About Christmas Mantles
The holiday season is all about decorating and transforming a home into a winter showplace. In the kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, dining room and family room, the mantle adds a touch of Christmas to the focal point in the room---the fireplace. From traditional to natural, implementing family heirlooms as well as new items makes for a holiday showcase that reflects personal style. Does this Spark an idea?
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Types of Mantles
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When it comes to setting up a Christmas mantle, having the right fireplace mantle in place is essential to how the decorations will be displayed. Built-in wooden mantles are typically carved from oak or mahogany cuts of wood. They can be squared-off designs or display hand-carved designs, floral carved insets and inlays in a variety of designs such as scrolls, squares and spheres. Marble and stone fireplace mantles are prevalent mantle designs. When decorating a mantle, the larger the shelf space on the top of the mantle, the more room there will be for decorating.
Traditional Style
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When decorating a mantle for Christmas, the traditional style involves using items in red and gold. A fresh evergreen garland is the base for most traditional mantle styles. The garland is secured to the mantle and is designed to frame around the fireplace. The evergreen should trail down the side either more than halfway or all the way to the floor. Red velour ribbons are often tied every 6 to 8 inches along the garland. A strand of clear Christmas lights can light up the garland and mantle top. Gold tinsel or gold ribbon also flows along the back edge of the garland---giving off a splash of color. A mirror can be placed behind the garland and rest on top of the mantle. Clear hurricane lamps filled with red and gold glass Christmas balls add color and style. Old-world Santas with hues of red and gold can adorn either side of the mantle. Small Christmas ornaments can be hung around the mantle on the garland if desired. Poinsettias on either side of the mantle and a wreath highlighting the space above the fireplace can also be implemented. Christmas stockings may hang freely in the front of the mantle.
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Antique Style
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An antique style involves bringing antique toys, family heirlooms and Christmas-inspired items to the mantle. This type of mantle can concentrate more on silvers and deep coordinating colors. With a touch of Victorian flair, this mantle should start off with a lace mantle that hangs down slightly over the fireplace. Fresh greens can be placed on top of the mantle, but they are not meant to overpower the antique items. Miniature clear or one-colored lights should sparkle throughout the top of the mantle. Vintage or antique Santa Clauses, reindeer, dolls and angels can be displayed on top of the mantle. Ornaments, centerpieces or silver that has been passed down through generations can be showcased on the mantle. Ribbons that coordinate with the lights and ornaments should be pastel whites, pinks or purples.
Natural Style
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A natural Christmas mantle involves using items from nature for decoration. A burlap or rattan table runner lines the mantle top. Grapevines placed on and around the mantle with a string of clear lights serve as a base. Green moss should be scattered throughout the top of the mantle to add a sense of earthy flair. Birdhouses made from wood, faux birds and dried flowers can also highlight this mantle. Green and white candles scattered throughout in secure votive holders add decorative flair. Tall glass hurricane containers can be filled with fresh green apples or other natural fruits.
Disney Style
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Disney is a popular character theme for anytime of the year when it comes to decorating. For Christmas, both Christmas and non-Christmas themes are a decorative choice for a mantle. Disney ornaments and characters will make up the top of the mantle. The larger characters set in ceramic or resin such as Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse can be the focal point. The surrounding areas around the main characters can be filled with snow globes and Disney Christmas ornaments. A mantle focusing on just one character such as Mickey Mouse can be implemented or an assortment of the characters can be included in the mantle design. The Disney-themed mantle is a good choice for children and those who enjoy showcasing their love for Disney.
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Resources
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