Polar Express Mantel

Christmas Decorating has begun! 

(Just not in my house yet)  

I was chatting with a very good friend of mine last week 

and we were discussing her mantel.  

She is in a new house this Christmas and wondered 

if I had any good decorating ideas for her.  

Well, rising to the challenge, 

I asked her what elements she might want to incorporate etc.  She was adamant that we use her 

Train stocking holders as her three boys loved them!  

Well, what boys don't love trains?  

I came up with the idea of the Polar Express for the theme.  

She didn't want to spend a lot of money 

but she wanted a fresh and new idea.  

I set out to do some shopping and see what I came up with.  

I made a quick  trip to Hobby Lobby and 

found everything I needed at half off.

Snowflake ornaments in various sizes, 

Christmas trees wrapped in burlap,

And some fake fluffy snow.

We stopped next door at the Goodwill (how convenient) 

and found this great 80's print for $19.99.  

Of course my friend asked if they would take any less 

and they offered half off!  

$10.00 will do just fine!

I took it home and painted it with three coats of chalkboard paint and painted the wood with Annie Sloan Old White.

I hung the snowflakes tied with ribbon to the 

ceiling with small thumbtacks.  

The quote is from the book The Polar Express.  

The book (and the movie) is a favorite of the boys!  

I remember reading it to all of my kids!  

I could barely get through these last lines 

without a catch in my voice.  

All of their stockings hung and ready for Santa...  

Who doesn't love the magic of Christmas for a child?

A simple Christmas Mantel.  

Until Next Time,

Beaux R'eves,

XO Cindy


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