A Simple Christmas Mantel

We finally got around to decorating for Christmas this weekend–well tree and mantel decorated…the rest of the house is still a mess. This in addition to a bday party for my now five year old son at Jump Zone…my nightmare, his complete dream.

So, I’d been using the same mantel decor for a few years and was comfy with my set up. Amy came over last week and we threw out the old ideas in favor of a much fresher, simpler look. Yes, I’ll admit I’d been using fake garland on the fireplace mantel…hey, it was easy and reliable!

Here’s where we ended up

The wreath and the garland are both from Costco (the garland comes in 15 foot strands so I used most of it around my front door and then the rest on the mantel)–the wreath is hung with a 5 lb command strip hook (a little higher than I would have liked, but necessary because of the flames!) The hurricanes are from Crate & Barrel and the glass pillars and candles are all from Cost Plus World Market.

I love the clean look of this before I add my stockings. When entertaining I think I’ll leave it exactly like this. Then, on Christmas Eve, we’ll hang the stockings and I’ll add a little red berry into the garland. Side note, the stockings are from Pottery Barn and the flat silver stocking holders were bought at Kohl’s.

When we first put the hurricanes in place, they didn’t feel tall enough so hidden behind my garland are books piled under the hurricanes to give them the necessary height! A little cheating…

I love all the candles lit up! It was so cozy in the family room watching “Homeland” last night.  🙂 Amy’s going to share her mantel tomorrow.