Copycat Mantlepiece

This morning, inspired by a photograph from my Homes & Antiques magazine 2012 calendar, I decided to create a new look for the mantlepiece in the room we lovingly refer to as the Library.
Even though our fireplace isn't as elaborate as theirs, in fact it's very plain indeed, and my mirror isn't oval or silver, it's rectangular and gilt (!) I collected a few bits and pieces from around the house and set to work.

A pair of chinese blue and white vases purchased at auction in Hungerford, Berks, UK over 30 years ago, some pieces from my Nana's wedding china, a vintage French pewter candelabra and a small Bristol blue vase.

Once all the Christmas decor has been packed away the clean surfaces left behind give us the opportunity to rethink what goes where and try new looks.
I think I like this new mantlepiece but I may tweak it in the coming days, I usually do tweak things once or twice!

What about you, have you been tempted to try a new look or do you always prefer to maintain the status quo?

Joining Mary @ Boogieboard Cottage

for

 Marty @ A Stroll Through Life

for

and a new party hosted by

Shannon @ Cozy Home Scenes

White Pumpkin Vignette.

One of my favourite blogs to visit is The Tablescaper.
She has such wonderful ideas, not to mention the china, pottery, accessories, linens and silverware collections that she owns.
Well, I guess the clue is in the name of the blog!
Although I personally don't "tablescape" (is that a verb?) I often find inspiration there for ways to decorate our home, especally at this time of year - Autumn.
A recent post featured a collection of gorgeous white pumpkins and brown ceramics, you can see it by clicking here.
Suitably inspired, I went "shopping", through my home, to create a fall vignette for the top of the wood burning stove in the sitting room.

I gathered together a large faux white pumpkin (TJ Maxx 2009), a white ceramic cake stand, rattan tablemat and faux fall wreath (Michaels 2009).

I added a tall lantern (a recent purchase from La Redoute), which I placed on a couple of hardback books for extra height, before lighting the "Cashmere" candle inside.
Then for added interest and texture, a log which I unearthed from the outdoor wood pile, "enhanced" with real horse chestnuts from the garden.

I really like how it evolved, however the chimney sweep called by the house on Friday morning to clear away any debris which might be blocking said chimney.
Soon there will be wonderful log fires to sit beside, with tea and books, so I think I'd better find a safer place to relocate this vignette to, very soon.

Joining The Tablescaper for Seasonal Sundays

and

Marty @ A Stroll Through Life for Tabletop Tuesday # 86

click on the links or sidebar buttons

 to see who else is particpating this week.

Desvres faience for Tabletop & 3 or More Tuesday

I'm joining Marty's Table Top Tuesday @ A Stroll through Life today for the first time with photo's of an antique English washstand which I have had for over 25 years and resides inside the now defunct fireplace in our dining room.
I'm also joining Tam @ The Gypsy's Corner for 3 or more Tuesday.
Why not treat yourselves to some wonderful vignettes and interesting collections by visiting both of these very gracious hosts but do please leave a comment so I know who came calling at le Presbytère today.

This is where I display my small collection of Desvres souvenir faience.

A sweet young woman carrying a basket, she holds salt for us at the dinner table, a small bud vase which bears the legend "Plestin les Greve", an oil and vinegar cruet set, a souvenir from Mont St Michel in original holder.A small trinket box with the Brittany crest and "A Ma Vie" inscription, and in the background a large platter produced for sale in Cancale, Brittany. The space beneath the washstand is not wasted, DH finds it's the perfect place for a small wine rack.

Well, nous sommes en France, n'est pas?