Vintage Valentine’s Mantel + a Bonus Vignette

January 23, 2014 /
Love is certainly in the air at the Wingerden household. 
Even my sweet little Owen has been enjoying our Valentine’s decor every day since I put it up. He has quite a romantic side…always ready to give his mama lots of hugs and kisses. Some days he can even found carrying around a tiny book called Shakespeare on Love. 
Not even kidding 🙂
I set up a vintage-inspired romantic display on the mantel in our dining room and wanted to share it with you.
I included lots of old books (turned around), vintage thread spools in white, red and pink, and a collection of old bottles, some of which I adorned with ribbon and lace.
If you saw my New Year’s vignette, you might recognize some of the same elements. The gold frame was moved from above the mantel to inside, and the pom pom garland was strung up on the wall (I literally just taped it.).
In the center of the mantel, I put one of my favorite vintage finds: an old framed print that I got at an antique store for only $3. Around that I added the marquee L-O-V-E letters that Josh gave me one year as a gift (he purchased them on Etsy).
I also set up a little Valentine’s vignette on the dresser in the dining room.
My kids are still pretty disappointed about the Christmas decor coming down (Hazel says in a sad voice, “Christmas is over.”), so we decided to decorate a Valentine’s tree, which they are loving.
This little bottle brush tree was the one I used in the playroom at Christmas time. Now, it is decorated with pom pom garland, heart and ball ornaments, and hearts that I cut from vintage sheet music.
The chalkboard printable was free from Nest of Posies. Love her work!
I originally wanted to put the tree in a red planter, but it didn’t fit so I flipped the planter over and used it as a tree stand and then wrapped a burlap bow around it.
I decided to use some of my own photographs in this vignette as well (something I rarely do, but will probably start to do more. I want my kids to grow up knowing that I am proud of my work, not wonder why I never share it in our own home!).
I hope you enjoyed our Valentine’s decor! 
In the next couple of weeks, I hope to find time to post a tutorial on the coffee filter angel wings that I made for Christmas. I have received many requests for instructions. I will try to get the post up soon in case someone wants to whip some up for Valentine’s decor.
Till next time…
~Alice W.

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24 Comments

  • Devonshire1212

    January 23, 2014 at 12:52 pm

    Alice this is so inspiring! I love the different elements you used. Textures, colors, scale of objects, etc. It's surprising the number of different textures used that make your vignettes interesting. What always surprises me too is how powerful red is, even in a small amount such as thread on a spool! I know how Hazel feels…Christmas decorations are so magical! How smart to show her that trees can be decorated for any holiday!

  • Denise Stain

    January 23, 2014 at 2:00 pm

    This is absolutely gorgeous! I love the chippy letters and the big stacks of books. The bottles with the ribbon and the spools are wonderful! just pinned 2 photos. (Though I could have went crazy and pinned much more! They're stunning!) 🙂

  • Sheila Rumney

    January 23, 2014 at 5:00 pm

    Love your beautiful Valentine's decor. For several years now, I haven't decorated for Valentine's but I am inspired to now. Thanks for the sweet comment on enjoying the journey. Wishing a wonderful day!

  • Julie Marie

    January 23, 2014 at 9:03 pm

    Oh Alice, how beautiful everything is!… I L~O~V~E your mantel!… you always know exactly what to place where to make it all look fabulous!… I have some vintage spools of thread that you sent me with something I ordered from you years ago… I am going to set them out and make a pretty Valentine vignette now too… love your old books and that print is fabulous!… your Valentine tree looks so pretty too, and I love hearing about Owen carrying around a little book by Shakespeare!… soon he will be reciting sonnets to you!… much love, xoxo Julie Marie

  • Suzan Sweatman

    January 23, 2014 at 9:11 pm

    This is so unbelievably beautiful – should be in a magazine – truly gorgeous!!!
    I have to tell you I was trying to figure out your blog name from your url – and kept reading Thoughts Fro Malice – LMHO –
    Took me a moment to realize you were Alice – too funny!
    Hugs from Montreal Alice,
    SUzan

  • Burlap Luxe

    January 24, 2014 at 7:32 am

    Hi Alice,
    I love the love typography letters spelling out LOVE and what better way to display some love 🙂
    Really do adore your homes language of all things eclectic and vintage. Love that amazing chandelier, and why o, why have I not found a treasure like this.

    Thank you so dearly Alice, for taking the time to visit me and what ever I may be inspiring.
    I have told you this before but just as a reminder your daughter name is exactly my mothers same last initial …
    My mothers name is….. Hazel Mae Witelsey

    I find it so cute when I see your Hazel Mae W in your postings.

    Have a beautiful weekend
    Xx
    Doré

  • Ann

    January 24, 2014 at 3:18 pm

    I adore your decorating style–speaks to me so much. I have a white faux fireplace and love to dress it for every holdiay. I am going to use the white and red spools of thread like you did (fantastic idea). I am a new follower–your inspiration is perfect.
    ann

  • Emily

    January 24, 2014 at 5:37 pm

    These are really great ways to decorate for Valentines day, very subtle but still decorative. I have never really decorate for this holiday because I feel all of the red clashed with the rest of my house. But your way of doing it makes it seems so simple and beautiful. I just might try a few things for myself!

  • Jann Olson

    January 28, 2014 at 4:42 am

    Hi Alice, I love everything about this! The stacks of books and old bottles made me swoon. And how clever to use the spools. I would not have thought of that. You certainly have a knack and a wonderful style! Thanks so much for sharing with SYC. I will be featuring you this week.
    hugs,
    Jann