This week, I’m sharing how I “winterized” two features in our home: the entryway and the fireplace mantels—how to make those areas feel like a little winter escape with a nod to the holidays (yes there are stockings, but tree’s not up…YET) in early November that could easily be added to for Christmas, and is giving me all the cozy feels.

Entryway – Creating a Simple, Elegant Welcoming

Sources:  1. French Country Mirror | 2. Mini Wreath | 3. Silver Bell Ornaments | 4. Metal Lantern | 5. Dew Drop Lights|

I styled our entryway and fireplace mantels, using mostly Target products (Wondershop, DollarSpot, Threshold, and Hearth & Hand) all in this beautiful natural winter vibe. The general aesthetic theme was “hygge ranch” so I kept everything simple and minimal (with a couple of statement pieces) to work with.  The main palette was set with whites, metals, woods and greenery rounded out with lots of soft ambient lights and twinkle lights…starting at the front door.

Fireplace Mantels – Adding Traditional and Statement Holiday Elements

Sources:  1. Large Wire Wreath (sold out from 2018, similar here)| 2. Garland | 3. Metal Lanterns (from 2017, similar here) | 4. Mini Trees | 5. Dew Drop Lights|

Probably one of my favorite features of a home is having a fireplace mantel to decorate for the holidays. Lucky for us, we have two fireplaces, so I get double the fun to decorate both mantels.

I made the garland above by combining three different garlands and faux stems for a fuller look, and wove in dewdrop lights, then swagged the garland to one side so it’s off centered from the mantel for a more modern vibe.  I plan to add more candles scattered across the mantel for more soft lighting as lighting is so important during these darker days.

Hands down, my favorite new holiday item from Target’s Wondershop this year is this fabulously large, simple yet striking, lit wire wreath, pictured on my accent wall at the kitchen. At night, the ambiance is calming in this room from the wreath’s twinkle lights.

Sources: 1. Lit LED Wire Christmas Wreath “Joy”   | 2. Garland | 3. Light Fixtures (from remodel June 2019)| 4. Wreath on Hood |

Target DollarSpot finds this season: four mini wreaths I attached to the backs of the counter stools, and a sled and mini holiday sign to add to the kitchen vignettes.

While our home is already pretty neutral, going with softer colors instead of traditional holiday hues like red and green (or even blue and silver) neutral colors really extends the life of the “winter” look. Plus, if you’re like me, right at New Year’s Eve, I get a little anxious to take down any signs of Christmas already.  I can’t imagine getting tired of cozy, furry pillows, cozy throws, and glowy candles, piece I could still carry throughout to early spring.

I’m full-on ready now to bring in winter (even though it still hits near 70 in the afternoons in DFW)!

Stay tuned for the next holiday post where I’ll share our Christmas tree and front porch!