A Traditional Christmas Mantel

by Jen @ RamblingRenovators - 5:00 AM

traditional christmas mantel, magnolia garland, christmas mantle

It's really beginning to feel like Christmas! The gifts are wrapped, the tree is decorated, and I've watched about half of the Hallmark Christmas movies ;). Our living room becomes the heart of our home at Christmastime and I'm excited to give you a first glimpse at our Christmas decor. I'll be giving a full home tour next week, but for today, I'm joining my blogger friends on the Seasonal Simplicity tour hosted by Krista at The Happy Housie and sharing our traditional Christmas mantel.

Traditional Christmas Mantel with Plaid

I love decorating the mantel. The fireplace is cozy even bare, but adorned with a garland and decor, it feels extra special. Of course, the light of the fire and candles on the mantel add ambience and holiday glow.

I've decorated this year with accessories I already had on hand. I started with two magnolia garlands which I've had for at least six years. I love the golden undersides of the leaves which add variety and keep the garland from looking too uniform.

Wondering how to attach garland to a mantel? See this post.

I've woven a fur ribbon and a tartan ribbon into the garland to add fullness and texture. What colours do you like to decorate with? I'm always drawn to cool blues, grays, and whites and this mantel is no exception. Juicy blue berries and clusters of white berries help create a look that is very lush. I've tried to create minimal and simple mantel displays but somehow, I'm always drawn to more maximalist arrangements.

The brass chevron fireplace screen and the shield mirror are used year round but I've added other gold accents to bring a festive touch. I love how this champagne-hued bay leaf wreath looks on top of the mirror. The metallic taupe beads add a subtle shine.

The creamy cable knit stockings are a classic and I love their cozy, soft texture. I've held them up using these discrete modern stocking holders. The candlesticks are vintage ones I inherited from Sean's mom. They could use a good polish but I think I like the dark tarnish.

Can you tell I love plaids?? You can never have too many, especially at Christmastime ;) That multicolour plaid wrapping paper is available in my Society6 shop. I've paired it with other natural patterns, a kraft paper and black gingham and a wood-look paper.

And the scene is set. We're ready for many cozy, winter nights ahead, right here in front of the fire. Now head on over and see the beautiful mantels from my blogger friends.

Today I'm joining some of my talented blogging friends for the Christmas Seasonal Simplicity Series. We're all sharing our holiday mantel decor with you - be sure to check out these fabulous Christmas mantel decor ideas by clicking on the links below each image.