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Organic Traditional Christmas Mantel Decor

Have you put up your Christmas decorations? With the arrival of December, it truly feels like the holiday season is upon. I'll be sharing some of the spaces I've decorated for the holidays, starting today with the Christmas fireplace mantel.

For me, the mantel (or mantle as most people misspell it!) is the most fun to decorate, even moreso than the Christmas tree. With the tree, you're likely using the same tree and mostly the same decorations year after year. It can be difficult to achieve a different look without buying lots of new things.

In contrast, the mantel provides the opportunity for creating an entirely new design and stunning focal point each year. Even if you are reusing your garland and Christmas stockings, it's the perfect place to express your creativity and bring a new theme to life. Here's the one I've created for this Christmas. I call it my Organic Traditional Christmas Mantel.

traditional christmas mantel decor with faux garland, mirror, berry vine garland

Organic Traditional Christmas Decor

What is Organic Traditional Christmas Decor?

This is a style of holiday decoration that combines elements of both traditional and natural, organic aesthetics. It's all about blending classic Christmas charm with a touch of nature and a dash of sustainability. 

My holiday decor style tends to gravitate towards timeless, classic looks. I love finding new ways to reuse pieces and make them feel fresh while also invoking a sense of nostalgia.

This year, I've taken a traditional red and green color scheme but also embraced earthy tones such as browns, and natural elements. Using this style, I sought to create a warm and cozy atmosphere with familiar classic holiday traditions combined with a connection to nature and the outdoors.

traditional christmas mantel decor with faux garland, mirror, berry vine garland

Layered Garlands

The foundation to a beautiful Christmas mantel display is the garland. You can use a real evergreen garland or artificial garlands but I encourage you to consider artificial garlands if you haven't already. With an artificial or faux garland, you don't have to worry that it will dry out and crumble before Christmas arrives. You can also reuse it for many years to come and save on the cost and effort of having to purchase fresh greenery each year.

The quality and style of faux garlands has also improved drastically over the last few years. I wrote this post on where to buy artificial garlands and you can see that there are lots of sources for real looking garlands.

My garland is actually two garlands, the super popular Norfolk pine real-touch garland combined with a pre-mixed juniper and pine garland (no longer available). It creates a lush, layered, full look that draws you in.

traditional christmas mantel decor with faux garland, mirror, berry vine garland

Vintage Elements


To add to that organic feeling to my holiday mantel decor, I've intertwined a raspberry vine garland that I got at the thrift store and delicate gold leaf fairy lights with the greenery. There are different ways to place your garland - you can lay it on top or hang it along the front. I've chosen to hang the garland asymmetrically with a long drape on one side of the mantel. It cascades on the front of the mantel (see this post for tips on hanging garland) in a dramatic wave-like pattern, giving a sense of movement.

Vintage or handcrafted items also play a significant role, giving the decor a timeless and sentimental feel. The small branches displayed in a vintage pitcher, the brass bells, and the long green velvet ribbon add warmth and familiarity. These are classic Christmas mantel decorations that bring elegance and a sense of tradition.


traditional christmas mantel decor with faux garland, mirror, berry vine garland

Natural Materials

Organic traditional decor often incorporates elements such as wooden ornaments, handmade crafts, and items sourced from nature, like pine cones, twigs, and dried berries.  Take a closer look and you can see the cluster of petite pinecones and faux twigs tucked into the garland.

traditional christmas mantel decor with faux garland, brass deer, berry vine garland

Atop the mantel, I've added white berry branches displayed in a black vase and a pair of oversized pinecones. These larger elements bring texture and natural colour to the elegant Christmas decor.

To soften the look, I've used cableknit white stockings we've had for over a decade. Their faux fur pom poms and cork name tags infuse cozy charm and keep the mantel decor from feeling too serious.

Gold Accents

One other notable design device is the ample use of gold-hued accessories. Gold suits a traditional scheme and combined with the twinkle lights and roar of the cozy fireplace, it creates a warm, welcoming glow.

traditional christmas mantel decor with faux garland, mirror, brass deer

I've had the shield mirror and chevron fireplace screen for years and I don't think I will ever tire of them. They are timeless and feel both contemporary and traditional in this setting. The large brass deer is one I picked up at an antique show. With a plaid ribbon around his neck, he adds a commanding presence to this display.

Finally, a woven basket and pillow that I designed with my friend Sarah add a tactile and textural touch to the decor. I love how the reds and deep greens can be found in the colours of the pillow.


traditional christmas mantel decor with faux garland, mirror, berry vine garland

Ultimately, organic traditional Christmas decor is about striking a balance between the warmth and familiarity of traditional holiday elements and the simplicity and connection to nature that organic, sustainable choices bring to the celebration. I think this year's mantel has managed to do just that.

Later this week, I'll share the rest of the my Christmas living room which has that same traditional + organic feel. I hope you've enjoyed what you've seen so far!

But in case this mantel isn't quite your personal style, I invite you to see my mantels from Christmases past. I've loved creating each and every one of these diverse looks!

More Christmas mantels (click on the titles to see the details):


christmas fireplace mantel garland with equestrian boots and horse bust tartan scarf


christmas fireplace mantel garland with blue and red rustic accents


christmas fireplace mantel garland with magnolia garland and candlesticks


christmas fireplace mantel garland with owl and snowy accents


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