Christmas Mantel {Oh deer!}

 

This year, for some reason - I am decorating with a "come what may" kinda plan.

Is that even a plan?  "Come what may?"

In the perfect world I envision, I see smart little lists - either on paper or gasp! - neatly compiled on an ipad - which matter-of-factly spells out a decorating plan for the holidays.

Take our mantel in the Dining Room, for example.

When I pulled out my Bin-o-Christmas Goodies, I had absolutely no clue what I would end up with.

I had my new friend, Mr Buck.  

And I had some black lanterns.

But, that's about as far as my "plan" had proceeded.

So, I just started layering.  Some of this...step back and see if it works.  Some of that...step back and see if it works.  No?  Then rip that baby out.

Some cedar. Some magnolia. Some grapevine leftover from the Fall mantel.  Some pheasant feathers.

What kind of plan is that?  A "working by the seat of your plan" plan?  Come to think of it....

- that's pretty much how things have been going around here since the Christmas decorating began.

"Decorating By The Seat of My Pants Plan" Plan.  By the time I am done, the seat of my pants will be pretty threadbare.  :-)

So, I hung up our new stockings.

- and fluffed and added my new pillows...

(yeah, I kinda got a "deer" thing, huh?)  :-)

...and soon our Dining Room mantel started coming together.

Pinecones here, some red berries there.  Is it too much?  Did it need more?  Would everyone know I didn't have a plan? 

It would have been so much easier if I did.

But, I have to ask myself....if I had had a plan, would I have ended up with this...

If I had stuck closely to the plan, perhaps I would have ended up with something entirely different.

But, sometimes I think that no plan is better than a plan.

So, from hence forth - I am not going to stress that I don't have a plan.  I am not going to stress that I am decorating by the seat of my pants.

I am only going to stress that in 14 days, I will have 40-50 people ascend on my home for my parents 60th Wedding Anniversary and my Daddy's 80th Birthday Parties.

Because between you and me, I think that is quite enough to worry about.  Don't you?  :-D

How is your decorating coming along?  Are you almost there?  Are your garlands hung and your homes sparkling clean?  (please don't tell me if that is true.)  I hope that by mid-week I will be almost through.  (you note I said "almost.")

In the meantime, please keep in mind a wonderful Blog Hop I am proud to be part of.

These fab ladies and their equally fab Blogs and I will be joining together to host another blog hop -

"Better Late Than Never:" Christmas Inspirations.

(Part of the "Better Late Than Never" Series.)

Yes, its later in the month for good reason.  So that others, like myself, who are decorating without a plan and by the seat of our pants - still have a party to attend.  :)   New posts, old posts.  We welcome all posts. Best part is you only have to post ONCE!  Woot.

Here is a cute button for your sidebar if you plan on joining us.  We would love for you to help us spread the word.

Thank you for letting me share our formal Dining Room Mantel with you.

I will be sharing with:

Boogieboard Cottage - Masterpiece Monday

Between Naps on the Porch - Met Monday

Thrifty Decor Chick - Before and After Monday
The Dedicated House - Make It Pretty Monday

Coastal Charm - Nifty Thrifty Tuesday

A Stroll Thru Life - Tabletop Tuesday

DIY Showoff - Holiday Showoff Party

Savvy Southern Style - Mantel Party

Savvy Southern Style - Wow Us Wednesday

Kristens Creations - Show Us Your Creations

Setting for Four - Its a Party!

at the picket fence - Inspiration Fridays

My Romantic Home - Show and Tell Friday

Common Ground - Vintage Inspirations

Fox Hollow Cottage - The Power of Pinning

The Lettered Cottage - Mantel Party
Uncommon Designs - Christmas Mantel Link Party
From My Front Porch to Yours - Holiday Mantel Party

xxoo

As always, thank you ever so much for pinning any of these pictures, with my permission.