TThe Christmas season is nearly here. After we share turkey and give thanks, the house fills with holiday cheer: stockings, trees, lights and maybe a dusting of snow for those of us who rarely see it. It’s the time to embrace festive traditions and put aside any grinches or Scrooges.
West Elm Christmas Stockings
I even gave my fireplace a little pre-holiday update with new tile on the face and hearth, just in time for hanging stockings. I’ll share that makeover next week once everything is in place.
We usually wait until after Thanksgiving to hang stockings, although I don’t mind them being up earlier. Still, I enjoy planning how our mantel will look each year. Stockings are a simple way to bring personality and warmth to holiday decor, so I’ve been gathering inspiration. Let’s take a look at some ideas.
West Elm Owl Christmas Stockings
Make it and Love It
Pottery Barn Knit Stockings
Pottery Barn
There are so many ways to personalize stockings to reflect your home and family. Sweater-knit stockings feel cozy and inviting, and velvet or fur-trimmed versions bring a touch of classic elegance. I own the Pottery Barn white velvet stockings and one with a fur cuff — they’re a neutral base that can be dressed up or kept simple year after year.
The Inspired Room // Velvet Stockings
A few years ago I invested in simple white velvet quilted stockings for our family. Choosing a neutral base gives flexibility: we can leave them as-is for a minimal look or add trims, colors or accents to change the style. Some years we’ve added red accents; other years we embellished the cuffs with lace doilies for a softer, vintage feel.
One of my mantel photos was even featured in Cottages & Bungalows magazine. I love how stockings can be refreshed with small details — flowers, fur, brooches, buttons, monograms, personalized name tags, pinecones or sprigs of greenery all make a difference.
West Elm Felt Snowflake Christmas Stockings
Eab Designs on Etsy — charming handmade stockings when available