Nature Inspired Fall Mantel

For me, fall decorating is inspired by the outdoors. I love the color change that the North Carolina trees offers. It’s one of the top attribute I Love about Charlotte. I also love the crisp, cool air and the bright orange, reds and yellows. I attempt to bring a splash of that color indoors to create a warmth and coziness this time of year. I also use it as a reason to change out bedding, throws and pillows. I even change out floral and fruity candles for vanilla, bay leaf and pumpkin scents.  

This time last year, I hesitantly decorated our mantel for the first time. Now I’m constantly changing out the décor. This year, I incorporated different things styles that I’m hoping to pull off.I started with my favorite Tuscan urn, wheat leaves and a grapevine wreath with a burlap bunting for a rustic and natural feel. But then I adorned the bunting with lace and added hydrangeas to give it a more feminine appeal.

To me, the burlap and lace bunting was just screaming for a white pumpkin.

I coated a Dollar Tree pumpkin with 3 coats of ivory spray paint {it was a super bright orange pumpkin}. I couldn’t find my brown paint so I wrapped some brown scrap fabric to cover the stem. I was impatient {or lazy} but it’s not too shabby. I may even like it better this way! To prevent the white pumpkin from getting lost against the white mantel, I propped it on a dark candle holder I had in my yard sale box {see Walt, it pays to hold on to stuff}.

I added vibrant orange leaves and pumpkins to add a pop against the brownish grey walls.  The brown urn is from Pier 1 but I've had it for 7-8 years. The white tuscan urn is from PotteryBarn. The Autumn candle is a favorite of mine from Target last Fall. The twig votive was a DIY project you can find here.

Since I’m always changing out the wall décor over the mantel I wanted something inexpensive.

I used some frames I had in the attic {free}, scrapbook paper from my personal stash {free} and felt {$0.29 per 8×11 piece} to create thrifty DIY fall art. I downloaded the leaf patterns from My Cute Stamps. Click the link or image below to visit the site and access the downloadable pdf file.

One of my favorite Fall pastimes {beside the smore’s that I blogged about} is enjoying coffee on our front porch or back deck on a lazy weekend morning with a cozy blanket and warm slippers. It inspired me to replace last year’s wine corks and candle with coffee beans.

Can you smell the aroma? Not a coffee drinker? Another consideration I had was candy corn {although I was concerned Lily would beg to eat them like she did when we used conversation hearts} or something like this inspiration below from Potterybarn.

Maybe next year?!?

Haha, as I'm reviewing this I just realized my corn husk garland is missing! It must have fallen off the mantel while I was taking pictures and I had no idea. Bummer. I may have to add another photo later but I think it looks simplier without it.

What do you think? Does it work or is a hodge podge? I hope you enjoyed it and I'd love to hear what you think!! Please let me know if you have any questions by leaving a comment!

Thanks for visiting! Be sure to check out Centsational Girl for more Fall Mantel inspiration!

Also linking to: SavvySouthernStyle, Shabby Creek Cottage, The Frugal Girls, Tatertots and Jello, Design, Dining and Diapers,Between Naps on the Porch, The Inspired Room