Mantel Decorating Ideas For Christmas

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30 Christmas Mantel Decor Ideas to Make Your Home Merry and Bright

Inexpensive styling tips to create a focal point your space this holiday season.

Flamingo Toes; Two Purple Couches

Christmas will be here before you know it and one of the most enjoyable ways to exercise your creativity is by decorating your mantel. Unlike upgrading ornaments on your Christmas tree or revamping your outdoor light setup, styling your mantel for the holiday doesn't have to be nearly as nerve-wracking.

Depending on your style, you can keep it classic with red stockings and mini green trees, or go all-out with hues like aqua or purple. All that's required are a few simple touches and a willingness to experiment with the right decorative accents.

Ready to get started? Take inspiration from this well-rounded selection of festive Christmas mantel ideas to celebrate the holiday in style. You're sure to find the right arrangement for your home's decor.

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Traditional Style

When in doubt, stick to a traditional aesthetic. Festive stockings along with a pre-lit wreath, garland, and bottle brush trees are all you need to complete your Christmas mantel.

See more at Flamingo Toes >>

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Red Meets Aqua

Who said vibrant hues have no place in a Christmas mantel arrangement? Experimenting with an unexpected color palette like red and aqua is a surefire way to add a playful element to your holiday decor.

See more at Design Improvised >>

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DIY Eucalyptus

Show off your DIY skills by decking your mantel out in paper eucalyptus garland. The lush greenery is an easy way to incorporate a dose of color into your mantel decor.

See more at The House That Lars Built >>

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Retro Look

There's no reason why flea market finds can't make their way into your Christmas mantel. Whether you've found the perfect vintage globe or old window, it's a no-fail way to add character to your room.

See more at Flamingo Toes >>

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Winter Woodland

If you love nothing more than the winter woodland look, try hanging a pom-pom wreath, displaying mini animals like a deer or hedgehog, and adding earth-toned bottle brush trees in varying heights.

See more at Design Improvised >>

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California Vibe

For this beach-inspired look, mix white shells and blue glassware with your traditional decor like garland and ball-shaped ornaments.

See more at Club Crafted >>

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Bountiful Boughs

No Christmas color scheme is simpler than green and white. Pair a boxwood wreath with a luscious garland and white flowers and you're all set for a holiday mantel that brings the outdoors in.

Get the tutorial at Dear Lillie »

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Neon Mantel

Traditional Christmas colors take a backseat on this '80s-inspired mantel, which features bright acrylic trees and handmade ornaments hung on the wall.

See more at A Kailo Chic Life »

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Painted Christmas Village

For a different take, make a DIY, hand-painted Christmas village in a variety of fun colors. If that doesn't feel like Christmas, pair it with multi-colored ornament garlands and classic nutcrackers.

Get the tutorial at PMQ for Two »

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Christmas Village

This "home for the holidays"-themed mantel totally delivers with its silver Christmas village — and then takes it up a notch with the glittery garland and pops of red.

See more at Bower Power »

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Winter White (and Gold)

The houses, tree, and stockings give this mantel a holiday feel without going overboard on the red and green — the use of gold and white ties it all together.

See more at Ugly Duckling House »

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Rose Gold Mantel

This mantel dazzles with a copper banner, rose gold trees, and the words to "Silent Night" written out in calligraphy. It's non-traditional, but still looks festive.

See more at Modern Glam »

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Colorful Trees, White Stockings

Forget the garland and take a cue from this mantel, which features pink, blue, and green trees and a simple green wreath.

See more at Fifth Home Bliss »

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Asymmetrical Garland

Fresh garland — found at Trader Joe's! — gives this sweet and simple mantel its style. With just a few candlesticks and white stockings, the garland really takes center stage.

See more at Halfway Wholeistic »

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Blue Christmas

For something a little different, add some blue to your décor, like in this classic mantel, which also features blue ribbon, hanging ornaments, and gold cowbells.

See more at Deeply Southern Home »

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Classic Christmas

Red, white, and green come together beautifully on this mantel, which includes just a few touches of contrasting black, like the black-and-white wallpaper that's used as a background for the wreath.

See more at Crisp Collective »

Marisa Iallonardo Marisa Iallonardo is a writer, editor, and communications pro covering health, parenting, lifestyle, and more.

Monique Valeris Senior Home Editor, Good Housekeeping Monique Valeris is the senior home editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers decorating ideas, home tours, gift guides and more.

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