As the nights draw in there are few things more comforting than curling up in front of the fire with the candles blazing, covered in throws and sipping on something delicious. Hello red wine.
When we bought our last cottage I felt like all my birthdays had come at once as I finally had a focal point in my living room – an open fire. As odd as it sounds I had always, always, always wanted a fireplace and just like buses, along came five at once. I used to blummin love styling up the mantelpiece in our front room; one week candles, the other fresh blooms. Yes, little things do please little minds.

Anyway in the spirit of the new season I thought we’d all like to feast our eyes on some fireside fodder. If you don’t have a fireplace then feel free to nick a bit of inspiration for a shelfie instead.

I usually go down a route of a candle, flora, fauna and artwork or photo mash-up. Call me contrived but I like to have varying heights in my vignettes with an organic element thrown in for good measure; Foliage, stems or a full-on bouquet. I often organise pieces together in groups of three or five as it’s easy on the eye and as you can see from the header image my sister Hannah also favours a similar look in her living room.

I also like a haphazard arrangement of candlesticks and holders but equally a symmetrical arrangement can look very handsome too. Take a peek at Charlotte’s home office for a sweet and simple display. Abigail and Rebecca also favour an uncomplicated layout too with seasonal blooms and personal mementoes. For a very impactful arrangement you could duplicate several objects, or in the case of this immense fireplace captured by Dottie Photography from Ali and Trevor’s wedding, simply line up single stems and candle holders in a long row.
In the kiddiwinks room, use as another surface to display toys just like in Johnnie’s room over on Rock My Family

Now this one’s best for a non-working fireplace (ahem potential fire hazard) but hanging a garland can add an extra dimension. Command hooks are a girl’s best friend for this little job to easily secure a lightweight garland in place.
Kate’s fringe affair adds a sweet metallic touch to her dining room while Katie’s fabric bunting adds a touch of the whimsical. The rest of Katie’s vintage styled home will be coming very soon to this corner of the internet.
Taking inspiration from Christmas decor, how gorgeous would it be to have a swathe of greenery across your mantel? Taken from a stunning bridal inspiration shoot over on RMW shot by Katy Melling it might be a bit OTT for a regular Tuesday but would be fab if you were throwing a party.

There’s also the hearth too. Arrange some of your favourite bits and pieces (well away from the flames obviously) around the bottom of the fireplace and you’ll be surrounded with style like our very own lovely Lottie.

Don’t fancy the usual suspects on your mantel? Then how about layering up artwork a la Kate?. Alternatively keep the top very simple like Abigail’s gorgeous fireplace but arrange a gallery wall above to create another focal point rather than the usual mirror.
Kate used a vintage style map in her living room but if you favour a mirror then you could prop rather than hang as Dom and Ali have in their stunning period renovation.

Do you share my love of the mantelpiece? How do you decorate yours? And when was the last time you lit your fire?

{FIRESIDE COMPANIONS}

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