Clinton W. Downing, of CWDesigns in West Monroe, designed this Mardi Gras mantle as an art piece by mixing together classic elements.

“I wanted to convey a sense of winter along with a nontraditional take on Mardi Gras,” Downing said. “I chose fresh tulips for a crisp fresh approach being that they are one of the fi rst fl owers to bloom at winter’s end.” Downing said to think about textures when decorating your mantle. “I am all about textures when it comes to my designs, and I felt that taking a more modern spin on Mardi Gras was the way to go beyond the typical beads and purple, green and gold while adhering to classic elegance.”