A Beginner’s Guide to Decorating Your Mantel for the Holidays—12 Ideas to Spark Inspiration

I’m a November 1 girlie. And by that, I mean that once the Halloween candy is eaten and the pumpkins are put away, my Christmas tree and all its accompanying decor take over. It’s not only because I’m a holiday enthusiast (although that accounts for 75% of my festive fervor). There’s also an unspoken magic that shines and shimmers throughout our homes when the holidays set in. With the season’s chilly, snow-flecked weather, our spaces become an opportunity to reflect all the coziness and comfort we hope to curate within. So, to spark a little inspiration, we’ve rounded up our favorite holiday mantel decorating ideas ahead.

Despite living in a small space, there are still countless ways I can make my apartment a holiday haven. My strategy for keeping things celebratory without going overboard? Designate a few “hubs” of your house where you’ll focus your decorating efforts. With 1000 square feet to spare, I’m honing in on the tree, dining table, windows, and yes—the mantel. This approach lets everything feel streamlined while still making clear: I’m all about spreading the holiday cheer.

12 Holiday Mantel Decorating Ideas for 2023

And if you don’t have a mantel? No problem. There are still plenty of spaces to dedicate your decorating efforts. If you’re looking for somewhere to hang the stockings, try a bed post, a blanket ladder, or even putting up a few floating shelves. I love the idea too, of stringing a garland along the banister. The point is, holiday mantel decorating ideas are all about getting creative and making the most of your space. Because this time of year is all about embracing what we have and sharing gratitude for the joy already present in our lives.

With that in mind, let’s get to the holiday mantel decorating ideas that’ll take your home to holi-yay status.

Holiday mantel decor ideas.

See more: Camille’s earthy and organic holiday decor.

1. Go Asymmetrical

True artistry exists in the imperfections—and that rule applies to our holiday mantel decorating ideas. String your greenery or garland so that the end drapes down one end of your mantel. This simple design decision creates a subtle sense of drama. Balance it out by stacking your stockings and grouping a few taper candles to the opposite side.

2. Follow the Rule of Threes

When adding accessories (like candles or design elements) to your mantel, keep the rule of threes in mind. Across countless disciplines, it’s understood that we’re best able to process information through pattern recognition—and three is the smallest number that allows us to recognize a pattern in a set. Put simply, arranging objects in threes is most pleasing to the eye. So rather than scattering a bunch of disparate accents separately, place them in groups so they can shine their best.

3. Try Taper Candles

While we love decorating our holiday mantels with candles of all sorts, long taper candles draw the eye upwards, resulting in an elegant aesthetic. While you’re certainly welcome to use white candles, go for the unexpected and mix color tones. I love Camille’s pairing of a black candle holder with a taupe candle.

See more: Camille’s evergreen forest holiday decor.

4. Use a Mirror

Once of the easiest and most game-changing design tricks? Place mirrors strategically throughout your home to reflect light and make the space feel bigger. This same tip applies to the mantel, helping amplify your holiday setup. With sources of light from candles, twinkly strands, and the fireplace itself, this idea works all the better.

5. Wrap Candles in Birch

For a quick and easy DIY, elevate your go-to white pillar candles by wrapping pieces of birch around them. This gives your mantel a woodland, natural vibe that’ll make your space a hundred times cozier. (Psst… flameless candles are key here.)

6. Don’t Forget the Details

While we’re all about looking big-picture with our holiday mantel decorating ideas, the magic is also made in the details. What small, festive touches will bring you joy? For me, that’s a simple ceramic bowl filled with pinecones or a few bottlebrush trees on my mantel. Whatever those details are for you, be sure to make them a priority.

See more: Camille’s natural, woodland holiday home.

7. Keep It Cohesive

Yes, this is a special time of year—but we’re not looking to reinvent the wheel with our holiday mantel decorating ideas. Instead, use the aesthetic you already have set in place to establish the foundation for your decor. As Camille encourages, “… consider how your own personal style can be reflected through your holiday decor, rather than being guided by trends.”

8. Incorporate Varying Textures

For this statement-making garland, Camille created depth and interest by incorporating different greenery into the design. Combining different firs, pines, and eucalyptus has the power to still make an impact while managing not to detract from the mantel’s other design elements.

