Nobody Likes A Naked Mantel

As an Interior Decorator, one of the biggest decorating mistakes I see is completely ignoring the fireplace mantel.  A fireplace is a huge asset in any home and the mantel gives you the opportunity to draw the eye to this beautiful focal point through a vignette that changes seasonally.

Each of the following fall mantel decor ideas were selected because they are beautiful, inexpensive and super easy to duplicate with a trip to Michael's or JoAnn's.

They have plates like this at TJ Maxx, Marshall's and Tuesday Morning all the time and you can find old books for next to nothing in the clearance section of Half Price Books.

 

This mantle is from Kimba's blog, A Soft Place to Land and proves you can put together a beautiful vignette on a dime.

Those green candles could easily be left over from Summer, but when paired with a simple Fall wreath it looks perfect through Thanksgiving.

By far my favorite, those greens looks so lush and add so much life to this beautiful room.  This kind of garland can substitute for plants in a room that doesn't get much light.

Decorating Your Dog for Halloween...or Howl-O-Ween?

Okay, I know this has absolutely nothing to do with interior decorating, design, home staging, etc., but this is too good to pass up.  Maybe we can classify it under DIY for the holidays?

Pretty sure this guy is supposed to be a pimp.

She kind of reminds me of those little old ladies you see with the enormous sunglasses that wrap around their whole head and look as if they weigh more than their heads.

He wears those stripes well...

Hmmm...I think this biker thing might just be bordering on cruelty to animals. This poor guy looks way too dignified for that ensemble.  His owner on the other hand looks right at home in her costume.  Or maybe it's not a costume?

I'm in love with this mini cowboy :-)

It took some serious doggie wrangling to get this bunch to sit so perfectly posed...in costumes...holding on to their pumpkin holders.

The sisters in my grade school dressed just like this...but without the bot pink booties.

Is this a Star Wars character?  I have no idea what he's supposed to be, but he's so cute I can't stand it.

I had no idea Darth and Superman were buds, but they look very happy together.  Although...Darth looks a little  "I'm so bored with this."

And lastly, this little Tiger seems to be saying, "PLEASE, for the love of GOD, get me out of here now!!!"