Fireplace mantels are a natural focal point, and the holidays are their time to shine. Check out some of these ideas for decorating a Christmas mantel.
Before starting to decorate a mantel for the holidays, check out the general rules for how to style and accessorize a fireplace mantel. Then, before adding new items, clear off the items that are usually displayed there and make room for the new holiday items that will soon adorn the mantel.
Once that’s done, check out the following ideas for different ways to decorate a fireplace mantel for the holidays.
Decorate with Vases and Christmas Ornaments
Fill different sizes of clear glass bowls and vases with color-coordinated Christmas ornaments. Use the larger containers at each end of the mantel and use the smaller ones as you work your way towards the center. Remember to vary the shapes and sizes of the vases and bowls to create visual interest.
This idea works just as well using pinecones, fruit, nuts, or anything else you can think of. Try spray-painting different types of nuts, or different sizes of pinecones for a uniform look.
Holiday Mantel Displays Using Candles
Candles always add a warm and elegant glow, so place them atop a mantel to create such a display. There are many different ways to display candles, but the most important thing is to use candles of the same color to create a streamlined and uniform look.
Place pillar candles on stands of varying heights. A general rule when creating such a vignette is to place taller pieces at the back, and use smaller ones as you work your way forward. For a modern look, use candles that are all the same height and place them on a long rectangular platter. For a festive look add some evergreen, pinecones, and other natural materials of the season. The key is to not overdo it. Simple cream candles with a few pinecones scattered around the bases makes for a beautiful and elegant holiday display.
Decorate a Christmas Mantel with Flowers and Fruit
No matter what the time of year, flowers are always in style. Either create a large traditional floral display using winter greenery and place it in the center of the mantel, or try something a little different. Floral topiaries are elegant and can be easily made by cutting flower stems and sticking the blossoms into Styrofoam cones. Roses are particularly beautiful. Or try making a large centerpiece using fruit instead of flowers. Apples combined with evergreen and pinecones make a beautiful centerpiece. Attach them to floral foam using floral picks. Add some cinnamon sticks for a lovely scent.
It’s easy to go overboard when decorating for Christmas, but the key to a beautiful holiday display is to keep it simple. When decorating a mantel for the holidays try not too put too many items on it as it will end up looking cluttered. Simple displays are the key to an elegant and glamorous holiday display.
The copyright of the article Winter Decorating Ideas - Christmas Mantels in Interior Decorating is owned by Lauren Flanagan. Permission to republish Winter Decorating Ideas - Christmas Mantels in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
Wonderful finds here! Also, I found something interesting I thought I
would share…from something I wrote this month… DÉCOR TIPS & QUIPS
from AlphabetPIX.com Bringing Out Your Inner BOLD! Bill Blass
said, “Style is primarily a matter of instinct.” Decorating takes on a new
meaning for each individual. Clever and chic for Janie may be yesterday’s
yawn-fest for Carol. Different tastes in décor mean different furniture,
artwork and color palettes. So what is the rule of thumb for making your
place zing if it’s not a certain style, pattern, or color? Bold,
baby! Bring on the bold! Boldly say what you want to say when
designing a room. Make a statement and let your personality shine through.
If you go in for the palest blues to soothe and relax, add a custom zing to
make it pop! Love <a
href="http://www.alphabetpix.com/tell-a-friend.php">black and
white photography</a>? Maybe even some of that ultra-hot photo
alphabet wall art in black and white? Splash in some passionate pink or
revved up red on the wall to make it sizzle. No longer are walls
content with neutral shades. Any color of the palette goes! Splash on
muted melons or eccentric eggplants with savvy sage. Classic colors cozy up
with velvety crimsons and Dijon yellows. Color is fantastically bold and
beautiful! Rich textured throws, swags, rugs and runners jazz up every
room, every time. Patterns are all the rage now, too. Twists and
twirls, paisleys and pearls-bold is key! Did you ever in a million years
think of dotting stripes and striping dots? Designers these days are
pulling out all the geometrical stops. Paisley mixes with all sorts of
combinations-checks, polkas, and weathered solids. Discover a new way of
looking at the world around you in different shapes and deigns. Mix it
all with gorgeous gilding in silver and gold. Toss in a few well-chosen
accents-bold and beautiful. And with the trend of decor becoming more and
more personalized, a meaningful piece of photography will make you feel
right at home. Black and white as well as the historic look of sepia
photography looks gorgeous in any room. Add all these ingredients together,
and you’ve got yourself a decorating design that not only expresses your
individual style but does so as personally and beautifully as you want it
to. Whatever you want to say while decorating, say it with your own
personal sense of style. Put it out there for the world to see and don’t
look back! Embrace your individuality whether your nature i
Sep 7, 2009
