Your fireplace mantel is a great place to decorate for Christmas since it is usually the focal point of your room.
Most people hang their Christmas stockings on their mantel, however there are so many more decor options for your fireplace mantel this Christmas.
Florals, Greenery, and Natural Elements
For most fireplace mantels decorated for Christmas, greenery is the foundation for the decor.
Consider arranging florals, greenery, and/or natural elements piece by piece on your mantel, or you could purchase a floral swag that is already assembled.
You can use fresh greenery, artificial greenery, or a mixture of both.
Your greenery can be located only on top of your mantel, hang a little bit below the mantel on the sides, or it can drape to the floor.
Consider giving your natural elements a bit of sparkle using metallic spray paint or glitter.
For a frosted look, consider applying epsom salt in the same manner as you apply glitter.
Some people like to add pine cones, twigs, and/or fruit to their greenery for added dimension and interest.
You can also add battery operated lights (or plug in lights if an outlet is readily available).
Christmas Figurines, Statues, and Collectibles
A mantel is usually high enough that young children cannot reach it, so it is great for displaying fragile Christmas collectibles.
Many people like to display their collection of nutcrackers, snow globes, a nativity scene, reindeer statues, Santa figurines, and more on their mantel at Christmastime.
Group your collectibles together to create a more dramatic display instead of placing them here and there throughout the room.
Your smaller Christmas collectibles can go on the mantle and some larger items can go near the mantel on the floor.
Christmas Ornaments and Christmas Bells
For a festive Christmas touch, consider adding Christmas ornaments and/or bells to your mantel.
If you are using breakable ornaments, make sure that your decor is securely attached to your mantel so it does not fall off and break.
Since the mantel is at eye level and highly visible, avoid using cheap plastic Christmas ornaments in this location. Instead, opt for more elegant and unique ornaments.
Many people like to create a Christmas ornament or bell cluster to drape from one or both corners of the mantel. This is especially effective using satin or velvet ribbon.
Ribbons and Bows
Adding ribbons and/or bows to your mantel helps add a little more color and texture to your Christmas display.
Popular ribbon choices include tartan pattern and velvet texture.
You can use a wide ribbon that tucks in and out of your greenery, a large bow on each end of the mantel, smaller bows throughout the mantel, or a combination.
You can use only one ribbon or use several ribbons.
Also consider using ribbons to suspend ornaments from the mantel to dangle a bit.
Make sure to avoid getting the fabric too close to the fire for fire safety.
Stockings
Christmas stockings are a popular tradition hanging from the fireplace mantel.
More formal, elegant, and modern homes tend to have matching identical stockings, however more casual homes tend to have mismatched stockings of a similar style and size since they were most likely bought at different times when a baby was born.
You can buy matching stockings and personalize them for each family member using a monogram, adding an ornament with the first letter of their name, or buying/making the same stocking in multiple different colors (such as identical stockings each with a different tartan/plaid pattern).
Candles
Candles add a gentle glow to the top of a fireplace, which is especially nice when your fireplace is not lit.
You could use real candles or battery powered candles.
Avoid using candles below a fireplace if you have a very hot fire since they will melt.
You can use votive candles, candles in hurricane candle holders, candles in lanterns, multiple arm candelabras, or candles in candlesticks (antique brass is a favorite).
For a more unique designer look, use the same, or very similar, candle holders in multiple different heights.
Christmas Cards
Christmas cards should be put on display when you receive them, so why not display them on your mantel?
You can display Christmas cards that you have received just this year, vintage Christmas cards, or Christmas cards you have collected over the past few years.
Consider using a card stand or creating risers so the cards in the back can be seen.
You can create a riser by using stacks of magazines or books with a fabric draped over them.
Wreath or Christmas Art
If you normally display artwork or a mirror above your mantel, consider replacing it with a wreath that is decorated for Christmas (or adding a wreath on top) or artwork with a Christmas or winter theme.
If you are using a wreath, you can use a fresh cut wreath, an artificial wreath, or a natural dried wreath.
You can even make a Christmas ornament wreath.
Consider adding remote controlled battery powered lights to your wreath for extra flair.
Combination
If you have a minimalist home, you might just want to use one or two of the items above when decorating, however if you have a maximalist home, you can use most or all of the ideas.
Consider creating a candle display with a floral swag and Christmas ornaments, mixing nutcrackers and a wreath with 3 different tartan ribbons, or creating a mantle display using lots of votive candles and a nativity scene.
The combinations are endless.
Below the Mantle
If you do not plan on burning a fire in the fireplace, don't forget to decorate inside the fireplace. You can use decorative logs, candles, or a combination of different decorative elements.
At the base of the mantel legs, you can also place Christmas items, such as a large nutcracker, vase, oversized ornament, Santa statue, large candelabra, or lantern, but make sure it is not a fire hazard.
