Please note: All images on this blog (except where noted) are original works of Miki Baxter and cannot be duplicated without permission. Also, if you're inspired by a project featured on here, then please link back to me and give proper credit. Thank you!!!

1.22.2010

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!

8 comments:

Beth@The Stories of A to Z said...

Lovely! The tray behind your flowers really makes them pop.

Lianna Knight said...

I'm in LOVE with the red paint! Very pretty!

You can see my mantel here...

http://bethouaknight.blogspot.com/2010/01/pop-of-color.html

Blondie's Journal said...

Miki~~~

You did a fantastic job taking what you had on hand and creating something beautiful!! I had a hard time and my house is not packed up like yours!! Great idea to elevate the pretty candles on the ramekins (I have ramekins I have never used! I love your floral arrangement, too!! Great job!!

xoxo
Jane

xinex said...

Very pretty! Neat idea about the white tray behind the flowers....Christine

Simple Home said...

I love how it turned out. Thanks so much for your sweet comments too. I'm so touched that you linked to me. I didn't get a post done for the Mantel Party this week, but I want to try again next week.
Blessings,
Marcia

Grace @ Ruby Moon Designs said...

I love those candle holders too! The white on the mantle is beautiful!

Blessings, Grace

Together We Save said...

Wow - the white against the red is very pretty.

Maggie Lamarre said...

this is so cute!
Maggie
http://cuttlebugchallenge.blogspot.com
http://cuttingabove.blogspot.com