Decorating with sentiment

Have I ever mentioned that family loves to pass down things of sentiment to us?

Between my family and Mike's family we have many family heirlooms at this point in our lives, and are very lucky indeed to have them.

My FIL's last visit was no different this time. His car was packed to the gills with more stuff.

The thing is, we get really good stuff.

He gave us this gorgeous tea set from Germany, that was Mike's Grandmothers.  I thought oh where can I put this beauty?

Well I was able to display some of it. 

I have been Spring cleaning, and did our mantel over.

Our mantel has always been a source of decorating conflict..the clock must stay, and I want it to go!

Why does my husband have to have a say in the matter?

Love decorating with old books too...this tea set is just gorgeous!

Live greenery, I think I can handle keeping it alive, I hope!

Thanks for stopping and by and as always your kind comments..

Have a great night!

Oh and who says tea cups can't go on a mantel?

I do not follow any decorating guidelines, I do what I like:)

I will be joining:

WOW us Wednesday
DIY Design 
Uncommon slice of Suburbia 
No minimalist here 
Element interiors 
Remodehaholic 
Tatertots and jello

and please mark your calenders for Lucy's big event...

I'm challenged!

Yes that is correct I am challenged...Fireplace decorating for X-mas challenged.  Every year I struggle as to what to do. We have Old World Gothic kinda style and you think it would be easy.  Last year I thought I would be a little whimsy with the mantel, looking back now, I think OK..what was I thinking? Kinda looking back on hairstyles.  I found a great website sharing ideas, however because my husband will NOT let me move the mantel clock this year, it really puts me in a designer block. Any ideas suggestions would be great! Hope you all enjoyed your Thanksgiving day.
Here are some great ideas for you. The website was:
Fireplace decorating

I love all this fresh  greenery

Totally fun and very colorful. Now onto my last year mantel

My Mantel will look nothing the same this year, however WHAT to do? 
I have a clock in the middle which I CAN't move as I mentioned. Sorry for the bad pics, was not blogging last year, therefore quality was not an issue:)