Transform your fireplace mantel into the quintessential holiday focal point with fifty gorgeous, easy-to-execute ideas.
From the simplest natural simplicity displays to full-blown gilded theme showstoppers, there is a perfect look here to capture the spirit of the season in your home.
Get ready to swap tired tinsel for lush evergreen branches and turn your shelf into a winter wonderland.
01. Layered Garland Luxe
Ditch the single strand and create depth with free-flowing layers of mixed textures. Start with a faux pine base, then weave in a second, slimmer garland of magnolia leaves and eucalyptus for contrast. Drape the arrangement slightly unevenly across the mantel to add movement. Finish by stringing petite, battery-operated fairy lights across the highest layer to bring a soft, warm glow to the scene.
02. Mercury Glass Magic
A collection of mercury glass trees and pillar candleholders instantly evokes a vintage shine and a touch of glamour. Group items in odd numbers—three or five—on one side of the mantel, using varying heights for visual interest. The reflective quality of the glass multiplies the effect of any adjacent twinkling lights. Keep the remaining space clean for a minimalist mantel feel.
03. Pinecone Forest Vignette
“Plant” a small, textural forest using large and tiny pinecones scattered across the shelf. This woodsy touch is easy and highly affordable. Place a few larger cones in small clay pots to simulate trees, then fill in the gaps with loose pinecones and clippings of juniper sprigs. It’s an easy, no-fuss festivity that embraces nature’s own color palette.
04. Gold-Leaf Rustic Glam
Introduce a sophisticated shimmer by using the DIY gold-leaf technique on inexpensive accents. Apply gold-leaf to the edges of plain Kraft paper fan ornaments or simple wooden cutouts. Tuck these handmade pieces into a fresh wreath display or secure them on the mantel with thin gold wire. This look perfectly executes the rustic meets glam aesthetic.
05. Blue Burlap & Lime Green
Step away from traditional Christmas colors with an unexpected pairing: cool blue and crisp lime green. Wrap small planters holding bright lemon cypress topiaries in inexpensive blue burlap, securing them with pale green bows. The vibrant hue of the cypress stands in beautifully for a traditional swag and gives the mantel a refreshing, modern lift.
06. Snowy Pinecone Wreath
Transform a basic store-bought pinecone wreath into a showstopper with an easy spray-paint hack. Coat the wreath in matte gray paint first, then lightly mist with faux snow and silver glitter. Add small, shiny red ornaments and little cardinals for a splash of accent color. This creates a charming and frosty winter wonderland feel.
07. Repurposed Window Frame
Repurpose an old window frame as a captivating centerpiece that leans against the wall above the mantel. Hang small trinkets, tiny wreaths, and miniature ornaments from the frame’s panes using thin, sheer ribbon. The green-and-white color scheme is crisp and clean for this unique window frame display. Line several linen handkerchiefs along the mantel to create a flowing, chic DIY mantel scarf.
08. Candles and Coordinated Glass
Create an elegant display by using a mix of vases, glasses, and candleholders in a single, red and white color palette. Varying the height and shape of the glass containers adds interest. A simple red ribbon acts as a makeshift garland, woven between the pieces, complemented by scattered sprigs of greenery. Coordinate colors precisely for a refined, classic appearance.
09. Simple Apple and Evergreen
Celebrate natural simplicity with a free-flowing look using only three materials. Arrange long-needle evergreen branches to spill over the edge of the mantel. Interspersing bright green apples and scattered pinecones among the boughs adds a fresh, textural element. This approach is quick to assemble and beautifully highlights the organic beauty of the season.
10. Overflowing Ornament Urns
Turn surplus ornaments into a dazzling, color-coordinated display. Fill large urns, vases, or goblets with balls in varying sizes but the same color family—think all gold, all blue, or all mixed jewel tones. Place the urns symmetrically on either end of the mantel, finishing with a few bright green pine branches for a woodsy touch.
11. Plaid Stocking Centerpiece
The rustic Country chic aesthetic is centered around cozy textile accents. Make patterned plaid stockings the main focal point of your design. Hang them proudly from the mantel, then accent them with simple, unadorned white pillar candles and rough-hewn, carved wooden figurines for a warm, inviting feel.
12. Colorful Candy Jar Mantel
For a simple and fun display, fill clear glass containers and candy jars with holiday sweets that match your color scheme. Use peppermints, gumdrops, or foil-wrapped chocolates in bright red, green, and silver. This provides an instant pop of color and an easy quick-swap option; simply change the candy for the next holiday.
13. Paper Cone Advent Trees
Transform your mantel into a fun, interactive Advent calendar. Use patterned cardstock or Kraft paper to craft small, decorative paper cone trees. See how to make this craft, then hide a small piece of candy or clue underneath each cone for a sweet daily surprise leading up to Christmas Day.
14. Black Convex Mirror
Instead of a traditional evergreen wreath, hang an unexpected focal piece like a large, ornate black-and-gold convex mirror. This non-traditional element adds instant sophistication to the gilded theme. Surround it with magnolia leaves that have been spray-painted metallic gold for a touch of glitz and shiny gold balls with both matte and glossy finishes.
