Welcome to Thrifted vs. Styled! Today's edition features thrifted vintage brass French horn decor that has graced my Christmas mantel for the past few weeks. 

While the holidays have come to a close, I hesitate to put away this vintage brass decor since the display has become one of my favorite holiday decorations that can be enjoyed throughout the winter as well.

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Sometimes I work hard at creating a particular decorator "look" to enhance the beauty of a room or rooms in my home. Other times that look comes together serendipitously, all by itself. This past Christmas season I was lucky enough to have the thrifting gods on my side and  one of those looks just fell into place.

Vintage brass decor can be used to warm up just about any room in your home. From brass candlesticks to bowls and figurines, vintage brass comes in many shapes and sizes. Other than traditional brass candlesticks, I haven't used much brass over the years. But lately that's changed. One prime example is the thrifted vintage brass French horn and candlesticks I displayed together recently to create a warm and inviting holiday vignette on the living room mantel.   

via Pinterest (no accreditation)

Many years ago I scored a French horn Christmas wreath (pretty similar to the one pictured above) at Goodwill. While the faux greenery and faded ribbon left much to be desired, I knew I would eventually figure out something to do with the French horn.

 Some time later I found this thrifted brass horn candlestick at Goodwill for 50 cents. 

I later added to what has since become a collection with a set of three vintage brass horn candlesticks from Etsy for $25. 

Last but not least, I recently scored this spectacular vintage French horn candlestick at a local vintage shop for $15. I would definitely love to find a few more of these!

Initially I created a display with the four brass horn candlesticks, bookended by some vintage-inspired brass swan candle holders I received for Christmas.  

The brass swan candle holders make a great addition to my growing-by-leaps-and-bounds swan collection. 

I added my large Lenox porcelain swan to the right side of the mantel and filled it with lambs' ear greenery and a velvet poinsettia.

On the left side I added a smaller porcelain swan outfitted with a velvet ribbon tied around its neck. 

Later I replaced that swan with the French horn candlestick and absolutely love the look of all that brass coming together. 

The burgundy spiral candles are from Dollar Tree.

The large thrifted vintage French horn hanging from the mirror really makes the vintage brass display complete. I can see myself scouting local thrifting haunts all this coming year in search of more!

I even found a few vintage brass French horn Christmas ornaments in my stash and happily added them to my small "angel" tree in the living room.

The French horn ornaments are another example of something I'll be on the lookout for during the coming year.  

I'll be using all of these brass decor pieces throughout the winter, but (of course) especially during the Christmas holidays.