Since I already shared a small part of my transition into fall decor, I thought I might show you the completed Halloween mantle look. Each year I slightly change up the “theme”, and this time I decided to go with Old Books & Birds (well, specifically, crows). Even though I annually change the theme, I still like to re-use/re-purpose bits and pieces from previous years. Last year I created this “mirror” to fit a frame I found at an estate sale and made the paper bunting to spell out “All Hallow’s Eve”. This year I added the crow, glitter skull and potion jar. Everything else is part of my normal, everyday decor.
On the left side, the paintbrushes were from my grandmother (who was an artist) and the artist brush washer container was from my other grandmother (who just thought it was cute). I added the crow inside the glass box just for fun. The books, clock, and candle sticks are usually on the mantle anyway (just in a different spot).
On the right, I brought in one of my favorite items- a vintage birdcage- more books, cardboard ampersand, glittery black skull and potion bottle. Instead of the typical orange and black, I thought it might be more fun to have a little extra color this year – so I swapped out the usual black books for some colorful ones. For some reason it amuses me that the bird is in the box and not the cage (ha, I know I’m kinda weird). I might still add a couple of tiny pumpkins to the mantle shelf, but other than that, I’m calling it done- trying to keep it simple this year. So what do you think? Do you switch up your mantle look or stick with what you know already works?
