Creating a Marvelous Mantel

During Christmastime, the mantel can serve as the centerpiece for your living room.  It frames the hearth and is an ideal place to display your holiday decor.  Follow these tips to create a magical Christmas vignette on your fireplace mantel.

1. Clear off your usual decor.  This time of year is special and it’s nice to bring in a completely different look.
2. Start by adding greenery.  There are many beautiful and fragrant evergreens that make excellent mantelpieces.  Try juniper, holly, Frasier fir, or magnolia.
3. Choose a color scheme.  Incorporate red with berries.  Try gold and silver with lights and glitter.  Ornaments in rich jewel tones are a contemporary look.  Add neutrals and a rustic look with pine cones and nuts.
4. Create height by using miniature Christmas trees and wreaths.
5. Add twinkle with votive candles and interesting arrays of Christmas lights.

Below are some beautiful examples of Holiday mantels.  Let these pictures inspire your own creativity in creating a marvelous Christmas mantel.

Photos: Southern Living