! For me, it has been just the inspiration I've needed to make the extra effort to create lovely spaces in our temporary home.

A few weeks ago, Marcia from Blessed Mom's Simple Home shared her lovely mantel, filled with special items from her grandmother and parents. It was feminine and romantic. I wanted one just like it! Alas, most of my treasures are currently packed away. With her ideas as a starting off point, I surveyed our house and came up with a shelf makeover - this long shelf sits high above our couch and is probably the first thing you see when you enter the home.

I placed a white tray behind the flower arrangement to break up the red and brighten up this area, which is far from any natural light. The two candle holders are elevated by ramekins, and I placed the red flowers in two bowls. Don't know if you recognize the flowers, but I yanked them out of the flowerpots from my front porch/steps makeover from Beth's Staircase Party back in November! Yup, totally fake. and cheap. But I like arrangements like this that can be used all over, numerous times, to add that certain color or texture that's needed. I got these in a clearance bin at Michaels for about a quarter each.

I adore these white candle holders and have had them forever...clearance items at Marshalls or TJ Maxx. Pretty beaded details along with twisted wire. Love, love, love them!

The overall look is simple. clean. fresh. and I hope it captures a bit of the "romantic white" from Marcia's inspirational mantel!