Gathered Burlap Mantel with Candy Canes and Ornaments...

To decorate the mantel the burlap theme is continuing...

by using the overlocked burlap ribbon.

 In New Zealand this is called 'Jute Tree Tie',

 and It's available in the gardening section at Bunnings.

 Thread some thin ribbon on a needle

 Hand stitch a gather line...

 Pull to gather...
I have done mine loosely,
just pull it tighter for more compact gathers, 
but be aware that you will require much more burlap ribbon.

 Attach ornaments spacing evenly.

 I used a cute wooden ornaments I found 

in the new seasons Christmas range at Spotlight...

 Then add some ribbon hung candycanes.

Trim the loose bits of ribbon off.

Add a Simple Burlap bow to the centre for a finishing touch.
Learn how to make the bows here:
http://miabellapassion.blogspot.co.nz/2014/11/simple-burlap-tree-bows.html

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Fairy Light Birdcage...and a pretty Christmas table vignette.

I LOVE fairylights!

And I LOVE birdcages!

Let's put them together for a stunning Christmas table vignette.

 Clea offered to help.

Ohhh, they are so pretty...

let's put them inside the birdcage.

Butterfly fairy lights are mesmerizing...

 And this is what they look like...

 What a pretty vignette.

It's still daylight,
so I can't wait to see them tonight!

On the table is the peekaboo heart candle... 

This is how you make one:

 http://miabellapassion.blogspot.co.nz/2014/11/peek-boo-heart-jar-candle-holder.html

 The white birdcage is full of butterfly fairy lights...

and there is a large vintage jar 

full of berries and baubles in RED... 

And a gorgeous aroma of lavender from the candle jar.

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas!

Simple Burlap Tree Bows...

Christmas prep time continues, 

and today we're making some simple burlap tree bows.

Cut 17 inch (43cm) pieces of burlap ribbon.

(In New Zealand this is sold

 in the Gardening section at Bunnings as Jute Tree Tie).

Fold as this photo below shows...

(the blue paper is so you can see how much to overlap).

Pinch the centre together.

Tie with binding of your choice.

You may want to enlist a helper to tie the ribbon

if you find it tricky to do by yourself.

And that is it!

I made 20 simple burlap bows to decorate the Christmas Tree.

But you could use the bows to decorate
 a basket handle, a wreath or even a present.