9. Fill the Fireplace

If you don’t have a working fireplace, you still have plenty of options for making it a source of visual comfort. My favorite idea? If your home is already overflowing with gifts, stack them aesthetically in the fireplace. Or, if Santa hasn’t arrived yet, simply wrap boxes in coordinating paper (we love white, kraft paper, velvet ribbons, and touches of black) to make a statement while sticking to your design budget.

Modern holiday mantel decor.
Modern Christmas mantel decorating ideas.

See more: Camille’s modern holiday decor.

10. Draw the Eye Across the Mantel

I love the visual interest that a simple shift in the placement of your greenery can create. By flanking the fireplace with arrangements on the top and bottom corners, the eye is drawn to the fireplace while still framing the mantel in its entirety. To create balance, align stockings in the middle of the two arrangements.

11. Pair a Minimalist Palette With a Maximalist Approach

The holidays often evoke a “more is more” mentality. And while we love the idea of abundance, our goal is to opt for balance. To create a sense of magic on the mantel, go minimalist with your colors—natural greenery and neutral shades work best—while aiming to create a statement with the volume and scale of decor. The resulting look is lush without overwhelming the eye.

12. Hygge Your Home

Of course, this tip goes beyond the holiday mantel. But because we crave coziness at every turn, we’re big on hygge holiday mantel decorating ideas. To make it happen, lean into soft textures with your stockings, twinkling candles, and an overall approach of simplicity. For many, the mantel marks the central point of your home. During the holidays, it’s somewhere you gather with friends and family to share your love. We’d argue that it should be a reflection of all the warmth and joy found within.

17 Gifts for Kids of All Ages to Spark Creativity and Inspire Play

Whether we are ready or not, the holiday season is fast approaching. And while there’s sparkle and magic to be found at every turn—Christmas cookies, a tree to trim, and merriment to soak up—many of us also have a long list of to-do’s to check off before the end of December. If you’re anything like me, you want to find the perfect gifts for your kiddos that are not only fun but also meaningful. As parents, we understand the importance of choosing gifts that align with our values. That’s why, when Camille asked me to put together a gift guide for kids, I took the task to heart.

This gift guide includes hours of research and recommendations from some of the best gift givers I know. I’ve compiled a list of presents that tick all the right boxes: longevity, creativity, quality, and a dash of tech. Let’s dive into it and make this holiday season truly special for our families.

Featured image by Hannah Haston.

Image by Teal Thomsen

Every product is curated with care by our editors and we’ll always give an honest opinion, whether gifted or purchased ourselves. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

The Ultimate Gift Guide for Kids

This holiday season, let’s aim for gifts that create lasting memories and nurture our children’s growth. I hope this carefully curated gift guide for kids helps you find something perfect for your little ones. Remember, it’s not just about the gift itself but the joy, creativity, and connection it brings to your family. From classics with a modern twist to innovative tools that spark curiosity, there’s something here for every age and stage of childhood.

Happy gifting, and may your holidays be filled with laughter, love, and cherished moments with your kids.

Lovevery Block Set

I’ll admit I’m not a fan of gifts with a million pieces. However, every child needs a block set and this one has it all. It promotes STEM concepts, spatial awareness, motor skills, and more. Plus, it grows with your child’s development and comes with a beautiful box to store all the pieces in.

Micro Kickboard Mini Plus Kick Kids’ Scooter

Micro Kickboard scooters are a timeless hit with kids of all ages. They’re compact, come with LED light-up wheels, and have various accessories (even a luggage option). These are perfect for trips to the park or even the airport.

Little Chef Paris Modern Play Kitchen

Speaking of cooking in the kitchen, let me introduce you to a play kitchen that will never go out of style. It’s sleek, realistic, and sparks your child’s imagination with its detailed design. The refrigerator includes a freezer and a built-in icemaker, while the oven range features turning knobs, and the sink flaunts turning faucet handles and an underneath storage cupboard. I find that the more realistic a toy looks, the longer a kid will be interested in it. Plus, it’s currently on sale!

Yoto Children’s Auto Player

The Yoto player is a versatile gift that functions as an audio player, night light, sound machine, and alarm clock. It’s also a huge convenience for parents, so you know I had to include it on this gift guide for kids. Unlock hours of free audio with the app.

