How to Create a Festive December Mantel
Every year, I get super excited about arranging my Christmas decorations! The mantel above our fireplace is one of my favorite spots to show off all things festive. Jaime and I both have our own unique fireplaces that totally reflect our styles. Mine has this nice open space above it. Jaime’s is a bit trickier due to the TV hanging above it, which gives her less room to play with. It’s always a fun challenge to see how our decorations change yearly, bringing out our personalities.
A beautifully decorated mantel in December makes my home feel warm and cozy. It becomes the heart of the holiday vibe, capturing the season's spirit. I love adding ornaments that have special stories and memories behind them. It turns into this great little gathering spot for family traditions—like hanging stockings packed with goodies or showcasing those cherished handmade crafts. The twinkling lights and festive touches I pick help create a comfy atmosphere where we can all come together with steaming mugs of hot cocoa, sharing laughs and love.
Before December truly kicks off, the magic of the holiday season starts to take shape, and decorating our mantel is one of the best ways to dive into that spirit. It’s where I get to really express our family's unique style. Whether I stick with a classic greenery look and soft lights or go for something bold and modern with many bright colors, I always aim to create that warm, inviting vibe. I can’t wait to jump into decorating this year and turn my mantel into a stunning centerpiece that captures all the joy and magic of December!
1. Start With a Clean Slate
Preparation Tips:
Remove all non-seasonal items from your mantel to create a blank canvas.
Clean the surface thoroughly to ensure no dust or debris interferes with your holiday decorations.
Where to Buy:
2. Choose a Theme
Decide on a theme that reflects your style and complements your home. Here are a few ideas:
Traditional: Red and green colors, classic ornaments, and rustic elements like pinecones and burlap.
Modern: Minimalist decor focusing on metallics and whites, using geometric shapes and clean lines.
Nature-inspired: Incorporate natural elements like branches, berries, and greenery for an organic feel.
Here are some festive themes for your December mantel that can inspire your holiday decor:
Classic Christmas
Color Palette: Red, green, gold, and white.
Elements: Traditional ornaments, garlands, stockings, and twinkling lights. For added charm, incorporate a classic Santa figure or a nativity scene.
Winter Wonderland
Color Palette: Whites, blues, and silvers.
Elements: Faux snow, frosted branches, white candles, and snowflakes. Use crystal or glass accents to enhance the icy feel.
Rustic Charm
Color Palette: Earthy tones, browns, and greens.
Elements: Natural materials like wood, burlap, and pinecones. Add elements like plaid fabric, lanterns, and rustic ornaments for a cozy feel.
Glamorous Gold
Color Palette: Gold, silver, and white.
Elements: Metallic accents, glittery ornaments, and elegant candles. Mirrored trays or glass candle holders reflect light and create a chic atmosphere.
Nature-Inspired
Color Palette: Greens, browns, and pops of red.
Elements: Fresh greenery, berries, and wooden accents. For an organic touch, incorporate natural elements like pinecones, acorns, and dried flowers.
Vintage Vibes
Color Palette: Muted reds, greens, and creams.
Elements: Antique ornaments, vintage-inspired stockings, and retro decorations. Use old-fashioned toys or postcards to evoke nostalgia.
Modern Minimalist
Color Palette: Whites, blacks, and metallics.
Elements: Simple shapes, sleek lines, and minimal decor. Use geometric ornaments and monochromatic candles to achieve a contemporary look.
Farmhouse Festive
Color Palette: Red, black, and white.
Elements: Plaid patterns, mason jars, and wooden signs. Combine rustic elements with cozy textiles for a warm, inviting space.
Frosty Forest
Color Palette: Greens, whites, and soft blues.
Elements: Pine branches, faux fur, and woodland creatures. For a whimsical touch, incorporate elements like miniature trees and animal figurines.
Hanukkah Celebrations
Color Palette: Blues, whites, and silver.
Elements: Dreidels, menorahs, and blue ornaments. Combine traditional symbols with modern decor to celebrate the Festival of Lights.
3. Choose a Color Palette
Select a color scheme that resonates with you. Popular December palettes include:
Traditional Red and Green
Colors: Rich reds, deep greens, gold accents.
Decor Elements: Classic ornaments, evergreen garlands, red and green stockings, and gold candle holders.
