How to decorate your mantle for the holidays
There are so many options for a great mantle and you can, and should, change it yearly. The mantle…so powerful, such a presence, the focal point. Yep, don’t screw this up.
Every year I think about what I want my mantle to say about “this year”. Sometimes it’s all about Doug and I, sometimes it’s a year to brag about new family members (a new dog), sometimes it’s all about the wow, the glam, the sparkle, etc.
Bottom line: Every mantle should be what you are loving, embracing, exploring or celebrating that year. In this mantle mission we changed out the art above the mantle to a buffalo piece for the season, and decided to go for the rustic look. We added a buffalo sculpture, antlers, ornaments, fur stockings and more.
Here are my thoughts, ideas, and instructions:
1_Use an artificial garland as a base. Tuck in fresh greens for volume.
2_Anchor down. There is nothing worse than everything falling off after it’s all done. Put a nail between the mantle and the wall or in another spot that you won’t notice throughout the year. Wire the artificial garland down and then have your fun.
3_Put your lights on now if you are using them. When you build with Lee Douglas, we always recommend a mantle outlet that is embedded in the mantle or hidden somehow. There is nothing worse than doing a fabulous mantle and then running an extension cord to the wall.
4_Add your ornaments, your pictures, your stockings, and your message. Be sure wire it all in. This step is crucial, especially if your mantle is shallow or if your objects are large or heavy.
5_Pound it full. The fireplace is the focal point of the room, so here’s your spot.
Be on a mission – a mantle mission and tell your story!