ghosts of christmas mantels past

This is our 4th Christmas in this house!  We’ve never celebrated that many Christmases at a single address before!  

While I consider my official blog start date January 1, 2011, I did actually blog a few times in 2010.  In fact, one of the very first projects I ever posted on this little blog was our living room fireplace makeover.  

Considering how much has changed on the ol’ blog front since 2010 I thought it would be fun to take a little jog down memory lane for the new friends around here.  
This is how our fireplace used to look. 
Before – 2010 
brick fireplace makeover
As much as I love me some natural brick, the brown brick in this room sort of sucked the light out the space, so way back in December of 2010 I went at it with a paint brush and gave it a wash in white.  (side note – White Beauty has been part of the family for quite some time – I kind of forgot how long she’s been around here!) 
After – Christmas 2010 –
 
whitewashed brick fireplace makeover
White Beauty got festive with a some evergreen garland. 
Try to overlook the hideous photography  – I know it’s hard.  
Without a doubt that fireplace makeover is still probably one of my favorite updates we’ve made in this house.  The whitewashed look lets the character of the brick shine through and really brightens up the whole room.  
Christmas 2011 brought some accessory changes and new stockings – oh and White Beauty got a little sassy with her leopard print fedora and winter scarf. 
Our Fifth House - christmas mantel - 2011
Last Christmas White Beauty borrowed my favorite striped scarf for an understated I’m-not-trying-that-hard kind of look.  
Our Fifth House - Christmas Mantel - 2012
Stay tuned tomorrow to see what kind of shenanigans White Beauty is getting into this year.  Our Mantel Party is tomorrow, and I can’t wait!  
Holiday Cheer Link Parties
One thing I’ve learned from the ghosts of Christmas mantels past is that White Beauty loves a red and green color combo……….and thank goodness my photography skills have improved a little – eek – those are some scary photo ghosts! 
Our Fifth House - Christmas Mantels Past
Does your mantel have a “signature culuh” combo?  Or do you change it up every year?  Hope you plan to join the party tomorrow!  Oh and no worries if you don’t have a mantel   – any vignette works – a shelf, a sideboard   – it’s a party – just bring something festive!  ðŸ˜‰ 

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  • Wow, white beauty has been around for a long time. I have my huge cardboard safari deer head that I've had for almost 5 years now. At the beginning people told me I was nuts and the thing was ugly. Times have changed 😉
    Can't wait to see your mantel this year.

  • i love love love white beauty 🙂 I seem to be to the same dang thing every year, and maybe add a new thing once in a while. I think I'm going to try to go "mantel-light" this year. i'll let ya know how it goes (decorating it tonight)

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