Decorating the Living Room Mantel with a Nutcracker Theme
The only reason my living room mantel is completely decorated for Christmas is due to the Fall Styling Workshop. Chloe, from Celebrate and Decorate, demonstrates her technique for layering garlands for a luxuriously styled mantel. I can honestly say this mantel is so gorgeous that the room doesn’t require any other decorations.
The Before
Typically, the fireplace and mantel are simply adorned with 3 oil paintings of my children as toddlers and 2 large oriental vases. The mantel is long (10 feet) and deep (17″). After finding another home for the vases, we remove the paintings. However, hooks are remaining and embedded in the plaster walls.
Chloe comes up with a clever way to hide the hooks by making festive swags. For the center hook, we hang a Christmas-themed piece of art (a DIY project that I don’t believe I’ve shared yet). Brass candlesticks and Simon Pearce Hartland Hurricanes are added to the sides and will provide illumination at night.
Using Command hooks, Chloe wires the garland to the mantel. Subsequent garlands are wired to either another garland or the hooks.
With 3 different garlands providing depth and interest, Chloe adds the 4″ wide nutcracker ribbon I purchased earlier this year from Decorator’s Warehouse.
Chloe pairs the nutcracker ribbon with a 4″ Duponi silk plaid ribbon from Etsy. Note how she tucks the ribbon into the garland. In the center of the mantel, she makes a proper larger scale bow.
All the layers and textures of the garlands and ribbons, create a very luxurious effect.
The finishing touches include several nutcrackers from our family collection, which rest on top of the mantel. Using vintage stacked books, the nutcrackers sit at various heights
As you can see, this mantel decoration is a showstopper!
Items Used on the Living Room Mantel
Please note that I purchased most of these products as early as May (at Decorators Warehouse in Dallas, Texas) and as late as October. Many items are currently out of stock online but you may still be able to find them at your local store. The key lesson is if you see it, but it, because waiting too late in the season the items may be gone.
Cedar Garland (the soft plastic one used on the living room mantel)here. Note: Sold out online, but may be available at your local Hobby Lobby store. This garland might be a good substitute.
- Flocked Pine and pinecone garland here.
- Regular Pine garland (mine is years old) here
- Nutcracker Ribbon here
- Duponi Silk Plaid Ribbon from Etsy
- Command Hooks here
- Floral Wire here
- Assorted Nutcrackers here
I am considering adding soft twinkle Christmas lights as I did order this set but haven’t used them yet. Since we will be in the living room more during the holidays and with the early darkness, I think the twinkle lights are a must.
To see another Chloe mantel in our living room from 2020, check this out. I am so lucky to have such a talented friend!
Hope you are in the midst of joyfully decorating or relaxed because you are completely finished!
Happy Tuesday!
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