Happy Holiday season friends! I’m so excited this festive time of year has arrived and I’ve been busily decorating the house. Have you started yet? Well if not or you’re needed some inspiration, I’m sharing one of my most popular mantel designs and some tips I use for putting a mantel scape together. This year my theme is a little “rustic chic” with the spotlight on beautiful greenery and natural elements. For past years ideas, you can visit this post. Welcome To My Christmas Home Tour. Keep scrolling for tips on creating a beautiful Christmas mantel.

 

Tip #1 Clean slate

 

When I’m decorating  a space for the holidays, I like to clear the area and start with a clean slate. Here is the mantel all cleared off and ready to go. For how we updated this entire mantel you can visit this post here Fabulous Fireplace Makeover

 

 

Tip # 2 Theme

Before you start, consider a theme or idea that will give you a vision. You can even create a mood board with other items you will be using in your overall decor. Since mine was spotlighted on the natural greenery and elements of winter, I started with a beautiful realistic, but faux for a longer lasting design.

I placed 3 small nails in the top of the mantelpiece to anchor the 2 6″ strands of garland.

 

 

Tip # 3 Add Fullness

 

To create a fuller look, use an additional variety of pine stems to give a more realistic look and more texture and color tones. I added a few varieties of pine to give a more visual interest. A few large pinecones and some deer antlers give that rustic, natural feel. To add some bulk to the garland, I also added some sprigs of eucalyptus. 

 

 

Tip #4 Add Color

 

I tucked in some white berries for a little pop of contrast and added some simply tied, pretty cream satin bows. You can stick with a neutral pallet if you don’t want color, but adding items that will create some contrast gives the look more depth.

 

 

 

 

Tip #5 Lighting

Add some glow, sparkle and ambiance with tiny lights and or battery operated candles. Everything should have a little twinkle and sparkle at Christmas. For adding a warm glow, I used battery operated candles in the background, then used my everyday candlesticks for some height and to give additional glow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tip #5 Vary Heights

Above the mantel, I kept my everyday mirror and added a beautiful swag to tie in with the greenery below. It helps to draw the eye upward and give the mantel more visual interest. Rather than just a straight across design. Then I added the tall candlesticks to tie in the upper decor elements with the lower.

 

How I made the swag

 

 

First just layer 3 larger pieces twisting together and attached with florist wire.

 

 

 

 

Next, layer some additional pieces of various shades and styles to create the fullness you want.

 

 

Once the greenery is wired together, you can add any additional items you want to give it more color or style to the look you want. 

 

 

 

Once the greenery is wired together, I added some berry sprigs and deer antlers to tie in with the rest of the mantel decor. I attached the swag by using the wire that holds it together to the nail on the trim behind the mirror. (the mirror is anchored on this wire)

To attach the stockings, I used clear command hooks underneath the mantel. 

 

 

 

Shop the Look:

 

I hope this got you excited to decorate your home and gave you some inspiration. I’ll be sharing more Christmas decor inspiration over the next few weeks so hope you’ll come back and check it out. Be sure to subscribe to the blog newsletter to receive updates when a new post is out. I hope you enjoy your holidays and your loved ones….

 

Happy Decorating

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tips on creating a beautiful Christmas mantel