Ramadan Mantel

I know we're past the middle of Ramadan but better late than never right?  Well I did decorate the house for Ramadan before it actually started but never got around to photographing it until today.  Life just happens and this whole uploading, editing, and posting thing requires a lot of time and energy.  The little "monsterettes" just don't let it happen that easy.  Anyway, the reason I like to decorate for Islamic occasions and holidays is because it makes me feel the spirit of the shifting seasons that are typical of the Islamic calendar.  Also it's to keep my family attached to traditions and associate certain objects with certain holidays.  After Ramadan these decorations will be invisible until next year.  It's just fun for everyone. 

Here's some pictures (this fireplace has come along way from when I first posted about it here)

I printed my own artwork using the "Keep Calm and Carry On" signs for inspirations.  I printed them on nice resume paper and placed them in dollar store frames (they serve the purpose).  The two jars on the left have dried dates in them for a pre-dawn/post-dusk snacks and the one on the right used to be filled with chocolates.  This picture was taken today and quite frankly I had no more chocolates left.  The bottles are of sparkling juices and are NOT ALCOHOLIC and therefore are in line with Islamic teachings.  I just love the look and the taste of these juices.  On the far right is a large copy of the Holy Quran for when I want to pick it up and read.  There's candles in the vases and tea lights in the lanterns for a festive look after dark.  The calendar in the middle is an Islamic "yearless" flip calendar with a daily verse from the Quran.  I tried to not only keep this mantle pretty but to keep it also functional.  I think it turned out pretty good.  What do you think? 

Thank God I published this before Eid came around.  Have a blessed rest of the month :)