Christmas is right around the corner and this year you want your fireplace to be spectacular. The fireplace, is a focal point of the room. You want to express your distinctive style here. You want your friend’s and family to marvel at what a spectacular job you did.

There are so many ways to decorate your fireplace that you sometimes feel overwhelmed. So many different styles and themes to choose from. What style you choose to decorate your fireplace for Christmas will sometimes reflect the style you use to decorate your home.

You go to your friends house and their Christmas fireplace mantel looks like a picture right out of Architecture Digest. How do they do it, you wonder. Yours never seem to come together with that cohesive look, like your neighbours.

Don’t fret, I will show you how and give you various themes to choose from. Like all other decorating you need a style, theme and a plan. Once you have this figured out, your fireplace will look dazzling.

This does not mean you have to break the bank. You do not need to run out and buy everything new. You probably have most of what you need, you just need some tips on how to organize it. Just adding a few new pieces can give you an entire different look. Your fireplace mantel this year will be a conversation piece.

1. Rustic and Simple

Rustic design is drawn from natural inspiration, using raw and often unfinished elements including wood and stone. Natural elements with a little twist can make your fireplace a real eye-catcher. You can swap in white ornaments for the happy holiday sign and add some pine cones with holly berries around the garland for a punch of colour, to change it up. We need a balance of height and texture to create interest. The above textures of wood, trees, burlap and metal gives a cohesive and natural flow.

2. Traditional Wreath and Ribbons

Traditional design style offers classic details. It is rooted in European sensibilities. Against the calm white background, the greenery of the wreath and the ribbons stand out. The above design is very simple and classic.

You can also use more depth, layering and dimensionality with a traditional design. To do this you can:

1. Swap out the extra candles for vintage glass trees, three on both side with varying heights.
2. Add three same size 4″ or 5″ white stubby candles in front of the wreath.
3. Add some greenery to the front of the fireplace, tuck in some magnolia branches and other greenery to pick up different textures.
4. Place some silver & white shiny ornaments throughout.
5. Hang 4 identical stockings and space them across the centre of the fireplace to finish the look.

3. Minimalist Natural Look

The minimalist concept is one that takes notions of modern design and simplifies them further.

Minimalism is ultimately defined by a sense of functionality and ultra-clean lines.

This simple look can be achieved with various themes. Try this combination for a different look.

1. Nutcrackers of varying heights
2. Small wrapped packages in same colour gift wrap with bright shiny bows
3. Small Christmas twig trees
4. Eucalyptus garland
5. White and natural pine cones

4. MODERN CHIC DESIGN

Modern is a broad design term that typically refers to clean, crisp lines, a simple colour palette and the use of materials that can include metal, glass and steel.

Try and stick to odd numbers. The total number of items in your design should be an odd number, so 7 items instead of 6. Not a hard and fast rule, but it’s usually works.

The three candles in the centre of the fireplace above, works much better than two would have. It centres the wall art and balances out the fireplace. Color, height and symmetry creates balance.

Symmetrical balance is achieved when all of the elements are of equal weight and placed evenly in a design.

Stagger the height of your design elements to add depth and dimension.

Repetition of colour brings a sense of unity and cohesiveness. It enhances the overall flow of the design.

Contrast adds visual interest. The above example shows contrast in the different textures of the wooden nutcrackers, glass and metal candle holders and the three candles in candlestick holders in the centre.

5. COASTAL BEACHY STYLE

Coastal style also dubbed Hamptons style, hails from the iconic U.S. beachside area.

The intention is to create a relaxed and comfortable theme that is inspired by the beach and ocean. This style begs you for your creative touch. There are so many beach theme items you can use here to create a different look.

Have some fun and experiment

1. Starfish garland with seashells that you can make yourself.
2. Different style and size lanterns decorated with greenery.
3. Driftwood trees with sand dollars hanging from branches.
4. Burlap wrapped red Amaryllis
5. A seashell wreath

6. Several varying size conch shells

7. Clear vases, different sizes, filled with sand with a shiny Christmas ornament on top.

Now You’re Ready to Entertain

Now that you have chosen your style and put together your materials to decorate, the final picture becomes very clear.

You started with a theme, gathered item you already had to use in your theme. You used your creativity to add the items needed to pull off your project.

Your Christmas fireplace mantel is beautiful.

The great sense of satisfaction that comes from creating your very own masterpiece is very empowering. With a little help and guidance, you did this. Without breaking the bank and adding only a few new pieces you have a fireplace mantel to be proud of.

The end results looks exactly like something right out of a magazine, you stand back and admire your work. Just wait for all your friends and family to marvel at what a great job you did. They will surely inquire about what designer techniques you used.

Invite all your neighbours for some Christmas cheer and bask in their glory. You deserve it.