Beach Mantel Decor

Growing up back in Spokane, WA our family had a friend who owned a very rustic cabin on Newman Lake. By rustic I mean, no running water which meant bringing your own drinking water, and learn your way to the outhouse in the middle of the night.

Nestled at the foot of Mt. Spokane it held cool, crisp, calm blue water. He didn't use the cabin much and offered it's use to our family as much as we wanted. I can tell you, we spent many a weekend and week there reveling in getting away from the city.  I always knew we were close because my mother would always ask "There!  Can you smell it? The smell of the pine trees?" And we would always answer with a resounding "Yes!"

I miss those long summer days of swimming, rowing around the lake, laying on the dock listening to Seals & Croft and working on a golden tan. We would also spend time catching big lake bass that my mother refused to clean but was more than happy to cook. Oh my mouth is watering just thinking about those fish fry's over an open campfire! 

Remembering that happy time is the inspiration of my beach mantel for summer.

A little piece of nostalgia and of summers long ago. 
The lifesaver garland was picked up at Cost Plus World Market on one of my recent weekly trips into the store. 

I had found this sweet blue shelf in the shape of a boat several years ago while thrifting. I filled it with a starfish and some shells I picked up, not on a beach, but at an estate sale.

I decorated a Ball mason jar with some material I had on hand, burlap and a shell.

My buddy, Cathy over at Vintage, Paint and More, gave me the inspiration when I saw her post here: Organizing With Mason Jars. I filled the jar with some faux pearls and glass marbles to appear as though I had found them all while beachcombing.

The other side of the mantel has a blue vase I recently found at TJ Maxx set upon my go-to craft paper wrapped books.  An aqua starfish and shell lean against the books while a cobalt blue bottle, wrapped in rope and shells, from Big Lots sits nearby.

The lake tray, in the perfect colors, was a recent find at Michael's, on sale of course!

It puts into words everything a lake vacation is all about!

How about you?  Do you have any childhood memories of vacations spent at a favorite nearby lake?

Like what you see? 

Well then, follow me by email and never miss a new post

I'll be joining my buddy Marlys for her Almost Wordless Wednesday Link Party

AND

Don't forget to come by on Tuesday's

for my link party.