If you’re lucky enough to have a fireplace with a pretty mantel, it’s a great place to focus your holiday decorating. Who doesn’t like to take a quiet moment and sit and enjoy a roaring fire, away from all of the holiday madness? Here’s a selection of great ideas for decorating the mantel for Christmas or simply the festivities of the entire season.

Christmas Mantel Displays

Vintage Display: The mantel is a wonderful place to showcase a collection of vintage items such as tiny Christmas trees, ornaments, or a grouping of white stoneware or cheery red transfer ware. Add soft evergreens and red berries for some added Christmas cheer. Thanks to Simplified Bee for this idea.

Nature’s Beauty:  A grouping of simple topiaries lined up across the mantle with an all natural wreath made of mixed greens and a simple ribbon are an easy yet elegant way to dress the mantle.

Mod Christmas: If modern design is more your style, create a chic and contemporary mantel display with white and silver wreath made of multi-sized balls that will glitter in the firelight. Gather a group of items with simple shapes and different textures to create a display that’s more modern art than country craft. 

Artsy Christmas: A beautiful piece of art can be an inspirational focal point of the mantel’s décor. If original art is a bit too pricey, you can also use a pretty piece of fabric or wallpaper, stretched over a canvas simply resting on the wall. Take color and style cues from the artwork for the mantel. Cole and Sons “Woods” wallpaper would be a particularly beautiful choice for both modern or natural mantel displays.

Family Memories: Every year, we take lots of photos of our kids sitting on Santa’s knee, pinning the stocking on the mantel or opening presents on Christmas morning.  Keep a collection of these treasured memories in small frames to display on the mantel at Christmastime. Over the years, these family photos will tell a wonderful family story.

Festive Mantel Displays for New Year's Eve

Count Down to the New Year: Fill the mantel with beautiful clocks (and no, digital won’t do!) to help countdown the minutes. For a fun twist, set each clock to a different time zone around the world. Thanks to Martha Stewart for this cute idea.

Beach Themed Mantel: Collections of seashells, colorful sea glass and bits of driftwood can be the makings of a festive wintry mantle display. Fill sparkling glass vases with sand and shells, mix in some twinkling lights and you’ll be transported back to long, warm summer nights – even if the wind is howling outside.

Light It Up: A mixed collection of white or cream candles set in sparkling glass holders at varying heights will great an “electric” mantel display. The more candles used, the bigger the wow factor.

Linda Merrill is a Networx - https://www.networx.com - writer. Get home & garden ideas like this - https://www.networx.com/article/eight-ideas-for-decorating-a-mantle - on Networx.