Aside from the Christmas tree, the fireplace mantel is my favourite spot to decorate for the holidays. You can create so many different looks with just a change of accessories, from stark and Scandinavian, to rustic and nostalgic. Last year, I decorated with a vibrant red and ice blue theme, and the year prior was a simple magnolia and black satin scheme.

This year, I decided to decorate the mantel in an elegant, classic style with rustic touches. It's always fun to put a name to a look... let's call this one chalet chic.



I was excited to partner with Decors Veronneau to create this mantel. I've worked with them throughout this past year and their selection of faux greenery and seasonal accessories helps to bring the lush look of plants into my home, despite my black thumbs! If you're in search of a Canadian source for holiday accessories, I highly recommend you give them a visit online.

Let's talk about this spectacular garland. To create a really beautiful Christmas mantel, you need to start with just the right garland. I've used two of Decors Veronneau's 6 ft Cedar Garlands to span the length of my mantel. Later this week, I'll be sharing a step-by-step of how to decorate a Christmas garland and decide on garland length, if you want to recreate this lush look in your own home.



When decorating with any sort of faux greenery, you'll get the best end result if you select products that look as real as possible. This garland is quite realistic and soft to the touch. Everyone who has seen this garland so far hasn't been able to resist reaching out and touching it. It doesn't feel stiff or hard and prickly like some faux garlands can be.

To make your garland look real, you need to shape it and give it movement. This cedar garland is nice and full with lots of pliable branches that drape beautifully over the mantel. I've noticed more bloggers decorating with cedar garlands this year. It has a vintage kind of feel to it and is less showy than say magnolia or fir garlands.


I think this garland would look lovely just on it's own, but I wanted to create a more luxurious look for my mantel. To do that, I've layered in different elements to add texture, colour, and shape.

Magnolia leaves are a classic and I've tucked a few of these magnolia branches to add dimension and volume. The red tones of the leaves bring warmth and colour as well. I'm really loving deep reds these days so I've carried that hue throughout the garland with these burgundy seeded eucalyptus sprays. I love these sprays - the colours are so vibrant! The seeds are soft and floppy, not stiff, and feel like squishy little berries. They're varying shades of red as well which makes them look more realistic. With their long stalks, they'll be great to use in fall arrangements next year.






Above the mantel, I decided to go with something more unexpected. Just like I'm not a fan of matching bedroom furniture, a perfectly matching garland and wreath wouldn't be as interesting! This asymmetrical vine and magnolia wreath (similar) relates to the garland because of the magnolia leaves but feels modern and a bit quirky. The metal bells, hung on satin ribbon, add muted colour and texture. I didn't want the wreath to detract from the garland so I've kept it more monotone.





Welcome to the fourth week of the Seasonal Simplicity Christmas Series! Today a group of my blogging friends and I are sharing our Holiday Mantels and a few vignette decorating ideas, to help inspire you for the upcoming holidays. Click on the links below each image to be taken directly to the different posts.