Holiday

[crazycockermom]

@IamMrsG

Thanks for the recommendation.   I love aubergine.  It's in my family room too.  

[Java]

Homegoods has some gorgeous fall runners right now

[crazycockermom]

Thanks Java!  I rarely get there but will make a point to check them out.  

[DarlingDino]

I love your chandalier where did you get it?

[Kitlynn]

First of all let me say that your fireplace and dining room are both really pretty!! You have some really nice pieces that you are decorating with. Now this is not to be critical and is just my opinion but it is all really straight and linear and it needs a little pop of color to really make your pretty things pop! Like one person suggested replacing the white table runner with a colored one would be really pretty. I would suggest a deep orange or russet color. I would also cluster some of the pieces close together like the pine cone candles.You could also put a couple of chunky candle holders with Fall colored candles on them and set them together.

Just to break up the evenness and straight line on the table. On the fireplace hearth you could put a large basket and toss a couple of cozy throws in it just to make it look more inviting to sit down and enjoy.

[meallen616]

Very pretty,

[Zita]

I think your taste is exquisite and your pics show it. However, I think your mantel would benefit from a little editing and additions. Right now, it's like soldiers in a row. How about something that lifts the eyes upward, perhaps at one end or in the middle. Don't have any suggestions, but you don't need them -- the world is full of tjMaxx's, At Homes, Pier I, etc. as well as QVC and Valerie

[Mominohio]

@crazycockermom

This picture of your fireplace shows more than the one that you posted for the Christmas decor thread. I have to say, when seeing the entirety of the hearth and all, it is really nice, with a great hearth that more than makes up for such a 'thin' mantel.

Our current house has no fireplace, and I agonize, missing the beautiful fireplaces and mantels I had in the past. I look at yours in envy!!

Your fireplace screen is beautiful and the wrought iron broom/tool hanger is so unique and beautiful. I understand the personal connection to the items on your mantel, making it special and meaningful, rather than a 'decorator's dream'.

I have some shelving in my family room that tends to be the same. It has much more potential than I utilize, but it contains things from my family's past generations (books my dad authored, a toy car that was my dad's during the depression, the darning egg my great grandmother used, a couple of ceramic pieces my grandmother made, the button tin that has come down through four generations, a beautiful oak crayon box my grandfather made for me as a child, etc.). I know others look at it and think it could be much better utilized, but it does warm my heart to have these special treasures out to enjoy, yet out of the way of the main level of the house where everyone else needs to see them.

There are many times I want to scrap the whole shelving unit, and make it 'pretty', but it simply wouldn't be the same.

As for the table, I love every piece on it, and think they coordinate perfectly. I do agree that a different color runner might just pull it all together perfectly. I think it might be just too light. Not at all wrong, but another color might make the pieces unify with the fabric better.

I am wondering what the picture above the mantel is. Is it a photo or a piece of art? On my monitor, it reminds me of a picture taken a very long time ago, of a group of people (like a fire department or group of workers from some business), and was wondering if it is a family treasure? And while you didn't ask, if it were me, I'd drop the picture lower, by about two or three bricks, so it becomes part of the mantel groupings and not seem to out and alone. I know that isn't the easiest thing to do with brick!

I'm really loving your pics. I so want to be able to post pics here, but my computer won't read my camera card any longer and I don't have a phone with a camera...yet. I hope to get to where I can post pics someday too. Until then, keep them coming, it is such fun!

[PamfromCT]

Such a lovely home!  I am far from a decorating expert, and my home is certainly not perfect.  But I wonder if you would consider:

A longer and slightly taller print for your fireplace.  Maybe something that would pick up the colors in your room?

I would try to find a runner in a muted print or something in a fall color, since you have neutral tones in your room.  You might want to think about investing in a multi-season centerpiece for your dining table, and then you can work seasonal things around it.  Maybe a cluster of three flameless candles on three different height pedestals, etc.  

And @Mominohio, Your home sounds so lovely.  Your family treasures must bring you happiness every day.  

[lucymo]

@crazycockermom  I know that you ask for suggestions as to how to make your mantel and DR table more 'decorator correct'.  I would like to just make a comment about that.  I don't believe most of us entertain at home the like we used to so I would just suggest that you decorate the way you and DH feel comfortable with as you are the ones who spend time there.

As you can see from the posts here most have different ideas of what would be better.  We should all do our home in the style that we like and not what someone else says is the way to go.

I would suggest that you go to Pinterest or Google  and check out mantels and table decor  to get ideas that you like.  Most times you can incorporate the items that you already have into the schemes that you found interesting. 

Hope you find something that you will feel really good about.  I think your home looks lovely and please post back if you make changes.