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Sunday, December 7, 2014

CHRISTMAS MANTEL 2014

Christmas Mantel-Bargain Decorating with Laurie

Each Christmas season, I use our Fontanini nativity set on the family room mantel.
Christmas Mantel-Bargain Decorating with Laurie
 If you have visited my blog during past Christmas seasons, you may think the mantel is identical to our previous Christmas mantels. 
Christmas Mantel -Bargain Decorating with Laurie

But this year, there is a big difference, which is probably only noticeable to me.  

Christmas Mantel  -Bargain Decorating with Laurie


I always have to try to squish the set onto the mantel.  This year, I talked my sweet husband into cutting a board 3 inches deeper than the mantel.  I simply laid the board across the mantel. Hopefully, it won't tip off of the mantel. To give weight to the back of the board, I did put a brick under the box that elevates the nativity set.

Christmas Mantel -Bargain Decorating with Laurie
Those 3 extra inches made a huge difference in the placement of the figures for the nativity.


Christmas Mantel  -Bargain Decorating with Laurie


Two of the shepherd boy figures are not part of the Fontanini set.  You may recall, from previous Christmas posts, that I got a great deal on my Fontanini set at an estate sale, and I purchased the nativity backdrop at a garage sale.

Christmas Mantel  -Bargain Decorating with Laurie

These Italian angels were purchased at a different estate sale.

Christmas Mantel  -Bargain Decorating with Laurie



Christmas Mantel  -Bargain Decorating with Laurie


I used bark-look candles to add a glow to the figures.

Christmas Mantel  -Bargain Decorating with Laurie


I can't believe Christmas is going to be here so quickly.  We decorated trees tonight, so I'll be posting those photos soon.  I'm glad you stopped by to see our Christmas mantel.  
 

I’m partying with Met Monday at Between Naps on the Porch, Inspire Me Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life, Tweak it Tuesday at Cozy Little House, and You’re Gonna Love It Tuesday at Kathe with an E.

8 comments:

Debbie said...

I remember the first time that I saw your nativity a few years ago. I have long wanted a set like that, but I don't have one. I remember the gorgeous detail of yours and the way you display it. Adding the board for more space was a perfect idea. It lets you showcase it even better. I know I have said this many times, but I'm going to say again that I would love to come and visit your home during Christmas. It would be an adventure for the eyes.

Liz@ HomeandGardeningWithLiz said...

Looks beautiful Laurie! That's a great idea to add an extension to,the mantel,so you have more room. I've always admired the Fontani sets. You've had some great luck finding nice things at Estate sales.

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Laurie, Love your mantel and the nativity displayed so beautifully.
What a great idea to extend your mantel to hold everything so nicely. The Italian angels are gorgeous.
I just think Christmas is not Christmas without a nativity scene.
Thank you for sharing this beauty!!

Hugs and Blessings

Judy Ann Lincicum said...

Oh, you are so right! that larger board does make all the difference! your mantel always look so pretty but this one is extra striking. Hope your Christmas is extra special too. Merry Christmas, Laurie!

xinex said...

What a great idea, Laurie! Our Mateos are all very narrow. Your Nativity and mantel are so beautiful....Christine

Anonymous said...

That really makes for a beautiful full mantel, Laurie! Love it...

ornate splendor said...

You are so clever, Laurie! What a great idea to use a board to extend the mantle space - why didn't I think of that? Well done! Catherine

Candy S said...

Your nativity set is very beautiful. You have it displayed so nice, very clever to extend the width of the mantle like that.