..."Embracing the beauty in everyday living"

Monday, March 19, 2012

Tuscan Spring Mantel

Happy Weekend, everyone!! I know it's been awhile since I've done a post; but, things have been super busy around here. That's just how life goes, sometimes. I was so surprised to see so many emails from my bloggy friends checking in on me! Thanks so much for caring!! The past few weeks have whizzed by so fast! My in-laws were all here to celebrate with us, as Dear Hubby was ordained a deacon at church! Then, my daughter's high school cheer squad went to Orlando for cheer competition...they won first place!! Yayyyyy!! THEN, this past week was Spring Break! Whew!!


Now that things have settled down around here, I am ready to jump into Spring. However, with such warm Tuscan colors in my decor, pastels just don't work in my home.  So, basically, for Spring, I just "tweak" my existing decor, without losing the "Tuscan flavor".  As always, the first thing I decorated was the mantel.  Gone are the large lanterns that have anchored the mantel since Fall. They have been replaced by large cream pillar candles on tall candlesticks. I kept the same floral arrangement; but, I removed all of the extra feathers and pinecones.  The flowers coordinate well with my existing decor; but to lighten it up a bit, I added artichokes and clusters of grapes in a bright green.  I kept the two long pheasant feathers and feathered balls for texture.


 

On the left side of the mantel, I used a green garden ornament. It symbolizes "hospitality" and welcomes our guests. It is elevated on two book boxes for height. I added two sweet, little birds that I got at Pier 1 Imports. They were $5 for the pair.




On the right side of the mantel, I used a large apothecary jar filled with green artichokes. It matches the one on the kitchen island. The bunny was another Pier 1 find. I got him for $3.95.



I also added a wrought iron garden finial to add some depth.


To complete the Spring theme, I added a cute little birds' nest, filled with speckled eggs, also from Pier 1... 



...And crystal votive holders for a little "Spring Bling". They look really pretty at night with the flicker of the tea lights. It's a nice alternative to using the fireplace. 



And that's my Spring mantel!!


***Update 3/19/2012: I was so excited to see my mantel on 
Pier 1's Pinterest page!! Thanks Pier 1!!!

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60 comments:

  1. Welcome back! We've missed you. Congrats to your husband and daughter for their wonderful success! That is something to be proud of! Your new Spring time mantel looks great. Love all the nature inspired items and colors.

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  2. Lovely as usual, Shenita. I appreciate how you are sticking with your Tuscan decor and not just adding pastel colors because it's the popular spring thing to do. Nice to have you back!

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  3. You have a great eye for decorating Shenita! I love how you are able to bring spring into your home without the pastels. Congrats to your family for all the wonderful things happening in your lives right now. Happy St. Patrick's Day!

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  4. Welcome back, congrats for all the great things that have happened in the pass weeks, Your mantle look's beautiful and ready for spring. Thanks for sharing.

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  5. Shenita,
    Beautifully done! Your spring mantle looks so elegant and regal. I love the Tuscan flare mixed with the light spring bunnies. The grapes, artichokes, and glassware add a pretty reflective property. The combination of everything = fun & elegance. Well done, you always inspire me, thank you! Have a great weekend, sweet friend! xo ~Liz

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  6. One more thing, Congrats to your hubby and daughter, wonderful news! =)

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  7. Congratulations to your hubby and daughter. You life sounds very full and exciting. I love the Tuscan colors, so your mantel is right up there on my list of wonderful finds.

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  8. Love it as usual Shenita! Looks gorgeous you've inspired me to add some spring items in with tuscan. Congratulations to your hubs and daughter! Was so excited to see your post I missed you!

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  9. Your spring mantel is just WOW Shenita!!:) Especially luv the rabbit!! :)<3

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  10. Hi Shenita!
    Good to see you back here again! Love your little tweaks! Congratulations on your Husband and Daughter's accomplishments! I stuck some light colored rabbits in my hutch just to sneak in some of the pale tones. I have similar colors to yours and it is a bit hard to blend the soft pastels in. I feel like I should update my mantle again but haven't come up with a plan!
    Have a great weekend.

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  11. I'm so glad I found your blog. My colors are very similar to your's and don't work real well with pastels either. I have added a few robin egg blue accessories to bring a little "spring" in the room and I use my entryway table for holiday themes. I need to get going on my entryway table. Love that cute little nest you got at Pier 1. I'll have to check out my Pier 1.

