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Step 1
Do you stare up at your mantel and wonder how you can transform it into a holiday showpiece for your home? If you do, you are not alone. Often used as a convenient shelf for knick knacks or some family photographs, the mantel can frequently be an understated centerpiece of any room because most homeowners don’t know where to begin. If you start with these few important basics of holiday mantel decorating, you’ll be well on your way to having a beautiful mantel for this holiday season.
The first and most important step is to use greenery. Fresh pine greenery is a wonderful thought, but if you want your mantel design to last more than a week or so, without drying up, you may want to consider artificial greenery. The quality of these products has improved dramatically over the years and many times you have to touch the product to realize that it isn’t the real thing. There is a vast array to choose from, including garlands, boughs, berries and wreaths. Look for greenery that appears the most realistic, and possibly has pinecones or other natural elements included. Many times, I have seen homeowners buy garland and just place it on their mantel; however, the key is to shape the greenery by bending the twigs or needles to make it look like it was just cut from your backyard. This takes some time and patience but you will notice what a difference when you make this effort. -
Step 2
Now that you have your greenery, the way to make your mantel glow with the warmth of the season is to add a set of mini white lights, with green wires. Many people just lay the lights next to the greenery, but the key is to weave the lights through so that the white lights extend to the ends of the greenery, making sure that the wires are tucked away and not noticeable. The addition of white lights will make your mantel twinkle.
Here is another helpful hint when using white lights. Most people plug in the strand of white lights at the plug and then have a string of lights leading up to the mantel. This is a big no no, unless you have garland that totally frames you mantel. If your garland or decorations are only on the top of the mantel, and you are not fortunate enough to have a plug located on the wall behind your mantel then you must find an extension cord that blends best with the color of your mantel or wall, and is long enough to run up the side of the wall. Using adhesive plug clips will help keep that cord close to the edge (available at most home improvement or craft stores). This way the lights are illuminated only on the mantel. It is also important to take off the silver tags extra lights and any other paper attached to the new lights or cords. -
Step 3
Whatever you do, make sure it begins with quality greenery, it really makes a difference. Once you have your basic foundation you can start to add other elements. If you are a collector of snowmen or Santas, -tuck those in amongst the garland, making sure to vary shapes and heights which will make the arrangement visually appealing. A pair of potted pines, boxwood topiaries or potted amaryllis at each end of the mantel is never a mistake. Candles also add extra sparkle. Decorating based on color or theme is a sure way to put together an eye-catching display. Follow these basic fundamentals and your mantel should be a holiday hit! This year is the perfect time to give your mantel the attention it deserves.
