Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Autumn Decor

AUTUMN MANTEL
AND MORE!!
I decorated the mantel several times today. As I was sitting in the den, Bob asked me what was wrong. I was staring at the mantel. I didn't like it. It had too much stuff on it. I took most everything off and started over.

The only things that remained were the topiaries. I have had these ivy topiaries for many years. When I purchased them they were live ivy and a bit pricey. I petted and pampered them but within three to four months they croaked. 

I took the shriveled mess back to the home center, with receipt, to see if they honored their plant warranty. They did and I was shocked. How can they do that when there are so many people like me around? As I took my refund money and turned to leave the clerk threw the mess in the trash.  

Whoaaaaa! Light bulb goes on in my head.
"You throwing that away?" I asked. 
"Yes, ma'am" was the reply (Our southern youth are taught to say ma'am).
"Can I have that stuff back?" 
"Yes, ma'am, (Our southern youth are taught to say ma'am), I'll put it in a bag for you."
 "Thank you, Woo Hoo!" 
Well, I didn't say it exactly like THAT!
A little faux ivy and I have evergreen,  permanent topiaries. 
Being too green for Autumn, they needed a little adjustment. I used some extra ivy from my "stash", some spray paint, in rust, yellow and orange and I had Fall arrangements. VoilĂ !
I added a few natural elements.
 The excess material was cleared and with the addition of a couple of black candle holders and a minimal amount of faux gourds and pumpkins I had a simplified Fall mantel.


The topiary on the left has the tilts. Didn't notice it until I saw the pic, just now. I'll just whack it around a little. Hm mm, maybe that's why the real ones croaked.

I hope you like my simple mantel.  It suits me now. 

Here's a couple of other things that are finished. 
 Foyer...HERE

Front Porch...HERE 



I am still digging in those boxes so there's more to come.

I am joining the great parties. Please come join me!


44 comments:

Dr. Kathy McCoy said...

So beautiful and creative! Ginger, I'm such a fan of your artistic decorating talents!

Mariette VandenMunckhof-Vedder said...

Dearest Ginger,

Guess that faux ivy is for you and I must admit, this looks perfect. You are such a spunky lady and always full of new ideas! Bet you will never run dry of ideas even if you reach the age of 150...
Love to you,

Mariette

Bohemian said...

Very resourceful & creative turning the Topiary Disaster into something lovely that lasts!

Thanks for stopping by, still Smiling at your comment... I thought the slots were cool for a Man Cave too, but The Man & I aren't Gamblers... anytime we went to Vegas we spent more time at Shows & Buffets *LOL*... so he'd be more interested in the Mantiques associated with Hunting & Fishing. They had some great stuff for us Ladies to swoon over, I just thought it was a great idea for an Antique Store to specialize in the area of Mantiques for all the Guys who enjoy Vintage, Antiques and Junquing.

Dawn... The Bohemian

eileeninmd said...

Your mantle is just lovely, you are very creative. I love the wreath on the door, the rooster is cute. And I just love the sculpture is it made of rakes? Very cute! Have a nice day!

Maggie said...

Dear Ginger
Just as I was oohing & aahing over your mantel I saw your front porch !
Wow, just gorgeous, there's nowhere can beat Savannah for fall decor.
Maggie

Debbie said...

I love it all, especially the mantel and the front door. What a perfect way to salvage those topiaries.

orchidlanedecor.com said...

Looks lovely Ginger, we don't really do seasonal decorating down here like you do, so I find these posts stunning. I love your mirror too, by the way.

Suzy xxx

Holly said...

Let me get this straight. You got your money back and then got to take it out of the trash and take it back? I seriously need to take you shopping with me!

Lynn said...

Love your topiaries Ginger, and the fall touch with the spray paint was perfect-enjoy:@)

Holly said...

Well Crap! I forgot to tell you how pretty your mantel and front porch are. Gorgeous!

Anonymous said...

You really have an eye for detail.

Miss Char said...

Ginger your topiaries look fabulous and are everlasting...way to go. Your home looks so festive, I think fall decorating is the most inviting season of all and you've done a beautiful job.

â„łartina @ Northern Nesting said...

Ginger your fall mantel is beautiful!! I LOVE the "recycled" topiaries and how you gave them a touch of color! Love love the pumpkin topiary you have in your foyer too. I have seen these all around blogland, I'm definitely making myself one:) Martina

Pamela said...

Love all your fall touches and that story was just too funny! Happy Wednesday!

NanaDiana said...

Ginger-It looks absolutely wonderful! I am so glad you asked if you could have those back. How many times have I regretted not opening my mouth when I wanted something that had been thrown out? Your mantle and EVERYTHING else looks absolutely wonderful! xo Diana

Geneva said...

Now that was a fun read! Plus, your mantle looks so beautiful, and just right (not to much, not to little) Thank you for sharing!

Mallory said...

Looks great Ginger! I love the topiaries on the mantel! Very festive for autumn :)

FABBY'S LIVING said...