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  12. Shenita, so glad to see your post! I have also been wondering if everything was ok. I was so glad this morning when I saw your comment on my blog and is good to hear you just have been busy. Congratulations to your husband and your daughter! What an honor for both of them! Now, about your mantle! It is gorgeous!!! Shenita, I love it all, the birds, the bunnies, the nest, the candles, the flowers, it is just beautiful! What great inspiration! Good to have you back!

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  13. Well, you've been busy, but with good things. Congrats to your husband, and your daughter. Your mantel looks great of course.

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  14. Congratulations! I've seen you commenting on other blogs so I knew you were ok :) really glad to see another inspirational post, though!

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  15. Shenita CONGRATS to your hubby and daughter, you must be so proud! Your mantel is STUNNING!

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  16. So nice to see you back in blogland, Shenita. Your mantle is lovely. You certainly pulled off Spring and Tuscany all in one! Wonderful news about your husband and congrats to your daughter's and her cheer team!

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  17. Gorgeous, Shenita ... a perfect Spring mantel. Love the artichokes in your apothecary jar ... the beautiful centerpiece ... and, you *know* I love your sweet bunny (especially since his cousins are on my mantel, too)! LOL Glad you're back ... and congrats to your husband and daugther ... so much to celebrate!

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  18. Hi Shenita! Oh, how beautiful! What a wonderful nook above your mantel. Love all your elements and adore how you poked in the little bunny and nest!
    Have a lovely Sunday,
    Shelia ;)

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  19. So pretty Shenita! The feathers, artichokes, and wildlife make it prefectly Springy =) You always have such fab decor!!

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  20. You mantel is a beautiful Spring Tuscan masterpiece. Perfect white rabbit, nest and eggs and I love the artichokes in the jar. You are ready for Spring and a very nice job, well done!!

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  21. Your mantel is gorgeous as always!!..Congrats to you hubby and daughter for their wonderful accomplishments!...Glad you are back!

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  22. Sooo glad you are back..you were missed my friend. Gald everything is o.k.
    Sometimes, I want to blog, even know what I want to post, but it is just to late and I can not find the time.
    Congrads, to both your husband and daughter!
    My daughter was a dancer and I all to well remember going to New York, Orlando and Houston for competitons. Lots of work and money, but lots of sweet memories of mother/daughter time.
    You did a wonderful job of adding spring touches on your mantle. The little birds are so sweet.
    Have a great week,
    Melissa

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  23. It sounds like a great way to be busy, Shenita. Good to see you back.

    Your Spring mantel is gorgeous.

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  24. Your mantel is gorgeous!!! Nice to see you back. :)

    Dee

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  25. Shenita, I always love to see what you've been up to! I love your Spring mantle with the touches of birdies, the nest, the artichokes (I need some more, as I only have one) and the rose bowl for bling.

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  26. Shenita, I love your style! What a beautifully decorated mantle! I adore birds and artichokes...feathers and finials...I'm excited to be your newest follower!

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  27. Beautiful as always Shenita. Love the finial and apothecary jar. Sounds like you were having some great family time. Congrats to both your husband and daughter. I still haven't decorated for spring or Easter. I'm also not that big on the spring decor thing but do like to add a few bunnies and eggs here and there!
    Marianne :)

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  28. Your style is my style! And Pier One knows a beautifully decorated Spring mantel when they see one. Love the artichokes in your apothecary jar. I'm visiting from the Cozy Home Party.

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  29. You mantle is beautiful Shenita!

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  30. Hi Shenita,

    Your mantel is lovely. You have such a keen eye for detail. Every element is perfect.

    Barb

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  31. Congratulations on the awesome feature, Shenita! I love your mantle and your cute little birds on top of the books.

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  32. Congrats on the Pier1 recognition. WOW! And I completely know why! As always, you have presented a gorgeous display. Love all the small details that say Spring. Thank you so much for joining in my Spring Mantel Party. I always appreciate your support.
    Happy Spring! Blessings, Barb

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  33. Hi Shenita,
    Congrats on the Pier 1 recognition! Wow! Your mantel is gorgeous! Love your little feathered friends too. Congrats to your daughter too! Thank you for your visit and have a wonderful first week of Spring.