15. DIY Red Carnation Wreaths
Craft fresh, elegant wreaths from bright red carnations. Soak a florist’s foam shape in water, then trim and insert carnation stems until the form is completely covered. Hang these dramatic wreaths above the mantel. Accent the shelf below with bowls of shiny red and green ornaments to coordinate with the wreaths’ vibrant color.
16. Countdown Calendar Display
Turn your mantel into a visual Christmas Countdown. Hang a cloth or felt Advent calendar prominently. For a DIY approach, secure 24 small muslin bags or envelopes to a garland with mini clothespins. Rubber-stamp numbers onto the bags and fill them with tiny toys or candy.
17. Homemade Newspaper Wreath
Get crafty with a fun, unconventional wreath. Cut up old newspapers and spray-paint the pieces a vibrant lime green. Assemble the petals into a full, decorative wreath and hang it above the mantel. Line the mantel with fabric doilies shaped like trees and painted red, complementing the red and green cheer.
18. Creative Stocking Cohesion
Let whimsical, non-traditional stockings guide your mantel’s color palette. If your stockings feature pops of aqua, pink, and lime green, pull those exact hues into the mantel decor. Use colorful ornaments and solid white candles to create a cohesive but playful look, complementing the surrounding evergreen garland.
19. White Wonderland Vignette
Create an all-white Winter wonderland by selecting an assortment of white or clear items. Display white picture frames, cream-colored candlesticks, clear glass vases, and pearl-finish figurines. The uniformity of color makes the varied textures and shapes stand out, especially against a shimmery wall or dark paint color.
20. Chalkboard Ornament Message
Create your own chalkboard ornaments by applying green chalkboard paint to wooden circles. Hang these from the mantel on sheer white ribbon, writing holiday phrases like “Fa La La” or “Joy” on them. Layer the mantel with fresh evergreen branches and mix in clear plastic ornaments filled with strips of metallic gold foil.
21. Striking Garden Gate Backdrop
Achieve an eye-catching display by leaning an unusual item, like an old wooden garden gate or a section of decorative fencing, against the wall above the mantel. Hang your primary wreath on it. Frame the entire arrangement with matching topiaries and simple glass vases, giving it a collected, rustic charm.
22. Red and Green Color Pops
For a playful, high-contrast look, accent a mostly-white mantel with vibrant pops of red and green. Run white tinsel along the length of the shelf, then layer bright red and green ornaments on top. Hang one red and one green stocking to complete the bold and graphic design.
23. Faux Forest Cone Trees
Make an elegant Red-and-White Wonderland by creating a faux forest. Wrap foam cones in festive patterned paper and cloth, securing the material with hot-glue to form abstract trees. Scatter varying sizes of white felt balls across the mantel to simulate snow. A rosy, flocked wreath serves as the perfect backdrop for this elegant vignette.
24. Simple Velvet Ribbon Garland
For a minimalist look, craft a simple, elegant garland using a strip of wide, crimson velvet ribbon. Hot-glue small, decorative fabric or plastic leaves onto the ribbon to create a simple swag. This method is incredibly versatile and can be used on a buffet table or doorway as well, embodying natural simplicity.
25. Birch-Bark Vases
Create a rustic grouping by showcasing large, dramatic amaryllis blooms in birch-bark vases. The rustic texture of the bark contrasts beautifully with the rich red color of the Amaryllis flowers. The natural element is strong and makes a powerful statement on the mantel.
26. Flower “Presents”
Wow guests with a unique display of green flower “presents.” Secure green-tinted mini mums to small foam squares using pearl-top straight pins, then tie the squares with a bright red velvet ribbon bow to resemble a gift. Accent the scene with clear glass containers filled with red tulips, amaryllis heads, and berry branches for a fresh, vibrant feel.
27. Magnolia and Bugle Wreath
Jazz up a basic boxwood wreath by wiring in elements like hypericum berries, feathers, a small antique bugle, and a single magnolia branch. Wrap the wreath with a rough burlap ribbon. A small tree covered in boxwood clippings completes this earthy natural simplicity look.
28. Tinsel Glitter Cones
For a sparkling mantel that matches a dazzling wreath, cover foam cones with spray-on glue and tinsel glitter. Once dry, seal them with an acrylic clear-coat spray. The combination of old and new ornaments in a hot-glued wreath layers on the vintage charm against the glittering statement pieces.
29. Gold Spray-Painted Magnolia
Achieve a high-end, gilded look easily by spray-painting real magnolia leaves a shiny metallic gold. Arrange these leaves around the base of chunky, white pillar candles. The real-life texture of the leaves adds an organic element to the luxurious metallic finish.
30. Creative Red Ribbon Garland
Use a thick, dramatic red ribbon as a simple, effective garland alternative. Weave the ribbon between clear glass vases and pillar candleholders that are all of a similar height. The strong, continuous color line of the ribbon draws the eye along the entire mantelpiece. This is an easy, quick-swap way to add color.
