Christmas is such a magical time of year! Joyous carols, twinkling lights, and beautiful decorations create an atmosphere that’s full of warmth and nostalgia. It’s a time for getting together with loved ones and a time for cozy evenings at home. What could be more inviting than an evening by a crackling fire, with a mantel adorned in festive decor? We so enjoyed decorating these mantels to share with you. Although they are both very traditional in style, they perfectly illustrate how colors and accents play a key role in creating a uniquely distinctive look. We hope that these give you inspiration to bring the spirit of the Christmas season into your home…
of glam to this elegant arrangement.
In this classic 1930’s cottage home, there is an abundance of stunning, mahogany trim. We chose cool blues and silver to contrast with the warm wood and complement the blue in the area rug. A lush, handmade wreath and garland of cedar boughs lay the foundation, accented by wintery blue ribbons and silver beads draped across the front, perfectly framing the fireplace. Nestling mercury glass ornaments, accessories, and fairy lights into the garland adds a lovely touch of sparkle and whimsy that feels timeless. We wanted to use Juniper berries in the wreath, but didn’t have any nearby so we improvised with a bit of craft paint, transforming some very red berries to a soft blue. The overall result is an elegant, balanced design that pairs beautifully with the existing colors of the living room. This graceful arrangement is a testament to the fact that there’s no need to shy away from using a non-traditional color scheme for Christmas. Instead, try incorporating your favorite colors from your everyday décor and you will have a seamless transition into the holiday season!
silver candle sticks come together to bring this cedar garland to life.
While it’s always fun to experiment with a variety of tones, sometimes the classic ones are the perfect fit for a space. At our favorite farmhouse, heirloom red carpets adorn almost every room, so we decided that traditional reds and gold would be the ideal complement. We love how these colors pop against the neutral white backdrop! We began with a traditional cedar garland and fir wreath, layering in ivy and camelia to add texture and variety. Changing the garland arrangement to a more asymmetrical placement updates the look and allows the stockings to balance the other side without feeling cramped. Our vintage brass candlesticks staggered across the mantel add a soft, ethereal glow. Nothing could be more timeless than red berries and poinsettias. We interspersed berries throughout for little pops of red and grouped poinsettias to create greater impact. Pinecones and glistening gold ornaments tucked into the garland are a lovely juxtaposition of rustic and glam to finish off this elegant arrangement.
Whether you are blessed with a beautiful fireplace or not, there are so many ways that you can create a lovely focal point in your living room that mimics the look and feel of a traditional mantel. A sturdy wall mounted shelf is a perfect substitute for hanging garland and stockings and layering in some of your favorite accessories. A buffet, hutch, or set of bookcases can be dressed for Christmas in the same manner and be every bit as lovely. Even your windows can be framed with garland and twinkling lights, providing a space for hanging ornaments or stockings that will transform your home into a holiday haven. The possibilities are endless…, giving you the opportunity to express your unique style!
