I did our summertime mantel in May before Memorial Day and will keep it decorated this way at least until the 4th of July...and perhaps until Labor Day.
We stumbled upon this patriotic print at Cracker Barrel, of all places, a few summers ago and we still really enjoy it. If you have followed the blog, you've seen it highlighted in previous years.
This year I used one of my lanterns (which I snagged for yesterday's tablescape). To add a nautical touch, a candle covered with real seashells did the trick.
I balanced the mantel with this vignette on the other end. Although tough to see in the photo, the glass vase has shells "plastered" into the base. A bayberry ball created a touch of greenery to play off the trees in the print and the star, of course, is all patriotic! Placing a piece of scrap fabric under a grouping is a good way to add texture and interest.
Our antique rocker, which is a family piece, has a tapestry pillow depicting a lighthouse.
As the caption on our print reads,
God Bless America, our Home Sweet Home!