Sometimes I have to laugh at the oddities of blogging. While browsing HGTV.com for inspiration yesterday I kept stumbling across photos of rooms from my own house—images from past Christmases that appeared in a few of their idea collections. I did a double take.
I had given permission for those photos to be used when asked last summer, but it still surprises me to see my home on HGTV. There’s something amusing about getting decorating ideas from yourself. Maybe I’m a little more eccentric than I realized.
Update: this mantel was also featured in Cottages & Bungalow Magazine!
Last year my mantel focused on fresh, bright colors: lime-green apples, sparkly faux greenery, and shiny blue and silver accents. The photo above (also included in an HGTV idea book) shows glass candlesticks topped with blue ornaments, twinkling vines and rustic elements that together created a look that felt pretty and uplifting.
The approach I used for the Christmas mantel borrows the same decorating principles I apply year-round. Below are the guiding ideas I used to shape the look.
Mix things up
Don’t be afraid to combine items you wouldn’t typically pair. For my mantel I mixed lime-green apples and shiny blue ornaments on glass candlesticks with sparkly faux greenery, a rustic willow wreath, shutters and black lanterns. Mixing styles, materials and themes can lead to a unique, personal holiday display. You won’t know what works until you try it.
Add texture and contrast
Texture and contrast are key. The contrast between shiny ornaments and sparkling greenery against the rough twigs of the willow wreath brings warmth and a timeless feeling, while the sparkle adds a fresh, modern touch. Layering different textures—glossy, matte, natural and metallic—helps the overall design feel intentional and rich.
Be authentic and meaningful
To give our stockings more personality, I tucked my grandmother’s antique doilies around their cuffs. The doilies added history and a personal story to otherwise simple Pottery Barn quilted stockings. Using unexpected, meaningful objects from your past makes the mantel feel authentic. I’ve used those doilies in various ways over the years, and it always makes me smile to include them.
Have fun being creative
This year my mantel has moved in a different direction again—more rustic and woodland-inspired. I’ll share photos and a post soon; for now, consider this a gentle nudge to experiment. I like to refresh the look each season so my style stays authentic but never stagnant.
I always enjoy finding new ways to express my style. Aim for authenticity but allow each year to look different so you avoid falling into a rut. Creativity thrives when you try something new and unexpected.
What unique items or ideas are you planning to use on your mantel this Christmas?
Related post: Tip for hanging garland and wreaths
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This week’s posts on The Inspired Room are sponsored by Red Letter Words. Dee is offering a holiday discount for readers:
15% off through Friday (not valid on custom prints or print of the month)
Coupon code: INRM15