Good Morning Friends! Today is a good day. I have another blog hop for you! It’s an entire week of Fall Festiveness! If you are visiting from Joy In Our Home, thank you for hopping over! I’m Cindy and I try and keep up with two separate homes. One home is located in the suburbs of Dallas/Fort Worth in a town called Highland Village and the other is an almost 100 year old farmhouse in the country of Navasota, Texas. It’s quite a job when they both need updates and maintenance but it gives me twice the amount of fun since I love to decorate!
A Fall Festival Blog Hop With a Modern Farmhouse Fall Mantel
Today I’m sharing our fall mantel in the dining room of the suburb house. It’s not a real fireplace. Goodness me wouldn’t that be amazing? I’ve always loved dining rooms like that. Instead we found a mantel on the Face Book trading post site and mounted that sucker to the wall. The room isn’t very big so having a buffet or sideboard isn’t practical. Well okay, neither is a mantel but it makes a great focal point. You can see it as soon as you walk in the front door. When we first installed it, I sat in there all by myself having breakfast or lunch. Someone needed to enjoy it besides just during major holidays.
I usually go all out with the typical reds, oranges and golds when decorating for fall but this year I’m craving a simpler life. Maybe because there aren’t any kids left here to drag the bins down from the attic or maybe I’m getting to old, but whatever it is, I don’t want to fool with all that stuff anymore. That’s so not like me but I keep telling myself – Less is More. I want life to feel like it does when we are in Navasota; less stress, more peaceful and a little bit lazy. Doesn’t that sound nice? So I decided the mantel would be fuss free and neutral.
I came across the inspiration piece on a trip to Kirkland’s. As soon as I saw the pumpkin print I knew it would work with the kitchen. It was on sale plus I had a 25% off coupon. It would have been way to small hanging over the mantel by itself but using the tobacco basket makes it look more substantial. If you ever find a piece of artwork you like but it’s too small – don’t let size discourage you! You can usually mount it to something else to beef it up.
Since most of my pumpkins are orange or yellow, I made these no sew fabric cuties to stay neutral. They were super easy and you can see the tutorial here if you’d like to make some.
Hopefully by Thanksgiving we’ll have a dimmer on the chandelier switch. My word that thing is super bright and actually warms up the room as if the fireplace was real. But it isn’t the most flattering when you have bags under your eyes so something needs to be done. I’ve mentioned it a couple of times to the Mister but he just looks at me like I’ve got three heads and says nothing. It could be because the honey-do list is long or because I told him it was for romantic dinners. I think it’s because I laugh at his romantic efforts (I can’t help it) so he thinks I’m kidding about my request. Pfff. No woman jokes about bags under her eyes.
So since I’m a do-it-myselfer but afraid to tackle electrical wiring, I thought adding these two candlestick lamps (also from Kirkland’s) would be a great idea. They fit perfectly up there and give off a more youthful satisfying hue during the evening hours. Maybe if I make the Misters favorite dinner he’ll get the hint? Hahahaha. No. He’d laugh and ask if my face was my Halloween mask! Yep, that’s the guy I married. He’s lucky I think he’s funny. Even still, that dinner could turn ugly my friends. Just sayin.
All in all, I’m happy each time I walk by. This fall mantel is simple, peaceful and a little bit relaxing. Now all I need is a friend to come and enjoy it with me! Any takers?
Thanks for stopping by. Click the links below and hop on over to Stacey at Poofing the Pillows. She is so sweet. I wish y’all could hear her Oklahoma accent. You’d smile from ear to ear like I do! You’ll also want to check back each day so you can see what’s in store from the other bloggers this week.
Enjoy the Fall Festival!
Mantles on Monday
Joy In Our Home | County Road 407 | Poofing the Pillows |
Follow The Yellow Brick Home | citygirlmeetsfarmboy
Tablescapes on Tuesday
The Latina Next Door | My Creative Days | Elizabeth Joan Designs |
The Crowned Goat | Farmhouse Flare Designs
Recipes on Wednesday
Cherished Bliss | Countryside Cravings | Love In My Oven |
Chocolate with Grace | Making It In The Mountains
Vignettes on Thursday 
anderson + grant | DIY Beautify | Timeless Creations |
The Painted Hinge | Rain & Pine
Front Porches on Friday
Lantern Lane Designs | Little Brags | Chatfield Court
Camelot Art Creations | R and R at Home
I want to to come over! I am in Kentucky so we have to settle for blog visits for now! Your mantel looks perfect. Like you I am just not wanting to fool with dragging everthing out so I also chose simple decor for my mantel.
Love your coordinating tablescape too.
Thanks for sharing this funny and beautiful post!
Author
Awe. Thanks Amber. Sometimes all that fluff just isn’t worth it. 😉
This is just gorgeous, Cindy! I love that you used the insulators to tie off your garland. I never would have thought of something like that but it’s so cute! You do seasonal decor so well!!
Author
That is very nice of you to say. Thank you Stacey! ❤️
Your mantle is so pretty, I love it! I wish I could find a fireplace surround like that online! It’s stunning.
Author
Keep checking Christine, you’ll find one! Or come visit and I’ll let you have the other one sitting in our garage! 😀
My goodness that mantle is just stunning! And I love your tip about hanging a smallish picture with a tobacco basket to beef it up! Looks beautiful!
