I love catalogs. When the holiday catalogs start rolling in during October and early November, I am greedy in my eagerness to see what new and wonderful things are out there in the stores. I rarely buy any of it, but sometimes use the beautiful photos as an inspiration for my own decor. Because you are my people and are kindred spirits, you know exactly what I mean.

Take, for example, this stunning mantel piece from Pottery Barn.

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There is nothing difficult about recreating this setting, especially if you have a “stash” of decor items tucked away.

Any tray will do — I get mine from thrift stores. If you want to go all out, you can order dough bowls from Pottery Barn.

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You probably have a bag-o-pine cones, but could buy them here.

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You can buy the birch bark flameless candles here, or you could substitute ones of your own. I have a set of cream flameless candles that could be wrapped in a simulated birch paper.

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Any set of vases will work, and with a flameless candle you can insert a leafy spray from your autumn collection. They are super cheap right now in the stores, as everyone is putting out Christmas decor!

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I have to admit I’m a little envious of the golden acorn vase fillers, as they would go perfectly with my Murano glass goblets that you have seen before in my Falling in Love with White and Gold, Sticks and Stones, and Apple for the Teacher tablescapes. I don’t have any real acorns in my yard, but for those of you who do, this would be an easy Pottery Barn hack.

Pottery Barn also carries more naturalistic acorns if you’re the rustic sort.

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Although Pottery Barn shows this as a mantelpiece set against a mirror, it would be equally effective on your Thanksgiving table as a centerpiece. All you would need to do is balance the heights of your pieces so that everyone at the table has a beautiful view.

Thank goodness for catalogs for giving us such wonderful design ideas to recreate at home! Thank you, Pottery Barn.

Postscript from November 5: I just discovered that this same photo inspiration was featured on Confessions of a Plate Addict today. Be sure to visit and get another vision of the centerpiece!

I’ve shamelessly promoted Pottery Barn products here, but am not under any sponsorship connection with the store. I would be if they wanted me to, though. I’m just sayin’…

Got my bags, got my reservations,
Spent each dime I could afford.
Like a child in wild anticipation,
I long to hear that, “All aboard!”

Music and lyrics by Bud Green, Les Brown and Ben Homer (1944)