Happy *belated* Memorial Day!

I know I’m a bit behind (better late than never!), but I wanted to share with you my summer mantel, seasonably decorated for Memorial Day and Independence Day. 

I try to stick to a fairly simple mantle in the summer, as I like it to feel cool and breezy, as we all would hope to be on a hot summer day.

                    Excuse my fingerprints in the hideously large mirror. Someone has to wind the clock. ;)

I’m inspired very much by early America and antiques in my design, and many of my design choices are taken from 18^th century America. Even though my love for colonial America is my main inspiration, I am not biased. I just take everything I love and find a way to make it work for me. The vintage mantel clock was found at an antique store in Columbus, Ohio. It was not functioning at the time, but it was beautiful and had an insanely low price. We bought it and had it repaired by a local man that restores clocks. It has the most charming westminster chime, that is slightly different than any I have ever heard.  The two sets of vintage pewter candlesticks were purchased at estate sales in our city. The vintage dish is from a collection that Shaun's mother used to use as her china. I'm not sure the maker, but the back says "Made in England". The jar is from Hobby Lobby (sometimes new has to stand in until something old can be found to take it's place ;) 

And my arm in the background. ;)

This mantel is directly inspired by early America, which I thought would be the perfect inspiration for the Memorial Day/Independence Day mantel. I hope you enjoyed you’re holiday celebrating the brave men and women defending our freedom. Those men and women, past and present, I most humbly thank you for your service.

                                                                                                        xoxo

                                                                                                        Tim