Decorating My Farmhouse Style Mantel for Fall

FALL | Published September 29, 2017

See the special details included to create a beautiful fall mantel. | www.andersonandgrant.com

It is that time of the year where home tours have been popping up across blogland for the fall season.
With each one that you see, it is easy to start feeling like you've got to do more for your home to be good enough. Everyone seems to have a house full of new decorations without a thing out of place. Sometimes you can fall into the trap of second guessing each decorating decision that you've made or trying to replicate what you see without much success.

Don't get me wrong....I love seeing what my friends and favorite bloggers are doing in their homes each season. But I've been trying to do my best to remember to find each as a source of inspiration rather than a source of frustration. It is important to focus more on enjoying both what you've created as well as the process of putting it all together in whatever way makes you happy.

When my friend Kendra from Joy in Our Home asked me to join in her Fall Festival tour today, I was excited for the chance to share just one decorated area....my fireplace mantel. Amidst all of the whole house tours, it is nice to focus in and really notice the details of a single space or display.

All this week, some talented ladies have been sharing simple vignettes, front porches, tablescapes, and yummy fall-flavored treats. There has really been a lot to be inspired by. For the final day of the tour, it is all about mantels. Links to everyone's blogs appear near the end of this post.

As I placed touches of fall one by one onto my mantel, it dawned on me that decorating can be something you just go through the motions of doing or it can be an activity that you immerse yourself in. Are you thoughtfully arranging treasures with meaning in your home or are you simply filling spaces just to empty your fall storage boxes?

For me, decorating is really all in the details and taking the time to reflect with each item I place. Sure, I want to end up with something that looks pretty. And since I'm sharing it here on my blog, I want to make it photo-worthy. But it is those small moments in a vignette to catch your attention that make your time well-spent.

Nestled among a few white pumpkins and some burlap for texture are some of my favorite things.....

This pumpkin that I picked up a few years ago at Target reminds me of my luck at being able to find some myself after seeing them on a favorite blog. With no Target close by, I normally miss out on these special items....but I really wanted some of these pumpkins! (Read more about these rustic pumpkins.)

The acorns, leaves, and berries scattered across the mantel were gathered from an afternoon walk during this stretch of amazing fall weather we are seeing here in central PA.

Oak trees are my favorite as they stand tall and strong in the woods and I always seem to include acorns and oak leaves in my fall displays. I really love how they look when they are dried.

Because I love the symbolism so much, I also added a printed image of a watercolor oak leaf to a fancy carved frame I picked up recently.

And the berry garland that is wound through the vignette makes me think of the sweet lady who owns the shop where it was purchased and how pleasurable she makes everyone's trip through her store.

In addition to the fall touches, I like to include some of my favorite items that I decorate with all the time....

Stacks of vintage books add a little height.

An old clock adds a hint of the currently popular copper color to my display. (Shop for a similar copper clock.)

And the tall gray lantern anchors the decor on the mantel, gives some height, and holds three candles to add light to everything in the evening. Even though they are battery operated, the "flame" on the candles is very realistic when turned on as the sun fades. I love seeing them flicker together and highlight all the touches of fall. (You can buy them at Hobby Lobby.)

While I hope that today's post may have given you a little inspiration for your own fall decorating, my bigger message is to remind you that your home should be filled with the things you love displayed in a way that brings you some joy. Really take the time to be intentional with your decor and see each piece as more than just something to fill your own mantel or tabletop.

YOU MIGHT ALSO BE INTERESTED IN....

Simple Fall Tablescape

Neutral Fall Home Tour

How to Create a Warm + Cozy Fall Home

The next stop on today's tour is at Personally Andrea. She has done an incredible job at capturing the beauty of fall on her mantel and tells you exactly what you need to do to construct your own vignette! Please take a moment to see what she has designed and visit some of the other talented ladies in this week's Fall Festival tour.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR VISITING TODAY. NOW BE SURE TO CHECK OUT SOME OF THESE OTHER INSPIRING FALL IDEAS....