Springing Up

I am so desperately ready for spring.  I hate winter.  It's no secret.  I'm the most ready for summer, but I'll take spring.  That means it's one day closer to flip flops and lake trips, barbecues and sunglasses, driving with the windows open and margaritas.  Mmm, I love the warm weather.  Just as a disclaimer, I do not drink margaritas while driving.  Ever.  Windows open or not.  Just to clarify.  I don't want anyone to think I make unsafe driving choices.

The approach of spring means it's time to take down my Valentines decorations, the decorations I should've taken down last week when I was home because of the snow.  Yeah, those were still up until Monday night.  I only took them down because I had a friend coming over.  It's a little embarrassing.  The snow makes me lethargic though.  I want to curl up on my couch with a blanket and a mug of hot chocolate until the spring thaw.  My deck is still covered in snow and it makes me sad.

But, it's time to get over it.  I'm done with the snow.  And I'm ready to focus on spring!  And I'm debating myself.  I keep thinking about my mantle.  I don't want to go overboard decorating it for different seasons and holidays.  I don't want to go off the decorating deep end.  There are photos filling the shelves of our built ins.  And I love them.  They used to be scattered on the mantle too but I relocated them for fall.  So, I'm thinking of just setting a more neutral decor for the mantle and just adding little bits in when the mood strikes me.

I want a birdcage.  Or a big lantern.  I bet the lantern would be cheaper. And some ceramic birds.  I'm on this goofy bird kick.  And I'm thinking about some colored glass.  Or some flowers in my vase.  Something....

So, this is what we've got going on right now.  I grabbed some new candle holders on my way home from work on Monday.  And they were on clearance.  Even better.  I think I would like them better if they were silver.  But that's nothing a can of spray paint can't fix later.  I know I need some more height on the right side and maybe some other smaller pieces.

Help me!  What do you guys think?  Other than I need to clean my mirror.  I know.  Paint the candle holders?  Leave them dark?  Any good accessory ideas?  How do you decorate your mantle?  Everything else I stuck up there is just from shopping my shelves.  I'm just not 100% into it.  I want your opinions!  Give me some input.