HOW WE CREATED OUR CHRISTMAS MANTLE
Happy December 1st !!! Christmas will be here before you know it and the mantel should be that eye-catching focal point for the holidays.
Styling the mantel for the holidays doesn’t have to be nearly as nerve-wracking…it should be an enjoyable exercise to spark your creativity.
Here are some of my favourite ways to create a very merry mantel.
USE FRESH GREENS
We like to bring in fresh greenery that screams “the holidays are here!” There are so many choices of fresh Christmas greenery including magnolia, boxwood, cedar branches, pine, etc. The selection at Valley View Gardens is on point and they have almost anything imaginable.
Tip: before adding branches into a vase, using pruning shears cut each branch end at a 45 degree angle and place into vase full of room temperature water.
USE WHAT YOU HAVE
Not everything on your mantel needs to be taken down or rearranged for the season. I gave items on the mantel that are used all year round, like the classic black square mirror, the vase and candle sticks, the holiday look, by outfitting it with some holiday greenery.
ADD A WREATH AND SOME BUFFALO CHECK
Who says a wreath is just for the front door and has to be the centre of attraction? Instead we placed this faux boxwood wreath paired with the buffalo check stockings and some fresh greens to dress one side of the mantle.
USE YOUR WORDS
Spell something out with gold letters. I kept it short, sweet and cheery with “MERRY” and it invites the family and guests (well, maybe not this holiday season) to get in the Christmas spirit.
AN ASYMMETRICAL MANTEL
I am all about the symmetry and I thought creating this asymmetrical mantel would bother me, but I’m actually loving it!! The buffalo check stockings and wreath are grouped together on one side while a vase filled with Christmas greens sit on the other. What do you think?
I’ve created this Christmas mantel a few seasons now. I love using this simple black, gold and green palette because it’s a holiday classic and will always be one of my faves. Maybe next year I’ll change it up.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
xo Belynda