Winter Whites and Icy Blues
Colors: Soft whites, icy blues, silver accents.
Decor Elements: Faux snow, white candles, silver ornaments, and frosted branches for a serene winter atmosphere.
Metallic Glam
Colors: Gold, silver, and bronze.
Decor Elements: Shiny ornaments, metallic candles, and mirrored accents to create a luxurious, elegant display.
Rustic Earth Tones
Colors: Browns, deep greens, warm reds.
Decor Elements: Wooden accents, burlap, pinecones, and plaid fabrics for a cozy, rustic feel.
Pastel Dream
Colors: Soft pinks, mint greens, light blues, and whites.
Decor Elements: Delicate ornaments, pastel candles, and subtle greenery for a fresh, modern look.
Bold Jewel Tones
Colors: Emerald green, royal blue, deep red, and rich purple.
Decor Elements: Vibrant ornaments, luxurious fabrics, and bold accents that add drama and richness.
Classic Black and White
Colors: Black, white, and hints of gold or silver.
Decor Elements: Striped or patterned stockings, monochrome ornaments, and sleek candle holders for a chic, modern vibe.
Nautical Holiday
Colors: Navy blue, crisp white, and touches of red.
Decor Elements: Seashells, anchors, and nautical-inspired ornaments for a unique coastal twist on holiday decor.
Farmhouse Style
Colors: Red, black, white, and natural wood tones.
Decor Elements: Plaid patterns, mason jars, and rustic elements for a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Whimsical Candyland
Colors: Bright pinks, greens, yellows, and blues.
Decor Elements: Fun ornaments, candy cane accents, and playful decorations for a cheerful, festive feel.
4. Add Height and Dimension
Incorporate various heights to create visual interest. Use candlesticks, vases, or small trees. Here are some ideas:
Candles: Vary the height of your candles, mixing pillar, taper, and tea lights for a cozy glow. Opt for festive candle holders to enhance the decor.
Decorative objects: Use lanterns, figurines, or seasonal accents that draw the eye upward.
Use Stands or Risers: Use decorative boxes or stands to elevate certain decor items. This can be especially effective for smaller items like ornaments or figurines.
Tall Centerpieces: Incorporate taller elements, such as decorative trees or oversized holiday figures, to draw the eye upward.
Vases: Use tall vases filled with seasonal flowers or branches (like holly or pine) to add height. This not only adds dimension but also brings in natural elements.
Layered Greens: Stack smaller bundles of greenery on top of larger ones for a fuller, layered look.
Hanging Ornaments: Hang ornaments from the garland or above the mantel to create vertical interest. Use a fishing line for a floating effect.
Tiered Arrangements: Arrange ornaments in small bowls or trays at different heights to create visual layers.
5. Incorporate Holiday Accents
Add a mix of holiday decor items:
Ornaments: Hang or place ornaments in clusters. Choose a color scheme that aligns with your theme.
Stockings: If you hang stockings, choose ones that complement your mantel decor. They can be a focal point in themselves.
Natural elements: Integrate elements like pinecones, acorns, or faux snow for a touch of winter wonder.
Holiday Figures: Incorporate decorative items like nutcrackers, reindeer, or snowmen for a playful touch.
6. Include Personal Touches
Add family heirlooms, handmade ornaments, or photos from past holidays to make your mantel feel personal. These sentimental pieces can spark conversations and bring warmth to your space.
Framed Memories: Display framed photos from past holidays or winter moments. Use matching frames for a cohesive look, or mix different styles for a more eclectic vibe.
Mini Photo Garland: Create a small photo garland by hanging photos with clothespins on twine or ribbon along the mantel.
Heirloom Items: Incorporate family heirlooms or decor passed down through generations. These pieces tell a story and add history to your mantel.
Travel Souvenirs: Use holiday-themed souvenirs from family trips to create a unique display.
Seasonal Reads: Display favorite holiday-themed books, stacking them on the mantel or using them as pedestals for other decor.
Memory Boxes: Use decorative boxes to store holiday cards or memories from past celebrations. Display them on the mantel as part of your decor.
Unique Containers: Repurpose unique containers (like vintage suitcases or wooden crates) to hold small decor items or candles.
