Nothing adds more warmth and ambience to your home than a fireplace; except, perhaps, a fireplace mantel that is all decked out for the holidays. While swags of evergreen garland complete with pinecones and red berries have traditionally been the decorations of choice, they aren’t the only choice. In fact, they often look out of place when used in different regions throughout the United States.
Here are a few other holiday decorating ideas for your fireplace mantel:
Coastal Living
To create this look, start by choosing an appropriate color scheme. Instead of choosing traditional reds and greens, you may want to bring some of the colors you see outside of your window inside your home for a cohesive yet festive look. One of the most stunning color combinations of the season is teal and copper.
This color combination is cozy, yet classy. Start by gathering a combination of clear glass containers in varying shapes and sizes and placing them on the mantel. You can then fill some of them with copper Christmas ornaments and place teal colored candles in others. Don’t forget to incorporate a few natural elements as well such as sand, starfish, feathers, cinnamon spice bundles or even driftwood to complete the look.
Above the mantel, you can hang a large wreath made from a non-traditional material such as eucalyptus or something a bit more traditional such as a light colored cedar pine. For a more informal look simply place the wreath behind the jars and lean it against the wall.
For something a bit more whimsical, you could instead hang a large chalkboard with chunky frame with a distressed finish above the mantel and write your own holiday message on it.
Simply Southern
You don’t have to live in the south to appreciate this simple yet sophisticated style. It can be used to turn any formal fireplace mantel into a festive focal point for the holidays. Raspberry, lime green and gold looks stunning against a white mantel, while white, silver and plum accents bring out the richness of a dark wood stain.
Whatever color combination you choose, start with a fresh greenery garland and drape it across the fireplace. Flowers or fruit are popular things to adorn the garland with in the south. Flank the fireplace with oversized ribbon bows and group long tapered candles in candlestick holders on the mantle. A single object such as a mirror or wreath hung centered above the fireplace will complete the look.
Tips For Any Style
These are just a few of the many different ways that you can decorate your fireplace for the holidays. Whatever style of décor you prefer, there are a few common elements that will help you create a designer look.
- Plan ahead. If you start gathering decorations early in the season, you will find a better selection and avoid the stress of last minute holiday decorating.
- Size it up. Choose decorations and accessories that complement the style of the room and are sized appropriately for the mantel.
- Repeat. For a more cohesive look, repeat the color combination used on your mantel on your Christmas tree as well as throughout the rest of the home.
- Less is more. Holiday decorating is often synonymous with excess and indulgence. If you use too many decorations, however, they will compete with each other and look cluttered.