Antler Mania and the Approach of The Holidays

I am generally not an adopter of trends, I tend to stick with the classics I know and love, but this one I have been unable to resist: naturally shed antlers. Needless to say, I loved them instantly for their Nordic connotations, but admired them from afar...until recently. The first one I picked up in June at the Ekster Antiques barn sale in Virginia. It was a restrained first foray into antlers as accessories.

Of course, a short while later, that one led to another. I chose my second acquisition thoughtfully and went for something more dramatic, selecting the antler for its color and sculptural quality. This example is bleached almost white.

Then I saw this image, captured by designer Brooke Gianetti and featured on her beautiful blog Velvet and Linen, and I left all moderation on the curb. I absolutely love the Alpine chalet vibe of the silver punch bowl filled with antlers - it has me reaching for the Gorsuch catalog and thinking of snowy evenings by the fire.

Velvet and Linen

And here is my stash waiting to be deployed while I search for the perfect vintage hotel silver vessel (eBay, my friends...you can buy them by the pound!)

A few more images that have me planning for holiday decorating already (listen, winter is our longest season and I fully embrace it) - an antler filled garden urn arranged by Swedish stylist and author of the enchanting blog Min Lilla Veranda, Marie Delice Karlsson:

Min Lilla Veranda

From Marianne Lamberth's exquisite blog Nordic Bliss, a vignette by stylist and photographer Eva Lindh. (Visit Marianne's shop by the same name, Nordic Bliss, for a fabulous selection of home furnishings.)

Nordic Bliss

And this photo by Sacramento interior designer Katie Denham featured on Scot Meacham Wood's entertaining and stylish blog, The Adventures of Tartanscot:

Katie Denham via The Adventures of Tartanscot

Like the look, but not necessarily the real thing? Pottery Barn has great looking faux antlers.

A few accessories one might need - from Columbus Architectural Salvage, a white, cast iron garden urn:

For those of you who don't have access to an abundance of pine cones, from Balsam Hill, a ready and ample supply:

From Christmas Farms, winterberry stems:

Unscented pillar candles from West Elm:

And from Wisteria, antiqued sheet music votive holders:

We had our first taste of winter today, snow flurries on and off all day, and I am so looking forward to the coming season.

Many thanks to Brooke, Marie, Marianne and Scot for kindly granting permission to have their photos used here! xo