7. Add a Statement Piece Above the Mantle
Choose a focal point that draws attention:
Wreath: Hang a beautiful wreath that matches your decor above the mantel.
Artwork: Consider a seasonal painting or print that complements your color scheme.
Mirrors: A decorative mirror can reflect light and create depth.
Tall Branches: For a dramatic vertical element, use tall, decorative branches or faux trees in a large vase.
Arrangements: Create a stunning floral arrangement with seasonal blooms, holly, or pine.
Suspended Decor: For a playful touch, hang oversized ornaments or whimsical decorations from the mantel or hooks above it.
String Lights: Incorporate string lights intertwined with hanging ornaments for a magical, sparkling effect.
Wooden Signs: Use a rustic wooden sign with a festive message or quote, such as "Joy to the World" or "Let It Snow."
8. Incorporate Textures
Mix different textures to add depth and warmth:
Faux fur: Use a faux fur runner for a cozy touch underneath some of your decor.
Wooden elements: Incorporate rustic wooden accents to balance out shiny ornaments.
Pinecones and Berries: For an earthy, natural texture, incorporate real or faux pinecones, berries, and acorns.
Wood Accents: Use rustic wooden decor items, like small crates or wooden figurines, to introduce a warm, organic feel.
Ceramic or Pottery: Use textured ceramic vases or pots to display greenery or candles. The natural imperfections can add character.
Metallic Accents: Incorporate metallic elements, like gold or silver candle holders, which can contrast beautifully with softer textures.
Dried Flowers: Use dried flowers or grasses, such as pampas grass or eucalyptus, to introduce a rustic, organic texture.
Floral Arrangements: Mix fresh and dried flowers in a textured vase for added visual interest.
9. Use Lights Wisely
Twinkling lights can enhance the festive mood:
String lights: Drape fairy lights through the greenery or around the mantel for a magical effect.
LED candles: Opt for flameless candles for safety, especially if you have kids or pets.
Pre-Lit Garlands: Consider using a pre-lit garland with integrated lights. This adds brightness and depth to your greenery without needing additional lighting.
DIY Lighted Garland: Weave string lights into a DIY garland of fresh or faux greenery for a more personalized touch.
Glass Containers: Place battery-operated fairy lights inside clear glass jars or vases. This creates a magical glow and adds a decorative element.
Mix with Natural Elements: Place fairy lights inside the jars with pinecones, berries, or faux snow for a charming winter scene.
10. Final Touches
Faux Snow: Sprinkle faux snow or glitter on the mantel or within decorative bowls to add a whimsical, wintry touch.
Pinecones and Berries: Scatter real or faux pinecones and berries to enhance the natural feel and complement your greenery.
Personalized Items: Include family heirlooms or personalized decor pieces that evoke memories and add sentimental value.
Unique Figurines: Place charming holiday figurines (like snowmen, reindeer, or angels) that reflect your family’s traditions or style.
Cohesive Color Scheme: Ensure your colors are harmonious throughout the display. Adjust any elements that don’t fit your desired palette.
Check Stability: To prevent accidents, ensure all items are secure, especially candles and fragile decorations.
Decorating a Mantel with a TV Above
All of the themes can be used when you have a TV above your mantel. However, the key is maintaining balance without obstructing the screen. Opt for low-profile decorations, such as garlands, candles, or smaller decor pieces that won't block the view. You can drape greenery or fairy lights along the TV base, adding festive elements without distracting your viewing experience. Consider symmetrical arrangements with matching items on each side of the mantel to keep things tidy and balanced. Wall-mounted accents, like wreaths or hanging ornaments around the TV, can create a festive frame without occupying the mantel.
After arranging your decorations, take a moment to step back and evaluate your arrangement. Adjust the placement of items for balance and visual appeal, ensuring your mantel reflects your unique style.
Decorating your mantel for December is a beautiful way to celebrate the season and create a warm, inviting atmosphere in your home. With creativity and personal touches, you can craft a stunning display that will delight family and friends throughout the month. Let your personality shine through, whether you opt for traditional decorations or a more modern twist.
Enjoy the decorating process, and let your mantel reflect the joy and spirit of the holiday season!
Now, grab your favorite decorations and get started—your mantel is waiting to be transformed! Share your creations with us in the comments below.
