Our Fall Mantel

Cast iron urns overflow with natural beauty and a few surprises.

I filled the bottom of each urn with crumpled newspaper and then topped them off with gourds, pumpkins, apples, branches, leaves, feathers, real antlers (found at a garage sale for $2.00), a set of electric candles and artificial berries.

A pair of crows eye a plastic spider.

I think the key to working fake birds into an arrangement like this is to make sure you position them realistically.

I placed the gourds and pumpkins around the base of the electric candle to hold it in place. A plastic mouse is tucked in between two gourds.

I bought this string of lantern lights from Cost Plus World Market a few years ago - they are my kids' favorite.

An old toolbox is filled with acorns and votive candles; I love the way the candlelight illuminates the wear on the metal.

Happy Fall!