A few weeks ago my little family and I took a long overdue vacation to Destin, Florida. I completely surprised myself by falling in love with the ocean. It was overwhelmingly beautiful!

While we were down there I had so much fun buying shells, starfish, and other ocean items to bring home with me.




 I really wanted to created an elegant beach mantel to showcase my treasures.




A photo shoot wouldn't be complete without fresh flowers. I love the soft lavender roses...




I also can't live without candle light...it creates magic in ordinary spaces.





I love this view when the candles are lit.




I brought home some white sand from Destin Beach and sprinkled a bit on the mantel.




I spotted this large gorgeous Conch shell at the thrift store a few days ago. It is definitely old, and has such a gorgeous soft pink color on the inside.



This next Conch shell I actually purchased at a high end antique store in Destin. It's actually over a hundred years old and I'm completely mesmerized by it!



So many treasures....





 I will be leaving this mantel up all summer! Every piece has so many special memories attached to it for me.





My son and husband helped me pick up the smaller shells while we walked along the beach.





I found these two sweet vintage mermaids at the thrift store also!





The glass bottles with the jeweled crowns came from a thrift store along the way to Destin. I filled them with the sand that I brought back from the beach.





Also at the thrift store I spotted this amazing vintage oil painting of the sea! I love that the painting is signed by its creator.





I propped it up on my piano for the summertime.





My Mozart busts wears a gold crown and keeps company with a couple of starfish.





Some more pretty photos...




The lady statues on my mantel remind me of mermaids.





Thats it...my elegant beach mantel.




Thank you so much for visiting!!

-Larissa