Paint Your Own Ceramic Kit

Let’s be honest—there aren’t a ton of things you can buy for five dollars anymore, let alone something I would recommend. These paint kits from Target are an absolute steal. They provide hours of creative fun, and you can add your own embellishments to jazz them up. Turn on some music, let the kids paint, and enjoy the peaceful vibes.

Loog Guitar

I’m a huge fan of Loog guitars. In fact, our family has both the electric and acoustic versions. These beautifully crafted guitars come with a learning app, flashcards, and video lessons. They’re a gift that keeps on giving as your kids grow. Plus, they make for adorable decor when hung on the bedroom wall.

Voice Recorder Sound Toy With Loop Switch

If your child loves electronics but you want them off screens, this voice recorder is fantastic. It encourages creativity and storytelling, all while looking like a charming wooden toy. Bonus: kids love hearing their voices played back.

Chance Mini Cloud Basketball Hoop Set

This hoop set adds a modern twist to a classic game. Hang it in your child’s room for some indoor fun. They offer a range of styles and colors that are simply adorable. And don’t forget the mini basketballs! They also carry full-size basketballs in sophisticated colorways. Perfect for the basketball lover in your life at any age.

Stamps may not sound exciting, but these Stampies are something else. They’re space-saving and versatile and have 15 interchangeable food-grade silicone animal stamps. Great for artistic expression and creativity.

Galaxy Flex-Track 220pc Glow Track with Electric LED Light Car

These LED-illuminated racetracks are a guaranteed hit. They promote learning and creativity while providing hours of entertainment. I’ve given a version of these at least five times.

SwingBall

It’s like playing tennis without the need for a court. Lately, I’ve been yearning for more time at home. On the other hand, my kids require constant entertainment. I’m enthusiastic about any equipment that can bring the fun right to our doorstep rather than having to drive somewhere to play. Although my kids may be a bit young for this one, I adore the concept of honing our tennis skills in the comfort of our backyard. It’s excellent for improving hand-eye coordination.

DIY Bath Bomb Maker Master

If you’re ready to embrace a little messiness in the name of science while keeping your kids occupied, this might be the perfect gift for you. It’s a great way to spark your children’s love for science and then have them enjoy a bath with these vegan, non-toxic ingredients.

Sweet Shop Giftbox

Another twist on a classic! I appreciate that it includes its own cookie cutters, so I don’t have to use mine for the sake of play-dough. The best part is that they are non-toxic and have the aroma of your favorite childhood treats.

The Happy Me Journal

My kids received this journal as birthday gifts, and it’s become one of my absolute favorites. It’s creating valuable moments for us to connect with our kids, helping them express their feelings and address any of their concerns. While older kids might use it as a tool for self-reflection, there’s nothing quite like assisting your children in cultivating a journaling practice.

The Happy Me Journal is built upon scientifically proven methods designed to promote happiness, instill healthy habits for life, and nurture curious minds. With its beautiful illustrations and user-friendly format, just a few minutes of focus daily can make a big difference. Children are encouraged to express gratitude, reflect on their emotions, and think about their actions, all while having fun and fostering self-awareness.

No-Comply Script Complete 7.62 Beginner Skateboard Set

During the pandemic, we saw a surge of families embracing outdoor activities, and one that truly stands out is skateboarding. I mean, who can resist the allure of a fantastic outdoor adventure? While I wouldn’t consider myself a pro skateboarder, I’m lucky to know one. So, I reached out to none other than Austin’s very own Elias Bingham of No Comply for his expert recommendation on the best skateboard for a beginner. This is his pick.

Little Sous Individual Experience

Little Sous makes learning to cook a fun family affair. Each themed box includes cooking lessons, recipes, science, and art projects, among other things. Get your kids involved in the kitchen and teach them valuable life skills. Fingers crossed, they become little chefs and you don’t have to make dinner anymore. Cheers to wishful thinking.

Literati Gift Box

Literati’s gift box offers a delightful sampling of books for your child. If they love it, you can join their personalized book subscription club. It’s a gift that encourages a love for reading and allows you to discover new stories together.