How to Decorate a Fall Mantel | Pumpkin and Ilex Berry

How it Begins

How to decorate fall mantel pieces is the most common question asked when the-end-of August comes about. This fall mantel in particular began with collecting some favorite gourds at the local produce market. The more unusual varieties are what I search for above all others. If you’ve seen it 1000 times, it’s not what I want on display in my home.

The hunt is on for unusual and visually appealing textural gourds and pumpkins . Stems, bumps, “warts” and texture are top of the list. The small “Baby Pam” variety are a favorite too as they are a petite version of the larger cousins we use for carving.

The “How To”

To keep things simple, I began arranging the mantel with the large central pumpkin on its side. While being mindful of it’s best features and the visual weight the pumpkin was balanced and leaned again the brass plate. The mantel was too shallow so this was a great way to overcome the challenging depth. A good example of relaxing and working with the product, rather than forcing a pre-planned design.

Varying heights creates a bit of playfulness. So the dark metal vessels, in a black-bronze finish came next. The black-bronze “disappeared” within the mantel and background color. With a lighter color background, try glass cylinders, petite patisserie pedestal dishes or shallow compotes complementing your decor.

The smaller “warty” pumpkins were next followed by the “Baby Pams” on the vessels and placed at the ends.

All of the items are in the same warm color family of orange/yellow. This is great piece of knowledge for a refined design vs. a hap-hazard casual look.

Designer Knowledge

The orange ilex berry or winterberry as it’s commonly known, was gently nestled between the pumpkins to add drama and a bit of whimsy. The berries make the entire design and elevate it to the next level. It took some adjusting and patience to capture the right look. If it looks effortless, most often it took more time than the image is sharing.

All the textures are smooth and the colors are monochromatic creating a mantel design that is simplistic yet inspiring.

Try your hand for a different color palette. Unusual autumn palettes are a favorite of mine. If you’d enjoy a more feminine approach to fall, review my article Uncommon Autumn Feminine Fall Palette. Lovely muted shades of mauve and earth tones are the central colors.

Living Beautifully will be selling packs of the orange branches this season. So be sure to check our shop for these natural beauties. One tip they need hydration, so this design, as shown, is wonderful for an evening of entertaining or Thanksgiving. The berries will last just a day out of water and 5 to 7 days in a vase of fresh water.

Tell me what you think about this mantle design below. I’d love to hear from you.

Have a beautiful autumn season.

In love & style,

Petah

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