Since being in the new house, I have loved finding ways to decorate the mantel for the holidays. Christmas season is one of my favorite times to decorate, I love a good holiday mantel. Sharing how to decorate your holiday mantel below!
My biggest tips are to choose a high quality garland, neutral stockings and utilize the space you are working with. We have our TV above our mantel, so I love incorporating holiday TV art into my designs each year! Adding small trees and bells is another way to add a small Christmas touch. I love finding neutral options, but you could always do something similar with holiday colors.
It’s the heart of the living room — the perfect place to layer texture, greenery, and a little sparkle. I always start with a base of soft, natural garland. Cedar, pine, or eucalyptus all work beautifully, especially when they have that soft, dusty green tone that feels more organic than bright. I like to drape it slightly off-center and let a few branches fall naturally — it gives that relaxed, effortless look that still feels elevated.
Love our leather stocking tags from Etsy!
Once the greenery is in place, I start layering in texture and light. Brass or gold candlesticks at varying heights add instant warmth, and I mix in a few neutral bottlebrush trees or ceramic houses from Target to fill the gaps. Battery-operated candles are my go-to for keeping things simple and safe, and the flickering glow makes the whole space feel cozy and inviting at night. If I want a little extra shimmer, I’ll weave a thin strand of twinkle lights through the garland or tuck in a few gold ornaments for a soft, subtle sparkle.
The finishing touches are what make it personal. I hang neutral linen or knit stockings using black or gold hooks for contrast, and I’ll often add a piece of art or a vintage-style mirror behind the garland to reflect the lights. A few pinecones, dried oranges, or ribbon bows in shades of cream or taupe tie everything together on your holiday mantel. The result feels layered, cozy, and timeless — a holiday mantel that fits perfectly with a neutral Christmas home and still captures all the warmth of the season.
Place some birch logs in a basket you already have for that final neutral Holiday decor touch that adds texture! What is your favorite way to decorate your mantel?
xoxo,
Jena
