Do you have those weeks…months…when everything seems to fly by and you feel like every day is a catch-up day? Yeah.  That’s me.

My connection to the blogging world began in the fall several years ago.

I followed all the link parties…wondered what “Mr. Linky” was…and consumed tons of #InspiringFallIdeas and drooled over all the amazing fall mantels.

When I finally had my own blog, one thing I wanted to do for sure was to link up to my favorite fall link parties.

Sometimes life throws curve balls and it’s challenging to get back on track.  (At least no one can accuse me of being in a rut!!!)

I had been thinking of “doing” a fall mantel.

My friend’s husband build this mantel and fireplace surround for her, to use as a prop, when she took photos for the high school Christmas dance.   It looks good in her dining room, too.

As I was dreaming about what I could create, I read Layla’s post about her fall mantel and how she was linking up to Sarah’s blog for the annual Fall Mantel Party. Um. Yeah. Somehow I missed it all.

I guess I just need to face reality this year.  I’m late to the party! 

Who said that being late to a party means you can’t have fun?

Nobody!!!! So, although this post might be a bit late.  I can still party at Sarah’s.

And yes, you’ll see, there was plenty of fun!!

Yesterday, I went back outside to that crabapple tree.  The one that graced my fall tablescape here.  It was heavily laden with those sweet miniature fruits that look like small cherries, and I clipped a few branches which seemed to be reaching for the ground.

The fruit was the prettiest shade of peachy orange and perfect for my project.

First, I started with a grapevine wreath that I picked up at the local Goodwill for just 99 cents.

The crabapple branches were wired in place and made ready to hang.

I guess I could have shot a few photos of the project, but seriously, this was super easy!

Lay the branches on top of the wreath and wire them on.  That’s it!

Then, into the house I flew.

Standing on a chair, I created a wire hanger for the wreath and attached it to the mirror.

I have an easy tip to hang a wreath over a mirror of picture which I need to share with you.   If you don’t see it soon…remind me.

Next up….decorating the mantel.

The whole scheme for the fall mantel came about because I wanted to use this lovely white birdcage.

With a white mantel and a white birdcage as the main objects, I decided to keep the white theme going and so I looked around for white objects to arrange along with the birdcage.

This took me forever as I wanted the heights to be visually appealing.

For the record…those of you who are great at styling…I am in awe.  As much fun as I have styling, I think I ‘work’ too hard at it.   Then again…if I enjoy it…maybe it doesn’t matter.

I love this sweet white bird and decided to place it midst some faux leaves in the birdcage.

Next, I raided the boxes of fall and added the beaded faux pumpkins to the arrangement.

The mantel was close to being done…but not finished.

With the clippers in hand, I ran back out to the yard and clipped more crabapple branches.

Stems of crabapples were clipped to size and nestled in between pumpkins and the items in white.

And those berries you see around the birdcage.  Yup…their fresh crabapple sprigs, too.

Don’t you think the crabapples branches complete the arrangement nicely?

I’m pleased with how fresh the mantel looks.  And even though the mantel is very full, because it’s really just two colors, it doesn’t feel busy.  My friend and her daughter agree…it’s a lovely bright spot in the dining room.

My caveat: Crabapple branches won’t keep forever.  They’ll get droopy.  But that’s okay….I have a few other ideas up my sleeve that I want to try, anyway.

Have you decorated your mantel for fall?
What ways have you brought nature into your house this season?

Wishing you An Extraordinary Day!

Diane

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