Last week, I blogged about Fall Front Door Inspiration (here). I found my inspiration (yippie!) and headed to a few of the local farms in the area to hand pick the pumpkins, mums and a few other items. As I was driving home, I saw a lawn crew putting the most gorgeous, freshly trimmed branches into the back of their truck. I quickly pulled over to the side of the road and asked the guys if I could have some. Moments later, it looked like the back of my car was on fire – it was filled with the most vibrant red, orange and yellow leaves. I couldn’t wait to get home and get started.

My plan was to replace the ferns that were currently living in the two black cast iron urns on my front step (see below photo) with the mums. I had plopped the ferns into the urns in early summer, and aside from watering them three or four times, they were the most accommodating and carefree guests. I pulled into my driveway and traipsed through the yard with a mum under each arm. As I was approaching the ferns, whose minutes were numbered, I realized that my plans would have to wait.

They were so beautiful in their fern-like-lushness. They reminded me of two maidens languorously lounging without a care in the world, the warm breeze gently blowing their hair. I couldn’t pull them from their bed. The ferns are so happy and I will leave them until the first threat of frost. Instead, I attacked my mantle. It was groaning with the weight of all the pumpkins and vases filled with autumn branches. I thought I heard the ferns snickering.

Supplies included: Pumpkins in a few colors, sunflowers, candles, freshly trimmed branches with autumn leaves.

I started with the branches as the focal point and initially put them in the center. It wasn’t working for me, so I relocated them to the left side.

Seriously, doesn’t this branch look like it is on fire? Ah-mazing!

I used white vases, with little ribs in the side. They played off the ribs in the white pumpkins. Small white, yellow and orange pumpkins were dotted about in between votive candles.

I broke off small pieces of branches and rested the pumpkins directly on top to create a contrast.

Tomorrow’s post is One Mantel Two Ways, Part Two – It will feature a completely different style! Much more soft, subdued and romantic.