Americana Mantel Pinterest Challenge
Welcome to the Pinterest Challenge for May, hosted by Erlene at My Pinterventures. Every month bloggers take the challenge to choose a pin and make it happen. I’ve never decorated my Mantel with a Memorial Day or 4th of July theme, but I’ve always admired Americana decor. What a great time of year to showcase Americana! See the pin that inspired this post here.
When I think of Americana decor, images of metal stars, primitive country accents, needlework samplers, quilts, flags, and vintage dishes (especially dishes that commemorate American history) dance through my head. This red, white, and blue project was a joy to construct, and embodied all the things I love. The Americana Mantel will take our little cottage from Memorial Day, through the 4th of July, then all the way to September, when the fall breezes blow once again.
The centerpiece of my Americana Mantel is a Colonial Williamsburg cross stitch sampler of the Governor’s Palace. As soon as I saw it in Goodwill, I knew I had to have it. When my husband and I went on a fun, romantic trip to Colonial Williamsburg in 1994 (before we began having children), we actually toured the Governor’s Palace. I remember one bedroom in the palace having leather wallpaper.
I have a wall of samplers and other needlework right next to the mantel, that I’ve collected over time. I hope to have an entire galleria wall of needlework someday. Needlework pictures that read “Home Sweet Home,” are my favorites. I buy them whenever I run across pieces in good condition. I made the little cross stitch laundry board on the upper left end. Although I love laundry signs and sayings, laundry is my least favorite and most neglected household task.
A primitively-styled barn red house is perfect for an Americana vignette.
The lidded sugar bowl and cream pitcher are part of Pfaltzgraff’s Yorktowne dinnerware set. The pattern became one of Pfaltzgraff’s most popular when introduced in 1967.
Milk glass Irish coffee mugs adorned with patriotic eagles flank either end of the Americana Mantel.
Vintage Avon has always been a passion of mine. You can read about my history with Avon here. I love the Avon Delft pattern from the 1970s, because it was Avon’s take on the iconic Blue Onion dish pattern. The tall pitcher holding the flags held foaming bath oil, and the smaller pitcher once held Skin-So-Soft- the world’s best no-see-um (Lowcountry biting gnats) repellent.
Fenton Hobnail milk glass condiment holders provide finishing touches of vintage eye candy.
The metal flag buckets, flag scarf, and burlap flag ribbon all came from Dollar Tree. The Dollar Tree is my favorite store for simple, seasonal accessories. The red metal star came from Walmart.
I purchased the silver metal card holder at Christmas time last year. Although I’ve never used it as a card holder, I’ve used it to hold other things in different decor displays.
A blue Mason jar with faux hydrangeas softened up the entire display.
I’ve used this adorable little wreath in so many ways. Small wreaths soften the solid objects and fill gaps in decor projects. You can never have too many.
The star of the show is a commemorative 1899 Admiral George Dewey pitcher from Cook Pottery. He was a famous commodore from the Spanish American War. It has his picture on one side, and the flagship Olympia on the other. The ship became famous in the Battle of Manila Bay in 1898. Dewey was promoted to admiral (he was the first American to attain this rank) in 1903.
I hope you enjoyed my Americana Mantel.
This post was featured on: Friday Favorites, Farm Fresh Tuesdays Blog Hop
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Blessings,
Kristie
Read How To Make A Patriotic Potting Table
To join next month’s #pinterestchallenge, click here to sign-up ⇒ June Pinterest Challenge
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Host list goes here and the html will be emailed a few days before the party goes live.
Your project & images go here.
Now, let’s see what the other hosts have created ⇓⇓
This is super cute! You’re really getting into the patriotic spirit…love it! I hope you’ll stop by and share on Farm Fresh Tuesdays this week!
PS: I found your Little Cottage Linky party this week…thanks for sharing your blog hop!
I’m wondering if my DIYs and Decor projects are ok for your homestead party? I linked up anyway though. Maybe there are a few homesteaders that want to hand paint an ice cream flower pot? I love the name of your blog- “homeacre” is so witty.
You created a beautiful display. I just love all the red, white and blue decor.
Thanks, Terrie!
It’s a lovely Patriotic mantle. We are going to Williamsburg on vacation this year and will need to look for the Govenors house. It’s time for me to decorate my mantle for the summer and like you I go with Patriotic decor right up until Fall creeps in.
You will have lots of fun. The only thing we didn’t get to do was visit the Carter Plantation. I just love colonial history!
That is a very patriotic display! You did a great job. Pinned.
Thanks! It was lots of fun.
Very pretty and patriotic mantel. All the pieces came together so well and it looks beautiful. Red, White and Cute!
Thanks, Jenny!
Nice! I like that you’ve used pieces that you’ve gathered throughout the years and have meaning for you.
Thanks, Erlene.
Love this! I am all about Americana and primitive decor! Thanks for sharing on the Farm Fresh Blog Hop because now I can be a part of this too! Great ideas!
Thanks for the encouragement, Ann Marie!
This is a very cute mantle, perfect for holidays
Thanks, Maria!
This is all very pretty. What a great find that sampler was – you found that in a Goodwill shop!! WOW!
Here in the UK we rarely show this kind of patriotism in our homes, a flag or two for the football or a Royal wedding is about it!
We love our flag-or at least most of us do.
Love all the vintage pieces on your mantel, especially the sweet little sampler!
Thanks, Lydia!
Hi Kristie! Thanks so much for sharing your pretty mantle with us on Farm Fresh Tuesdays! I picked you as one of my features today! Congrats!
Thanks, Lisa! I will definitely stop by and link up again!
Pretty! I love that sampler!
Thank you for sharing at The Really Crafty Link Party. Pinned!
You’re welcome. Thanks for hosting!
Vintage Americana decor is one of my favorites. I love history and your mantel is just so pretty with all of the vintage touches. Thanks for sharing with us again this week at #HomeMattersParty
Thanks, Donna!