It has been a crazy last few weeks in gearing up for all things holidaisical, and I’m just thrilled to share these photos with you that I should have shared last week, which means that I was able to recover my crashed computer. And by I, I mean the brilliant computer people who painstakingly culled each photo for me that should have already been backed up but wasn’t. :: Smiles sheepishly in the corner.:: Little wins. Big victories. Stupid mistakes. We’re tired. So, without further ado, our Merry + Bright Christmas Mantel!
As always, we went for some fun color this year. And I am obsessed with some of the fresh additions. Honestly, I think this mantel gets more ridiculous each year, and I’m okay with it. Next to our tree, it’s our favorite Christmassy spot in the house.
Pssst… Did you notice that I didn’t even change the chalkboard from last year? I ran out of time and had the same hand-drawn art on it, stowed away from previous year. I just rolled with it.
But today, I thought I’d share how I did it all and break it down so that you might find some fun finds of your own!
• Flocked trees: It was fun flanking each side of our fireplace with these flocked trees . {This link no longer works, so I found a similar one here. + here} It just makes a great, colorful addition full of detail.
• Flocked Garland: I combined it with this pre-lit garland for a nice tie-in this year, but the key to hanging it? These amazing hooks. Do not pass go, do not collect 200 dollars… grab those hooks.
• Other garland: check out our DIY star garlands {here + here} + this one {no longer available}, but I did find some cute subs here!
• Ornaments: They’re just found-over-time pieces but some are from here + these + these {similar}
• Glass Trees: I’ve added these over the years from the Christmas area + dollar spot at Target.
• A little sparkle: Because we get a lot of questions about our mirror ball – we sourced this one here. It’s always great when that sunlight comes in, especially in winter. It’s a permanent fixture. We also added these for more pieces.
• Chalkboard: The chalkboard is a magnetic chalkboard found here. {Nothing beats a good old-fashioned chalkboard, especially at Christmas}
Stocking Holder: {Check out our stained glass monograms here! } This year, you may notice a new addition to our stockings that I am in love with. Perfect for ornaments, gifts, and more. However, I didn’t feel good about adding them to our already-crowded {in the very best maximalist way} mantel. So I used this instead to streamline the look. I adore how it showcases all the fun stockings so they don’t get lost.
Stockings: These stockings from Balsam Hill were perfect with these simple felt ones from Target. I’ve dressed them up and personalized them each year.
• Candle holders: sourced here, and my tutorial for the multicolored one is here. We love the warmth it brings in enjoyable ways!
So this is our favorite spot in the house between shopping our home, handmade and a few additions over time. When it comes to color, the key to it all comes down to distribution, repetition, and variety.
These are completely random but also collected over time so that we have a wide variety of colors in different ways. I love using the spectrum, from blues and greens to reds and purples. Orange and pink are also a must-have. But I try to have color in multiple places {repetition} from the garland to the stockings and more. This just reinforces the colorful vibe. When it comes to distribution, the more the merrier, making it bright and happy.
It all comes down to our {always there} mantra about decorating your home for the holidays. Do what you love, and have fun. The rest will shine through. Literally.
Sweet photos of the kids as they grow are always a fun addition, too. Things have certainly changed in this space now that the windows are gone {the addition was built on the other side}. But I do love that new wall space!
As always, these amazing lights are from Kichler. We love their offerings for all things creative!
And our mantel wouldn’t be my favorite space in the home without Jeffrey Court Tile!
Here it is in the mornings when the light shines on that gigantic mirrorball, which has now found its place and stays out all year. We love it!
And the doggos agree. Thanks so much for tuning in to our fun, little, colorful mantel tour today. Be sure to circle back around this week because I have two stained glass tutorials coming up, and they’re perfect for all things holidays. Have an inspired day!
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