Christmas Mantel "Do-Over"

I knew it was going to happen. 
Everyone's showing their gorgeous mantels and wouldn't you know it, I've got a case of the "do-overs". 
Every few years, for some reason, I decorate the mantel, or entry or something, and then decide it isn't exactly the way I want it, and then I... do it over.
This is one of those years.


Here's the mantel I showed you in the peek, a couple of posts ago...the mantel I decorated for last Saturday's party.

Here's the peek...

...Here's the mantel, before I added magnolia branches and other
evergreens. I didn't take a photo after I added them, because I was pressed for time, and you get the idea.


After the party, I decided to take down the poinsettias, because I wanted to add more natural elements...but what?
Sunday afternoon, I visited a local gift shop which was having a sale. Yay! 


You'll never guess what I bought...

...okra pods!!  


I've been looking for dried okra pods since last year, and was thrilled to find some with long stems.
I wanted to add more of the natural look, and used them to brighten the greenery...and no, I didn't spray paint them gold. 
Do any of you  remember doing that?

The "R"  is special to me, not only because it's the first letter of my last name, but because it came from Rich's Department Store. 
Some of you might remember Rich's, if you're from the South.
The "R"s were used in their Christmas garland that decorated the store.

So, what do ya think?
Do you like the poinsettia or the okra pod mantel? 

Hopefully, my  case of the "do-overs" is over.  :) 
At any rate...I'm NOT doing my mantel over again...this year.


Thanks for visiting. I'll be joining:
Rhoda@Southern Hospitality for Merry Mantels
Kim@Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesdays.
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia for Holiday Mantels.