Fluffing my Nest

My new friend, the Nester, is having a little get together today over at her "Nesting Place."

While it makes me slightly sweat for this non-crafty crafter to get off the porch and run with the big dogs, I still thought I'd try.

And heavens, if you have never taken a moment to be inspired by the Nester, you will be so happy I am now introducing you. She is witty. She is crafty. And most of all she is realistic.

Her slogan with fluffing her nest is, "It doesn't have to be perfect, to be beautiful."

Now there is a sermon that will preach.

So, with the "doesn't have to be perfect" theme in mind... may I present my mantle decor.

First stop... the kitchen.

It's amazing what a few feathers, red glass berries and white lights can do to very generic greenery thrown atop a mantle.

This is my stocking... Somehow it captures just the right sassy flair. And oh look at the room for some gifts to be placed inside. I'd love a gift certificate to the Nester's Etsy shop... hint, hint to a particular man in my life.

Oh and look- there's enough room for a massage certificate too.

My fireplace is a see-through fireplace with an opening in the kitchen on one side and in the living room on the other.

And yes, the photo you see there is my man with a gun and a creature. I do love my man with a gun and a creature y'all.

Now, the one thing I am sad about with this particular mantle piece is my lack of lighting. I'm emotionally allergic to cords stringing across my wall.

And, since I'm not really into setting my house on fire, I'm guessing placing tea lights within this little get up might not be smart either.

Any suggestions?