Author
Thanks Cindy. Comments like “stunning “ make me smile all day long! ❤️
Love your neutral fireplace decor, friend! And I didn’t realize you had two homes; how did I miss that?! Hope you get that dimmer switch soon (had to laugh at you and the mister!) Thx for joining me for the second week in a row! Xo
Author
The pleasure is all mine Kendra. That’s kinda why I mentioned having two homes. The decor in the houses is similar but confusing if you don’t know that. I think people wonder why I’m so all-over-the-place with my decorating. 😂
Such an inviting space! I love what you did here!!!!!
Author
Thanks Kelly! Have a great week. 😀
That fireplace surround …oh my! Love the simplicity of your fallscape. Very calm and welcoming. The picture …brilliant! Can’t wait to get my house back together (thanks Harvey) and decorate!!
Author
Oh I bet you do. I’ve never had to live through a hurricane. Hope your home is back together sooner than later. Maybe it will be new adventures in decorating?! Best wishes Gwen.
Hi Cindy, loving your fireplace and the table and chairs are gorgeous as well. The artwork in the basket is such an eye catcher! Christine frojm Little Brags
Author
Thanks Christine. That means a lot. Happy Fall!
Oh how pretty, Cindy! Your gingham pumpkin garland is adorable! Blessings, Cecilia @My Thrift Store Addiction
Author
I thought that little garland was so cute too. Got it at Kirkland’s. Thanks for visiting.
Your stories about you and your mister crack me up Cindy! I love everything about your fall mantle. You know neutral is my jam! I would have breakfast with you there anytime!
Author
Come on Yami! I’ll squeeze some fresh oranges for us! 😀
Love your fireplace and those cute pumpkins, it all is just so wonderful. I still haven’t made my pumpkins and if you go on FB and look up Chicken Farm Barn sell ,it’s in Jones Okla.I didn’t forget, but, did, some days are crazier than others.
Author
Cool! Thanks Marlene, I’ll check it out! And it’s ok about pumpkins. You have until Thanksgiving. 😉
Loved your mantel decor. I think I want an electric fireplace but my poor living room is already too full. Sometimes (here in Maine) I’d like the extra heat but not the bother of a real fireplace (woodstove is in the cellar). I’d be asleep watching even faux flames very quickly! When I was first married, I wanted dinner by candlelight; the ex put the lights back on; he wanted to see what he was eating. Some of my early cooking efforts looked better by candlelight!!!! Just call the electrician and get ‘er done!
Author
LOL! I’m afraid some of my dinners would look best in the dark too! 😂😂😂
LOVE the character of that gorgeous mantel and you’ve decorated it out so beautifully!
Author
Thank you Kristi. The mantel has given me several fun moments in decorating. 😉
This mantel is fabulous, Cindy! I can’t believe it’s in your dining room, that is so cool! I love the way you have everything decorated. The neutrals are really pretty and don’t even get me started with all the buffalo check accents – gah – love it! Hugs, CoCo
Author
Awe Coco, thank you. That means so much. It’s been fun to have around.
First of all, your mantel is stunning! I love the carvings it has! You styled it perfect to welcome the fall season! Thank you for sharing it with us!
Author
Thank you Lindsay. It’s been fun to decorate.
I love how your dark mantel contrasts against your neutral walls – it really makes the woodwork pop! I love how you added blue touches with the glass insulators and blue pumpkins. The coordinating buffalo check pumpkins and tableware are a nice touch that rounds everything out. So happy to be on this hop with you!
Author
Awe, thanks Michelle! That makes my whole day hearing that. I kinda miss all the color and decor I had last year but I think when it’s time to pack it up, I’ll appreciate it even more. Happy Fall!
Absolutely beautiful!! Now, if I can only convince my husband to put a mantle in my dining room!! 😉
Author
Thank you Malinda! Good luck with convincing the hubs. That’s always a bit difficult. 😉 Fingers crossed though!
This is so pretty! You should really just come decorate my home. I’ll trade you for a cocktail 😉
Author
Deal! But I think I am getting the better prize. Thanks for popping over. ❤️
I just appreciate all the goodness you share and the creativity you have! I love sharing this blog hop with you! Thank you again!!
Author
Thank you Kelly. So sweet of you to say. Happy Fall!
The black and white check pumpkin strings are so cute. Did you get those at Kirklands as well.
Author
I did get the pumpkin garland at Kirkland’s. That place is full of goodies. Thanks for stopping by. 😀
love your gorgeous mantel
Author
Thanks BJ! Comments are always appreciated. Especially the nice ones! 😉
Cindy, How fun to have 2 houses to decorate, but also a little daunting;/ Love those candlestick lamps; may need to find a spot for those! Will use your link if I do;) Gotta get my fall porch decorating mojo on now!
Author
A little daunting is a good way to put it. I’m super excited to see your Fall porch! I’m sure it will be gorgeous!!! ❤️
Looks great, Cindy! Love your ticking stripe pumpkin! 😍 happy to be joining in this fun Hop!
Author
Thanks Desiree. It was fun making those cute little pumpkins. Happy hopping!
So cute! I love the use of the insulators to hold the garland! How smart!
Author
Thank you Kristen. They are certainly heavy enough! 🙂