Nov 21

Nov 21 Tips for How to Decorate a Christmas Mantel

My favorite time of the year for decorating is now. I'm guessing it is for you too! I thought I would share with you my tips for how to decorate a Christmas mantel. In my home the mantel is the focus point in our family room; so I want the decor just right to set the holiday mood.

My first tip for how to decorate a Christmas mantel is to have a theme. I've always wanted a snowy Christmas in the woods. Since that's not happening anytime soon I've tried to recreate what a snowy Christmas in the woods would look like on my mantel.

I love this deer head. It is perfect here above the mantel for this theme. The rest of the year I have it hanging somewhere else.

My second tip is stick with your theme. It's so easy to get distracted at Christmas with all the fabulous decor. For example, I love angels, but I don't think of angels in a woodsy theme. Keep to one theme and expand on it. So frosted pinecones, faux snow, greenery, and branches all fit the main theme.

I've had this glittery Christmas sign forever. I love it! So it gets pride of place on the mantel.

My third tip for how to decorate a Christmas mantel is to add layers. I start with the basic garland and wreath. When those are set I'm ready to add additional layers to compliment my theme. One of these layers should be personal. After all, it's the personal touches that create the homey atmosphere so important for the holidays. The final layer for all my Christmas designs are glittery sparkles and lights!

Glittery snowflakes and fairy lights are set last.

To make sure the garland stays put I wire it to small eye hooks on the wall.

My fourth tip is to have height, depth, and dimension in your mantel design! My garland looks like it's hanging over the edge of the mantel creating depth. The wreath is actually 2 wreaths hooked together for greater dimension and interest. The silver branches add needed height and drama to this Christmas mantel.

These fairy lights are fabulous to use when decorating.

My fifth tip is to shop all year for your decor. Of course shop at HomeGoods! They have everything you need for decorating. But while shopping at other times of the year you should always be thinking about your decor needs. I found these amazing 'fairy lights' in the summer (some are battery-operated). I knew I would love them for decorating. I bought all they had on the shelf at HomeGoods. The deer head was bought in the springtime. I buy things I love then squirrel them away until I'm ready to use them.