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[jeanlake]

Thanks for the post today. Interesting topic. I searched some ideas online. I still like the simple stuff -- 

[tiny 2]

@pattypeep,   I am trying to decide. I cleared mine of everything hoping that some inspiration would magically happen. Nope still empty.

[beach-mom]

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@pattypeep wrote:

@beach-mom  I'm not a good one to ask for ideas since I'm trying to learn as well. Pinterest is very helpful. What I did after looking at Pinterest (for the time being) was to add a large slender vase with a small neck on one end filled it with two large twigs with branches. On the other end I placed three candle holders (all off white) with candles in varying sizes. The one closest to the end is largest then they reduce down. In the middle I placed three stacks of antique books and placed orbs on them ~ varying heights. I learned two things so far ~ take advantage of the height on the ends and then smaller in the center. And ~ less is more. I was thinking about those with a really slender mantle that you could get the height by using pictures and leaning them against the wall. I'm a lover of still life. I plan to go "on the hunt" maybe next week and see what i can come up with. I loved the "wheat" that was displayed in a tall slender vase that was shown on Pinterest.

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@pattypeep - Your mantle ideas sound lovely! I like the simplicity of your vase, and I think ****** willow twigs might look great for the spring. The candles are always a great idea. The books are a new one for me, but interesting with the orbs on top. I can't do that one because of the clock, but I might try that somewhere else. I have PLENTY of VPH's mercury glass spheres! I usually put them around different places in the home, but on top of a stack of books might be just the right touch! 

[pattypeep]

@tiny 2 Please go on Pinterest. I'm certain you can get some inspiration. Good luck. It's hard, that I know for certain, but Pinterest helped me decide.

[pattypeep]

@beach-mom  Valerie has shown old books used as lifts, I believe. Anybody remember the Christopher Lowell shows? Man, I loved watching him. He hammered home the use of lifts and levels and I believe he used books as well. I'm fortunate in that my dh's family had lots of old, old books and they look the best, IMO. Goodwill or Salvation Army probably has lots, too.

[tiny 2]

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@pattypeep wrote:

@tiny 2 Please go on Pinterest. I'm certain you can get some inspiration. Good luck. It's hard, that I know for certain, but Pinterest helped me decide.

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I think part of the problem is that I am missing the lights from the holidays.

[mousiegirl]

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@pattypeep wrote:

I constantly face a challenge when decorating our mantle. Fuss and fuss and change and fuss. Nothing pleased my eye. I finally went on pinterest and looked up how to dress a mantle. I was going about it all wrong. Secret is heavy on both ends and filler in the middle. I had to hunt through the house for a few things, but I'm satisfied and next time I am out and about, I will look for some things that may suit me better.

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@pattypeep  This is what I do, have a thing about balance.  I have an eleven foot long mantle, a challenge, but tall items on the ends, garlands running the length, , a centerpiece, and various items in between.  Have fun.   It is whatever pleases one in decorating, all individual.

[faeriemoon]

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@pattypeep wrote:

@beach-mom  Valerie has shown old books used as lifts, I believe. Anybody remember the Christopher Lowell shows? Man, I loved watching him. He hammered home the use of lifts and levels and I believe he used books as well. I'm fortunate in that my dh's family had lots of old, old books and they look the best, IMO. Goodwill or Salvation Army probably has lots, too.

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I use books as lifts for lamps all the time.  I tend to like Tiffany style lamps but they are not generally tall enough for reading.  I like to have reading light available no matter where you sit, so I place the shorter lamps on stacked (two to three) books.  Works for me.

[tiny 2]

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@mousiegirl wrote:

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@pattypeep wrote:

I constantly face a challenge when decorating our mantle. Fuss and fuss and change and fuss. Nothing pleased my eye. I finally went on pinterest and looked up how to dress a mantle. I was going about it all wrong. Secret is heavy on both ends and filler in the middle. I had to hunt through the house for a few things, but I'm satisfied and next time I am out and about, I will look for some things that may suit me better.

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@pattypeep  This is what I do, have a thing about balance.  I have an eleven foot long mantle, a challenge, but tall items on the ends, garlands running the length, , a centerpiece, and various items in between.  Have fun.   It is whatever pleases one in decorating, all individual.

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@mousiegirl, Eleven foot mantle. Oh my goodness.

[mousiegirl]

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@tiny 2 wrote:

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@mousiegirl wrote:

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@pattypeep wrote:

I constantly face a challenge when decorating our mantle. Fuss and fuss and change and fuss. Nothing pleased my eye. I finally went on pinterest and looked up how to dress a mantle. I was going about it all wrong. Secret is heavy on both ends and filler in the middle. I had to hunt through the house for a few things, but I'm satisfied and next time I am out and about, I will look for some things that may suit me better.

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@pattypeep  This is what I do, have a thing about balance.  I have an eleven foot long mantle, a challenge, but tall items on the ends, garlands running the length, , a centerpiece, and various items in between.  Have fun.   It is whatever pleases one in decorating, all individual.

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@mousiegirl, Eleven foot mantle. Oh my goodness.

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@tiny 2  Lol, I know. It takes up three quarters of the wall, but it does come in handy during Christmas as I can get a lot on it, if I choose.