Fireplace Makeover

It's amazing how a few little decorating changes can give a room an entirely different feel. Shortly after moving into our house in mid-May, we had the fireplace updated by having a gas insert installed. I've been dreaming for years of having a cozy little fireplace for snuggling and reading and drinking coffee. I use this one nearly every day now that the weather has started to cool. We're going to have a very happy future together - this lovely fireplace and I.

I had a hard time deciding what I wanted to do with the mantle until just a few weeks ago. Of course there are mountains of possibilities, but we were looking for something that wouldn't be super spendy and that can be changed from season to season. The solution?

A mirror! It goes with anything, including the intricate painting we have hanging on the opposite wall. I already had the candles and the small wreath. The vase was a wedding gift. I've wanted to use it for years, but this is the first time I'm really happy with how it looks. The vase filler and the mirror came from Target, while the Home Sweet Home piece is something I found on clearance at JCPenny a few months ago. It required a little dismantling since it had other not-so-pretty parts attached to it.

One of my favorite living room pieces is the little clock with the bird. It was one of those things that I actually thought I'd end up returning before I even bought it. Once I got it home, though, it was truly home.


This is how it looks in the glow of the evening. You can see the reflection of the painting on the opposite wall. I should post a picture of that as well. It's beautiful. Pete grew up with it in his dining room, and we feel blessed to now have it in our own home.


So the mantle has been decorated. Now I feel like the living room is very close to being complete. That's a good thing because we're hosting a big resident interview dinner on Thursday night. If I could just finish the curtains!

Yes, a dinner is on the horizon. What does that mean? I've been baking! Today was Pumpkin Chiffon Pie. Tomorrow will be Strawberry Cheesecake. I'll post the very yummy recipes soon. The pie is perfect for Thanksgiving!