Not only does Santa slide down the chimney, not only are the stockings hung from the mantel with care, it is the focal point of any living room and makes up the heart of the home. If you are not interested in spreading Christmas decorations throughout the entire house, a festively decorated Christmas mantel can work wonders when it comes to enhancing Chistmas decor.
Decorating Ideas for Creating a Sparkling Christmas Mantel
If it is the twinkle and sparkle of the Christmas season you wish to capture for your fireplace, look for decorations that are iridescent or sparkly and include lots of candles. A set of candle holders that are staggered in height are wonderfully effective when it comes to spreading that Christmas glow.
Instead of a traditional greenery garland, look for beaded garlands or sprigs that can be used as garlands. Those used in the picture are beaded sprigs that can be inserted into Christmas trees or indoor planters; to use them as a garland, you can bend the wire sprigs and place their ends under some of the mantel decorations to hold them in place. Choose ones that are iridescent and will reflect the flickering candle light.
A good way to ground this Christmas mantel display is by having topiary trees on each mantel end. This helps frame the scene in between and with some beautiful Christmas topiary trees, there is little need for numerous decorations.
Once you have your garland, candles and topiary trees in place, add a couple of free-standing Christmas decorations like angels between the topiary trees amongst the candles. Add some stocking holders and you have all you need to complete your memorable sparkling Christmas mantel.
Decorating Ideas for Creating a Cozy-Cabin Christmas Mantel
Few things seem more Christmasy than spending the holiday in a cozy snow-covered cabin. If this is the look and feel you would like for your Christmas mantel, think winter critters, greenery and artwork.
Try and find a large piece of artwork depicting a winter scene with a cabin or forest. Lean it up against the wall of the fireplace just to the left of the mantel's center.
Find a hefty greenery garland, one that looks natural with some berries and pine cones. You can always purchase a plain garland and insert pine cones and berry sprigs with some wire. Try and use a garland the runs the entire length of the mantel and position it in front of the artwork.
Next, find some cute free-standing Christmas winter critters like owls or reindeer. Position these amongst the garland to the right of the leaning artwork. If you can find a trio of animals at varying heights, these will help balance the mantel and add visual interest. Now you can cozy up on the couch and enjoy your cabin-inspired Christmas mantel.
Decorating Ideas for Creating a Simple Christmas Mantel
Whether you lack time, decorations, or simply subscribe to the "less is more" approach to decorating, all you need are a few simple pieces to inspire your Christmas decor.
When it comes to simple mantel decorating, the "rule of three" applies. Find three simple accessories like garland, a Christmas plaque or picture, and a festive plant or flower such as a poinsettia, amaryllis, or white narcissus.
Place your garland along the mantel, lean your picture against the wall off-center, add your festive plant or flower, perhaps a couple of hanging stockings, and all you need do is stand back and enjoy.
If you have finished decorating your mantel but still feel like it is missing something, adding a Christmas postcard or Christmas ball garland is a great way to up the visual interest of your fireplace as a whole. Ideas on how to make Christmas garlands can be found here.
When it comes to decorating mantels for Christmas, there is no shortage of inspiring ideas. These Christmas mantel decorating ideas with pictures can help you decide what type of mood you want to create for the 2011 season and guide you on your way.
Lara Smith - is a freelance writer with a Bachelor of Arts in English, History and Religious Studies.
