What a Mighty Good…Mantle!
Christmas mantle with greens, warm white fairy lights, brass mirrors, vintage bells, wood and glass garlands and other matte black accessories.
Yes! A mighty good mantle is what this girl needs for the holidays. I may have six trees up and other décor sparkling throughout the house, but nothing ever compares to seeing the mantle come to life. Like everything else for my holiday decorating, I start thinking about it months in advance and usually know how I want it to look before any of the other big spaces are figured out BUT I save it for last when it comes to putting my plans into action (you know, the typical “save the best for last”)!
I don’t know what my obsession over mantle décor is all about. It might be because I didn’t grow up in a house with a fireplace (my parents didn’t have one until I was long out of the house, likely afraid me or one of my siblings would burn the place down when we decided to throw “small” get togethers with our friends 😉) or it might just be because I love a good focal point and a fireplace with a mighty good mantle offers just that.
While I added navy to some of my trees and to my stair décor, I kept most of my decorating pieces neutral and the mantle was no exception; in fact, this is the one spot where I didn’t add a drop of color other than the greenery. You’ll see in my photos that we have an onyx stone inlay around the actual fireplace (God knows I cannot wait to remove it – unfortunately, there is a piece on the surrounding built-ins too – yuck, but I digress…) and I have found that when I add any color to the mantle or surrounding areas, that stone just sticks out more. So, when I keep things neutral or add height with whatever I put on the mantle, it draws attention away from the stone or at least helps it blend in a bit more.
This years mantle look was actually very easy to put together and it didn’t break the bank. When I posted photos on social, I had a few people message me that it looked too expensive for something they would be able to do. The mirrors were the expensive items, but I justified that knowing that they will continue being used whether over the mantle or in other rooms in the house. All of the other items used were less than $40 and many could be turned into everyday use décor! The mirrors, candlesticks/candles, wooden beads and even the bells could be repurposed in various spaces throughout your home.
So what did I use this year and why?! Mirrors! I always have a mirror on my mantle, but for the holidays I knew I wanted two so that they were the main event of the mantle. One mirror was needed for height and one was needed to not only compliment the tall guy, but also reflect the top of the tree and the window for some natural light. I didn’t want them matchy-matchy so although they are both brass, they have different tones and different ornamental tops. The Round Mirror is from World Market and is currently $130 and the other Tall Mirror is from Walmart online (through Lamps Plus) and was the most expensive item at $199, but is currently at $170.
All of the accent items used are listed below, but many are sold out so I won’t link them just for you to click on them and then be disappointed to not be able to get them. However, I did turn my notifications on for when anything might become restocked and if they do, I’ll get the links out to you!
Christmas is in two weeks – I can’t believe it! Let me know if you need any last minute decorating tips or links! Happy Holidays, Friends! Xoxo – ShelleyB.
Stockings and Garland – Target – SOLD OUT (I was very impressed with how real this garland looked and they did say they will be bringing it back for next year – woohoo)!
Vintage Brass Bells – TJ Maxx – SOLD OUT
Matte Black Reindeer – Pottery Barn – SOLD OUT