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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  34. Wow you have been busy! And such great news about your husband and daughter - congrats to both! I'm glad you're back and loved seeing your Spring-y mantle. Love how you maintained the Tuscan style while adding touches of Spring. Great job!
    xoxo,
    Kim

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  35. Shenita, There is something about artichokes and pineapples that makes me happy! They're a classic look, too. Your mantel looks nice with the addition of the simple bunnies. Isn't it funny how these companies find us? Enjoy spring- I can't wait for everything to bloom out! ~ Sue

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  36. Congratulations to your husband and daughter and for the Pier1 recognition:)Beautiful job on the mantle! You always create the most amazing vignette with such an elegant flair! Love that garden finial and the apothecary jar filled with artichokes look so pretty....love it!Thanks for inspiring us and your sweet note. Have a great day!~Poppy

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  37. I know I commented before Shenita, but just wanted to drop by to say thank you for linking your mantel to my party! Hope you're having a great week!

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  38. Your mantle is beautiful Shenita! Thank you for your nice comments on my bunny tablescape! It definitely adds some color on this rainy day...Kristen

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  39. Shenita, I just wanted to tell you thank you for visiting my blog today. When I went to publish the comments, something went wrong with the blog and they didn't turn into emails, so I couldn't respond to anybody. I am so glad you liked the porch! I was in the process of cleaning it when, last night, we got hit with such severe thunderstorms and a tornado touched down just a couple of miles from us. Very scary night! Now, I have to start all over again. The rain and high winds tore everything up, but, we are not complaining! It could be worse! People lost their homes!

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  40. Your mantel is so pretty! And the touches of Spring are just perfect! Love that sweet little bunny and the artichokes! :)

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  41. Beautiful! Love the warm colors in your home!!

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  42. Your Mantel is absolutely gorgeous! Thanks for sharing. Hope you will visit Magnolia Cottage. I'm your newest follower.

    Lisa

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  43. Hi Shenita,
    So long since I've heard from you! My, but you have been the busy little bee! Congrats to you on the Pier One feature, you always find and put together the most amazing vignettes! Super blessings to you and Hubby becoming a deacon, you must be so proud!
    Big hugs and best wishes,
    Patti

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  44. Such beautiful traditional styling! Awwww... what a sweet bunny!
    Yvonne

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  45. I am crazy for mantels and candle holders. Love your style.

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  46. "Spring Bling"...I love it! Congrats on the Pier One feature as well, how exciting!

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  47. Your home looks gorgeous as always! I love the little spring touches-the white birds are so sweet!

    Congratulations to your husband and daughter-you must be bursting with pride!

    Best wishes,
    Natasha in Oz

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  48. What a wonderfully exciting time you've had lately! Congratulations and Blessed Wishes! I so admire what you can do when decorating! You make it sound so easy but it always looks so lush and beautiful! Thank you for sharing at the Rock 'N Share!

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  49. You have an amazing talent for merchandising...a great eye for balance in design. So well done! Thanks for inviting us for a peak. Cherry Kay

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  50. You've done a great job of making things look springy but still staying true to your home's color and style of decor. I need to follow your example--I rarely change my mantel except for Christmas, but perhaps I could emulate you and come up with some springy touches!

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  51. Elegant, beautiful and how awesome to be featured on Pier 1's pinterest. I love the artichokes.

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  52. Stopping by from the Open House Linky Party! http://queenofsavings.com

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  53. Welcome back, sweet Shenita! Your mantle looks beautiful...as always! Beautiful touches for Spring. I am putting Spring around my house too! Have a great weekend. XO, Pinky

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  54. Very nicely done!! I am stopping by from "Potpourri Friday".

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  55. Very pretty spring mantel, congrats on the Pier One pin, I'm now a linky follower!

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  56. You are rockin it Shenita. I am so glad you enjoy blogging and sharing all your wonderful decor and creations with us. Keep up the good work, and thank you for joining me.

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  57. Really pretty mantle Shenita. Congrats on your feature and being pinned by Pier One. I didn't know they had pinterest boards!

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  58. Welcome back. Your mantle is absolutely gorgeous. Your link caught my eye and I clicked on it over at Debbie's party and when I got here I was like...of course, it's Shenita. I am always a huge fan of your work. I truly love everything you do in your home.

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  59. Lovely! Thank you for joining me at Home Sweet Home!
    Sherry

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  60. You Rock Shenita, and I am so happy you joined the reunion. I know you are one missing it. BUT cheers to you my friend for shining in blog land. You are doing a spectacular job!

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