Nothing says Christmas like stockings hanging on the mantle, with the family gathered around the open fire waiting for Santa to slip down the chimney late in the night. We might not be in the right country to recreate such a traditional scene – an open fire isn’t really necessary in the hot Australian summer – but that doesn’t mean you can’t add a little festive cheer to your own mantelpiece this Christmas. Decorating your mantle doesn’t have to be elaborate or expensive. We’ve got some great, simple tips for creating a stunning seasonal setting – and if your home doesn’t have a mantle, they work just as well on hallway tables or windowsills!
The simplest way to recreate that traditional Christmas scene in your own home is to hang your Christmas stockings in pride of place along the mantle. Personalised stockings with Christmas-themed scenes embroidered on the front are classic, and each family member can have their name stitched along the top. Even the family pet can get in on the action! There are a number of ways to hang your stockings – you can display them with stylish stocking hangers, string them up with pegs and twine, or tie them to decorative nails with Christmas coloured ribbon.
If you have space above the mantle, hang a Christmas wreath up there to give the room an instant festive feel. If you already have something hanging above the mantle, like a mirror or a painting, decorate around the edges with tinsel or fairy lights.
Along the top of the mantle is the perfect place to create a Christmas setting. Line the mantle with peppermint, cinnamon and pine scented candles interspersed with decorations like table top trees, glass vases filled with baubles and reindeer or snowman figurines. Place a Santa sack at the foot of the fireplace or leaning up against a nearby wall to complete the scene!
For more decorating ideas and inspiration take a look at our Pinterest page!