With Thanksgiving on the way, I haven't quite busted out the Christmas decor yet (although I'm not opposed in the slightest). I just haven't quite been ready! So I thought we could revisit Christmas decor from years past, specifically around the heart(h) of the home — the fireplace — in hopes of scrounging up some festive spirit. While the tree is typically the most iconic Christmas symbol, so much of the magic is felt around the fireplace — you know, where the stockings were hung with care. There's certainly no wrong way to decorate a holiday mantel, but I do have a few essential decor pieces to help you get started.
First up, greenery. I like to drape garland across the mantel to really "spruce" up the place. This ties the mantel in with the Christmas tree but also gives it the "full" look that I love so much.
Candlesticks | Flameless Candles | Plaid Pillows | Mirror | Merry Christmas Banner | Rug | Garland | Bells | Chairs
A few years back, I bought this brass "Merry Christmas" metal garland, and it's still my favorite. Along with the greenery, layering in a different kind of garland can help complete the look.
Bells | Candlesticks | Tapered Candles | Wreath
One of the quickest and most cost-effective ways to add some ambiance and charm to your holiday mantel is to line it with tapered candles. I love the height that it adds. I love how you can transform the vibe entirely by using either colored tapers or cream ones. And lastly, I love how cozy and elevated it feels.
Woven Leather Ottomans | Coffee Table | Artwork
Of course, the most important element of any fireplace moment — the stockings. Hung with care, the stockings are not just for presents; they’re a design moment! I tend to hang them in bunches, but you can also space them equidistant to each other. Also, the pressure to have a matching set for the whole family is gone. Mixing and matching stockings gives that collected-over-time look — which is probably the reality.
Pro tip: tie ribbons around each stocking loop to layer in some color and give an eclectic feel.
Stockings (similar) | Copper Ribbon | Black Striped Ribbon | Red Striped Ribbon
Last but not least, let's talk about the fun stuff: the collectibles. If you've got a collection of mini Christmas trees or figurines, it's time to pull them out to line the mantel. Maybe it’s a mini forest of bottle brush trees or a ceramic Santa from your childhood. These are the conversation starters and the memory sparkers.
Layer it up, mix it up, and don't stress it. The trick is to have fun and create a mantel that sparks a little joy every time you cozy up to that fire. So there you have it, a recipe for a holiday mantel that's sure to gather 'round your favorite people. For more holiday decor inspiration, be sure to check out our Holiday Shoppe!