How to Decorate a Country Christmas Mantel

A country Christmas mantel can fit with almost any type of casual decor, from lodge and cottage looks to eclectic and ethnic. Here are some ideas.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Evergreens Sprigs
• Raffia
• Ribbons
• Christmas Wreaths
• Calico Fabrics
• Candleholders
• Candles
• Jingle Bells
• Narrow Christmas Centerpieces
• Quilts
• Table Runners
• Apples
• Pears
• Place Mats
• Burlap
• Twine

1. Lay a textile runner in Christmas colors along the top of your mantel. This could be a small quilt, hemmed calico fabric, or simply fringed burlap. You can anchor other decorations atop this runner.

2. Find or purchase a rustic-looking centerpiece for your mantel. Think about country-style collectibles you may already have - they can often be embellished for Christmas. A rustic teddy bear, brass deer sculpture, or beautiful pinecone-filled basket, for instance, can be dressed with a jingle-bell bow to sit atop the mantel.

3. Buy and set out a series of small wreaths made from grapevine. These can stand in a row all the way across your mantel in place of a centerpiece. If you wish, swag and loop a wide ribbon through the tops of the wreaths, perhaps joining two lengths of ribbon into a bow at the center.

4. Gather small accessories to complement your centerpiece or wreath display. For accessories, fetching looks include a row of red pears and/or apples; a row of clear-glass matching votive candleholders, each tied with a raffia or twine bow; or perhaps a series of brass, copper or pewter taper candleholders embellished with sprigs of holly or bows.

5. Flank the ends of the mantel and the centerpiece with evergreens such as holly or pine, if desired.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't skimp on candles or fruit, should you use them generously in your display. You want your mantel to project a sense of abundance.

• Keep combustible materials away from the candles' open flames.

Resources

• Santa Letters
• Christmas Recipes