We had a beautiful spring weekend in Charleston and the gorgeous azaleas in bloom inspired me to update my mantel for spring.
Azaleas bloom in Charleston in March and April and coming in a wide variety of colors. Our side yard is full of white azaleas that I included in this design.
The bushes produce tons and tons of flowers so I was able to clip off quite a few without anyone walking by even being able to tell!
I started my mantel with the greenery. I trimmed these limbs off of our ligustrum bushes.
They were looking rather scraggly anyways! I just used my clippers to cut off long limbs. I laid them on top of the mantel until I reached my desired fullness.
I used floral wire to attach some additional branches together (it only takes about 3" of wire twisted around to connect 2 branches.
Tip: try to attach them right under a leaf so the wire has something to catch onto).
I then added candlesticks to each side. The brass candlesticks are available for purchase in my Etsy shop.
Finally, I filled the center with white azaleas that I trimmed from our yard. I just kept adding them by the dozen until I was satisfied with the fullness.
I left about 6" of stem on each one to make it easier to stick them into the greenery.
I love the end result, though I sadly do not anticipate that the azaleas will stay fresh for long out of water like this. But it sure makes for a pretty picture!
You can see all of our favorite inexpensive mantel decor ideas here!
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Here's how we used molding to extend it to the ceiling
Here are some other mantels I've done:
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Hello, I'm Morgan, half of the creative force behind CharlestonCrafted.com! With a passion for DIY that dates back to 2012, I've transformed three homes and now I'm dedicated to helping others craft their dream spaces. Let's turn your house into a home together!
Vicki and Jenn 2 Bees in a Pod says
WOW - your mantel is a showpiece! The draping greenery is really stunning. Even though the azalea blooms won't last we know that you will enjoy this mantel for awhile. Happy Spring!
Tee @ Beauteeful Living says
I love what you did with the azalea florals! I'm all about leaves and florals so I'm all over this! Let's hope the Azaleas stay past 4 days on that mantel. You never know! Happy Spring!
Meg Green With Decor says
Oh my gosh, this is gorgeous!! Looks like it should be at a wedding! 🙂
Bre @ Average But Inspired says
I'm always so jealous that you have such a vast amount of greenery to use on your mantel!! Mine is ALWAYS faux! 🙂 Love the azaelas - they're a beautiful touch.
Michelle James says
Morgan, what a great idea to bring in the greenery. It’s stunning with the azaleas & definitely makes for a pretty picture!
Amy @ mylifefromhome says
I absolutely love the fresh greenery! Ahh, I'm jealous you have that so readily available! I'm hoping our weather will start feeling like spring here soon! Beautiful mantel!
Samantha says
Wow, between the painting and the azaleas, showstopper!!! Your garland looks a-maz-ing!!!!