There’s no place like home for the holidays, and nothing beats the cozy family memories created when gathered around the fireplace! With so much time spent near the fireplace during the holiday season, it only makes sense to turn your mantel into a beautiful, festive showpiece!
Photo Credit: Modern Glam Home
Your fireplace serves as the focal point of the room and your mantel décor often sets the tone for the entire space. Below are six steps for getting started on creating your holiday mantel masterpiece.
- Decide on a theme & color scheme. From traditional to rustic to ultra-modern, there are countless holiday décor themes to choose from. Select a theme that fits your style and makes you feel inspired. Work with a color scheme that can blend seamlessly within the room and with your existing holiday décor.
- Gather the essentials. After deciding on your theme, gather your holiday mantel must haves- garlands, stockings, candles, lights, ornaments!
- Create a focal point. Select a large statement item to serve as the centerpiece of your mantel décor, such as a wreath or piece of holiday artwork.
- Think about symmetry. Decide if you want a symmetrical mantel layout, with matching or similar anchors on each end of your mantel, or if you want a more asymmetrical look.
- Add layers and height. From garland and stockings draped on the mantel, to tall taper candles, create multiple layers in varying heights to add dimension and depth.
- Simplify. Sometimes less is more when it comes to mantel decorating. Step back and take everything in and don’t be afraid to remove pieces or move them around to create the perfect look.
A Christmas Classic
Traditional Christmas décor is timeless and never goes out of style. This classic color combination of rich reds and deep greens is guaranteed to create a warm holiday vibe in your home. Large Christmas balls, red bows, warm lights, vintage ornaments, and plenty of stockings help to capture the magic and joy of the holiday season. Also consider adding in personal touches that reflect on past Christmas memories, such as family photos or personalized ornaments.
To take your traditional red and green color scheme up a notch, add in touches of gold. Also play with textures- smooth metallic combined with red velvet or satin makes for a beautiful combination.
Photo Credit: Modern Glam Home
Regency Panorama P33CE Gas Fireplace
Rustic Charm
The combination of earthy colors and natural elements can create a wonderfully cozy and charming rustic look for the holidays. Natural fibers, such as wood, whicker, and burlap help to add dimension and texture, and are complemented with a color palette of muted greens, browns, and creams. Wooden ornaments and strings of wooden beads are also a fantastic rustic touch.
Add the beauty of nature into your rustic décor with fresh greenery, acorns, and dried oranges and berries. Want to add a little DIY project to your holiday decor? Collect pinecones from outdoors to create a wintery pinecone wreath or garland, or trim evergreen branches to display in a vase or wicker basket.
Photo Credit: The Samantha Ann Blog
Photo Credit: rokthehome
Merry & Bright
Embracing the fun and cheerful side of Christmas, choose to go bright and bold with your décor! Today’s modern holiday decorations span all colors of the spectrum in a rainbow of unexpected hues. Think turquoise, purple, pink, yellow, lime green…and even add in a hint of glitter and sparkle!
Instead of just a green garland on the mantel, mix in colorful pom-pom or beaded garland strands and oversized ornaments for a fun pop of color. Swap your traditional evergreen wreath for a shiny ornament wreath and top the mantel with bottle brush trees, available in a wide array of sizes and bright colors!
Photo Credit: Modern Glam Home
Photo Credit: Modern Glam Home
Festively Frosted
The frosted, all-white style is a major holiday trend again this year! This monochromatic look is easy to perfect- start with a single base color, and then layer in different shades, tints, and tones. Your décor will look elegant and dramatic, but still feel soft and welcoming.
White string lights provide a warm glow and flocked evergreen touches will add a snow-kissed look to your décor. Fresh pine branches or other greenery can also be spray-painted white to create a frosted effect. Want to add a little more warmth to this white color palette? Add in some softer hues, such as rose gold or blush pink, or the shimmer of silver and gold metallic tones.
Photo Credit: Monica S.
Photo Credit: Modern Glam Home
Simple Elegance
Sometimes simplicity is best! If the clutter of Christmas stresses you out, a minimalist design style may be perfect for you. The simplicity of a bare garland on the mantel, accented with just a few tasteful touches, creates a beautiful, chic backdrop that will still make the room feel festive and cozy.
Focus on keeping your look modest and natural- a fresh garland of pine or holly draped on the mantel and adorn it with just one or two festive accessories. White pillar candles, neutral stockings, a simple ribbon, or twinkling lights are perfect options for this design choice.
Photo Credit: gettinriggiwithit
Photo Credit: Melanie Voyer
Happy holidays from all of us at Regency!