Our Christmas Mantel 2012

In true Baileywife fashion....I am NEVER done decorating!

I tweek, I re-do, I OVER-THINK....

Our "finished" (for now) Mantel 2012

Sweet little Cowboy Santa given by my mama

With all the technology overload that is becoming "normal" (and fun!),

like Pinterest, blogs, etc.....I am even more perplexed on how to decorate for Christmas this year!

Not that my home will ever get into the pages of a magazine, or Martha Stewart will ever come and visit MY home....but someone inside me wants it to be perfect...FOR MY FAMILY. I want it to reflect who we are, and show what matters to US. 

I have become OBSESSED with "natural" decor, re-purposed items, and doing all our decor on a very tight budget. The only new item I have purchased for this holiday decor season is wrapping paper! :)

I had my boys cut some grapevine from our fence rows, and stuck it here, there, and everywhere.

And made a garland with some twiggy stars that I've had and jute twine that I have purchased by the truckload! 

Here is how my mantel started out...I actually thought I wanted a very "simple" look this year, and contemplated just throwing up the stockings and calling it good.

My not-so-merry start to decorating this year

My children begged me to add "more Christmas" to the room and fireplace. And to be honest, I just wasn't feeling it either....and needed that extra nudge to re-think and get more creative. 

I am so happy that I did...and looking into this main focal point of our Coffee Room, I am pleased with the result, and the fact that I did not spend a dime!

These are the Parties I have linked to....check them out!

~Kim