When it comes to holiday decorating, it seems like the tree gets all the glory. The lights, the ornaments and the photos of your family standing around it.
But your mantel can be the perfect showcase for all sorts of festive cheer, too! So this year, let’s look beyond the tinsel-trimmed tree at some Christmas mantel ideas you’ll love.
Hang the stockings. Whether you have monogrammed stockings for everyone in your family or decorative socks with witty sayings, this is an easy way to enhance the festive flair in any room.
You don’t have to hammer in nails, either. You’ll find stocking holders at craft supply or department stores that won’t damage your paint job.
Or, you could place a heavy bough or branch on top of the mantel and tie each stocking to it with a colourful ribbon.- Turn to nature. From pine cones to holly, fresh foliage does wonders for any Xmas display. If you don’t want to bring in the outdoors, look for environmentally-friendly artificial boughs or plants.
Thread some lights, candy canes, berries or ribbons throughout, or keep it simple and focus on the natural beauty. I’ve even seen some gorgeous incorporations of in-season citrus like lemons and oranges woven throughout boughs.
- Create a holiday village. Don’t let the idea of coming up with an entire community scare you. You can buy a premade scene or easily start your own using paper chipboard.
A few I’ve seen over the years: a charming ice rink made with a mirror, cotton batting and skating figurines; and Santa’s village with vintage knit accessories and small wrapped boxes.
Use your imagination to create a holiday village—kids are great at coming up with ideas (and will happily spend time helping you set everything up). - Frame the holidays. Instead of hanging a wreath or arranging boughs, you could opt for framed photos in different sizes. You can buy festive framed artwork or just purchase frames and use greeting cards. Hang up your pics at various heights or simply stand them against the wall.
Another artsy idea: write your own greetings on a chalkboard. It’s a fast DIY project and you can change up the sayings over the season. - Go glam.There’s no rule that says you have to stick to red, green and gold. If traditional decor isn’t your thing or you want to try something new, look for non-traditional accessories.
For a modern take on the holidays, decorate your mantel with a small white or pink Christmas tree, geometric candle holders or ornaments with pops of neon. You can also use glitter to turn ordinary cotton batting into colourful “snow.”
It doesn’t take a lot of time, money or effort to decorate your mantel for the holidays. With a cozy fire burning and your inspired holiday decor, it might not be the tree everyone is gathered around this season.
Also, try these festive decorating tips.
Need some holiday decorating help? Or, maybe you’re looking to start 2020 with an updated bathroom, kitchen, bedroom or living room. Whatever interior design services you need, I can offer you creative solutions. Let’s chat today.
