One of my favorite things to decorate is my mantel. This is the spot in my home that gets changed the most. I change it seasonally and today I am sharing How to Decorate a Christmas Mantel.
Before I get started on mantel decorating, I want to share that this post is part of #HomeforChristmas. A group of bloggers have rounded up some Christmas Inspirations. This round up is hosted by HomeTalk.com and CountryLiving.com.
For my Christmas mantel, I always start with a blank slate.
Sometimes I like to cover up the built-in arch that is above my mantel. I love the feature, but this does limit my choices on how to stage my mantel.
I made a quick slideshow for you to see exactly how I added pieces to complete my mantel.
What you don’t see in the slideshow is how many different items I set in place and remove after standing back to view the item in its place.
It takes trial and error when placing items to fit in scale. Make sure your main feature item is not too big for the space. You also don’t want to overcrowd your mantel with too many little items.
My number #1 tip would be to use non-seasonal items and add just a few seasonal items to get the feel of Christmas. You can easily add some garland, Christmas trees, and a few bulbs to get the feel of Christmas. This makes the transition of each season easy by just replacing a few items in your vignette.
Please take the time to hop around to my blogger friends Christmas Inspirations.
You can also read about “Christmas Decorating on a Budget, Series”: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4
ananda says
Dede your mantel is gorgeous!!! that window makes the perfect center of all the loveliness! i will be using your great tips!! =)
Designed Decor says
Thank you so much for the sweet comments! Have a Merry Christmas!
Marie from The Interior Frugalista says
Hi DeDe, I love the glittery silver elements mixed in with the natural elements on your mantle scape. Swooning over your mirror/shutters too. Pinned to share!
Designed Decor says
Thanks Marie. You have to make sure to see my Home tour for the Holidays. You will be seeing something very familiar in one of my pcitures. Thanks for pinning! Merry Christmas!
Funky Junk Interiors says
What a gorgeous, winter wonderland you’ve created with your mantel! This is so beautiful! I just love how original your entire fireplace is!
Designed Decor says
Thanks Donna! My home was built in 1927, so it has some many orginal fetures! Thanks for all you do for others!
Tammy says
Your mantel is absolutely BEAUTiFUL…love all the detail you put into it!
Designed Decor says
Thanks Tammy!
Karen @ The Decorated Nest says
Oh boy, now I have a severe case of mantel envy! which is difficult since I don’t have a fireplace! How beautiful!
Designed Decor says
Karen, I always have front porch envy! I don’t have one and have always wanted one so I could decorate the outside porch!
Vanessa says
Your mantle is beautiful! I love the greenery around the mantle.
Designed Decor says
Thanks Vanessa!
Becky says
Very pretty, Ilove all of the layers and that mirror is divine!
Designed Decor says
Becky, I think the mirror is my favorite too!
Angie @ Knick of Time says
Your mantel looks gorgeous, DeDe – I love all the layers. So many things to look at – pinned it!
~Angie
Designed Decor says
Angie, Thanks for the pinning! Merry Christmas!
Sara @ Shabby Grace Blog says
Your mantle is beautiful. Love the video. Gives a great visual on decorating! Love your tip too, don’t have use ALL seasonal items! I like a mix too! Well done!
Designed Decor says
Thanks Sara! I like touches of seasonal when I decorate!