Christmas Mantel Inspiration

Yesterday on facebook, I was asked to post on Christmas mantels.  Do you do decorate your mantel the same every year or do you change your decor?  I usually go with some greenery and stockings keeping it fairly simple.  Surprise right?  I pulled together several pictures from my pinterest pinboard that should give you some ideas if you are already thinking about Christmas.

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Garlands are a classic holiday touch - especially when mixed with lots of white.  How darling are these stockings?

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Greenery simply placed on the mantel needs nothing more and talk about easy.

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Magnolias are especially beautiful when the back side of the leaf shows as shown above.

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Once you have your garland in place, you might consider adding natural elements such as fruit or pine cones.

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Mom's mantel 2011

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If you still want more, add in figures or containers filled with baubles and flowers.  I love how this display is balanced without being symmetrical.  

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Wreaths are another good option leaving room on the mantel for paper whites, candlesticks, etc.

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Julep cups are beautiful filled with greenery or flowers marching down the mantel.  These are flanked with amaryllis, beautiful!  By the way, have you planted your paper whites & amaryllis yet?

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Terracotta pots and burlap give this mantel a more rustic feel.  The garland is made of ribbon pressed accordion style and threaded. 

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If you still want more color, bring in ribbon, wrapped packages, and colorful baubles.

So now it is your turn.  How do you decorate your mantel?