31. Simple No-Fuss Evergreens
Embrace no-fuss festivity by simply filling a collection of plain glass vases or bottles with clipped sprigs of fresh evergreen and white pine. Group the vases together tightly for a greater visual impact. The clear glass lets the vibrant green stand out without distraction, offering a truly natural simplicity.
32. Rustic Lantern Centerpiece
Create a stunning lantern centerpiece by filling a vintage metal lantern with small logs, white pillar candles, fresh greens, and pinecones. Placing the lantern centrally on the mantel grounds the entire display. Add a favorite drawing or small framed picture next to it for a personal touch.
33. Gold and White Coastal
For a coastal Christmas twist, use a palette of only gold and white. Place gold starfish and oyster shell ornaments on the mantel. Mix them with white sand or fine white gravel scattered lightly around white ceramic figurines and bleached pinecones.
34. Green Apple Urn Display
Fill large, glass apothecary containers or small urns with bright green apples. The crisp, uniform color of the fruit provides a beautiful, clean look against a dark wall. Arrange the apples tightly so they look abundant and heavy. This is a great, affordable option for a high-impact quick-swap.
35. Paper Bag Stars & Snowflakes
Craft large, three-dimensional paper stars and snowflakes from simple brown or white Kraft paper. Suspend them at varying heights above the mantel with thin fishing line. This is a great DIY project that adds height and dimension to the wall space, keeping the mantel clear for a minimalist mantel effect.
36. Oversized Gold Ornaments
Use very large, matte and shiny gold ornaments in deep bowls or on small pedestals. The size and metallic finish make a strong, immediate statement. Layer small evergreen clippings around the bowls. The large scale simplifies the decorating, avoiding clutter.
37. Berry Branch Accents
Intersperse vibrant, faux berry branches—think hypericum or winterberry—throughout your traditional pine garland. The pops of red against the deep green add depth and color. This simple addition creates a lovely accent color without overpowering the scene.
38. Wooden Sled Backdrop
Use an antique or decorative wooden sled leaning against the wall as a unique backdrop. A wreath or a small grouping of stockings can be hung directly on the sled, creating a playful, Country chic vibe. Frame the arrangement with lit, battery-operated mini lanterns.
39. White Felt Ball Snow
Create soft, tactile “snow” by scattering white felt balls of different sizes across the entire mantelpiece. Mix these with birch-bark logs and white-painted pinecones for a textural winter wonderland. The soft texture of the felt contrasts beautifully with the rough wood.
40. Green and White Stripe
Embrace a graphic, candy-stripe look with a limited palette of just green and white. Use striped ribbon for bows and accents. Place small, unadorned green topiaries on either side of the mantel, balancing the simplicity of white candles in clear glass cylinders.
41. DIY Red Holly Ornaments
DIY holiday ornaments by cutting holly shapes from Kraft paper and applying gold-leaf for a shimmering effect. Hang these homemade pieces on the wall above the mantel or gently secure them to a strand of basic evergreen garland.
42. Candy Cane Forest
Create a playful candy cane forest by filling tall, slender glass containers with miniature, unwrapped candy canes. The repetition of the red and white stripes is visually striking. Place them against a backdrop of simple green evergreen sprigs for contrast.
43. Layered Handkerchief Scarf
For an elegant, draped look, line several vintage or linen handkerchiefs along the mantel to create a delicate DIY mantel scarf. Choose handkerchiefs with subtle green or red embroidery to tie into the holiday theme. This technique adds soft, unexpected texture.
44. Lit Window Silhouette
Use simple, white string lights to outline the shape of an old window frame or a large framed picture leaning on the mantel. This easy action creates an instant, warm silhouette, adding a simple no-fuss festivity without complex setup.
45. Velvet Bow Accents
Use wide velvet ribbon, tied into simple, large bows, to accent key points on the mantel. Attach a deep burgundy bow to each hanging stocking or secure a series of them evenly spaced along the evergreen garland for a traditional, rich feel.
46. Fresh Citrus and Greens
Intersperse real oranges, kumquats, or lemon cypress (the lime green topiaries) amongst the evergreen for a burst of unexpected color and a lovely scent. The combination of deep green and vibrant citrus hues is a beautiful natural simplicity look.
47. Boxwood and Hypericum
Use small, dense boxwood clippings to cover a floral foam cone, creating a miniature tree. Tuck bright red hypericum berry clusters into the boxwood for a festive, textural accent. This is a great, long-lasting DIY centerpiece.
48. Gilded Pinecone Bowl
Gather a large collection of pinecones and spray-paint them in a matte or metallic gold finish. Display them loosely piled in a large, shallow bowl or wicker basket on the mantel. This high-volume texture makes a gorgeous statement while remaining simple.
49. Simple Gift Wrapping Stack
For a fun, last-minute addition, stack a few small, beautifully wrapped gift boxes on one side of the mantel. Choose paper and ribbon that coordinate with the overall color scheme. This quickly adds a sense of anticipation and holiday spirit.
50. Gold and White Striped Candles
Use tall, simple white pillar candles wrapped with thin strips of metallic gold washi tape for an instant upgrade. The vertical stripes add a tailored, gilded look. Group them on a simple wooden riser to create a multi-level display, following the leaning arrangements rule for height.