A Vintage Mantel for Winter

Winter Mantel with Shell LightsEver since I was little I was a collector.  My mom started me antiquing and thrift shopping very young.  I even found a gold heart for my mom among the jars and bowls filled with junk in one of the thrift stores we used to frequent.  We would drive hours to get to these places.  To this day, I collect, whether it be on the beach, in the woods or at yard sales and antique stores.  I’m always “on the hunt”.  To me old pieces, hold so much meaning in them.  I just read Nate Berkus’ book, The Things That Matter.  The book really resonated for me.  I decorate with the things that matter in my own life.  The things that tell a story.

Decorating for the holidays on a budget

My friend Alice had this brilliant idea to share ideas for decorating with vintage pieces and thrift store finds.  Today I’m sharing my vintage mantel for winter.

Boxwood Wreath and Coastal Mantel

My mantel is simple, elegant, and (of course) coastal.  Luke and I made the driftwood tree you see and I have a few available in my etsy shop for sale.

driftwood treeThe kids found the pine cones in the woods and on the way home from school. They are also collectors. They can’t help it!  It is in their blood.

Pinecones and glass

The antique bottles and jars are from Brimfield and I think I got them for a $1 a piece. The lights are shells.Mercury Glass and Pinecones

Vintage Vignette

You may recognized this chippy sled.  I had it on our front porch last year. I got it at Bent Nail Farm Antiques.  I love how chippy it is.

Conor found this sweet leather fox at Home Goods last year.  He’s not vintage but super cute.

Leather Toy Fox

The other week, I went antiquing with my friend Pat.  It was a glorious sunny day and we enjoyed a lovely lunch down in Sandwich (which is on the Cape). While we were there I found this sweet vintage pie plate for $4.

Vintage Pie Tin

It says, “New England Flaky Crust Pie Table Talk” with a 10 cent deposit.  I knew I had to have it.  I used to eat Table Talk Lemon Pies like they were going out of style. Do you remember them?!?

Decorating for the holidays on a budget

You may recognize the Cold Hands Warm Heart printable I shared earlier this week!

Pie Plate and Shell Christmas Lights

On the other side of the mantel is a pewter plate (also an old piece) that my mom gave me.

Pewter and Christmas Lights

The rocking chair was my mom’s when she was little so it is probably 72 years old.  The kids still use it and I love having it in the house.

Old Rocking Chair with fur

The wood has that wonderful aged patina and it creaks when it rocks. This dog has been cherished by both my children and the fur behind it was a gift when Conor was born.Cuddly Dog

This little doggie looks so cozy by the fire.

Sweet Fluffy by the Fire

I wanted this mantel to embody the joy of vintage and the holidays.  I always think of Christmas time as a magical time.  A time for childhood and dreams coming true.  Each afternoon I turn the lights on and it fills our home with a little Christmas spirit and joy.

Winter Mantel with Vintage Items

It doesn’t take a lot of money to decorate for the holidays.  It takes joy in your heart and “treasures” you hold dear.  Wishing you all so much happiness this holiday season.

Oh, and here is how it looks at night:

IMG_4842

Mercury Glass at Night

 

Mantel in Candlelight

I hope this gives you some ideas for incorporating treasured items into your own holiday decor!

A Vintage Mantel Title

Be sure to check out these other fabulous blogs (29 other bloggers!!!) for more thrift store decorating ideas!

Holiday-Thrift-Store-Challenge

Glam Christmas Throw Pillows by Thoughts from Alice

 

 

 

A Deerly Beloved Thrift Store Vignette by Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson

 

 

 

 

 

Christmas Cloche by Craftberry Bush

 

A Vintage Mantel for Winter by Finding Silver Pennies

 

 

 

DIY Holiday Walling Hanging by House of Hipsters

 

 

Christmas Decor from Thrifty Find by Town and Country Living

 

The Trellis Tree by Cozy Little House

 

 

DIY Centerpiece Tray by Cherished Bliss

 

 

 

 

 

Rustic Christmas Tree by Delineate Your Dwelling

 

 

 

 

 

DIY Crocks by So Much Better With Age

 

 

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Summer
9 years ago

I love this collection of thrift finds to decorate your whole mantle! I really looks beautiful! I love the bottles and jars and we are kindred spirits in the coastal decor dept! It looks so gorgeous lit up too! Have a great weekend!

