Trimming the Mantel

     Decorating the fireplace mantel for the holidays almost always includes evergreens, stockings, and ornaments.  This year, why not add some fun touches that will liven up your display?  Here are some ideas for pieces to add to the fireplace to make your mantels look fresh.

 *Bring the outdoors in and add a sled, some old wooden skis, or snowshoes to the greenery.  You could attach a hand printed sign to the sled that reads “Let it Snow”.

*Group your silver and mercury glass onto the mantel and add a string of white lights.  Hang a mirror behind to reflect the bling.

*Arrange buildings, trees, and faux snow from Lennox or Dept. 56 across the mantel to form a Christmas village scene.  Add street lights, people, and animals to make the scene come to life.

*Make an arrangement with lanterns or LED candles for a soft glow.

 *Display collections like Santas or tree toppers.  You can utilize small crates or faux wrapped boxes to vary the heights of your pieces.

 *Instead of hanging stockings, try hanging snowflakes, ice skates, or bunting from the edge of the mantel.

 *Hang an ornate framed blackboard over the mantel that can display seasonal quotes like “Baby, it’s cold outside”.  You can also hang Christmas/winter paintings to add color behind whatever vignette you place on the mantel itself.

 *For a more primitive look, add rustic stars, crates, grapevine wreaths, and berries to the scene.  Put evergreens in crocks or baskets.

 *Make big, colorful, wooden blocks with one letter on each that spell out seasonal words like “Believe”, “Joy”, or “Merry Christmas”.

*Hang red or green shutters over the mantel and display your children’s seasonal art on them.  You could also string bunting across the shutters or hang a collection of stars or snowflakes against the slats.

 *Gather a group of “Elves on a Shelf” and make different scenarios like one taking a “bubble bath” made of ornaments or another riding a reindeer.

*Drape a plaid throw under the decorations to add warmth and color.

*Make the centerpiece a large, vintage, child’s rocking horse.

 *Have several family winter pictures made into various sizes of canvas art and display with greenery.

Be sure to keep safety in mind no matter which new look you go for.  Real candles should never be left unattended, and if you use your fireplace, make sure that no decorations hang too close to the heat or fire.  Have some fun and decorate with imagination this holiday season.  Your mantel will soon look merry and bright!