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Goodwill Home Décor Expert - Merri Cvetan

Merri Cvetan

My weekly column for Amazing Goodwill and my design blog, Design Coach, are about all things design, living a stylish life and entertaining (like setting a great table). I share DIY projects, decorating and design tips, as well as ideas and secrets.

If you have a specific question for Merri, feel free to email her at askmerri@goodwillsew.com.

Learn more about Merri here and follow her on Twitter and Pinterest!

 


 

Very Merry Mantle

Posted by Jamie Klinger-Krebs on Dec 19, 2013 3:49:00 PM
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Decorating the mantle is a very important Christmas tradition. After all, it’s the first thing Santa sees when he comes down the chimney.

This year I decided to celebrate my Swedish heritage with traditional Swedish holiday decorations.

In order to make the mantle display more interesting, I created different levels by stacking old books I found at Goodwill. Look for red or green books or remove the covers and stack them with the pages exposed.

mantle 071 074.fwTuck in springs of pine tree greens (I took apart a decorated wreath found at Goodwill).

For a balanced display, place a pair of similar height items at each end. Swedish holiday decorations are mostly painted wood. On the left are painted Santa candlesticks and on the right, hand-painted trees.

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The hand carved and painted Dala Horse is an important Swedish symbol. The medium size blue horse is one of the best bargains I found at Goodwill. It was only $1.99 but valued at $25! You never know what you’ll find at Goodwill.

Tomte or Swedish elves add to my ethnic-themed mantle.

A Christmas display isn’t finished without candles. I would never light the little candles on the decorations (too dangerous)!  Instead, red votive cups add light and atmosphere.

mantle 086 054.fwI had so much fun showing my family heritage this year. I would love to hear how you decorate your mantle!

God Jul!

Topics: Home interior, home interior expert, Merri Cvetan, Christmas decorations, Christmas