Fall is my favorite season, and I love sprinkling fall goodness around our home. One of my choice projects is usually the living room mantel. Come on in and take a peak at this wheat and tortoiseshell pumpkin mantel design.

I love the warm honey gold tones of all the wheat contrasted against the sleekness of the glass tortoise shell pumpkins. There are touches of rustic plus glimpses of sleekness in the mantel design, which is a combination I always enjoy.

You can see many more of our fall mantel stylings in the post I shared earlier in the season {inspired fall mantel stylings}. Click on the link to see more fall mantel goodness.

the design elements behind the wheat and tortoise shell mantel
I’ve been inspired by wheat this year for whatever reason. I used our oldest bundle in a copper pitcher not too long ago in a table design, which you can see here {fall table design}, in case you missed it. When I was done with the table, I simply moved the wheat bundle over to the mantel into an amber jar, plus added a few other wheat bundles.

Also, I bought the glass tortoise shell pumpkins on sale from Z Gallerie months ago. They came across my feed extremely discounted, and it was one of those impulse things. It was the middle of spring, I think, and fall decor was not.on.my.mind.at.all. But these pumpkins spoke to me. And the price was ridiculous. So here we are.

Z Gallerie tends to have a bit more of a modern style than I usually decorate with, but here and there I find some sleek pieces that inject some pizzaz into my more rustic and vintage vibes.
wheat candle DIY
To encourage the wonderful wheat goodness, I made these wheat candles to add to the mix. It was an interesting DIY, but I love how they turned out. I will be sharing more details on how to make these in a subsequent post.

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The wheat candles were inspired by a couple of things. First, my sweet friend Donna over at An Organized Season posted a super clever idea with {Simple DIY to Make a Dried Wheat Arrangement}. I loved the idea, but as you can see I don’t really need any more wheat arrangements. Although it did start my wheels turning.

Then we received these candles at Whim House, and it all came together. Initially I wanted to buy the wheat candle, but I have so many Rosy Rings botanical candle carcasses from previous years, I simply did not want to add to the collection. And then I had that “aha” moment! Why not make my own wheat candles that I can use year after year?

Simply with some dried wheat bundles and some battery operated candles, I was able to create the vision in my head. I love how the candle light flickers through the wheat stalks.

details about wheat and tortoiseshell pumpkin mantel
The mantel design is comprised of three main components, which include the wheat bundles, the tortoiseshell glass pumpkins and the candles. That’s it.

I also included the feather wreath in the middle, which is a recent acquisition. I included it in this vignette design {vintage suitcase fall styling vignette}, since I had just purchased it. Feathers are a favorite of mine since they add so much interest and texture.

Plus I used a large amber jar for one of the wheat bunches, which coordinates and compliments the color and texture of the glass pumpkins.

The backdrop on the mantel is pretty much the same throughout the year. The gilded gold mirror is layered with the gold frame. The only adjustment made is moving the frame to best enhance the mantel arrangement.

This year I have been using orange in my fall decor, including Halloween. This is unusual for me, but I am loving the traditional vibes the color palette provides. More orange coming your way soon.

“The details are not the details. They make the design.”
Charles Eames
I LOVE this, MaryJo!! Both the mantel and the hearth are just gorgeous. I LOVE how you have stacked the pumpkins in a haphazard way like that. The candles are SO pretty with that beautiful glow. The mirror really reflects the light so nicely. Amazing fall styling in this one!!
Thanks so much Rachel. You’re so sweet. I’m loving the orange pumpkins this year! XO- MJ
Very interesting combinations. I really love you pumpkin stacks! I’m here from VCharm.
Thanks Sandi! I’m loving these soft orange pumpkins this year. Thanks for stopping by. XO- MJ
I love your mantel and how you used pumpkins inside your fireplace! It is all so charming. Thank you for participating in the Home Imagined Link Party.
Thanks so much Anna! I appreciate your sweet comments and thank you for hosting such a lovely party. XO- MJ
Hi friend! Your mantel looks amazing! I’m so excited that I played a tiny part in the inspiration of your gorgeous candles! They are so cozy and I appreciate the shout-out! I adore pumpkins and love how you stacked them inside the fireplace! Have a fabulous week! Blessings, Donna
Thanks so much & I’m so happy you liked them. You inspired me friend! 💫 XO- MJ
What a lovely fall hearth and mantle, Mary Jo! It all looks so cosy!
Thank you so much April. I love this time of year! XO- MJ