Hello friends! Every holiday I see gorgeous mantles done up for the season and it makes me long for a fireplace. But honestly, we don’t really need one here in Phoenix. But I did create something similar. How Do You Like My Fantel? A Faux Fall Mantel.
A few weeks ago I came across a lovely image of a shelf decorated for fall and I read a phrase that was new to me ~ “fantel” a faux mantel. Where have I been? This word concoction has been in use for over a year! I liked it so much I thought I would make it my own. So I searched my house and thought that the shelf in the center of our entertainment center could use an autumnal transformation.
I had decided that I wanted a neutral holiday palette this Halloween so I shopped the manor for all things white, crème and black.
First things first, the orange pumpkins I had on hand received a paint transformation with two coats of Folkart acrylic craft paint in white, champagne and crème.
I began decorating from left to right. The birdcage was placed first and joined by an escaped snowy owl. I then added in my newly painted pumpkins, a mercury votive, and a bit of bittersweet.
In the center, I placed a spooktacular web. (You can view the easy tutorial HERE.)
The left side was finished with a pair of antique ebony candlesticks, more pumpkins and a mantel clock forever stilled at the stroke of midnight.
It was deemed “cool” by the kiddos. Hubby was just thankful that the display didn’t impair his television viewing. 🙂
Do you have a mantel or will you be creating a fantel?
Laura
Marydon says
Awesome, Laura! You have the magic touch & fabulous creativity to bring visions to lie. Love it.
Have a great week ~
TTFN ~
Hugs,
Marydon
♥ Sonny ♥ says
very pretty indeed. I am all about the neutral:) so yours looks perfect to me.
Carlene @ Organized Clutter says
Love the neutrals on your fantel.
AshTreeCottage says
Your fantel is charming!
Hugs,
Susan and Bentley
Julie Tucker-Wolek says
Looks amazing!!!! Loving the color scheme!!!
Courtenay@Creek Line House says
I have a fantel too!! Love your “web”. So clever!
chris mckinley says
No mantel in this Silicon Valley house, we don't have a fireplace either. I decorte the top of a buffet. Love your Fantel, the creams and whites look great!!
chris
Linda (Nina's Nest) says
Pretty “fantel”…..love all the white touches. I'm a fan of painting orange pumpkins white! Linda
Becca says
Looks beautiful … love the creamy white pumpkins.
Linda says
Beautiful, Laura!
No, we don't have a mantel, but I have a couple places that could be a fantel. I do always seasonally decorate the lower buffet portion of our hutch and it makes for a cheery greeting in the dining room/entry way.
Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR says
Laura, this looks great! Love that you just painted your existing pumpkins white…clever! Your 'fantel' looks wonderful.
Karena says
Laura I love, love your mantle, the neutral theme is perfect; I tire easily of Halloween colors, even though I love the fall foliage, etc.
I do have a mantle and you have inspired me to change it up a bit.
xoxo,
Karena
2012 Artist Series
openid says
Laura,
I saw 'fantel' displays last year in some link parties. Your autumn display is a true reflection of the season. I especially like your lace web! We have mantels at the Fairfield House — one still has seashells on it!
Your Friend,
Deborah
FairfieldHouseNJ.com
Vicki says
Your fantel looks terrific! I've never heard the term before, but I do have a fantel in my home – it's the window seat in our kitchen nook. I decorate it for every season.
Lorrie Orr says
What a great fantel! New word concoction to me, too.
We do have a fireplace and mantel, and I should be gussying it up for fall, but I'm resisting. Maybe at the end of the week – when September is over.
Sherri B. says
Love it…just brilliant! My very favorite thing is the 'hoop web', so cute! xo
Designing Domesticity says
Loving the fantel. What a great solution. And the painted gourds really work! Thanks for sharing, liz
marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says
Oh I love it and I really love the spooky web. How cute is that. It looks fabulous. Thanks tons for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty
the cape on the corner says
great idea to use the craft paint! maybe i'll use that idea to soften up mine. thanks!
Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME/Doublewide Decor says
Love your Fantel…I do have one…the top of our entertainment unit…but it isn't as cute as yours!!
Priscilla says
Most definitely faux. After having to start over after putting together the first of four bookcaser,( with only a few tears, one hammered finger, and some very adult language) I'll be using the tops my display fantel.
Thank you for letting me know what to call it!
E. Charlotte says
I love your fantel! 😀 I have a real fireplace, but the mantel is soooo narrow (about 4 inches only) so decorating is a challenge.
Your lacy spider web is awesome!
Chubby Chieque says
Hi Laura,
I find that the owl and the spider give the more Fall-tastic look.
Great job, girl?
Greetings from chilly and rainy Stockholm,
/Chie
The Boston Lady says
This is so pretty, Laura! For the first time in my adult life I have a mantel and I have no idea what to do! LOL I'm looking forward to figuring it out, but it may take until Christmas until I take the plunge. Ann
Judy says
I love your faux mantel. It is really beautiful. I love all of your fall decor. I would love for you to come and link up to my Fall into Fall party that opens at 8pm EST Tuesday evening. Hope to see you there.
Sandy says
Love the term and the display. Great r-epurpose of those pumpkins too. I like the soothing tones although I am not so much a fan of spiders lately…got bit by Brown Recluse over the weekend…ouch!
I have a mini mantle, used to be a for real full sized over the fireplace one but the hubs planted a big flat screen over it and now there is a mere 3 inch space between the mantle and bottom of tv. I mourn its loss.
GARAGE SALE GAL says
FUN and COOL!!! Love the white and black theme.
Your buffet turned out awesome! White was the right choice.
How's school going for your Sweet Boy! Well, I'm praying.
Warmly,
deb
Creations By Cindy says
Laura, love your fantel! I have seen the most white painted pumpkins…adorable! Hugs and blessings, Cindy
Ashley@AttemptsAtDomestication says
So cute! I love the white pumpkins the best, it gives the whole thing a classy look!
Redhead Sadie says
How elegant! I love the web!!!
Sue (Someones Mom) says
I love it! I use the top of my china cabinet for the things that used to go on my mantel (at our last house). We do finally have a faux fireplace, but it is one that holds the tv, no mantel. I love the black and white look, never thought about spraying my pumpkins. Great ideas!
Judy Bigg says
Good job, funny, I have a fantle and didn't realize it. Think I should decorate it. Thanks.
Johanna says
Hi Laura,
great idea and looks so pretty.
Thank you for sharing this idea.
Best greetings, Johanna
Auntie Em says
Love it! And all those gently worn plastic veggies might get an update for this year. Thank you for the beautiful ideas!