Oh such fun read Ginger, your house looks stunning, such elegant and beautiful arrangements and vignettes! I adore your elegant mantel, the topiaries are wonderful with the pumpkins and candle sticks. Your house looks lovely and perfect for the season, I'd love to trick'o'treat at your house! Love, FABBY

April D said...

Your mantel is GORGEOUS. I love the simplicity of it, and that MIRROR just exudes elegance! Your pumpkin arrangement on the pedestal is also beautiful.

I like your happy rooster on the door as well! Happy day to you!
~april
(and thanks for following me!) :)

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Looks wonderful.

Maude Lynn said...

I just love your front door!

Beverly said...

It all looks so pretty and inviting. I love it.♥

Unknown said...

I love your front door and mantel!
It all looks great,very creative!Thanks for sharing And love your plants in the yard too.

Ann@A Sentimental Life said...

Love the topairies!

Suzy said...

I love the simplicity of your mantle, Ginger. I think that's what is bothering about mine...too much stuff! The story about your topiaries is so funny! Such a cute pumpkin topiary too. I like that it is made out of different pumpkins instead of just one color. Yes mam! I was raised in the South and still say yes mam (and yes sir) to this very day. My mother-in-law, who is from Wisconsin, kind of looks at me sideways whenever I say it to her! lol

xinex said...

Beautiful mantel, Ginger. I love your fall decor and I am loving that mirror, such a pretty shape!..Christine

Favourite Vintage Finds said...

Loving your Autumn decor!

Teresa@1800 Farmhouse Rd said...

Your home is decorated so beautiful for the season. Love it all! I am hitting that follow button.

Anonymous said...

Fall has sure nuff fell round our Sav Gran's...looks fantastic,quick thinking on the topiary's great idea to ask and get those back and you have turned 'em into some wonderful long lasting beauty's too.
Love all the Fall "ma'am".
~Jo

Sue said...

Ginger, I love, love your topiary forms! Why not just decorate them with faux and enjoy them forever? I tend to kill real plants REAL FAST!!! Your porch is gorgeous, with those mums, the rooster wreath, and that really cool rake rooster! I still need to add more pretties.... maybe in my spare time. Hah!
hugs, Sue

c. Joy said...

Everything about your blog is beautiful. Love the topiairy story. You've inspired me - of course, I've got to dust first...

Babs said...

Ginger, I do the same thing! Make a vignette or decorate something and then take it apart and start all over. I love your mantel's simple arrangement and the Fall ivy topiary. You were so smart to ask
for the topiary forms back. WTG Ginger!
Your house looks fab!
Happy Fall!

Anonymous said...

Wish I could say I've put some effort into fall decor this year. But nope I haven't so I'll just have to enjoy yours. Love those topiaries and the mantle looks great. :)

Debbiedoos said...

I love that mirror Ginger. You are fallified up there! Loves it. Your porch is so welcoming too.

Tablescapes By Diane said...

Hi lovely lady.
Your mantle is Beautiful with the topiaries and the mirror. You did a great job putting this all together Ginger.
I hope you have a great weekend with your family.
XXOO Diane

sandi collins said...

your home is so beautiful and you have a way with decor

Coloradolady said...

I guess it is time for me to drag out the fall decor..you have inspired me. Happy VTT!

Sherry said...

Your mantel is lovely. By the way I love the color of your walls, blue with white trim, my very favorite. I am thinking about that in our livingroom. Your front porch is very welcoming too! Happy Fall!

Katherines Corner said...

I love the topiaries sweetie. That worked out well a refund and then you got them back again, you made me giggle. Big Hugs!!

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Your home looks so festive for the fall season!

Thanks for your comment on my blog. I've been reading more about the protestors and it seems many are young people from all around the US who are having trouble finding jobs. The economy has made it very difficult for many. I'm sure they will still be in the park when you visit NYC at the end of the month...it may be interesting to see. I've heard the Memorials are breathtaking to see...I'm sure you will feel peace there. I have photos of them on my Sept 11 post. Safe travels!

Diann said...

Everything is just gorgeous! I am popping over to let you know that you won my General Mills Breast Cancer Awareness giveaway! If you could send me an email with your full name and mailing address, I will pass it on to the sponsor!
thriftygroove@gmail.com

Congrats!!

Barbara F. said...

Ginger! I am so upset. This post never showed up in my reader on Blogger. I am so fed up with Blogger but afraid to change to Typepad. I saw this on The thrifty groove blog and came right over. It is gorgeous, just gorgeous. Love it all, hugs to you xoxoxo

Bunny Jean said...

Hi Ginger, just wanted to let you know that you were featured on this weeks Bunny Hop for this post!

xoxo Bunny Jean

Farah said...

Hello Ginger ... I missed your some posts but today so cheerful to see your decor... simple and grace ful... not a rush of decorative items.. it gives you a soothing effect to the eyes... looks really lovely,,, Hope you are doing great
Visit me if you can
http://craftaworld.blogspot.com/
Love
Farah

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