How to Decorate Your Mantel for Christmas

Ready to decorate your mantel for Christmas? It may feel a bit overwhelming but with a few tips and the right pieces, you too can create a space that spreads Christmas cheer!

As the holiday season approaches, there’s a special kind of magic in the air, and for many of us, that magic finds its way into our homes through the art of decorating. For me, it’s become an annual tradition to transform my mantel into a festive masterpiece. Each year I choose a unique theme that captures the spirit of the season. I’ve always been drawn to the idea of creating a space that radiates simplicity, effortlessness, and a sense of clean, purposeful design. I like to take a classic backdrop and carefully select a few pieces to create a focal point I enjoy all season long!

Set the Stage

There’s something timeless and enchanting about embracing the classic charm of Christmas. It stands to reason, that one of my favorite mantel decorations is fresh greenery! Whether it’s a pine garland, an evergreen wreath, or holly leaves, the vibrant green hues provide the perfect backdrop for the season. 

On top of the classic greenery, this year, I’ve decided to introduce a unique twist by placing a potted olive tree as a decorative piece on my festive mantel. Its evergreen leaves, tinged with a subtle silver hue, add a touch of Mediterranean elegance to the traditional holiday setting, creating a captivating juxtaposition of classic and contemporary that truly captures the spirit of the season.

Choose Your Color

While the magic of red and green will never fade, each year I like to add a trademark color that feels fresh and inviting. This Christmas I’ve chosen to focus on blush and champagne. My holiday mantel will come alive with the soft glow of blush glass candlesticks from BeHome, exuding a feminine charm that’s perfect for the holiday season. To complement this subtle palette, I found a few champagne-toned accents from a shop on Etsy. These bleached pine cones will find their cozy home in a tarnished, imperfect silver bowl, creating the perfect mix of classic and fresh giving everything a festive touch.

And what’s a Christmas mantel without a touch of luxury? Velvet or satin ribbons in the same champagne shade will adorn my mantel, adding a touch of opulence to the overall design. As a finishing touch, I’ve chosen a pinstripe blush wrapping paper that will not only wrap gifts beautifully but also serve as a subtle yet striking backdrop, tying the entire theme together in a picture-perfect Christmas tableau. 

Choosing a new accent color (or two!) each year will keep your mantel feeling fresh while still giving you all the fuzzy feelings of tradition.

Add an Accent Piece to your Christmas Mantel

The next step is to select stand-out pieces that bring together the Christmas magic without overwhelming the overall look of your mantel decor. Whether you choose a family heirloom or, like me, a vintage mirror, your accent piece is sure to give the mantel a personal touch.

If you’re stuck for a piece, feel free to steal mine! These treasures, like this one found at a charming flea market in Chartres, possess an inherent ability to command attention while graciously reflecting the warm greenery and the gentle flicker of candles. Its smooth wood and plaster frame has been gilded to perfection and then delicately waxed to a soft, timeless sheen. The mirror glass itself tells a story with its natural aging, a phenomenon affectionately known as foxing, and its weathered charm only adds to the mantel’s allure. A piece like this captures both the sentimentality of Christmas and the excitement of a new year.

And of course, you can’t forget to include the classic white lights. These small, enchanting strands I’ve chosen give an extra glow set against the backdrop of my roaring, real fireplace I intend to enjoy all season long!

The Perfectly Decorated Christmas Mantel

By setting the stage with greenery, choosing a pop of color, and selecting a few standout pieces you’ll have the mantel of your dreams in no time! Where tradition meets elegance, and cherished moments are sure to come to life. Hang your stockings proudly in the perfect spot below and curl up all season long to enjoy! 

“Burn the candles, use the china…”