With Thanksgiving on the way, I haven’t quite busted out the Christmas decor yet (although I’m not opposed in the slightest). I just haven’t quite been ready! So I thought we could revisit Christmas decor from years past, specifically around the heart(h) of the home — the fireplace — in hopes of scrounging up some festive spirit. While the tree is typically the most iconic Christmas symbol, so much of the magic is felt around the fireplace — you know, where the stockings were hung with care. There’s certainly no wrong way to decorate a holiday mantel, but I do have a few essential decor pieces to help you get started.

1. Start With The Greenery

Living Room Sources

First up, greenery. I like to drape garland across the mantel to really “spruce” up the place. This ties the mantel in with the Christmas tree but also gives it the “full” look that I love so much.

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2. Hang Other Garland

Candlesticks | Flameless Candles | Plaid Pillows | Mirror | Merry Christmas Banner | Rug | Garland | Bells | Chairs

A few years back, I bought this brass “Merry Christmas” metal garland, and it’s still my favorite. Along with the greenery, layering in a different kind of garland can help complete the look.

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3. Line The Mantel With Taper Candles

Bells | Candlesticks | Tapered Candles | Wreath

One of the quickest and most cost-effective ways to add some ambiance and charm to your holiday mantel is to line it with tapered candles. I love the height that it adds. I love how you can transform the vibe entirely by using either colored tapers or cream ones. And lastly, I love how cozy and elevated it feels.

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4. Hang The Stockings With Care

Woven Leather Ottomans | Coffee Table | Artwork

Of course, the most important element of any fireplace moment — the stockings. Hung with care, the stockings are not just for presents; they’re a design moment! I tend to hang them in bunches, but you can also space them equidistant to each other. Also, the pressure to have a matching set for the whole family is gone. Mixing and matching stockings gives that collected-over-time look — which is probably the reality.

Pro tip: tie ribbons around each stocking loop to layer in some color and give an eclectic feel.

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5. Line The Mantel With Holiday Figurines

Stockings (similar) | Copper Ribbon | Black Striped Ribbon | Red Striped Ribbon

Last but not least, let’s talk about the fun stuff: the collectibles. If you’ve got a collection of mini Christmas trees or figurines, it’s time to pull them out to line the mantel. Maybe it’s a mini forest of bottle brush trees or a ceramic Santa from your childhood. These are the conversation starters and the memory sparkers.

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Holiday Mantel Decor

Layer it up, mix it up, and don’t stress it. The trick is to have fun and create a mantel that sparks a little joy every time you cozy up to that fire. So there you have it, a recipe for a holiday mantel that’s sure to gather ’round your favorite people. For more holiday decor inspiration, be sure to check out our Holiday Shoppe!

1. Antique Metal Decorative Trees $49
2. Keir Fired Brick Vase $68
3. Ceramic Bell Garland $20
4. Green Marble Christmas Trees $29
5. Woven Wicker Bells (set of 2) $60
6. Antiqued Brass Candlesticks $22
7. Arabescato White Marble Nutcracker $99
8. Hanging Iron Bells $28
9. Dark Red Classic Taper Candles $30
10. Merry Christmas Mantel Hanging $40
11. Nicola Pedestal Bowl $22
12. Matte Ceramic Christmas Tree $20

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