I’m thrilled to share our Coastal Christmas mantel for 2023. I’ve been waiting all year to decorate! Our holiday look is always “Forest & Sea” — a style that fits us perfectly living in coastal Washington, where the forest and ocean are never far away.
For this mantel we used many familiar favorites: cedar garland mixed with pine cones and seashells, our little brass fox and bunny figurines holding shells, animal stocking holders, blue flameless taper candles, striped ribbon and warm string lights. These pieces give the mantel a layered, cozy coastal feel.
We also added vintage blue and green glass floats to the mantel. I usually display them in a large shell, but this year they felt right tucked among the greenery and shells for a subtle coastal touch.
One of my favorite shops for coastal decor is Cailini Coastal. They kindly sent a box of holiday items this season, and I added several pieces from their collection to our mantel and room. Their hand-painted oyster shell ornaments and blue velvet stockings feel special and fit our aesthetic perfectly.
I’ll share photos and sources for the items we used from Cailini Coastal as well as other pieces below.
Note: Cailini Coastal has a weekend sale on select Christmas items right now.
From Cailini Coastal we added two blue velvet stockings and gilded natural oyster shell ornaments featuring hand-painted designs like a nutcracker and a lighthouse. These are exclusive pieces painted in the USA and they add a delicate, coastal holiday charm.
They’re so beautiful in person — delicate, coastal, and a little unexpected as ornaments.
We also added an abalone shell and pearl tree — a small but charming accent that fits well with the shell ornaments and soft coastal palette.
We’ll still add our main Christmas tree in this room, though space is limited. For now I start with simple touches — window candles, greenery, and porch stars that will go up soon. Layering small elements creates a festive mood without overwhelming the room.
This room is cozy and a favorite spot for the family — including the dogs. It invites lingering, reading, and relaxing by the lights.
I’m also planning a simple Christmas and winter dining table to share soon. Now that our main-floor renovation is finished, I’m excited to decorate the entire space. If you missed our kitchen reveal, I’ll be adding holiday touches there as well.
I’ll also post about our new bamboo shades in the coming weeks — stay tuned.
Click here for all above sources
I also rounded up my favorite Black Friday deals and updated the list with more finds; several items from our home are on sale this season.