Monday, February 1, 2010

My French-Inspired "Mantel"



I use the word mantel loosely above because I don't actually have a fireplace. Nope, just a found-on-the-side-of-the-road entertainment center (ha! I use that word loosely, too!) that houses our tv and accessories. My husband and I don't have cable, so we couldn't really justify spending a bunch of money on entertainment center. Although that's not to say I don't wish all the time that we had something nicer.......

Moving on!

As I went through most of my Valentine's decorations this year, I realized that most of them were incredibly cheesy and just weren't "me" anymore. I only saved about two or three things. My mantel has just a hint of the pink and sweetness needed to make it "Valentiney" without being overkill.


Even though it needs to be spray painted come spring, I am in love with this great Eiffel Tower I found at a thrift store last week, and it gave me the "Frenchy" idea.

I went through my stash of ribbon and saw this pink piece of tulle and wrapped it around my candle holder, securing it with a straight pin.


The XOXO acessory was from TJ Maxx a year or two ago and one of my fave finds ever (only $7.99!). I added my strand of pearls around the bottom to girly it up a little bit more.




I took my $1 apothecary jar and filled it with white and pink vintage buttons from my stash. I put a piece of dried hydrangea in it and cut out the word "France" from a piece of 25-cent scrapbook paper I got this week on sale at Michael's.


It's funny how you can put anything in glass and it adds such a touch of elegance to it!


All combined, it makes me feel like I'm in a little French ballerina's dressing room every time I look at it. Simple and girly without being overkill - works for me!








Find more great "mantels" every Friday at Beth's party!
Also, find other pink ideas at Pink Saturday at How Sweet the Sound!
Check out other great home ideas at Finding Fabulous!



28 comments:

  1. Your mantle looks fabulous! I love your shabby clock and those pearls with the tulle...so tres chic! You should link this up to Frugalicious Friday on Friday...I'm just sayin'!!

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  2. Hi~ I came over from Sandy's site. I am 1/2 Italian and have never cooked with Pancetta, mainly because it's so salty and my hubby doesn't like that.

    I love your mantel decor. So pretty!

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  3. How pretty. I love the French look. I found your blogging while over at Loving Life and thought I'd check it out. It's nice.

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  4. Found this through Finding Fabulous and I'd LOVE if you'd link to my Valentine's Day craft post:

    http://makinglemonadeblog.blogspot.com/2010/02/some-valentines-day-l-o-v-e.html

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  5. I love it! And I am so very glad you joined the party. Any flat decorated surface is a mantel in my book :). Love your French inspired theme. What says love better than Paris?

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  6. I think it's fabulous ! Love every last piece.

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  7. Your things look awesome together. Love the touches of metal, they sure catch the light nice!

    Donna
    http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/

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  8. Love that clock and the Eiffel tower - perfect look together! Its great to use what you have and the top of an entertainment center can be every bit as nice as a mantel - you've shown that!

    DD

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  9. This turned out tres chic! Great job! MIKI

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  10. SOOOO perfectly subtle and sweet!!! I LOVE IT!

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  11. A beautifully decorated mantelpiece - just enough.
    JJ

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  12. Welcome and Happy First Pink Saturday! French and updated, your mantel is all decked out and ready for Valentine's Day. I think the "hint" of pink suites the are perfectly, giving a little color yet not overpowering your other beautiful pieces and letting them take center stage! Very clever to have the repeated theme of the eifel tower! Looks "belle" (beautiful).
    Yvonne

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  13. Lovely table display! Pretty pearls!
    Welcome to Pink Saturday!


    ...Woman in Red - Quiltworks Valentine

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  14. Love your xoxo! Very romantic! Happy Pink Saturday!

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  15. Welcome to Pink Saturday Jessica! I love the soft look of your pink tulle. Your display is so tasteful and elegant. Have a wonderful weekend and stop by for a visit if you can. Terri

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  16. Hi and welcome to Pink Saturday. Your mantlepiece is so pretty, all the right touches..Happy Pinks

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  17. Hi Jessica,
    Love your French-inspired mantel! I love the Eiffel tower and your clock! Welcome to your 1st Pink Saturday and have a lovely weekend.

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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  18. Love your mantle! Lots of great layering and eye candy there.

    Glad you joined us for Pink Saturday and hope that your first one is happy! Hope you'll join us again...

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

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  19. Very nice - thanks for sharing. Happy Pink Saturday!

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  20. Happy 1st Pink Saturday! Ohhh lala I love that "touch of pink" vignette! Beautiful!

    My Pink Saturday post went up a bit late (one day I'll master that dang scheduler yet!) Hope you get a chance to stop by for a visit!

    Have a lovely "Pink" weekend!
    Tina

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  21. Love this look. The Eiffel tower is wonderful and the XOXO looks just right with it.

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  22. Happy Pink Saturday ! Your mantel is just beautiful - I hope you have a lovely new week.

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  23. Very nicely done. Welcome to Pink Saturday!

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  24. As I scrolled down to make my comment I see his is your first Pink Saturday. Welcome. It's my 2d. I love your mantle. Some very nice touches. Congrats on staying home w/your son (read your profile). Enjoyed the post, thanks. Jenn

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  25. Hi, Jessica,
    I love all the wonderful elements you have added to your French mantel! Very charming!! Happy Pink Saturday to you and have a lovely weekend! Vicki

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  26. I think it's lovely. I love the the XO is sign! :-)and the pearls too :-)

    Happy 1st Pink Saturday to you!

    Mizpah,
    Li

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