BROWSE HOW TOs

How to Decorate a Country Christmas Mantel

By eHow Holidays & Celebrations Editor

Rate: (7 Ratings)

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.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

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

Step1

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.

Step2

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.

Step3

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.

Step4

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.

Step5

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.