Autumn Mantel

Up here in NW Wisconsin the changing seasons are real. The hot humid summer is rapidly transforming to cooler days and crisp nights. The pumpkins and squash are ripe and being stocked at the local farmer’s stands. I can’t wait to get out to the apple orchards where they are boasting their fall harvests too.

What’s not to Iove about autumn? My husband and I were just stating how it’s our favorite season. Unlike spring, where the earth is still cold as it melts the winter ice off… in the autumn, the earth is holding on to the summer warmth, but the air is crisp. Baked squash with dinner and apple crisp after are cozy comfort foods and my ‘go-to’ recipes this time of year.

The mantel in our dining room is central to the great room so warming it up with fall color and a few pumpkins makes the whole house feel decorated and ready for the season.

Some components on the mantel stay put pretty much through all the seasons. I can simply change up a few key components and voila the style is transformed for the new season.

The 2 antique tole sconces flanking the chase stay up all the time. They are hardwired in. The vintage pair of Blue Willow plates stay up most of the time too.

The center panel, where the mirror is leaning for the autumn mantel is what I always change seasonally. I found this vintage mirror that was the exact size needed for this space. It fits nicely inside the center panel of the chase.

See how it looks like it’s set on the mantel and is just casually leaning against it?

Here’s a tip…

It’s not just ‘leaning’ against the wall. This mirror is heavy and would be disastrous if it slipped or fell forward. We use this wood burning fireplace full time so this area gets rattled and banged every day.

So for security, I nailed a heavy duty picture hanger on the wall at the exact height to catch the wire on the back of the mirror and hold it in place as it ‘leans’ against it.

Another component that stays on the mantel most of the seasons are these vintage early american style copper planters.

I have a pair of faux potted plants in each one that I found at Pottery Barn on clearance. There is something so appealing to me about the mid-century vintage look of them.

Besides the twiggy string of lights, the other most ‘autumn-y’ part of the mantel decor is obviously the pumpkins.

These heavy pottery, crackled glazed pumpkins have served me well for many years.

I might add some pheasant feathers I have somewhere if I come across them. I still haven’t unpacked everything… (here you can read all about our move and remodeling this house into a colonial revival cottage style.)

As we get closer to Thanksgiving, I’ll add my collection of vintage ceramic turkey planters to the mantel. But for now this is all that’s needed to transform it to this favorite season.

Now to that apple crisp… yum! I think my recipe, well actually my mom’s recipe, is the absolute best apple crisp ever!! If you want the recipe, let me know, I’ll make a post featuring it!

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Did you know I now offer decorating and DIY coaching? I can help you with your decorating needs via email, without having to step foot in your home. If you’re interested in more information, visit me at Frame and Frills. I’d love to help you with your project!

Here are some more seasonal and fall decorating ideas I’ve written about: