Simple, Neutral Fall Mantel Decor

This neutral fall mantel decor celebrates the simple beauty as warm summer nights fade into fall.

simple, neutral fall mantel decor ideas- Maison de Pax

I have a confession: I really struggled with this fall mantel last week.

Was it hard to create? Nope. Was it complicated? Not at all. Did it take a long time? Not even.

succulent pumpkins and elegant wood candlesticks- Maison de Pax

But with the recent aftermath of Hurricane Harvey (not to mention the past month of 100+ degree weather in these parts), I struggled to get into the mood. I struggled to think about decorating and beauty and seasonal celebrations when people I know have six feet of water in their homes.

simple, neutral fall mantel decor ideas: woven basket, wood candlesticks, and glazed pitcher- Maison de Pax

So I walked outside with my daughter to get her swimsuit (because everyone needs to put on a tutu swimsuit at 9am, right?), and I realized we had the most beautiful morning I had seen in a long time. The sky was crystal clear, the temperature was at least 15 degrees cooler than it has been, and a hummingbird flew past.

And the irony of it all is that the beautiful morning was likely due to the weather changes brought on by the hurricane…

mini pumpkins with succulents- Maison de Pax

And that’s when I started thinking about the beauty that comes from adversity. While so many of my loved ones are mourning, they are also telling me daily of new stories of the grit, perseverance, sacrifice, kindness, and hard work of fellow Houstonians.

It’s humbling to be the one who is continuing with the “regular” pace of life when so many of my loved ones have been forced to put their lives on hold. But at the same time, I’ve been reminded that we ought to see the beauty in the hard things in life. And continue to pursue beauty alongside our challenges…

simple, neutral fall mantel decor ideas- Maison de Pax

So with that in mind, I decided to make this fall mantel a certain kind of beauty. Not the luscious, elegant, complicated beauty (though that can certainly be beautiful), but the kind of beauty that involves my daughter helping me pot our little pumpkin succulents as we enjoy the gorgeous weather… and then letting her “take pictures” with her play camera alongside me (remember said swimsuit?). 😉

Girl decorating for fall- Maison de Pax

And the kind of beauty that involves rather beat up red leaves – beat up because they were tossed about by those same hurricane winds.

fall leaves in a glazed pitcher- Maison de Pax

And the kind of beauty that welcomes simplicity and reminds us of all the really important things in life.

pumpkins, candles, succulents- Maison de Pax

I hope that kind of beauty speaks to you today as it does to me.

Update: Many of you have asked me about those beautiful candlesticks. You can find them and a few other items in our family room through the affiliate links below.

For more fall mantel inspiration, visit the other bloggers sharing today. Special thanks to Taryn Whiteaker for organizing!

fall home blogger tour- Maison de Pax
Taryn Whiteaker Designs | Cherished Bliss | Sincerely Marie Designs | Making Home Base | Town & Country

fall home blogger tour- Maison de Pax

Living Design Dazzle | The Happy Housie | A Pretty Life |House By Hoff | Maison De Pax

Gorgeous fall mantels and fall decorating ideas- Maison de Pax

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20 Comments

  1. As someone living through Harvey and it’s aftermath, I just want to say how much I identified with your post. I was one of the fortunate ones who didn’t loose my house to floodwaters here in Houston. But my kids all have friends whose homes flooded out, I have co-workers who lost everything, and even family members who have been displaced. It’s odd to see the rest of the world continue on as ‘normal’. Our normal is going to be different for some time. Your mantle is lovely and reflects a simplicity that is soothing and peaceful

  2. Such a classic and elegant look! I’m swooning over those wooden candle sticks and that little succulent. It’s all beautiful, Rachel!

  3. I know exactly what you mean. I have bene watching Irma which was originally predicted to come here to Eastern NC. It doesn’t make my heart any lighter knowing friends and family in Florida will take the brunt. 🙁 Your mantel is still beautiful even so.

  4. Thank you for this! Your words truly spoke to me this morning as I have been trying to get motivated to write a new post for my blog. Thank you for the reminder of what really matters!

  5. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and process as so many of us are trying to deal with the devastation that so many are experiencing. I found your post calming and a good reminder to take pleasure in the simple joys of life–even in tough times. My brother and his wife in Houston have experienced the best of people in a great outpouring of volunteers to help them clean up and repair their home. As he said, he didn’t organize or ask for any of the help, the people just came, and it has been amazing.

    1. I hear similar stories daily, Jolene. It seems like so many beautiful people are stepping up in incredibly kind ways to help each other. I’m so glad that was true for your brother, too. And thank you for your sweet comment; I’m so glad you liked the post!

  6. Hi Rachel, Your thoughts and words about those struggling with their losses and the sheer devastation left behind by Harvey and now Irma are perfect. The dullness you have feel been feeling at the thought of those suffering has been my feeling as well and my motivation has been stagnant. Thank you for helping me to remember that all beauty is not lost by despair and can be a soft way to help us through such trying times.
    Thank you for sharing your simple, exquisite Fall mantel with its whisper of beauty, food for our heart and soul. You captured the beauty we all need perfectly. Your little girl is so sweet in her darling innocence of the tragedy going on around her; she is another precious reminder of the healing power simple beauty can bring to our lives.

  7. I was just able to read this post due to our power outage from Irma ( I’m just outside Tampa). Always remember your God given talent can help people even when you think it is irrelevant to events in our world. After a long week of cleanup, catching up on your blog was just the little bit of rest and pick me up I needed! Thank you!

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