12 Holiday Mantel Décor Ideas

Christmas decorations featuring bows a lit tree and a mantel adorned with candles and greenery — Credit:
oliakolvitz / Getty Images

Creating a show-stopping display on your fireplace mantel is at the top of our décor list this holiday season. Whether you're looking to refresh your go-to arrangement or want inspiration for something entirely new, we have just the thing. From big green bows tied to brass tapered candlesticks to colorful ornaments hanging from the mantel, there are countless festive ways to dress up your fireplace this time of year. Gone are the days of sticking strictly to green garland (not that we don't love it). Keep reading to get inspired with a fresh look you'll be excited to show guests—and to enjoy the beautiful sights all season long.

01 of 12

Hang Colorful Ornaments

Decorated mantel with greenery ornaments and candles — Credit:
Jupiterimages / Getty Images

Ornaments aren't just for your Christmas tree. You can use them to adorn all kinds of décor during the holiday season, but one of our favorite spots is hanging them from the garland on the fireplace mantel. They add a pop of color against the rich green hues, and you can experiment with matching ornaments or an assorted mix.

02 of 12

Adorn With Faux Gifts

A fireplace mantel decorated with garlands ornaments and wrapped presents with a festive wreath hanging above set against a white brick wall — Credit:
LightFieldStudios / Getty Images

Wrap small faux gifts with colorful or printed paper and bows, and place them along the edge of your mantel. It's a charming addition to traditional green garland—or you can fill the entire mantel with assorted shapes and colors of wrapped gifts for a bold display.

03 of 12

Arrange Pine Cones and Foliage

Mantel decorated with greenery pinecones candles and a mirror in the background holidaythemed arrangement — Credit:
Anjelika Gretskaia / Getty Images

Embrace earthy Christmas tones by incorporating pine cones and foliage from your property onto the mantel. Create custom arrangements by placing sticks and greenery in vases, and scour your yard for the biggest pine cones you can find.

04 of 12

Create a Winter Village

Fireplace mantel with miniature house ornaments decorative snowflakes and a wreath with a red bow hanging above it — Credit:
Melissa Ross / Getty Images

Using pottery figurines or a nativity set, place the pieces on the mantel to create your own winter village. Add fake snow or paper snowflakes to complete the scene.

05 of 12

Entwine Garland With Warm Lights

A fireplace decorated for the holidays with a wreath garland and candlesticks — Credit:
tomprout / Getty Images

Spruce up your garland and wreath this year with warm, twinkling lights. The display will look magical at night when the lights are dim and the fire is burning.

06 of 12

Design a White Christmas Scene

A mantel decorated with candles ornaments and miniature trees with a lighted mirror in the background — Credit:
Anjelika Gretskaia / Getty Images

Create a white Christmas scene on your mantel with thick white burning candles, snow-covered tree figurines, and white faux garland. Add paper snowflakes or white string lights for an even cozier effect.

07 of 12

Hang Stockings With Care

Holidaydecorated fireplace with red stockings and candles — Credit:
Jupiterimages / Getty Images

Hang matching homemade stockings along the mantel, paired with garland and berries. The red and green décor pairing never goes out of style and adds a nostalgic touch to your Christmas morning while gathered around the fire.

08 of 12

Add Big, Festive Bows

Decorative fireplace mantel with candles large bows and garlands beside a decorated Christmas tree — Credit:
oliakolvitz / Getty Images

The bigger the bow, the better. Line tapered candlesticks along the mantel and tie big, festive bowls around the base. Use whichever color bow you prefer—red, green, silver, or gold are the most festive.

09 of 12

Arrange Colorful Tapered Candles

A decorated mantle and Christmas tree for the holiday season — Credit:
Spiderplay / Getty Images

A simple display of colorful tapered candles in varying heights looks timeless. Mix and match metal candleholders to enhance the nostalgic and eclectic aesthetic. If you have a wreath or mirror above your fireplace, the arrangement looks especially beautiful when all the candles are lit.

10 of 12

Mix Silver and Gold Tones

A decorative holiday arrangement with a wreath and candles on a mantel — Credit:
Cavan Images / Getty Images

If you're not a fan of the traditional red and green color palette, embrace silver and gold tones in your décor instead. This palette creates an elegant, sophisticated feel while still being undeniably festive for the holiday season.

11 of 12

Add Festive Figurines

A mantle decorated with Christmasthemed items including a wreath a nutcracker and small ornaments — Credit:
FollowTheFlow / Getty Images

Gather your favorite Christmas figurines to create your own display. When done well, this eclectic look adds a whimsical touch to the room. It's also a great way to tell stories to children or showcase prized décor that has been passed down in your family.

12 of 12

Top With Potted Poinsettias

A festive decorated fireplace with stockings and holiday greenery — Credit:
Siri Stafford / Getty Images

Top off your mantel with potted red and white poinsettias. When these flowers bloom, they're a favorite sign that the Christmas season has officially arrived. Poinsettias look beautiful on their own or paired with greenery for a more complete look on the mantel.