Jennifer @ Town and Country Living

Beautiful, Danielle! I love all the stories behind your decor. And I drool over your home’s gorgeous woodwork every time I see it!!

Debbie Dion Hayes
9 years ago

This is wonderful. I am going to savor every one this weekend. Yours is lovely, full of wonderful items, and beautifully done!

Marian@CMShawStudios
9 years ago

Danielle, I love how none of this looks “bought”. It all looks gathered. I love the nostalgia of that! I have been thinking about using boxwood to decorate this year, but hadn’t figured out how to link it with the things I have. I love the idea of letting it tell a story. Thanks. Maybe I’ll get around to posting it when it’s done. Enjoy your weekend.
All the best,
The Other Marian

Alice W.
9 years ago

I love all of the beautiful and sentimental touches in your mantel vignette. Love that pie tin and that fox IS super cute! Being a collector also myself my entire life I totally get it and love when my kids join in by finding treasures like the pinecones you included from your boys. And I know I told you already…but I love that you have your mom’s rocking chairs! Oh my gosh and that driftwood tree…the minute I saw it…swoon!!! Thanks for taking the challenge with me Danielle 😉

Julie
9 years ago

Love all of the aged charm in your home. Also love that your children are collectors too! 🙂

Brenda Kula
9 years ago

First, let me commend you for raising your children with the knowledge that everything we have does not have to come new from a store. My children are grown, but the day after Thanksgiving we would start cutting and gluing handmade ornaments together for our tree. I like the “well-loved” stuffed dog and the driftwood tree. Oh, I love it all! I’m so glad your children are collectors and thus will be creative like their mother!
Brenda

cassie
9 years ago

looks beautiful- love the mix of wood and silver, and i love those lights!

Kyla @HouseofHipsters.com

Funny, For some reason I’m drawn to vintage pie tins as well, and I have no idea why. I have stacks of them and haven’t had the fainted idea what to do with them. Your mantle is BEAUTIFUL! Just gorgeous lady!

Jennifer@The Chronicles of Home

It looks so warm and lovely, Danielle. The driftwood tress are SO CUTE!

Tammy
9 years ago

Your mantle and all of your vintage pieces are so so charming! It’s warm and cozy and can really feel the sense of history in your things. Just love your driftwood tree too! Beautifully done.

Tammy

Patty@thatssopretty.net
9 years ago

Love the silver mixed in with wood and natural. I too love that driftwood tree! 🙂

Elaine Ezell
9 years ago

I really like your driftwood tree. What a great collection of items! I love it.

Jann Olson
Jann Olson
9 years ago

I too am a collector and love decorating with things that have meaning or tell a story. Your mantle is simplistic beauty! The driftwood tree is perfect for coastal décor. I love the pie tin. Not familiar with the name. The pewter is gorgeous as well. Last year I found a pewter plate with an embossed deer on it at a thrift for $5. This has been such a fun challenge. Thanks to Alice!
hugs,
Jann

Jann Olson
Jann Olson
9 years ago

Forgot to mention how much I loved the sled!
hugs,
Jann

Niki meiners
Niki meiners
9 years ago

I love the simplicity of the decor.

Charlotte @ Ciburbanity

It looks so lovely and inviting, Danielle! We went to Brimfield for our Flea Market Flip episode and I’m desperate to go back!

Emily @ Two Purple Couches

This is so soft and lovely, Danielle! Our Christmas decor is a mix of childhood and family pieces along with our own things, and I love pulling them out each year and remembering the stories and memories behind them.

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Nicki @ T-shirt & Jeans

I love every element used on this mantle. It compliments the style of your house perfectly, and it turned out so beautiful and cozy. Great job!

Jamie
9 years ago

Danielle, I LOVE how you decorated your mantel. I love the simplicity and elegance of it. LOVE the vintage details and that pie tin…I want it!
Big hugs, Jamie