How to Decorate Your Mantel With Christmas Ornaments

So what if you decided against getting a tree this year? Get your ornaments out anyway and go to town on your mantel.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Evergreens Branches
• Christmas Tree Ornaments

1. Gather some branches - pine (cedar or redwood, if you're in the West) are traditional, but **** willows look elegant and Harry Lauder's Walking Stick looks positively dramatic.

2. Stand the branches up in narrow vases or lay them on the mantel, layering them so that the cut ends show as little as possible.

3. Hang ornaments on them or nestle ornaments in the branches.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember, if you're planning a party, leave room on the mantel for glasses and cups.

Resources

• Santa Letters
• Christmas Recipes

on 11/22/2005 When placing cut greens on mantel or sill, first line with plastic wrap or wax paper to keep sap from dripping on the wood.