02 Nov Christmas Mantel with Chunky Garland

Today, I decorated our fireplace mantel and decided to film the process to show you how I do it. I shared the video on my instagram feed and wanted to follow it up with a blog post where you can find all the links to everything I used to create the look.

I started the process by clearing off the decor that was there from the Fall season and wiping it down so I had a blank slate. Next, I placed the command hooks to get an idea on spacing and where I wanted the garland to start. This year, I decided to go with an asymmetrical look with one side hanging off to one side. I laid the command hooks on the top edge so that the garland will lay in front and I will still have enough room to put decor on top of the mantel.

These are the command hooks I used that you can find here or at Walmart or Target.

To get the chunky, full look for the garland, I used three strands. I started with this pine one from Afloral that I linked here. Next, I used two strands of juniper garland from Anthropologie to give it that extra bulk, linked here.

Next, I added a few picks of faux seeded eucalyptus for added texture, linked here. Then, I added a ribbon bow using a cream satin and navy blue velvet ribbon, linked here and here. To finish off the garland, I added some twinkle with fairy lights, linked here.

On the right side of the mantel, I felt I needed to balance out the bulkiness of the hanging garland on the left with some height. I did this by adding the tall, brass candle holders. Similar ones linked here. For some added twinkle, I added the wicker orbs that I found here and wrapped them in the fairy lights.

Here is the full video, if you’d rather watch how I did it.

I know these garlands may be expensive but they are so realistic looking and seem like great quality that will last many Christmases to come. I have very slowly collected realistic looking greenery over the years because I feel like it is worth it. Sure, you can find a great bargain once in awhile but those are harder to come by. I’m always keeping my eye out at places like HomeGoods and Target because they have had some excellent budget friendly options in past years.

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