Figuring out my Christmas mantel is one of the most fun holiday decor projects (because once it’s done I get to stare lovingly at it for at least 25 days and admire my handiwork…) but it’s also one of the most stressful (because I’m going to be staring at it for at least 25 days and I can never decide what looks best.) So, this year, I pulled a variety of inspiration shots and Amy is going to help me and we’re going to start from scratch! (as a side note, of course she’s done her’s and I haven’t unpacked one decoration box–although I do have a naked tree up in my family room!)
Choice of garland makes a big difference. This full cypress garland makes a statement on a monochromatic mantel. I just bought some awesome garland at Costco for $15 for 15 feet so I’m definitely going to have to incorporate that. Fake vs. real…the preference is real for the mantel, fake for the banister for purely practical reasons!
Love the idea of hanging the garland all the way to the ceiling! Almost serves as a beautiful frame for your fireplace and the bare mantel works perfectly.
Don’t be afraid to mix gold and silver
I love the neutrality and balance of this mantel–the height of the trees and the varying height and off-center placement of the white flowers that keep things from feeling too heavy. The angel hanging in the middle of what is likely a mirror that is up all year is the perfect simple touch for the holidays.
Pot mini trees and pinecones in the containers of your choice–I’d like to see these in mercury glass for a little bling…
Two of these gorgeous glass hurricanes filled with greenery and ornaments with tapered candles would look beautiful flanking a wreath on a mantel.
An interesting wreath can stand alone on a mantel.
When in doubt, go with a classic–garland and candles are never wrong
Good luck with your mantel! Share pics with us if you can.
They are all well chosen and very calming!
i don’t have a true mantel YET…but i have a cabinet in my entryway that is my substitute “sophisticated holiday decor” location. the rest of the house is paperwhites and the kids’ xmas art. so…i will take a pic of my cabinet once i figure it out! was staring at it today…looking pretty sparse so far…