My Christmas Mantel and New Hand-made Stockings

I have wanted matching Christmas stockings for what seems like forever.  You would think that would be an easy update, but I was hesitant to make the change because I’m sentimental and I really love a momento-filled Christmas.

My mom bought each of my kids a Christmas stocking when they were born and put their names on them herself.  Unfortunately, they didn’t match the image I had in mind for my mantle.  Even so, I had a hard time with the idea of not using them because they mean a lot to me. 

Still, I really wanted matching stockings while keeping a family and homey feeling mantel.  I solved my dilemma by deciding that we will still use the stockings from my mom on Christmas eve and will set them out for Santa with cookies and milk, but for decorative purposes, we now have a matched set!

I made these little burlap and checked stockings yesterday using left over burlap and red buffalo checked fabric I already had…ZERO new cost — LOVE that!

They are now hanging proudly on what I call my “memory-filled” mantel.

I will show you how I made them on Friday, when I co-host the Winter Wonders & Holiday Happenings Link party:


Update: 12/11/2012 — Click here for my Christmas stocking tutorial.

Until then, I’m going to show you a few more shots of my mantel and my new stockings. 

It still feels family and homey to me with my new little burlap stockings — as I mentioned in my post about Christmas decor around  my house, I like to tuck pictures of my kids or our whole family from Christmases past into the garland on the mantel.  It’s always fun to see how the kids have grown, how they were crying on Santa’s lap, or see where we went as a family for a holiday outing.

 
I just bought the same ornament frame from Pottery Barn that I bought last year (it’s the one on the left in the picture above).  I especially like it because the year is engraved on it, which is nice.
 
The picture below always makes me giggle.  My daughter is terrified of Santa!
 
 
The silver reindeer, below, was a wedding gift from good friends of ours.  He’s really a candle holder, except he’s not carrying a candle this year.  I get lazy like that sometimes!
 
 
I would like to make this new look even more family-feeling by getting the stockings monogrammed or personalized but that will have to be another day. 
 
 
Until then, I’m pretty happy with how my mantel looks this year! 
 
 
Nothing too fancy. 
 
 
How is your holiday decorating coming along?
 
 
 Linking up to:
The Lettered Cottage
 
Savvy Southern Style
Between Naps on the Porch
Elizabeth & Company
52 Mantels
Silver Pennies
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17 Responses to My Christmas Mantel and New Hand-made Stockings

  1. Jen says:

    Very pretty!
    And I love the stockings!

    Reply
  2. Stephanie @ Hugs, Kisses and Snot says:

    So cute! I cross-stitched our stocking…except for my youngest. His is still in the works. Maybe next year (fingers crossed)

    Reply
  3. chateau chic says:

    Your mantel looks so charming with your family theme. Adorable stockings!
    I’m a new follower, Mary Alice

    Reply
  4. Shannah @ Just Us Four says:

    Your mantle looks fantastic. The stockings are so cute. Great job!

    Reply
  5. The Pennington Point says:

    I love the whole thing! Those deer standing tall and proud, the pinecones and greenery….perfect! I had the same problem last year when I realized it was time to put away the old, handmade but not matching stockings and make my dream of matching stockings that fit my decor. I would normally not leave a link in a comment (sorry if it’s rude!) but I thought you would like to see my stockings. We have the same taste. 🙂 Thanks, Lisa~

    http://thepenningtonpoint.com/2012/12/a-forest-or-a-mantle-who-can-tell/

    Reply
  6. Makeiteasycrafts.blogspot.com says:

    Lovely Christmas decor…love the stockings. 🙂

    Reply
  7. Laurie says:

    Your mantel is beautiful! I adore your stockings!
    http://www.laurieslittlebitsofcreativity.com

    Reply
  8. Laurie says:

    You mantel is beautiful as are your darling stockings.
    http://www.laurieslittlebitsofcreativity.com

    Reply
  9. Wild Oak Designs says:

    I made stockings this year as well. Just wanted a different look, just like you.
    Your mantel is wonderful and I love your stockings!
    Nancy
    http://wildoakdesigns.blogspot.com

    Reply
  10. Karen Mary Butterfly says:

    I found you featured on Savvy Southern Style…no wondered you were featured! Beautiful. New follower!
    Karen

    Reply
  11. Heather says:

    I love that your incorporate family photos into your holiday decorations! Beautiful!

    http://notjustbrides.blogspot.com

    Reply
  12. Stacey says:

    So pretty!
    Would love if you stopped by the Holiday Linky Party – mantels – to link it up! The party is happening NOW!
    Stacey of Embracing Change
    http://staceyembracingchange.blogspot.com

    Reply
  13. Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. says:

    What a beautiful mantel and your stockings are just darling!

    Reply
  14. Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. says:

    What a beautiful mantel and your stockings are just darling!

    Reply
  15. Danielle says:

    Beautiful mantel! I love the chippy window and your stockings are so sweet. Thanks for sharing at our Home for the Holidays link party!

    Reply
  16. Stacey says:

    Adorable and so personal. How about that amazing window?? Lucky duck.
    Thanks for linking up to the Christmas Mantel Linky Party at Embracing Change!
    Stacey

    Reply
  17. Megan @ Restoring the Roost says:

    Love love love those stockings!!

    Reply

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