I think it would like fine for everyday...

I would like to see things grouped in threes or more, with a group on each end and one near the middle. The way they are all lined up now is not as visually appealing, imo.

I agree with kswl - they need to be in groupings - all the pieces work well for a non-Christmas display they just need to be tweaked a little more .....

Lynne

Bright, that isn't Christmas-y and works fine for winter decor. Tho I would agree with the others about groupings instead of a line-up. And maybe some varying heights by putting some books or something under things. You just need to tweak it a bit as Lynne said. The silver and crystal and angels are wonderful together.

hugs, Karen

I personally like it very much as it's discreet, delicate and so wintertime. Yes, it's a very nice winter mantle!

Bright,
I have trouble decorating my mantle too so I should probably not even post here. Just my 2c - all the individual pieces are beautiful but something is missing from the whole mantle arrangement. Definitely group all those nice elements, like Lynne and Kswl have said. Personally, I would like something there that has more of a presence than the ones you have already especially if the fire place is your focal point. I love how you set up the angel below the mantle. Now, that has an impact. Good luck!!

Mo

Bright, I would take the mirror down and set it directly on the mantle. I think it would look pretty if it reflected your decor items rather than the ceiling fan. If you don't want to place it directly on the mantle, hang it lower.

I would use one of the vases w/branches for the center, and choose three items as a grouping for each end, spreading things out a bit. It's nice to have space between items as it makes them seem more special. ;o)

Ok I'm totally confused!!! But that's easy to do. Thanks for all the comments. I moved things around a bit. I think the center will look better when I get a candle for the silver holder.

Patty.... no way can I move that mirror.. You won't believe the issue of drilling into the bricks to hang it. I would like it to be a little lower but dh would not want to drill new holes and he disapproved of it just sitting on the mantle. So I will have to make do with it as is.

As I stated in the begining shopping for more items is out of the question. It would probably be better if the two vases were the same.

Does this look better or should I scratch everything!!
{{gwi:1405454}}

{{gwi:1405457}}

{{gwi:1405460}}

this guy wanted his picture taken too! He spent Christmas in dd's bathroom.

{{gwi:1405462}}

I think if the angels were all grouped together in the center of the mantel, with the candlesticks (keeping pairs together) grouped on either side of them, they would have more of an impact. IMHO

You have some great pieces to display.

I think that I would remove the silver vase and put the glass vase in the center. You could take a small glass bowl and turn it upside down under the vase to raise it up a bit. I would probably take the smaller branches out and gather some larger ones from the yard to add a little balance to the vase. Knowing me.. I would probably paint the branches red for a little "pop" of color against the dark brick and mantel and then hang the crystals on them. I would also take a pretty scarf and "swag" it over the top of the mirror. This would eliminate part of the view of the ceiling fan and the larger branches would take care of the rest. You could probably even use just a sheer curtain if you have one and let the ends drape down onto the mantel.Another thought.. if you have a roll of pretty wallpaper border,you could just cut it to fit inside the mirror and tape it in place to transform the mirror completely. Something with cardinals or other winter birds would be lovely behind the branches. Then I would take the other candlesticks and angels and group them at either end of the mantel.The little snowman on the end .. as cute as he is... would have to be put away until next Christmas. This is just my personal thoughts.. I'm not a designer/decorator and it's late,I'm tired and I'm rambling..lol.

Susan

I didn't see the crystals in the branches before. CUTE! I like that! Makes reflective surface like candles do!
I just love the brick fireplace! I am thinking more about your set up.

I can see you're a lover of symmetry! Oreos-mom has some good ideas. I always have trouble with my mantel, too--I know what I like, but achieving it is never as easy as it looks.

You can use all sorts of things to achieve height variation. How about putting a stack of books, 3 or 4, under one of the vases or the angel statue? Photos are always nice on a mantel too, and could likewise be elevated if you wanted, either with books or those little frame easels or plate rack, if you have one.

I took down my Christmas tree early but left the mantel with silver and ice garland holiday stuff. I seem to need to get rid of Christmas stuff in stages, otherwise things just look too drab. I always find this a good time of year to polish my brass things, too, just to have some more shine once the holiday stuff comes down.

I love that you decided to group everything. To my eye, whenever I see things just lined up and spaced evenly, as it was in your first pic, it reminds me of ducks in a row. This new way is much more dynamic and interesting! I agree that the branches should be taller. If were me, I might try them spray painted white for the contrast against the brick.
If you'd like to go for a bit simpler and still wintery look, perhaps you could try it without the angels and snowman, using only the vases and candles ont he sides of the mantel. A white or silver basket heaped with pine branches and pinecones flecked with (fake) snow in the center of the mantel might look pretty. I like to soften up my mantelscapes a bit and greenery of one kind or another is so easy to do this with.
Lynn

Since I struggle so much with this type of thing myself, I'm opting out of offering any help at all and will bow to those more with more experience and talent. I did want to say that you have some lovely items that you are using however. ;o) Luvs