How to Decorate a Formal Christmas Mantel

In a formal living room, an elegant Christmas mantel will be the star of your decor. Here are some suggestions for achieving the right look.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Mantel Cloths
• Sequins
• Candles
• Crystal Candlestick Holders
• Fabrics
• Glass Christmas Tree Ornaments
• Glass Candleholders
• Glass-bead Christmas Garlands
• Silver Candleholders
• Table Runners
• Large Crystal Bowls

1. Place a glittery textile, such as a silvery table runner, atop the mantel, or purchase a special mantel cloth. An alternative is to purchase and hem satin or silver lamé fabric and use it flat - or buy a longer piece and scrunch it up atop the mantel.

2. Fill a sparkling crystal bowl with one or two colors of glass ornaments (gold and silver, red and green) in various sizes. Loop some glass-bead garlands in with the ornaments, and toss in faux rubies and emeralds for added sparkle.

3. Put dark green or red tapers in silver candleholders beside the bowl. Experiment with various placements for the bowl and candleholders. An off-center approach may be best.

4. Nestle small clear-glass (preferably sparkling crystal) votive candleholders, glass-bead garlands or glass ornaments within the folds of the scrunched fabric if you have used that decorative scheme.

5. Accessorize the other decorative schemes with a drizzle of sequins and a row of glass votive candleholders.

6. Light the candles when guests visit so that the dancing flames are reflected by the glass balls, crystal, sequins and metallic fabric.

Resources

• Letter From Santa Claus
• Christmas Recipes