Time to transition into fall using natural elements to create a simple fall mantel with gourds and greenery. I discovered my love of gourds last year while making garlands. Mini gourds are just so cute and unique, that I couldn’t resist sharing them with you again.
Today I’m joining the Fall Ideas Tour, hosted by Angie of Postcards From The Ridge and we’re kicking off the tour with fall mantels. If you visiting from Patti over at Hearth and Vine, welcome I’m so happy to have you. Our tour is also featuring fall tablescapes, tiered trays, porches and crafts. Something for everyone!
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Simple Fall Mantel With Gourds And Greenery
This years fall mantel is a combination of neutral colors with a splash of greenery. The watercolor print over the mantel is predominately greens and blues, so I like to keep that in mind when adding seasonal decorations.
The cute little gourds taking center stage on the mantel are dried spinner and bottle gourds. Want to hear an interesting fact about these? Gourds grow on vines during the summer months, but are not harvested until the following spring. This allows the gourds to dry out during the winter months.
The soft neutral colors of gourds, and their curious shapes create a fun display on a wood baguette dough tray. This tray was a happy find at a flea market several years ago. It’s handy for serving bread or crackers along side a charcuterie board, or for displaying mini pumpkins and candles. Here’s a similar tray to check out.
For more ideas using gourds see my posts, Transitioning Summer To Fall Kitchen Ideas and Summer To Fall Mantel And A Gourd Garland.
I’m not sure if this is truly a vintage dough tray or not, but I love the aged wood patina. It’s always a challenge decorating a shallow mantel, but the narrow baguette tray is a great option.
Natural Greenery
One each side of the mantel I’m using stacks of neutral colored books, which are always a staple around here. The books make a good platform for vases holding small branches.
No bush or tree is safe in the neighborhood when I need to decorate. Well I should clarify, that I only collect small snippets along the walking trail that runs through the neighborhood and not my neighbors yards. 😉
Simple cylinder glass vases to hold small Sweetgum branches, which have the most incredible looking bark. Since the trees in our area will not be turning for a couple more months, we’ll be enjoying green leaves a little longer. The look is clean and simple which fits in with the style of our home.
Be sure to follow Thistle Key Lane on Pinterest, where the boards are up to date with seasonal inspiration you’re going to love!
Continue the Fall Ideas Tour by visiting Shelley of Calypso In The Country to see her black and white buffalo check mantel. All the tour links are in the list below, so please enjoy at your leisure.
Cheers!
Fall Mantel Decor Ideas
Fall Tablescape Decor Ideas
Fall Porch and Deck Decor Ideas
Fall Tiered Tray Decor Ideas
Fall DIY Crafts
