3 Essentials for Simple Fireplace Christmas Decorations that Wow!

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Don’t go another year without learning these 3 essentials for simple fireplace Christmas decorations that wow all season long. At a time of year when life is hectic, schedules are packed and to-do lists are long, let’s simplify holiday decorating.

I’m so excited to break down my method for simple Christmas mantel decor that takes very little energy, but produces amazing results. If you’ve ever struggled with decorating your fireplace mantel, I’m taking the mystery out of the equation.

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3 Essentials for Simple Fireplace Christmas Decorations

Year after year I have decorated my mantel for Christmas and loved it every single time. It wasn’t until this year that I realized, I have a method.

It never takes me more than 30 minutes to decorate my mantel for Christmas. Even if it’s fairly elaborate.

My online communities always ask me how I could create something beautiful in such a short amount of time.

And this year, I finally nailed down the 3 essentials I use year after year that make it so easy and quick.

1. Garland
2. Embellishments
3. Candles

1. Why Does the Base Garland Matter?

My first step towards simple Christmas mantel ideas is that I always use a high quality, thick and lush base garland.

In most instances where a fireplace mantel falls flat, it is because the base garland is scrawny or unrealistic looking.

Every year I invest in one high quality garland to build up my stock over time. I’ve found this to be a good way to spread out the expense over the years.

It has also forced me to be creative in instances where I would normally use a garland, but didn’t have one. You’d be surprised what you can scrap together using random picks and stems!

Of course, you can always use a real pine, cedar or juniper garland. Just be prepared for it to get crispy!

What To Look for in a Quality Garland

Here’s what to look for in a quality faux garland.

• Realistic coloring: Very bright/neon greens scream fake. Look for a deeper green that has variation in the coloring.
• Real-Touch Material: Plastic or papery garlands are easy to spot as a faux garland. Instead, look for real-touch materials that often feel more rubbery.
• Thickness: Sparse garlands do serve a purpose in specific situations. However, for a mantel, the thicker the garland, the less you have to layer to get a full and lush look.
• Length: Ideally, you want your garland to drape down each side of your fireplace mantel at least a third of the length. Go longer for a more dramatic look. Or, create a side-swept asymmetrical design.

If you are overwhelmed with the options, the two garlands I will always recommend are:

• Norfolk Pine Garland: The perfect draping garland. The 15 foot option is ideal for mantels, stairways and doorways. I have two 15 foot and one 5 foot option and love them all.
• Cedar Garland: This garland is incredibly thick and lush, and the 9 foot option is just about perfect for a mantel, as shown in my home.

If you’ve ever struggled with how to hang mantel garlands securely, steal my methods in this post.

If you have garlands that are more sparse, then add layers! This mantel has 7 layers of garlands, because they were all fairly thin. See how I got the look here.

2. Embellishments that Wow

Once you have a solid base, it’s time to add the embellishments.

Here are some options for simple embellishments to add to your garland:

• None: Sometimes a garland is all you need. Especially when you prefer a simple scaled-down look.
• Ribbon: Swagged, twisted, or tied in bows. This ribbon has a stunning appearance and is very nostalgic. I also used this ribbon for smaller bows.
• Wood Beads: A simple string of beads adds just enough interest.
• Picks or Stems: Using picks to add a little shimmer elevates the look very quickly.
• Bells: Drape a set on the side for a cascading look, or stick them in here and there across the entire mantel.

Adding embellishments can be done by simply draping beads, ribbon or bells and then inserting 5-6 picks here and there.

3. Get the Glow with Candles

Our final step for these simple mantel decorating ideas for Christmas is candles.

There is nothing cozier than the glow of candles. In fact, candles are the only simple fireplace Christmas decoration you really need to create something that is cozy, elegant, and nostalgic.

The beauty of using candles is that there are many options to be able to create a unique look.

• Grouping of pillar candles
• Candles shaped like trees and other holiday related themes
• Ribbed, twisted, or straight candles
• The traditional taper candle
• Dozens of color options to fit your color scheme
• Real flame v. battery operated

Since I’m always going for simple fireplace Christmas decor, I opt for cream colored taper candles that are battery operated. I love that they operate with a remote.

This simply calms my nerves to use battery operated with wreaths or other flammables around the candles. I do use real candles in other areas that are more open.

This year I used a beautiful candelabra to keep my candles symmetrical and balanced. However, you can use any candle holders. I also like to shop my thrift stores for affordable options. If they are mis-matched, then I just spray paint them all the same pretty gold or black.

What Goes Above a Simple Fireplace Christmas Mantel?

Now that we’ve covered the basics for how to decorate your Christmas mantel, let’s talk about what goes above it.

I always go with one of three classics:

1. Christmas wreath
2. Mirror
3. Artwork

Sometimes, I even layer the mirror with a wreath on top.

Lean the mirror or artwork, or hang them on the wall. Either way works depending on your home’s structure.

What About the Stockings?

How could we forget the stockings?

Of course, add in your beloved family stockings once the mantel is gussied up. This year, I’m so excited because I actually have THREE fireplace mantels to decorate in our new home.

I’m adding our stockings to the kitchen fireplace. Stay tuned for this full space!

More Christmas Decoration Ideas

Christmas has always been my absolute favorite season to decorate for.

I have 7 years worth of Christmas decorating catalogued for you here at Grace In My Space.

I hope you enjoy browsing the ways I’ve decorated my homes for Christmas in the past!

This is my first year in this new home at Christmas time so I am so excited to show you how I’ve tackled this new space.

I can’t wait to show you more! In the meantime, you can get inspired with mantels throughout the last few years below!

• Organic Modern Winter Mantel
• How to Design an Elegant Christmas Mantel
• Christmas Mantel with Lighted Garland
• How to Layer Garland in an Asymmetrical Design

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~Sarah